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Controlling two 5500 watt elements on one 50 amp receptacle

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  • Controlling two 5500 watt elements on one 50 amp receptacle

    Alright here we go, electric brewing supply forgot a bunch of items so I’m unable to build the 4 element 50 amp control panel. My plan is to use two 5500 watt elements with 30 amp plugs, on a 50 amp to two 30 amp splitter cord, connected to the 50 amp receptacle. The splitter cord is 10awg so a max of 30 amps can run through it. So I’m thinking if I set each element to no more than 60% I’ll be able to get away with it. My math was 5500w/240v=22.9amps x 2(elements)=45.8amps. 30amps/45.8=0.655, so being safe with setting each element at 60% power. Does anyone know if this thinking holds up? Thank you very much for any and all help

  • #2
    Not Advised

    Originally posted by ReclamationBrew View Post
    Alright here we go, electric brewing supply forgot a bunch of items so I’m unable to build the 4 element 50 amp control panel. My plan is to use two 5500 watt elements with 30 amp plugs, on a 50 amp to two 30 amp splitter cord, connected to the 50 amp receptacle. The splitter cord is 10awg so a max of 30 amps can run through it. So I’m thinking if I set each element to no more than 60% I’ll be able to get away with it. My math was 5500w/240v=22.9amps x 2(elements)=45.8amps. 30amps/45.8=0.655, so being safe with setting each element at 60% power. Does anyone know if this thinking holds up? Thank you very much for any and all help
    This is unwise and is an NEC code violation. Its not about what you think can work.
    You need to do it correctly.
    Also having a lot of blade connectors on that kind of a load is asking for trouble and is not " Good Practice."
    Warren Turner
    Industrial Engineering Technician
    HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
    Moab Brewery
    The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

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    • #3
      No it’s not about what I think can work which is precisely why I took the time to post here to get the advice of someone more qualified than I, so thank you

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      • #4
        Just my 2 cents as someone who built an electric system and went through a lot of trouble to make sure it was to code and why it should meet code.

        As far as making an extension cord out of 10awg wire to power 2 5500w elements at 60% power. in theory you already know it should work, If all variables are right and nothing goes wrong, and since your not concerned with the (legal /safety aspect).


        As far as enforcement, it really depends on where you live and if there's actual code enforcement. Is this for a "pro" setup or homebrewing? Yes It does make a difference. For a business Your opening yourself to to a lot of very real liability doing something like your proposing which does not pass code and therefore is a violation I think California would be one of the most restrictive places against such things. If there was any type of fire you would certainly be sued as your insurance would be voided in this case. Yada Yada Yada... Of course this still holds true at home but you are not likely to have any code enforcement in this situation and it wont be an issue unless well, it causes one. If this is a business and you happen to need an inspection, they would very likely shut you down for this. It really isnt about what would squeak by and "work" as the guy above was trying to say. the risk has to meet a certain max level and this would surpass that by breaking a bunch of codes which are the law here.


        Consider this.
        I use 10awg SJ cord for each 5500w element and the cords and plugs still get very warm. At 60% power (duty cycle if your using a pid here) your going to be pulsing the full 44amps very quickly on and off through a cord thats only rated for 30a with plugs only designed for 30a. So there is still a chance something may melt or fail though unlikely. As long as nothing else goes wrong.

        Your better off just using one 5500w element at 100% power as the extra few watts arent going to be worth the risk or trouble here. You know there is more than likely going to be a point where the pid accidentally is set to output full power. For a business this is a really bad idea. My thoughts are If you dont have the parts to do this right and legal, get them.
        Last edited by augiedoggy; 10-07-2019, 06:45 AM.

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