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Electrical Power Cord Type

Started by Jake, September 10, 2014, 08:22:39 PM

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Jake

I'm thinking about buying an electric brewing system from High Gravity Brew.  For the power cord plug type, i have the option of:

-3 prong plug (nema10-30p)
-4 prong plug (nema14-30p)

Does anyone know what the difference is, or why I should go with one over the other? I do not have any receptacles set up in the basement so could theoretically do either ... i'll be within 10-15 feet of the panel. Anyone on here with some electrical knowledge? I'm going to have my electrician install this stuff. cheers.
President of the NBCBA

Roger

I'm no electrician and @Fhilo  might be able to chime in. But if I were you I would go with the 4 prong that way you'll be properly grounded. From what I understand 3 prong has two hot lines and one neutral. But the 4 prong has two hot, one neutral and one ground. Oh and make sure for safety sake get yourself a GFCI. That way you only cook your wort not yourself.  :cheers:

brew

Actually I believe the 4 prong has a common whereas the 3 prong does not. The common is used with either hot wire to get 120v (like in a stove) whereas the 3 prong only has two hots so you can only get 240v (like in a dryer)...
NBCBA Treasurer
Planned: Drink beer later, Primary: Drink beer soon, Secondary: Drink beer shortly, Kegged: Drinking beer now

JamesC


Fhilo


Fhilo

I sell most of that stuff, so feel free to stop by and look around

Roger

Quote from: brew on September 10, 2014, 10:06:59 PM
Actually I believe the 4 prong has a common whereas the 3 prong does not. The common is used with either hot wire to get 120v (like in a stove) whereas the 3 prong only has two hots so you can only get 240v (like in a dryer)...
My bad! Like I said I'm no electrician.  :facepalm:

JamesC

Unless you bring that connector into a panel, in which case you can get 120 between the neutral and either of the hots.

brew

Quote from: JamesC on September 11, 2014, 07:35:30 AM
Unless you bring that connector into a panel, in which case you can get 120 between the neutral and either of the hots.

Do you mean connecting one of hot wires to the ground in a 3 wire set up? That would effectively energize the ground...
NBCBA Treasurer
Planned: Drink beer later, Primary: Drink beer soon, Secondary: Drink beer shortly, Kegged: Drinking beer now

JamesC

No, definitely not that. You get 120 between the neutral and hot. 240 between L1 and L2.

brew

Right ya I like power - more power! :party:
NBCBA Treasurer
Planned: Drink beer later, Primary: Drink beer soon, Secondary: Drink beer shortly, Kegged: Drinking beer now

Kyle

4 wire is best from my point of view. That way you can run 120v and 240v in the same brewery control panel. I run the elements at 240, and the pumps, grain mill, fan, and keg washer at 120.
Charter Member

On Tap: DIPA, Vienna SMaSH, Imp Stout
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JamesC

The only thing preventing you from running a 120/240 setup with a 3 conductor cable without ground is electrical code (which I'm not an expert on.) It is electrically possible to do, and was done that way in the past. Just don't use neutral to bond the panel and there wouldn't be a problem. The panel can be grounded to a copper pipe or whatever.

Jake

So the consensus here is go with the 4 prong?
President of the NBCBA

JamesC

Personally, I'd be cheap and go 3 prong, but that's me.