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Marvin
05-11-2013, 01:59 AM
I've been collecting the parts for this build for a few weeks now. I'm just getting started and will post more as the build progresses.

And the answer to the burning question, why electric, because it will be set and forget ... and that works for me. I know others will claim blasphemy and I'm sure from their viewpoint it is. However, this works for me. :thumb:

Disclaimer Notice:
In my prior career, I was an electrician, so doing this project does not present issues for me. However, if one follows what I've done, you do so at your own risk. If you do not know about electricity and wiring, please get someone to help you along in your endeavor. The life you save, may be your own. :wink:

Here is the barrel I located for $10.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/001_zps631fa02c.png

The inside was unlined.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/002_zpsa28fd78d.png

I'm guessing, it was a food barrel based on the label on it.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/003_zps311fb15c.png

These are the lines to mark and drill for the stainless steel bolts.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/004_zps4a5bb24c.png

Stainless steel nuts and bolts to hold the grates. Got the grates at Walmart for $12.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/005_zpsa6eb3e2e.png

Stainless steel nuts and bolts mounted and grate sitting on them.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/006_zps81053d24.png

Took one of the grates, turned upside down so the heating element can be mounted on.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/007_zps4d7b016c.png

Put two bolts on the sides with no handles to keep the grate balanced when sitting on the bottom of the barrel.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/008_zps0b2fa5a8.png

Here is the 220v/3000w oven bake element, similar to what you would find in your house oven, should be more than enough to keep things toasty. Got this off of Amazon for $12. The model information of the element: General Electric WB44X5043 Bake Element

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/010_zps0db2dd89.png

Set the heating element on the grate. I will use high heat wire to wrap around the element ends to keep it affixed to the grate.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/011_zps91d26d5f.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/012_zps73648909.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/013_zps4fb1a653.png

That's about it for now. I'll post more pics in the coming days as the build progresses.

Johnny_Crunch
05-11-2013, 08:04 AM
Cool build. The UDS is as set and forget as you could hope for already. Either way, if your feeling froggy take a leap. Are you going to use it 220v?

Mark Warren
05-11-2013, 08:07 AM
I am just curious how the smoke aspect comes in to play here. Do you put a little smoke wood chip box inside or what?

oifmarine2003
05-11-2013, 08:11 AM
I am just curious how the smoke aspect comes in to play here. Do you put a little smoke wood chip box inside or what?

I was thinking the same. I am assuming he is going to put a chip box on top of the grate with the heating element?

Callahan-que
05-11-2013, 08:22 AM
I am just curious how the smoke aspect comes in to play here. Do you put a little smoke wood chip box inside or what?

I was wondering the same also.

Richard_
05-11-2013, 08:24 AM
thats pretty cool , not as portable as a UDS , set the thermo and walk away

Johnny_Crunch
05-11-2013, 08:31 AM
A smokey oven!

volfan411
05-11-2013, 08:51 AM
As a father of 2 boys who play competitve baseball I can respect your need for a set and forget smoker. If not for a WSM and a Digi Q I would never have time to smoke anything.

Bludawg
05-11-2013, 08:55 AM
You have entirely to much time on your hands to come up with this. My UDS is naturally aspirated it will run rock steady where I set it until it runs out of Fuel in 20 hrs. Guess what? If my power goes out my cook isn't interrupted or ruined. If this works for ya then I'm happy for you. Different strokes.....

MAKE SURE IT IS WELL GROUNDED and put it on a GFI

jw177
05-11-2013, 09:44 AM
I am interested in seeing the final results. I still haven't completed my uds, but have been pondering building an electric version, just because. One problem I see for my use, most campgrounds don't supply 220 volts if I was to take it with me, nor are the campground breakers large enough to handle that wattage at 120 volts. What type controller are you going to use?

Garrett
05-11-2013, 10:11 AM
Wow!!!!

J-Rod
05-11-2013, 10:13 AM
Would be interesting to see the fuel cost comparison in electricity consumed vs. charcoal cost...

While I applaud your outside the box approach, charcoal-fueled UDS's are already set and forget! And I'm with bluedawg on the power going out issue- Better have a generator handy so you don't ruin a cook!

Interested to see what your smoke producing setup will be. Good luck.

ChetPunisher
05-11-2013, 10:16 AM
I understand people's fears about the power going out, but how often do you have that problem? Just wondering.

