Safe temperature control advice needed

[Haydnexport]

Hi guys , whilst heating water In my hlt with home made temperature control box (rc-112e, similar to stc1000). And it suddenly went off and I looked at the plug to see it smoking away(pic below). Ive done 10 or more brews with this setup and no issues whatsoever, with 2 kettle elements running into it. Now I'm looking for a way to control 2 elements without melting anything else ! What could I use/make that will be safe ?

[guypettigrew]

Are you saying that your single plug has the current for two kettle elements running through it?

Guy

[Haydnexport]

yes, im by no means an electrician

[Secla]

There usually rated to 10amps so will only really support a 2.4kw element
Best way would be to switch one element on manually to bring it up to temp whilst running the other on a controller

[Haydnexport]

thats what im planning on doing short term, but ideally id like a permanent all in one solution? Im gettin the brewshed wired by an electrician in the new year sometime with seperate consumer unit , and i was considering going for an all electric setup at some point so i'd like to future proof and be safe. What kind of controller would do?

[BenB]

Jeeez! Look at the bottom right of the plug.
It quite clearly says 240v 5a.
That's 5 amps! No wonder it melted
Get a proper 13A jobby.

Most computer "kettle" leads are rubbish. Or rather they're great if you're plugging them into a computer. Not much cop given our high ampage requirements.

To be fair they're usually fused with a 5A fuse when you get them. People just wallop a 13A in there.

And then wonder why it's melted

You need a proper "hot condition" 13A lead.

[Jocky]

You'll need a 32amp circuit to your shed, and then you'll need to switch power to the elements using relays which are controlled by the STC.

If none of that makes sense then get your electrician to do it otherwise you're going to set fire to something next time.

[Haydnexport]

Thats more like it Is there anywhere i can find the list of things i'll likely need to get installed so i can get the ball rolling , either sourcing them myself or getting an all in one quote ?

[Secla]

i ordered a stc1000 with a 30a relay from china for around £8
im a little concerned about something so small controlling 30a and havnt used it yet so cant comment really, but there available

[AnthonyUK]

i ordered a stc1000 with a 30a relay from china for around £8
im a little concerned about something so small controlling 30a and havnt used it yet so cant comment really, but there available

It is probably not an STC-1000 eg a device that controls heat and cooling but a similar looking item that does heating or cooling.
Totally suited to what you want it for though.