Hop & Grape Element Problem
Ive stripped a tesco kettle for the element after seeing this thread but !!
It will not tighten up enough on my stainless steel boiler. The plastic boiler is fine. I am now on the hunt for a thick fibre washer to make the thickness up. The casing of the kettle has got to be at least 3.5 mm thick (from memory the casing went into the bin ) the stainless boiler is only thin compared to this.
Apart from that the element is providing a very cheap alternative to the over priced ones the homebrew shops supply.
It will not tighten up enough on my stainless steel boiler. The plastic boiler is fine. I am now on the hunt for a thick fibre washer to make the thickness up. The casing of the kettle has got to be at least 3.5 mm thick (from memory the casing went into the bin ) the stainless boiler is only thin compared to this.
Apart from that the element is providing a very cheap alternative to the over priced ones the homebrew shops supply.
Did yer like that?
I know nothing about AG brewing as I havent tried it yet, so if you know this site already just gimme a slap and I'll go back to the kit section 
Just looking on the Currys Partmaster site and they have LOADS of elements all shapes and sizes (sell the kettle leads as well) might be worth a look if you havent already.
PARTMASTER
They may also be more expensive than the fiver kettles but you have shape and size options.

Just looking on the Currys Partmaster site and they have LOADS of elements all shapes and sizes (sell the kettle leads as well) might be worth a look if you havent already.
PARTMASTER
They may also be more expensive than the fiver kettles but you have shape and size options.
Yojimbo -- for what it's worth, the Woolworths kettles I massacred are 3mm thick. I've just fitted two of the elements onto a 2mm-thick plastic fermenter without any problems. Perhaps the fact that the elements can't flatten the wall of your stainless steel boiler (I presume) is also an issue.
Thanks for the heads up, Des. I'd been experimenting with various bits of plastic waste pipe on the same principle, but the silicone tube is perfect.
Thanks for the heads up, Des. I'd been experimenting with various bits of plastic waste pipe on the same principle, but the silicone tube is perfect.
- spearmint-wino
- CBA prizewinner 2007
- Posts: 1039
- Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:08 am
- Location: Nunhead, Sarf Lahndun
Can someone post a piccy of their silicon shroud in action pls?
Can't visualise how its working
Can't visualise how its working

drinking: ~ | conditioning: ~ | primary: ~ | Looks like I need to get brewing then...
Visit London Amateur Brewers online
I made my boiler with 2 of the old type of elements (round connector) but because i didn't have the leads with the connector on i soldered the wires directly onto the element pins and then sealed the backing shroud with sealant.All works well and i have had no problems the only thing you can't do obviously is to disconnect the lead from the element.
- spearmint-wino
- CBA prizewinner 2007
- Posts: 1039
- Joined: Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:08 am
- Location: Nunhead, Sarf Lahndun
thanks @ Des 
Trip to B&Q for me this weekend...

Trip to B&Q for me this weekend...
drinking: ~ | conditioning: ~ | primary: ~ | Looks like I need to get brewing then...
Visit London Amateur Brewers online
You could have soldered the female end of a Kettle extension lead to it then connected a kettle lead.fizzypop boy wrote:I made my boiler with 2 of the old type of elements (round connector) but because i didn't have the leads with the connector on i soldered the wires directly onto the element pins and then sealed the backing shroud with sealant.All works well and i have had no problems the only thing you can't do obviously is to disconnect the lead from the element.

If you looking for leads these are about the best I can find
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... 0&doy=26m1
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... 0&doy=26m1
They are available in a range of current ratings up to 16A. 16A would be more appropriate for kettle elements, I would think.edit1now wrote:If the Maplin plugs really meet IEC-320 C15 then they should be rated at 10A according to this site
16A appliance leads linky
- Horden Hillbilly
- Moderator
- Posts: 2150
- Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 1:00 pm
- Location: Horden, Co. Durham
- Contact:
Yep, sorry it's a C19 not a C15.DaaB wrote:Unless i'm missing something that's a different plug (horizontal pins rather than vertical).Graham wrote:They are available in a range of current ratings up to 16A. 16A would be more appropriate for kettle elements, I would think.edit1now wrote:If the Maplin plugs really meet IEC-320 C15 then they should be rated at 10A according to this site
16A appliance leads linky