Anyone use Camco 5.5KW elements?

[chris2012]

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02963-Screw ... d_sim_hi_6

I'm just wondering what hole cutter I need to cut the hole for them.

[oakwell]

they look similar to the elements referred to in chastuck's post here. maybe he could advise
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65407&p=687905#p687905

[barneey]

My best guess, judging on what others have bought with this item and the Q&A http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02963-Screw ... uctDetails

Its 1" Nut which should be approx 33mm hole size BUT I would double check the thing when you have it in your hands before cutting anything.

[chris2012]

Cheers guys, I've been told by someone who has used the element that
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NQ ... B002NQZ0J0
is what i need

[Fil]

32.5mm qmax punch is ideal if 1" - same size as my elements..

a very powerful element 5.5kw will need a dedicated electricity supply as its too much for a domestic ring main to safely supply.

why do u need such a beefy element? while i have 5.4kw total element heating available in my boil kettle its spread over 2 elements providing a failsafe should one fail, And allowing simple power management by turning one off..

[och29]

I've got two. One in the boil and one in the HLT, both 100L pots. They're great and if you can sort the power supply they're fantastic. You don't 'need' them but they keep my brewday short and that's reason enough for me!

[barneey]

Cheers guys, I've been told by someone who has used the element that
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NQ ... B002NQZ0J0
is what i need

But buy a normal qmax http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Q-Max-Sheet-M ... 1192096496? if that is the correct size.

[paulg]

I have a camco ultra low density 4500 watt element in my 70 litre kettle and the thread is indeed 1" NPT and I used a qmax 32.5 mm to make the hole.I fully expect that the 5500 watt is the same size hole.
If you search for The Electric Brewery on google you will find it uses the 5500 watt elements and they say use a 1 1/4" qmax (it is an american site) converting that to metric gives 31.75mm so 32.5 is good with a very small clearance.

[mabrungard]

I use those 5500w elements in my kettle and HLT. Very quick heating capability. You will need a way to modulate the power. I use a temperature controlled PID for the HLT and a pulse-width modulator for the boil kettle.

Yes, the hole in the wall is a normal one-inch diameter. The squigley element is just snaked through. No problems.

[chris2012]

Thanks a lot everyone!

I'm planning on going 200l Fil

[Fil]

Thanks a lot everyone!

I'm planning on going 200l Fil

Big ambitions.. i will drink to that

[rob-63]

[quote="paulg"]I have a camco ultra low density 4500 watt element in my 70 litre kettle and the thread is indeed 1" NPT and I used a qmax 32.5 mm to make the hole.I fully expect that the 5500 watt is the same size hole.
If you search for The Electric Brewery on google you will find it uses the 5500 watt elements and they say use a 1 1/4" qmax (it is an american site) converting that to metric gives 31.75mm so 32.5 is good with a very small clearance.[/quote]

Yes, I just finished my upgrade to an electric brewery a few weeks ago, with the 5500 Watt elements in the HLT & Boiler and they are the same size - a 32.5mm qmax gave a perfect fit.

[Aaron]

I think these 5500W elements would be good in my 200L HLT. However, I am ignorant on all things electrical. Can anyone please tell me what I need with regards electrical supply? Thanks.

[Fil]

Hi Aaron, these days you will need to get a sparky with all the right papers upto date to install a dedicated hi amp feed to supply it.
Part P.....

the maximum element size you can run off a uk domestic supply is about 3kw, for anything that draws more power you will need to have thicker cable installed to feed it just like a cooker or hi power electric shower.

Many brewers get over this by employing 2 or more elements of 3kw or less each supplied from a seperate ring main, If using extension leads like this its crucial you use ones made with flex that can carry a full 13 amps and is fully unwound when in use.

[chastuck]

If you can avoid it, and want to pay a little more, do not use Camco 5500w elements. They are not stainless steel and the housing base is prone to rust after a few brews. I replaced my Camcos with these at $60 each: http://brewmation.com/Heating_Elements.html.