| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Flandre
Joined: 17 Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Location: Florida
|
 Link Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 1:21 pm Post subject: Heating elements drawing 20% less power in 1 bbl system |
 |
|
Hi all,
I have built a 1 bbl system with all the relevant parts purchased on this site:
50A Control Panel for 30+ gallons (Completely assembled and tested)
2 Heating Element Kits (Pre-Assembled) Wattage: 5500W
50A control panel power cord (no GFI)
My problem is that the heating elements are not drawing enough power, the worst part is that I am having a really hard time going from 207 to 212F right before the boil. the only way for me to get to 212 is to keep the lid on until it almost boils and hope that I take the lid of before a boil over happens. Not fun.
On the control panel I see 240V, however I am only getting around 36 amps when both heating elements are on (either in HLT or boil kettle, it does not make a difference).
When I calculate 36 Amps * 240 Volts I get around 8640W or 4320W per element instead of 5500W.
I already read the followng thread but it did not really help me with my issue.
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27819
Any ideas what I am missing.
Thanks.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11121
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
|
| Link Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 1:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hi Andre,
Sorry for the troubles.
Is this a new problem that's only recently surfaced? Did it used to work before? Did you used to see something different on the amp meter? Reason I ask is that the control panel and parts were purchased back in May 2014. Just want to understand if something has changed.
In the boil kettle are you running the PID at 100% in manual mode?
| Quote: | | On the control panel I see 240V, however I am only getting around 36 amps when both heating elements are on (either in HLT or boil kettle, it does not make a difference). |
Is the 36 amps what you are seeing on the amp meter? Is it consistent and does not change? (within 0.1 or so).
With everything off and unplugged, can you pop the covers off the heating element boxes and confirm it says 5500W and not 4500W? It might also say the Camco model number. The more information you have the better. Looks more or less like this (you likely have older non-stainless base elements but the idea is the same):
Let us know what you find out.
Kal
_________________
Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Flandre
Joined: 17 Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Location: Florida
|
| Link Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 2:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | Is this a new problem that's only recently surfaced? Did it used to work before? Did you used to see something different on the amp meter? Reason I ask is that the control panel and parts were purchased back in May 2014. Just want to understand if something has changed.
|
Honestly I am not sure if it has always been like this. Our boil volume in the past was around 40 gallons which we have reduced to 36 gallons but the issue raising it from 207 to 212 remained. I have never paid much attention to the numbers on the control panel since I am not really all that knowledgable when it comes to electricity. 
| Quote: | | In the boil kettle are you running the PID at 100% in manual mode? |
Yes, the issue is the same when I run the HLT which is not run in manual mode
| Quote: | | Is the 36 amps what you are seeing on the amp meter? Is it consistent and does not change? (within 0.1 or so). |
Yes.
| Quote: | | With everything off and unplugged, can you pop the covers off the heating element boxes and confirm it says 5500W and not 4500W? It might also say the Camco model number. The more information you have the better. Looks more or less like this (you likely have older non-stainless base elements but the idea is the same): |
Need to check later at home. Will post update.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Flandre
Joined: 17 Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Location: Florida
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11121
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
Log in
Register
User Control Panel
Private Messages
Club Memberships
Search
Memberlist
Photo Albums
Forum FAQ