FormulatedFire
05-11-2013, 10:27 AM
This looks like a great idea to me. Using an element like that your basically turning a UDS into an electric oven of sorts. Not sure where the smoking element will come into play here but I'm very interested in seeing this progress. Seems as this could potentially be used indoors as well since electric heat doesn't give off any toxins like charcoal or gas.

Carbon
05-11-2013, 10:52 AM
Nice setup!
My first smoker was an electric ECB. The heating element sat in a pan surrounded with lava rocks and wood chunks thrown on the lava rocks closest to the heating element. The setup smoked well, actually.

As for power outages, that was never an issue as we seldom have outages here. But I can see weather related outages occurring in other regions. That could be a concern for some.

N8man
05-11-2013, 11:37 AM
if you do a forum search for Norcoredneck and electric UDS
you'll find Brother Pat did something similar.....
may be helpful with your build....

Marvin
05-11-2013, 09:00 PM
I understand the issues ...

1) The power goes out

I live in Houston and have lived with hurricanes my whole life, Ike being the last. When one lives in an area that is prone to nature in this manner, one learns that you can be weeks without power (with Ike, we were without power for 7 weeks). This being the case, I have a generator for backup power. So if I lose power, the gen will fire up and keep things going until the grid comes back up.

Also, I'm not one to be wasteful but if I lose power, it's not the end of the world if I lose what I've got going on the smoker.



2) Where's the smoke ... this is a smoker right?

Simple answer ... what does one use when cold smoking?
Why of course, use a cold smoker. You can build a cold smoker and install or you buy one and install. For me, I'm doing enough building, I'll take the easy path and I'll purchase one. The Smoke Daddy will do the trick! :thumb:

I'm not sure if I'm violating forum rules, if I have, please forgive me and remove the link, here is the link to Smoke Daddy: http://www.smokedaddyinc.com/smokers.htm

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/smokedaddy_01_zps609556b7.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/smokedaddy_02_zps9a416071.png

Hope this answer the questions.

Marvin
05-11-2013, 09:19 PM
Cool build. The UDS is as set and forget as you could hope for already. Either way, if your feeling froggy take a leap. Are you going to use it 220v?

Yes, 220v. I got lucky, we had a spa on our patio for about 15 years. It was old and rotting and the wife was on my butt to get rid of it. Once it was gone, I had the 220v power laying around. This is why I decided on a 220v version, I'll do a 110v version on a 30 gal once I've completed this project.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/023_zpsdb15e506.png

Marvin
05-11-2013, 09:26 PM
I am interested in seeing the final results. I still haven't completed my uds, but have been pondering building an electric version, just because. One problem I see for my use, most campgrounds don't supply 220 volts if I was to take it with me, nor are the campground breakers large enough to handle that wattage at 120 volts. What type controller are you going to use?

You are correct about the available power at camp grounds. I plan on doing a 30 gal version using 110v element once I've completed this project.

On the controller, I'm using a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller with an SSR. The one I purchased was from Auberins, model number: SYL-2352

I'll post more and pics on this in the near future.

Titch
05-11-2013, 09:30 PM
I am guessing that your 220v supply is your heavy duty supply for large tools/appliances ?

Garyclaw
05-11-2013, 09:39 PM
You Go Marvin!!! Love the concept.:clap2:

Marvin
05-11-2013, 11:56 PM
I am guessing that your 220v supply is your heavy duty supply for large tools/appliances ?

It was from a spa we had on our patio.

Look here for pic: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2478060&postcount=18

Marvin
05-11-2013, 11:58 PM
You Go Marvin!!! Love the concept.:clap2:

Thank you (and to the others that have commented, for the encouragement). I hope it turns out as well as I think it will.

Marvin
05-12-2013, 12:36 AM
So I started on the lid for the vent holes and making the vent.

Made a pattern with ms paint program on the computer and printed it.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/014_zps4a09d9e1.png

Placed it on the lid to mark the holes. Drilled the pilot holes and then used a step bit to drill the 3/4" holes in the lid.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/016_zps7f59f545.png
http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/015_zpsa0f67a51.png

Picked up a piece of aluminum at Home Depot.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/017_zps73ca22a6.png

Traced the pattern on the aluminum. I used the ruler to make/trace the tab.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/018_zps1c3ade49.png

I drilled the vent holes with the step bit before I cut the shape out. Then started to cut the shape out with a Dremel tool.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/019_zpsa08b5b7b.png

Vent cut out.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/020_zps5c7740d6.png

The vent cut out with vent holes and the lid with the vent holes. Not shown, I put the tab in a vise and slowly bent it over to an angle.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/021_zps6bb075b3.png

Vent mounted on the lid.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/022_zpse7650550.png

Lid handle to come once I decide on something.

kenthanson
05-12-2013, 01:00 AM
I hope this works out and you have many years of enjoyable cooks on this rig.

westy
05-12-2013, 02:14 AM
Fun project. Good luck.

