Thank you Lord broan,
Here is the album link:
http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/igloox/library/
Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
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DaveC
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Hi
I've just joined the forum. This was because I commissioned my 40l Buffalo today with a brew. Everything fine until the cutout at 49 minutes into the boil. Transferring back to my old Cygnet 30 mid-boil wasn't much fun.
When referring the the thermal fuse and the thermal cutout are you talking of the same thing? (The bullet shaped object in the pics posted earlier). I'm happy to bypass the cutout. I use a mesh 'bazooka' hop strainer on the inside of my ball valve. The 12 inch bazooka strainer runs right over the top of the element. Does this contribute to the problem (affecting the heat transfer away from the element)? Has anyone needed to modify this aspect of the customized Buffalo 40.
Anyway, great to be here at last. I've taken a lot from this forum. Hope I can put something back in.
Dave
I've just joined the forum. This was because I commissioned my 40l Buffalo today with a brew. Everything fine until the cutout at 49 minutes into the boil. Transferring back to my old Cygnet 30 mid-boil wasn't much fun.
When referring the the thermal fuse and the thermal cutout are you talking of the same thing? (The bullet shaped object in the pics posted earlier). I'm happy to bypass the cutout. I use a mesh 'bazooka' hop strainer on the inside of my ball valve. The 12 inch bazooka strainer runs right over the top of the element. Does this contribute to the problem (affecting the heat transfer away from the element)? Has anyone needed to modify this aspect of the customized Buffalo 40.
Anyway, great to be here at last. I've taken a lot from this forum. Hope I can put something back in.
Dave
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AnthonyUK
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Hi Dave,
The thermal fuse is a one shot component. Once it blows it will need to be replaced or bypassed.
The cutout is similar to a thermostat. It will open above the set temp (120°c) and close as the temp comes down.
I've bypassed the fuse and replaced the cutout with a 130°c one.
As long as the element is clear of any build up it has been fine for me. I also have a hop filter and this has not caused any issues so far.
The thermal fuse is a one shot component. Once it blows it will need to be replaced or bypassed.
The cutout is similar to a thermostat. It will open above the set temp (120°c) and close as the temp comes down.
I've bypassed the fuse and replaced the cutout with a 130°c one.
As long as the element is clear of any build up it has been fine for me. I also have a hop filter and this has not caused any issues so far.
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Cpt.Frederickson
- Hollow Legs
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:54 pm
- Location: BIAB in the Shed, Maidstone, Kent
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Welcome to the forum Dave.
The thermal fuse and thermal cut out are two seperate components. The thermal cut out fixes to the plate in the centre of the element, while the fuse runs alongside the element, inside a white covering. Here's some pics.
http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Buffalo-Therma ... il.raction
http://www.easyequipment.com/Thermal-Cu ... b-n798.htm
The component discussed in the first few posts of the thread is the cut out, and I've not had any direct issue with it. I had considered upgrading it but just haven't got round to it.
The fuse on the other hand...when this blows, game over. Get yourself a replacement, preferably a higher rated one. I think I linked some from Maplin in this thread or this one.
When mine blew, I seemed to get a 'warning' the brew before, when it cut out toward the end of the boil, but went back on a minute or two later. This definitely wasn't a burnt on wort scenario either. Maybe this is just coincidence, but i digress...
Have you tested it since? If it won't power on, then its 99% certainly the fuse. If it does power on, it was the cut out. Do you cover the body of your boiler at all? I think I'm right in saying that this can contribute to overheating where the components are, leading them to trigger unexpectedly.
For me, replacing the fuse is a must. I know others have bypassed their's, but considering you can get these for a few quid at maplin I figure its worth the 'investment'. After all, they don't put them in there for nothing...
Anyways, hope the brew was salvageable and you get your Buffalo back on the boil in the near future mate.
The thermal fuse and thermal cut out are two seperate components. The thermal cut out fixes to the plate in the centre of the element, while the fuse runs alongside the element, inside a white covering. Here's some pics.
http://www.nisbets.co.uk/Buffalo-Therma ... il.raction
http://www.easyequipment.com/Thermal-Cu ... b-n798.htm
The component discussed in the first few posts of the thread is the cut out, and I've not had any direct issue with it. I had considered upgrading it but just haven't got round to it.
