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So looking at building a new rig. I have access to a couple new 1500W 120v WH elements. Just curious about a couple things. The boiler will be a 7 gallon stainless pot. Is this big enough to warrant 2 elements? I understand that the upper one would be just to speed up the heat up cycle. My question is, for a temp control, would a hot water heater thermostat work? The one I pulled off my old water heater goes to 180F. Or would an RSC be the answer? Any other options? I like to build things on my own, so this is why I'm not just ordering stuff pre-built. Thanks guys!
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no the water heater thermostat won't work. with 7 gal pot a 1650W element with 20 amp RSC should work
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
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Originally Posted by: dieselduo  no the water heater thermostat won't work. with 7 gal pot a 1650W element with 20 amp RSC should work ditto- it could use 2 elements. how do you intend to supply the electricity to each one? each 1500w element will draw 1500/120= 12.5 amps. I agree with two diesels on one RSC in one of the elements for fine tuning the run. ALSO prox.--where do you intend to locate them. My idea for my next rig is 2 elements PARALELL to each other for heat up and finally only using one for fine tuning. I'm not too sure but 6 inches from the bottom is what I am visualizing.
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That's about what I was thinking. Bottom one about 2", top about 4". Seperat router controls on each.
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you won't need two rsc's. When It gets up to temp just unplug 1 element and use the rsc on the other. Having 2 elements just shortens the heat up time.
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Just a thought, if I'm only using the top element for start up, could I not just have it run at full power, then shut it down? No need for router control then I'm thinking.
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that's right. run the top on full until heat up, shut down and use the rsc on the bottom
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
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Any ideas where I could scrounge one up? Thinking an old welder or something like that....
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an RSC? you will need at least a 20 amp
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I thought a 15 amp would do. 120v x 15a = 1800w. Actually found them at Harbor Freight for about $20 each. I know if I could find a dual outlet one I would need 240v and bigger amps. Why 20 amp for a single? I was thinking of running them on 2 separate circuits.
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I used to have a 15amp with a 1650 w element and it only lasted a few months. The 20 amp has been going for close to a year and no problems
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
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Oh I see. That makes sense.
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