i have a converted keggle that i have been using a propane burner on, but due to new equipment and a new brewing garage with size limitations, i want to convert my HLT to electric. i found a few conversion kits online to do just that, but i was wondering if i can use 120 volts or do i need 240 instead for brewing 10 gallon batches?
Definitely 240v for 10 gallons. I found the electric brewing section of homebrewtalk.com has lots of information.
Ten gallon batches are out of the question with a 15A 120VAC line.
You certainly could do it. It’s just a question of whether you’re willing to schedule your brew day around it. Under ideal conditions, an 1800 W element would heat 15 gal to strike temperatures in about two hours, take an hour to get from lauter to a boil, and boil off ~0.7 gal/hr once at a boil.
I use a 120 V element for my hot liquor, and just set it to turn on a couple hours before I want to brew using an outlet timer. The timer controls a relay since I doubt the little plastic box could handle 15 A.
thanks everyone, i went the 240 volt route.