Another STC-1000 question

[scooterism]

Will a STC-1000 be able to switch two K-mart kettle elements?

I have two elements in my HLT and I would like to 'Automate' operations a little.

So I was wondering if the STC will handle two elements or will it not?

Cheers

 

[mtb]

What's their wattage?

*edit: terrible beer-influenced grammar

 

[scooterism]

2100W off the top of my head

 

[mtb]

That's pushing it I think - best wait for someone more educated than I to confirm

 

[nosco]

I think maybe they could do one element at a time but not both if they are 2100w. My Big W kettle which is pretty much the same says 2200w.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Your answer is 1.

No more than 1

1 shall be the magic number

They shall only use 1

 

[Kingy]

I used to use my stc to power a 2400w element, it used to cut out after a while if I was heating continually for long periods. I definately wouldn't be going 2 elements.

 

[Coalminer]

STC rated 10amps - 2400W max

 

[evoo4u]

Power point probably rated at 10amps max as well.

 

[mr_wibble]

Another point to consider that the wattage of an element is at a given voltage.
The standard for AU is (now) 230 volts. But in many places (like here) we still get the old 240 volts.

But if you're looking at a 220V /N/ watt element, when run at say 240V it will be using /N/+10% (approx) more power because of the higher voltage.
(EDIT: because 240V is approx 10% higher than 220V)

 

[n87]

You would need to install a secondary relay to handle that, but it would work.
You could even do this to switch the 2 elements from 2 10A circuits.

If you dont understand what was just said, dont do it, or find someone who can.
Voltage is bad, dont die etc...

 

[TheWiggman]

You'll blow the STC-100 running 2 elements, as above. What you could do is use the STC to activate 2 relays from 2 power sockets - but in doing this you'll need to look at the rating of the circuit it's running off OR get your power from 2 circuits.
If this all sounds too hard run your problem by an electrician who'll look at your house and work out a solution for you quickly.

 

[hairydog]

Agree,
Don't use STC1000 to control anything over 2400w rating no matter what the supply voltage is,
the power draw is still the same with a diferent voltage supply the current draw will change,this
is where the outlets 10amp rating is a factor,a good quality outlet is engineered to handle the small
voltage change 230-240v.

 

[evoo4u]

Interestingly, it seems 230v has not been adopted Australia-wide. But whether the relevant standard states 230v or 240v, it really doesn't make any practical difference to what your power point delivers.

I believe the allowable standard in states where 230v has been adopted, is +10%, -6%, which gives a wide range, and happily accommodates 240v.

http://electricalconnection.com.au/when-voltage-varies/

On our PV system log (Tigo), we see voltage ranging from 237 to 251, depending on whether we're boiling the kettle for coffee, or whether the neighbour is doing some welding.

 

[scooterism]

Just to note; I use two separate outlets to power the elements in my set-up.

So, I guess two STC's would be the easiest solution?

 

[evoo4u]

Just to note; I use two separate outlets to power the elements in my set-up.

So, I guess two STC's would be the easiest solution?

Yes, providing the two outlets are on different circuits. Sparky could verify.

In my case, being in the bush and having a three-phase power supply to my brew-shed, I have my HLT powered from one phase, and 2200w heat-exchanger element powered from another phase.

Interesting thing to do if you have a volt meter is to see what the voltage is on a circuit before and after switching on a big load (like a 2200w element). In a town area, close to a mains transformer, the drop might be small, however in my case, being about 300m from the transformer, it drops about 8v.

 

[QldKev]

You could use the stc to trigger 2 external relays, but 2 stc is prob easier