Smokindanorth
05-12-2013, 03:49 AM
Looking good,
I've go a drum lined up for my first build. I'm thinking eventually I will get either a iq110 or a nano-q. Also a et-73 with those I should be able to bring to the ol hunting camp and do some set it and forget it of my own!

Budman1
05-12-2013, 06:02 AM
Good luck Marvin. I have a UDS and a Mini-UDS, when I cold smoke, I use an electric hot plate, a small cast iron pot full of wood chips, covered with foil, poke holes in the foil, and place it on the hot plate. Presto! The hot plate being adjustable, you can dial it in according to the outside temp, especially when it's 90 outside and your are trying to smoke at 110 or lower. Works for me.:thumb:

Mark Warren
05-12-2013, 07:57 AM
Marvin - With that Smoke Daddy added that will be a very nice set-up indeed. It looks like you thought of everything for this build. I can't wait to hear how it performs on the first few cooks.

IamMadMan
05-12-2013, 08:39 AM
Thanks for sharing your ideas and answering our questions...

Marvin
05-12-2013, 09:51 AM
Marvin - With that Smoke Daddy added that will be a very nice set-up indeed. It looks like you thought of everything for this build. I can't wait to hear how it performs on the first few cooks.

I think I got the build figured out. The real issues come when I start to cook, I got a lot to learn there!!! :|

tb80
05-12-2013, 10:11 AM
Very cool. Looking forward to rest of build.

Hawg Father of Seoul
05-12-2013, 11:16 AM
I bet it will produce amazing food.

bluetang
05-12-2013, 04:33 PM
I'm diggin it big Marvin, can't wait to see it fired up!

Marvin
05-12-2013, 10:41 PM
Had a little change in plans for the lid.

I really wanted to use a weber grill lid and could not find one on CL.

I looked back and had a few Home Depot gift cards from xmas. Well there was more than enough on the gift cards to pick up the weber grill. So I will use the lid, grate and handles for parts on the euds.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/024_zps72239d00.png

The lid did not fit, was close, so had to use a lil persuasion on the barrel lip with a pair of vise grip pliers. After about 20 mins of crimping the barrel lip, the lid fits nicely. :thumb:

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/025_zps50aaa20e.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/026_zps226d487d.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/027_zpse7a96b20.png

vafish
05-13-2013, 06:49 AM
I understand people's fears about the power going out, but how often do you have that problem? Just wondering.

My kids spend their summers working at a boy scout camp. Last summer my oldest son brought a uds down with him to camp. He started cooking pulled pork on their days off. Then a big storm came through and knocked out power to the camp. Power was out for a week. Camp was closes, but the staff stayed there to clean up.

Son ended up cooking for 70+ people a day on his uds.

Texas Turtle
05-13-2013, 07:07 AM
I had one of those back in the late '60s. It was called an Electric Redi-smok and it was manufactured by Bob Rod Enterprises. A friend of my dad's gave it to me because it was too much trouble to clean up after cooking, but the thing turned out some really good food with absolutely no attention. We used to take it to our deer lease and throw all kinds of stuff in it before daylight on the porch. About 12 hours or so later, open the thing up and whatever you had in there was falling apart tender with a nice smoke ring. Unfortunately, my mom insisted we scrub the inside of the thing clean after every use (seasoning? what's that all about?) and that was such a pain that it only got used a couple of times a year. Finally rusted out after 15 years on a shelf in the garage and went to the scrap yard.

Marvin
05-13-2013, 03:41 PM
I did a test run on the Smoke Daddy and did it smoke! :thumb:

I might have to slow the air flow down as it seems like maybe a lil too much. But I'm sure I'll get it right after a couple of cooks.

