Electrical Requirements
We recommend glycol for fermenter cooling. If you want to use city water anyway, you need a pressure regulator set to 5 psi or less. It isn't included with our water kits.
Every Bräu Supply electric system runs on a standard North American outlet. 120V systems use a regular 15A household circuit. 240V systems use the same 30A dryer-style outlet (NEMA 14-30) as a clothes dryer. Use this page to check what your space needs before you order, and hand it to your electrician.
Brewing systems
| System | Voltage | Wall outlet | Breaker | Controller | Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unibräu (Tri-Clad, DrainPro, All-In) 10G 120V | 120V | NEMA 5-15 (standard household outlet) | 15A | SV1 | 1,650 W, 120V |
| Unibräu (Tri-Clad, DrainPro, All-In) 10G, 20G, 30G 240V | 240V | NEMA 14-30 (4-wire dryer outlet) | 30A | SV2 | 5,500 W |
| BräuPro 5G 120V | 120V | NEMA 5-15 (standard household outlet) | 15A | SV1 | 1,650 W, 120V |
| BräuPro 5G 240V, 10G, 20G | 240V | NEMA 14-30 (4-wire dryer outlet) | 30A | SV2 | 5,500 W |
| BräuPro 1 BBL | 240V single-phase | NEMA 14-30 (4-wire dryer outlet) | 30A | SV2 | One 5,500 W element (5.5 kW) |
| HERMS (all sizes) | 240V | NEMA 14-30 (4-wire dryer outlet) | 30A | 3V controller | Up to 6 kW total |
How it connects
- SV2 controller (240V): 6 ft main power cord with a NEMA 14-30P plug. The element plugs into the controller's NEMA L6-30 twist-lock receptacle.
- SV1 controller (120V): 6 ft power cord with a standard NEMA 5-15P plug. The 1,650 W element has its own 120V cord. For the boil, plug the element straight into a wall outlet instead of the SV1. It goes easier on the controller.
- Pumps: on every North American system the brew pump plugs into the controller's 120V pump outlet.
- Twist-lock plug: push the element plug all the way in and turn it until it locks. A plug that is only partly seated can overheat. How to lock the element plug.
Outside North America (240V international)
- 240V, 3-wire power input.
- 30A breaker at the electrical panel.
- The main power cord comes with a bare stripped end, so your electrician can fit the right local plug.
- 5,500 W element, with a 240V pump and a 240V pump outlet on the controller.
Glycol chillers (MCED)
| Model | Voltage | Plug | Circuit | Running amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEF-02 | 120V | NEMA 5-15P | 15A | 8 A |
| BEF-04 | 120V | NEMA 5-15P | 20A | 8.5 A |
| BEF-05 | 120V | NEMA 5-15P | 20A | 11.7 A |
| BEF-075 | 120V | NEMA 5-15P | 20A | 13.5 A |
| BEF-100 | 220V single-phase | NEMA 6-20P | 20A | 11.8 A |
| BEF-150 | 220V single-phase | NEMA 6-20P | 20A | 12.6 A |
Plug the chiller into its own outlet on its own circuit. No hardwiring is needed.
Other powered gear
- Fermenter temperature control kit: the controller plugs into a standard 120V outlet, and the solenoid valve plugs into the controller.
- Steam condenser: its small 120V pump plugs into a standard outlet.
- Unitank fermenters: no power needed. Cooling comes from tap water or a glycol chiller.
Safety
- Have a licensed electrician install any new outlet or circuit.
- A GFCI receptacle (120V) or a GFCI breaker (240V, 30A) is recommended for extra protection.
Planning a bigger setup? The Electric Brewery Calculator works out the amps, breaker, wire and outlet for any setup. Questions about your panel? Email us before you order and we'll check it with you.