About to throw my control panel out the window

ajt012 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 54 Location: Miami

I'm pretty sure every thing is wired up correctly, i just traced all the wires, and compared it to the diagram in the write up. I'm not sure about the bottom right post though.

Castermmt · Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 1:44 am Post subject:

Now we need a picture of the entire inside of the panel. The lugs you used are the wrong size and don't provide the type of contact you will need, but lets look at the wiring inside your panel first. I want to see all 3 relays and bus bars, then we can go from there. how you're getting 220 volts to the on/off switch is the first thing I'm looking for, so I want to see where the 14 gauge wire are going from the power relay and bus bars. . Castermmt

Castermmt · Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 2:19 am Post subject:

I'm sure your using this diagram but just in case, here's the link. the bottom right as you can see only gets one red wire and noting else. We will figure this out.

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel-part-2?page=7

milldoggy · Joined: 23 Dec 2010 Posts: 569 Location: Pottstown, PA

A couple detailed overview pics would help. Also, those 10 gauge conncters could be a little tighter. I did not like the fit of those 3/8s. Get smaller, think 8-10 from home depot.

ajt012 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 54 Location: Miami

Ill get you those pictures sometime this week, I have a paper and a midterm i have to work on/study.
And regarding those terminals, I ordered them online (from one of Kal's links), and didn't realize the ring size.
I also have solid core ground wires, so it'd be a pain in the ass to have to re-do that.
I'm honestly considering just doing the wiring all over again.

Castermmt · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 9:01 pm Post subject:

ajt012 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 54 Location: Miami

So i went to check the CP after all weekend of not playing with it, just for the hell of it. When i tried to turn it on, i noticed the amp meter was turning on and then the GFI kicked. I had disconnected both meters before and it had fixed this problem before. But somehow the meter reconnected itself or something, cuz it's not even connected to the busses. AND VIOLA! it turns on, i still ahvnt checked the voltage across the turn key switch, or the pump that wasn't working before.

TL;DR
My CP turns on again, still need to do some testing though.

Castermmt · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 11:16 pm Post subject:

Your meters are running off the transformer and then through the voltage regulators 110 volt AC down to 5 volt DC. That is what I would look at to see if its causing your problems. Now that you have a volt meter set it for AC and check the voltage coming to and from the transformer, then switch the meter to read DC voltage and test the voltage going to the meters. If you thing its the meters try taking the 110 volt supply connections off of one to see which one is causing the problem. Note others have had similar problems with faulty voltage transformers.

You keep learning something about your system every time you turn it on, That's a good thing, Castermmt

ajt012 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 54 Location: Miami

Thing is, I had both my transformers disconnected from receiving any power. Which is why i don't understand how my amp meter was turning on. I'm quite confused!

ajt012 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 54 Location: Miami

completely disconnected both meters (them working is the least of my worries) and figured out why my water pump wasn't working. Me being the jackass that i am, forgot to strip power wire going to the receptacle. Lo and behold, we have power. I'm going to run a mock brew day on thursday when i get out of class, and hopefully i won't run into any problems.
Thank you everyone for all your help! It's greatly appreciated. Chances are though, i will be back! (hopefully with some cheery news!)