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/MarvinBBQ/media/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/smokedaddy_vid_01_zps5c85b6d3.mp4.html

Marvin
05-13-2013, 07:13 PM
Did the barrel burn out. Needed to get rid of the extra wood laying around! :thumb:

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/028_zpsaa037ac0.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/029_zps6a1c0bba.png

Used the pressure washer to remove all the burnt paint and grime from the inside and outside.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/030_zps209bf081.png

Using the drill and wire wheel to get the junk off.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/031_zps03ce7305.png

Mark Warren
05-13-2013, 07:43 PM
I did a test run on the Smoke Daddy and did it smoke! :thumb:

I might have to slow the air flow down as it seems like maybe a lil too much. But I'm sure I'll get it right after a couple of cooks.

http://s1331.photobucket.com/user/MarvinBBQ/media/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/smokedaddy_vid_01_zps5c85b6d3.mp4.html

Damn That little bugger really puts it out.

Marvin
05-13-2013, 08:38 PM
Damn That little bugger really puts it out.

Yea Mark, blew me away at the output. I used pellets, may have to use wood chips so as to cut down on the smoke.

I'm not a good bbq cook (yet) so I don't know if one can have too much smoke and ruin the cook. But I'll learn soon enough. :thumb:

Titch
05-13-2013, 08:56 PM
Yea Mark, blew me away at the output. I used pellets, may have to use wood chips so as to cut down on the smoke.

I'm not a good bbq cook (yet) so I don't know if one can have too much smoke and ruin the cook. But I'll learn soon enough. :thumb:

I have a Smoke Daddy Magnum and use pellets.
I get it well smoking then after about a half hour I turn the pump off.
it cruises along for hours after that, Just need to tap it every so often to settle the fuel.
Hope this is of help

Marvin
05-13-2013, 11:18 PM
I have a Smoke Daddy Magnum and use pellets.
I get it well smoking then after about a half hour I turn the pump off.
it cruises along for hours after that, Just need to tap it every so often to settle the fuel.
Hope this is of help

I didn't think of that, was thinking about using a valve to slow the air output from the air pump. But once it's smoking, just let the normal air flow take care of it.

Thanks Aussie! :thumb:

Marvin
05-14-2013, 12:24 AM
Ok, so this is where the fun part starts ... the electrical components.

So in addition to the 220v heating element ...

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/010_zps0db2dd89.png

This is the electrical box that will house the wiring terminal strip, the SSR and it's heat-sink and power cord.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/032_zps62fbc284.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/033_zps1fb6bf94.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/034_zpsd457a308.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/035_zps52987028.png

The power cord.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/036_zpsd6d83212.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/037_zpsb48d834a.png

The wall outlet that the cord will plug into.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/038_zpsd44d28e3.png

Here is the SSR (Solid State Relay) mounted on it's heat-sink.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/039_zps01bb9012.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/040_zps3710224c.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/041_zpsf6bbbe47.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/042_zpsf517d0b1.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/043_zps0fd0bf8a.png

K type Thermocouple (4 inch probe) for PID temperature controller.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/044_zps31182b6c.png

The PID ...
Manufacturer: Auber Instruments
Model Num: SYL-2352

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/045_zpsa3564585.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/046_zps129028d6.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/047_zpscfd57f92.png

Aluminum enclosure for the PID. Will mount this on the side of the barrel.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/048_zps0cd8fbb4.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/049_zps424c884b.png

High heat wire (that you will find in ovens and ranges) to wire from the SSR to the heating element.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/050_zps8b58292f.png

Marvin
05-14-2013, 05:33 PM
Here are a couple of wiring diagrams.

The first diagram is from the manufacture of the PID showing a 120v diagram and a 240v diagram.

The second diagram is mine, I changed things up a little. Even though the PID can run off 240v, I did not want that going to to it. So I'll run 120v to the PID and I want a wall receptacle so i can plug a fan, radio, light or anything else I may want to that would only need 120v.

Manufactures Wiring Diagrams:

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/Wiring_01_zpscc7f25e8.png

My Wiring Diagram:

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/Wiring_02_zps94f584ac.png

ButtBurner
05-14-2013, 05:37 PM
I have an Auber PID controller for an electric smoker that I no longer use

it worked real well

Marvin
05-14-2013, 05:40 PM
I have an Auber PID controller for an electric smoker that I no longer use

it worked real well

That's what I'm using. I have heard nice things about their PID so I went with theirs.

ButtBurner
05-14-2013, 05:55 PM
That's what I'm using. I have heard nice things about their PID so I went with theirs.

