Hey everyone,
As some people have noticed, I have been that annoying person on the forum asking a billion questions. However, there is a plus side to this!
So far I have a complete spreadsheet in excel, outlined each part individually, the link to the seller websites, quantities, prices, and notes. I have modified one of PJ's wiring diagrams (thanks PJ!) to suit my exact set up. I didn't include his name on the diagram in the event it is wrong/unsafe- I don't want him to get blamed for what could be my mistake. I have also shown a schematic of how the system is integrated (only thing missing are the liquid connections w/ camlocks and silicone). I figured if anyone is going to use my design and change something, it would be the use of QD/TC/CL's.
For now, I'm using this thread to get the last bit information I need to purchase all of my parts and make sure everything is absolutely safe. I want to thank everyone for all of their help so far, and I absolutely wouldn't be able to make what is soon to be a comprehensive thread about this build without your help. Once completed, this thread will be overhauled with every bit of knowledge required to build this set up, and will explain what each and every part is used for, and WHY they are necessary- I found this to be the most challenging part when attempting to understand the electrical.
ANYWAYS, Here are my schematic/diagrams, as well as my last few questions before I go ahead and buy everything. Once again, thanks for your help, and I hope this will be a valuable resource for many brewers to come.
Questions
1. I have included a GFCI outlet that the element and pump plug in to. My reasoning is that this will allow me to bring my setup anywhere, regardless if a GFCI receptacle is available. My question: am I right in doing this? It might be a dumb question (OF COURSE! ANOTHER SAFETY FEATURE IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA!), but I haven't necessarily seen many people include them. Is this sufficient safety to be able to plug the main power to the control box to a non GFCI receptacle (as shown in my diagram).
2. FUSES. Please refer to my diagram. I have only included one fuse (to protect the PID, it will actually be 0.75A), and I'm not necessarily sure that one in the whole system is sufficient. Should I have one for my pump? If so, at what amperage should it blow? (maybe 2-3A, as the Chugger pump only draws 1.3-1.4A?). I doubt anything else requires fusing as they are all rated for what the GFCI and wall receptacle are rated for.
3. As you can see, everything is rated at 15A. With a 1500W element and a pump, I'll be pulling about 13.9A or about 93% of the maximum load. I know that it's pushing it, but the fact is that increasing the component ratings up to 20A is expensive and the less than ideal availability of a 20A circuit makes it unattractive. What are your recommendations? 15A or 20A? (very interested to hear what you all have to say!)
4. As you can see in the diagrams, I plan on using strictly 14 AWG wire, C13,C14 and NEMA 5-15 connections as this all complies with my 15A max. However, I have all the parts sourced out for running this all on 20A (C19,C20, NEMA 5-20 connections with 12 AWG wire). Are these all the proper decisions for the ratings I'm considering?
5. The gang box which houses the elements electrical only uses the elements gasket to keep out water. Refer to my diagram for how I plan on protecting the electrical, and please give me your thoughts on whether its safe enough.
Thanks again guys for all your help. I know it's a long one, but every bit of your feedback is greatly appreciated! Cheers!
As some people have noticed, I have been that annoying person on the forum asking a billion questions. However, there is a plus side to this!
So far I have a complete spreadsheet in excel, outlined each part individually, the link to the seller websites, quantities, prices, and notes. I have modified one of PJ's wiring diagrams (thanks PJ!) to suit my exact set up. I didn't include his name on the diagram in the event it is wrong/unsafe- I don't want him to get blamed for what could be my mistake. I have also shown a schematic of how the system is integrated (only thing missing are the liquid connections w/ camlocks and silicone). I figured if anyone is going to use my design and change something, it would be the use of QD/TC/CL's.
For now, I'm using this thread to get the last bit information I need to purchase all of my parts and make sure everything is absolutely safe. I want to thank everyone for all of their help so far, and I absolutely wouldn't be able to make what is soon to be a comprehensive thread about this build without your help. Once completed, this thread will be overhauled with every bit of knowledge required to build this set up, and will explain what each and every part is used for, and WHY they are necessary- I found this to be the most challenging part when attempting to understand the electrical.
ANYWAYS, Here are my schematic/diagrams, as well as my last few questions before I go ahead and buy everything. Once again, thanks for your help, and I hope this will be a valuable resource for many brewers to come.
Questions
1. I have included a GFCI outlet that the element and pump plug in to. My reasoning is that this will allow me to bring my setup anywhere, regardless if a GFCI receptacle is available. My question: am I right in doing this? It might be a dumb question (OF COURSE! ANOTHER SAFETY FEATURE IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA!), but I haven't necessarily seen many people include them. Is this sufficient safety to be able to plug the main power to the control box to a non GFCI receptacle (as shown in my diagram).
2. FUSES. Please refer to my diagram. I have only included one fuse (to protect the PID, it will actually be 0.75A), and I'm not necessarily sure that one in the whole system is sufficient. Should I have one for my pump? If so, at what amperage should it blow? (maybe 2-3A, as the Chugger pump only draws 1.3-1.4A?). I doubt anything else requires fusing as they are all rated for what the GFCI and wall receptacle are rated for.
3. As you can see, everything is rated at 15A. With a 1500W element and a pump, I'll be pulling about 13.9A or about 93% of the maximum load. I know that it's pushing it, but the fact is that increasing the component ratings up to 20A is expensive and the less than ideal availability of a 20A circuit makes it unattractive. What are your recommendations? 15A or 20A? (very interested to hear what you all have to say!)
4. As you can see in the diagrams, I plan on using strictly 14 AWG wire, C13,C14 and NEMA 5-15 connections as this all complies with my 15A max. However, I have all the parts sourced out for running this all on 20A (C19,C20, NEMA 5-20 connections with 12 AWG wire). Are these all the proper decisions for the ratings I'm considering?
5. The gang box which houses the elements electrical only uses the elements gasket to keep out water. Refer to my diagram for how I plan on protecting the electrical, and please give me your thoughts on whether its safe enough.
Thanks again guys for all your help. I know it's a long one, but every bit of your feedback is greatly appreciated! Cheers!
