For the electrical nerds

[Jake]

I'm starting to build a house in August and planning to put an electric brewery in basement, similar to what JQ has going on. I'm leaning toward a 1 barrell system, so will likely be looking to install either 2 4500 watt elements in the kettle (or two 5500 watt elements, or combo of one of each). The HLT will have one, maybe two elements also.

I'm meeting with my electrician either tonight or tomorrow and I want to tell him that I'll need a sub-panel in the brewery for this. Electrical is like chinese to me so was hoping to get some help here with how large of a sub-panel to have installed. So additional to the 3, maybe 4 electric elements, I'll have a range hood, 2 pumps, and maybe even an A/C for a walk in fridge eventually ... then maybe one or two other items that would have a minimal draw. Come to think of it, I likely won't need to run my HLT while the Boil is going, so likely only running 2 elements at a time maximum.

Based on this information, what size pannel sounds reasonable for this for me to suggest? I really have no idea what to tell him other than I'm building a brewery. lol

[Chris Craig]

Watts = Amps * Volts, so...

16500 (3 x 5500 watt elements) / 220v = 75 amp minimum.  I'd say you'd need a 100 amp service just for your brewery.

[JohnQ]

Yeah, I'd suggest a 100 amp sub-panel, that would allow you do anything you need.

JQ

[Jake]

Great. Thanks guys. Something to mention tonight to the electrician ... to bad he doesn't drink!!

[Fhilo]

Hey Jake,

Let me know when you get close... I can get some some deals on rough in stuff for the plumbing/electrical...

[Kyle]

yeah, with 100amps, you'll have plenty of room. The cost of having it installed once properly is much less than having to upgrade later. This will also give you room for other things like a walk-in cooler, dishwasher, on-demand water heater, you know, essentials.

[McKraken]

Yup, 3 x 5500W 240V elements will work on 100 Amps.  Just as a rule, never load more than 80%.