The fuse on the other hand...when this blows, game over. Get yourself a replacement, preferably a higher rated one. I think I linked some from Maplin in this thread or this one.
When mine blew, I seemed to get a 'warning' the brew before, when it cut out toward the end of the boil, but went back on a minute or two later. This definitely wasn't a burnt on wort scenario either. Maybe this is just coincidence, but i digress...
Have you tested it since? If it won't power on, then its 99% certainly the fuse. If it does power on, it was the cut out. Do you cover the body of your boiler at all? I think I'm right in saying that this can contribute to overheating where the components are, leading them to trigger unexpectedly.
For me, replacing the fuse is a must. I know others have bypassed their's, but considering you can get these for a few quid at maplin I figure its worth the 'investment'. After all, they don't put them in there for nothing...
Anyways, hope the brew was salvageable and you get your Buffalo back on the boil in the near future mate.
The Hand of Doom Brewery and Meadery
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
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AnthonyUK
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
When the thermal fuse went on mine it looks as though the element was also damaged.
It is working OK but I'll have to check the current draw as the boil is less vigorous than a friends one.
I'll order a replacement and will refit the thermal fuse in the event the current one dies.
Does any know the resistance of these?
It is working OK but I'll have to check the current draw as the boil is less vigorous than a friends one.
I'll order a replacement and will refit the thermal fuse in the event the current one dies.
Does any know the resistance of these?
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50quidsoundboy
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
History of my Buffalo 40l:
First brew: thermal fuse blew. Bypassed it (with some very shoddy wiring and tape).
Twenty-odd trouble free brews...
...and then thermostat cut-out problems start getting worse and worse, to the point where it wouldn't boil water. And this is with an element kept obsessively clean.
Last week I opened it up. There was no evidence of scorching or arcing inside, as some others have seen. Anyway I bypassed both the thermal fuse and the thermostat, using sturdy junction block this time, and finally had a brewday free of cutouts, with a lovely rolling 90 minute boil despite a very full boiler.
I see no reason to replace either of these components which have given me nothing but trouble, but then I'm not an electrician. See you in casualty!
First brew: thermal fuse blew. Bypassed it (with some very shoddy wiring and tape).
Twenty-odd trouble free brews...
...and then thermostat cut-out problems start getting worse and worse, to the point where it wouldn't boil water. And this is with an element kept obsessively clean.
Last week I opened it up. There was no evidence of scorching or arcing inside, as some others have seen. Anyway I bypassed both the thermal fuse and the thermostat, using sturdy junction block this time, and finally had a brewday free of cutouts, with a lovely rolling 90 minute boil despite a very full boiler.
I see no reason to replace either of these components which have given me nothing but trouble, but then I'm not an electrician. See you in casualty!
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Due to Buffalo cutting out problems on my brew on Saturday I think I maybe following your advice.50quidsoundboy wrote:History of my Buffalo 40l:
First brew: thermal fuse blew. Bypassed it (with some very shoddy wiring and tape).
Twenty-odd trouble free brews...
...and then thermostat cut-out problems start getting worse and worse, to the point where it wouldn't boil water. And this is with an element kept obsessively clean.
Last week I opened it up. There was no evidence of scorching or arcing inside, as some others have seen. Anyway I bypassed both the thermal fuse and the thermostat, using sturdy junction block this time, and finally had a brewday free of cutouts, with a lovely rolling 90 minute boil despite a very full boiler.
I see no reason to replace either of these components which have given me nothing but trouble, but then I'm not an electrician. See you in casualty!
I have the thermal fuse blow mid boil on my Belgian triple earlier this year, so I removed it and reconnected the wires. I ran it without the fuse for a couple of months, now it keeps cutting out with the orange light coming on mid boil and I had to keep turning it off and resetting it. I intend to remove the thermostat and keep an eye on it while in use. It maintains a rolling boil when set to 95 degrees so it's not like I have it set on max.
