110v Burco boiler

Steve101 · Post by **Steve101** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:21 am

Hi guys, I bought a Burco boiler today from gumtree (had to- too much of a bargain not to! We've all been there)

When I went to pick it up I noticed it was a 110v version. I knocked the guy down a bit and bought it anyway.

Now I have it home and want to run it from my domestic 220v supply should i:

A. cut the weird plug off, replace with 3 pin. Job done
B. Open it up, replace something internally, then follow option A
C. Buy some sort of step down transformer?

Thanks in advance!

Post by **themadhippy** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:55 am

option c at around £60 im affraid or D,buy another 110v model and run the 2 in series

Dave S · Post by **Dave S** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:38 am

Some devices have a switch to go from 110 - 240.

Steve101 · Post by **Steve101** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:49 am

Ok.

2 in series sounds like a jape but I'll leave that until the brewery is up, running and ready for expansion!

I've had a quick look and it doesn't seem too expensive to get hold of a transformer.

Could (and should) I cut off the 16a plug and replace with something more common? It has an impact on how expensive the transformer is and widens the available options!

I don't see a switch to flip between 110 and 230- I wondered if it was concealed. I'm guessing not though.

I'm hoping I can pick something up and get the first brew into primary at the weekend.

Cheers.

Post by **themadhippy** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:13 pm

Whats the element raiting as 2kw at 110v is about 18A so a 16A connection is a bit underrated.As for the tranny dont buy a cheapy,it needs to be able to run 100% duty cycle not the odd few minutes here and their cheaper site tranys are designed for.Another option is to change the element for a 240v model,but you may have to also change the stat,switches,indicator lights and cable.

gobuchul · Post by **gobuchul** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:18 pm

You will need about 3kw.

Can the cheaper ones supply that?

The cheaper domestic ones are usually designed to run American hifi's and stuff and can only supply 1kw.

Steve101 · Post by **Steve101** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:24 pm

Yeah- good point. I wasn't thinking about the load required to get to a rolling boil.

My tiler friend advises that he has a tranny going spare that he uses to power stone cutting tools. That'll do until I get one of my own.

Thanks for your help.

LeeH · Post by **LeeH** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 2:02 pm

I doubt it will be big enough, a constant 16A load on a 110V tool transformer is a big ask for a typical sized one a tradesman will carry in his van.

You're going to sling cash at a lemon IMHO.

Steve101 · Post by **Steve101** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:19 pm

Hmm, ok. I paid £15 for the boiler, which is unused in its box so I'm not adverse to taking it to bits and swapping stuff out in order to make it useable. I had assumed that it would be largely standard inside and there would be a couple of bits - or one key bit-to swap...

i'll open it up tonight and see what's involved. If it's not worth the effort I can always go back to the drawing board.

LeeH · Post by **LeeH** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:16 pm

The key bit is the element, and maybe any neons. They have to be 230V

chris2012 · Post by **chris2012** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:28 pm

Would http://www.pecoservices.co.uk/spare-ele ... 5-21-p.asp work?

Edit: oops i'm an idiot, thought it was a peco boiler for some reason

lord groan · Post by **lord groan** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:08 pm

If it was me I'd take the bottom off and check the markings on the element, neon and thermostat, just maybe, fingers crossed, they're rated at 230v a/c, or if not and just the element was rated at up to 230v you could put a digital temp controller in and lose the neon and thermostat. The controller would be less than a transformer and give you much better control.
For that matter a generic burco butterfly element (if thats the sort you've got) can be had for under £20, so a digital system with new element could be had for under £30 at the worst, not including the original purchase price.
Element: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BURCO-WATER-B ... 334f9df0ed
Controller: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Digital- ... 1e7a84fa96
good luck

LeeH · Post by **LeeH** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:14 pm

Are you sure it's 110V? I cannot think why you would ever need one.

And please nobody say it's for a building site!

gobuchul · Post by **gobuchul** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:43 pm

Are you sure it's 110V? I cannot think why you would ever need one.

And please nobody say it's for a building site!

110v makes a lot of sense when mixing water and electrics.

May be necessary due to the risk assessment and H&S policy on a commercial site.

The way it is designed you can only be exposed to a maximum of 55 volts.

Would be very handy on a building site!

LeeH · Post by **LeeH** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:48 pm

I can only lol at that....

I don't know where to start.....well for one you'll get 110V across both lines so that's that one out but I'm not getting involved any deeper. I clocked off at 4.00PM.

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