Need help installing new thermostat into old lab bator [pic heavy]

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
No problem Wynette,

There are ways around that if the wattage is to high, you can put a relay between the heater element and the thermostat. The thermostat operates the relay and the relay operates the heater coils.

Just one thing to remember about electricity....... it's nothing more than condensed smoke..... if you don't do it right the smoke comes out.

I know I know
shut up Steve

 

[Wynette]

Steve, I appreciate ALL the feedback I can get on this. I don't want to fry my new thermostat...it took a bit of time to save up for it, and I certainly don't want to have to replace it before I can even give it a try.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

We will get it working for you, I just looked at one of the spare heating elements I have for our sportsman and it is 200 watt. I'm betting the ones in yours are quite a bit higher. An older model wafer type thermostat probably has a higher rating, but a relay is probably going to be the way to go. They don't cost much and it's easy to add to the circuit.

Steve

 

[Wynette]

Okay, so it says "240 W" on the heating element. There are other numbers, too...but wanted to get this info. in here as soon as I could.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Does it say that on the heater element itself or on the unit? The thermostat you have is rated for 400 watts. If the entire unit draws 240 watts you are good to go, if each element draws 240 your thermostat won't handle it. I sent a PM to another BYC'r that knows wiring so we can get a 2nd opinion. I'm thinking we are going to need to put a relay between your thermostat and the heaters.

Steve

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
if they are working with 110 volts there are relays that have 110 volt holding coils this would simplify the wiring of a relay/contactor a bit . if memory serves the rating on the snap switch that is part of the wafer t-stat is rated at 22 amps

 

[Wynette]

Okay, so I printed up all of your responses to give to my brother - who said the info. was very helpful, but he really needs to know why there are 3 wires coming from the heating element. Does anyone know the answer? Bro was hoping someone we'd find someone who had a similar bator at some point....Thanks!

 

[Wynette]

shameless bump....I really was hoping to get this thing installed tonight - anyone??

Steve, did you get a reply from the other BYC-er that's also good with wiring?

Okay, so my bro's sitting here beside me and I'm forcing him to give me more info about what he needs:

THe bottom (white) wire (bottom of the 3 white wires - it has black sharpie marker on it) is hot, the other 2 are neutral. He doesn't understand why there are 2 neutrals and 1 hot. This doesn't make sense to bro and he doens't want to blow something up. If he can understand why there are 2 neutrals, then he'll know how to hook it up. Can the 2 neutrals be wired together?

Also - on the thermostat that we got from GQF - so am I understanding that it gets mounted inside, and that when it needs to be adjusted for temp., you'd then have to open the door? That seems odd....it's a honkin' big door, and lots of heat/humidity would escape...is this how most thermostats in the cabinet incubators work?

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
originally it was probably 2 stage heat 1 neutral or common and 2 power legs when you put power on 1 power leg and the neutral you get one level of heat. when you put power on the other leg and neutral you get a higher level of heat if your switch has only one position on and off thats what the jumper was for energizing both power legs at the same time.

if your brother could ohm the heater it would help a lot there are 2 different ways the heater could be made/set up .

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
Wynette,
They never answered back.

The 2 neutrals are wired together - That's what that red jumper does, they are the same connection point. Does this help any?


x heater element (neutral - white wire)(these are connected together before via the jumper)
x
x
x heater element (hot wire - red wire from themostat)(the hot wire went thru the thermostat and that turns the heater on and off)
x
x
x heater element (neutral - white wire)(these are connected together before via the jumper)

On our Sportsman there is a hole on the side of the incubator to adjust the temp without opening the door.

Steve