One day I'm switching to gas burners!
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50quidsoundboy
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
just to add that you need to use porcelain connector block for this - i initially used plastic stuff and it melted.
i did a full write up of all the mods i made to my Buffalo here: http://rowettbrewing.com/buffalo-boiler ... l-chiller/
i did a full write up of all the mods i made to my Buffalo here: http://rowettbrewing.com/buffalo-boiler ... l-chiller/
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Cpt.Frederickson
- Hollow Legs
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:54 pm
- Location: BIAB in the Shed, Maidstone, Kent
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
On a separate note, how've you found the hop aroma and flavour since using the whirlpool? I'm in the process of building one myself so wonder if it makes the difference I hope it will...
The Hand of Doom Brewery and Meadery
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
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50quidsoundboy
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
hard to say. i've only done one brew with it so far, and that's still in the fermenter....Cpt.Frederickson wrote:On a separate note, how've you found the hop aroma and flavour since using the whirlpool? I'm in the process of building one myself so wonder if it makes the difference I hope it will...
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Cpt.Frederickson
- Hollow Legs
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:54 pm
- Location: BIAB in the Shed, Maidstone, Kent
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Ah, fingers crossed then!
The Hand of Doom Brewery and Meadery
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
Fermenting -
Conditioning - Meads - Raspberry Melomel yeast test, Vanilla Cinnamon Metheglyn, Orange Melomel.
Drinking - Youngs AAA Kit; Leatherwood Traditional Mead, Cyser, Ginger Metheglyn.
Planning - Some kits until I can get back to AG, then a hoppy porter, Jim's ESB, some American Red.
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
Haha cheers for that, exactly what I wanted! I recognise that Buffalo with those great modifications, still not got round to swapping the tap on mine, but can use it as an excuse to do the thermal cut out, tap and thermometer all in one hit.50quidsoundboy wrote:just to add that you need to use porcelain connector block for this - i initially used plastic stuff and it melted.
i did a full write up of all the mods i made to my Buffalo here: http://rowettbrewing.com/buffalo-boiler ... l-chiller/
Tried your Belgian Triple yet? Mines great and totally lived up to expectations, needs a good 6 weeks in the bottle to get the fruity yeast taste.
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50quidsoundboy
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
only samples out of the FV, i'm lagering it for a week at 2C before I bottle it. I've got high hopes for it although the yeast kicked out a nasty stink (I always get this with WLP530). maybe it'll be drinkable by Christmas, maybe not...AdyG wrote:
Tried your Belgian Triple yet?
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jmc
- Even further under the Table
- Posts: 2486
- Joined: Thu May 13, 2010 11:43 pm
- Location: Swaledale, North Yorkshire
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
50quidsoundboy wrote:just to add that you need to use porcelain connector block for this - i initially used plastic stuff and it melted.
i did a full write up of all the mods i made to my Buffalo here: http://rowettbrewing.com/buffalo-boiler ... l-chiller/
A whirlpool has been on my (long) to-do list for ages as cooling by IC seems to take ages even with stirring.
What was recirculation like in your whirlpool?
Any problems with hops etc getting into pump?
Did you need to throttle pump with valve or did you just control flow by adjusting voltage to 12V pump?
TIA John
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50quidsoundboy
Re: Buffalo Boiler Thermal Switch & Element
the first time i used it was a bit iffy because my el cheapo power supply blew. once i replaced it, i had no trouble, i got a pretty fast whirlpool going (no throttling or voltage adjustments) and the pump coped fine, obviously with a hop filter in the boiler. also i don't use pellet hops.
with the power supply problem overcome, i was able to chill the wort very fast down to 17.5C and i could never do with with the IC + stir method. i didn't time it though because of all the faffing with the PSU (i even took the pump apart before i realised what the problem was).
with the power supply problem overcome, i was able to chill the wort very fast down to 17.5C and i could never do with with the IC + stir method. i didn't time it though because of all the faffing with the PSU (i even took the pump apart before i realised what the problem was).