3 way switch operating 2 elements same vessel

Bouch2908 · Joined: 06 Oct 2017 Posts: 15

Hello all, thought i would utilise the wealth of knowledge on the forum. I was wondering if it is possible to use a 3 way switch to control two elements in the one vessel. So one direction one element on and the other two elements on? If so how would i wire it up?
Cheers

LGarby · Joined: 18 May 2014 Posts: 66

First off, if you want to run two elements at the same time you will need a back to back panel which already has independent controls for each element. If you are building your own panel loosely based off of Kals design that has the contactors, and wire gauge to support the higher amperage and just want to use a three way switch, you can refer to the 30A panel diagram here. http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel-part-2?page=13

Here the element switch has a single wire to each of the contactors coils. Lets call them contactor A and B as well as the there switch positions A, OFF, and B. All that I believe you would need to do is run a wire from switch position A to coil A as it is in the diagram, and then run a wire from switch position B to coils A and B. This would energize both coils when the switch is in that position. The firing of the elements will still be controlled by the PIDs switching the SSRs on and off which is no different than Kal's design.

Bouch2908 · Joined: 06 Oct 2017 Posts: 15

Cheers thanks for the info.

Bouch2908 · Joined: 06 Oct 2017 Posts: 15

I won't be running the two elements in the vessels i have now. But wanted to be able to go bigger when the time comes without having to retro fit or build a whole new control panel.

**kal** · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:03 pm Post subject:

I would use our 50A control panel for 30+ gallons: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24918

We sell pre-built panels and kits too: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel

You can use it today with one heating element per vessel, but then can add a second per vessel down the road. Only want to run one heating element later on when you already have two installed in a kettle? Just unplug one of the two from the control panel. Much simpler (and cheaper) than driving elements independently with switches which would require doubling the amount of relays/contactors in the panel.

Kal