I know thats what you are using, I saw it in your pics

thats why I mentioned it

JONESY
05-14-2013, 06:06 PM
[QUOTE=vafish;2479125]My kids spend their summers working at a boy scout camp. Last summer my oldest son brought a uds down with him to camp. He started cooking pulled pork on their days off. Then a big storm came through and knocked out power to the camp. Power was out for a week. Camp was closes, but the staff stayed there to clean up.

Son ended up cooking for 70+ people a day on his

That's fantastic that your son could provide for that many during a power outage, I'd be proud as well. Now can everyone get off the power outage issue, yes this is an electric smoker, I'm sure Marvin is not building it for a dooms day situation. You all are correct it's electric, therefore, if the power is out Marvin can't smoke on the particular unit. I'm loving this build and can't wait to see more, keep up the good work Marvin, electric or not.

El_Capitan
05-14-2013, 06:52 PM
I like it. If I knew enough about electricity I would try to build one.

Marvin
05-14-2013, 07:19 PM
My kids spend their summers working at a boy scout camp. Last summer my oldest son brought a uds down with him to camp. He started cooking pulled pork on their days off. Then a big storm came through and knocked out power to the camp. Power was out for a week. Camp was closes, but the staff stayed there to clean up.

Son ended up cooking for 70+ people a day on his

That's fantastic that your son could provide for that many during a power outage, I'd be proud as well. Now can everyone get off the power outage issue, yes this is an electric smoker, I'm sure Marvin is not building it for a dooms day situation. You all are correct it's electric, therefore, if the power is out Marvin can't smoke on the particular unit. I'm loving this build and can't wait to see more, keep up the good work Marvin, electric or not.

That's ok Jonesy, I knew some would not prefer this setup. But I do and hopefully my work (as others before me have done) will help others who are thinking about this type of setup.

I think more will be interested once I do the 30 gal 120v version.

Again, thank you for the encouragement. :thumb:

Marvin
05-14-2013, 07:21 PM
I like it. If I knew enough about electricity I would try to build one.

Hopefully when I'm done, you will feel comfortable enough to attempt the build. I'll certainly help you where I can.

El_Capitan
05-14-2013, 09:28 PM
I got it so far. I appreciated your diagram. great idea to have 120 outlet as well. I am interested to see how it all comes together.

wrenfro12
05-16-2013, 11:26 AM
I am much more comfortable with 12v DC power so my question is this....the heating element is wired directly to the power line that is plugged into the 220 outlet with the pid/ssr turning it on and off... What is it about the heating element that keeps it from drawing too much power and throwing the breaker?

Marvin
05-16-2013, 01:36 PM
I am much more comfortable with 12v DC power so my question is this....the heating element is wired directly to the power line that is plugged into the 220 outlet with the pid/ssr turning it on and off... What is it about the heating element that keeps it from drawing too much power and throwing the breaker?

The element will heat to it's max wattage (all elements do this). Based on max wattage, I have the breaker sized acrodanly (plus 5% as I want to run other things off the 120v outlet). Additionally, I have a fuse in the electrical box sized to the max of what the element should draw. If the element draws more (as it could when it ages), it will pop the local fuse and should never get back to the breaker. However, if the fuse does not do it's job, the last man standing (the breaker) should do it's job.

Also, I could double fuse each hot side (120v) of the element but that's a bit of an overkill.

To be honest, I just put the fuse in for the drawing to make others feel comfortable, I will not be using a fuse in my implementation, the breaker should do it's job and I'm fine with it (I'm not building a retail unit that has to comply with UL standards).

BB-Kuhn
05-16-2013, 01:57 PM
Would be interesting to see the fuel cost comparison in electricity consumed vs. charcoal cost...

While I applaud your outside the box approach, charcoal-fueled UDS's are already set and forget! And I'm with bluedawg on the power going out issue- Better have a generator handy so you don't ruin a cook!

Interested to see what your smoke producing setup will be. Good luck.

I doubt it will be that bad - I used to have one of the ECB electric smokers, which actually is just a variation on this exact same thing - no controls, just a coil that plugs in for on, unplug for off.

It wasn't too bad on the electricity - barely noticed anything on the monthly bill even using it a couple times per week.

BB-Kuhn
05-16-2013, 01:59 PM
I am just curious how the smoke aspect comes in to play here. Do you put a little smoke wood chip box inside or what?

I'd go with a smoke bomb - chips wrapped in foil about baseball size and holes poked in it. They work really well and usually don't leave much mess to clean up (the ash usually stays in the ball of foil and you can just remove the used 'bomb' after the cook is over).

Marvin
05-17-2013, 09:46 PM
Well, I took a little different path ...

Once I got to using the wire wheel and got tired of that and looked at the $20 (or so) cost in spray paint, I decided to have the barrel sand blasted and powder coated. The shop I've used for other items made me a great offer and I with with it. So here it is ...

I went with green.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/051_zps14e008f1.png

The inside sand blasted.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/052_zps229e72a9.png

With the weber lid on it.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/053_zpse16982fd.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/054_zpsbe6c55ea.png

Working on the electrical components tonight and tomorrow, pics of that process coming shortly.

Johnny_Crunch
05-17-2013, 10:31 PM
Looking good!

Marvin
05-18-2013, 12:20 AM
I didn't get as far as I would have liked to on the electrical components and box this evening but here is the start of it.

Drilled the hole on the side of the electrical box for the connector to hole the power cord.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/036_zpsd6d83212.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/055_zps2152c287.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/056_zps75a13f92.png

I do not plan to hard wire the PID power and SSR connections. I want them to have two prong male plugs so that if I need to remove the PID housing or the electrical box housing from the barrel, I can just unplug. I cut a hole in the other side of the electrical box so that a receptacle could be mounted.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/057_zpsff8cf9da.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/058_zpsf89c36ce.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/059_zps1a5a34a5.png

Marvin
05-18-2013, 03:59 PM
Finished the hole in the cover for the 120v receptacle.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/060_zpsebb60c3e.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/061_zpsb46d5319.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/062_zpsd8429cf1.png

Used the wire wheel on the electrical box to get it down the the metal so I could spray paint it the same color as the barrel.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/063_zpsd75ee853.png

After another coat or two of paint, then its time to mount and wire up all the components.

Marvin
05-20-2013, 01:54 AM
I'm not going to do one long post, going to break things into 2-3 smaller posts.

Mounting the PID in it's case.

Front plate off the case.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/064_zps844bb6cd.png

PID mounted in front plate.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/065_zps3a0c58dc.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/066_zps051ba58c.png

Back plate off the case.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/067_zpsa70b03e4.png

Used the dremel to cut a hole in the back plate for the thermocouple socket.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/068_zps2dfa9a41.png

Run the wires through the back plate to wire up power to the PID and the wire for the SSR connection.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/069_zps478eb144.png

Ready to wire up the PID power, SSR connection and thermocouple socket.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/070_zpsdccb449e.png

Back plate mounted.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/071_zps89e50dfb.png

Wiring through the case.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/072_zps62e9f606.png

PID, SSR and thermocouple socket wired.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/073_zps5f366202.png

Front and back shots of the completed PID case.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/074_zpsba0d6acf.png

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/075_zpsa50e7d96.png

Male plug for the thermocouple so it can plug into the back of the PID case.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/076_zps2e94ca5a.png


Plug mounted.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/077_zpsfaba999e.png

Mounted the plugs for the power to the PID and the SSR. Used heat shrink tubing to cover the individual pairs. The black heat shrink set (say that 3 times fast :wink:) is power to the PID and the green heat shrink set is for the SSR connection.

I also used the soldering iron to engraved into each plug what it is as well ... one marked Power and one marked SSR.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/079_zps67993726.png

This next part may seem a little tricky as most do not know the workings of a wall socket. You normally hook up the hot (positive) and neutral (negative) terminals from one breaker (and the ground wire as well) and both sockets are hot (functioning), you do not have to hook up both sockets (terminals/screws).

How power is fed from one socket to the other, is by a little bridge between the two sockets.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/080_zpsffd2d5d3.png

Closer view.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/081_zps4c9ce433.png

In terms of electrical wiring, if you want each socket on it's own breaker, you would cut the bridge between the two and wire each socket to a separate breaker.

What I have done is cut the bridge, now, one socket is for power to the PID and the other socket is for the the SSR connection.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/082_zpsb865b5a2.png

Closer look with things plugged in.

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/084_zps349bfc0a.png

Another look once the bridge is cut (sorry the pic is out of focus :doh:).

http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w600/MarvinBBQ/Electric%20Smoker%20Build/085_zps8394f2b1.png


More to come shortly.

Jonnysax
05-27-2013, 08:19 PM
Nice build! I did mine with an old oven. see my build here: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/137584/jonnys-rusty-old-oven-build-lots-of-photos

HookedOnQ
05-27-2013, 08:31 PM
Looks like your moving right along. Looking good