Wiring oven Question!!

[goincrzy]

I got a question about wiring my oven.... Im using the elements out of my old electric oven and im sure alot of people might of asked this question, Do i need an ssr or a pid I really dont know for sure what these items are and if I need them or not....
I wired my oven up so far by using the controls and dials off of the old oven.. I wired the two elements so both turn on when you turn the oven selector to bake (broil does nothing) my question for this is, can I cause a fire in the wiring or controller since the bake selector is running two elements instead of just one?? Also if the bake selector is running both is it getting enough voltage?? should I increase the wires from the selector to the first element??

Incase you havent noticed im dumb when it comes to wiring things so if you have an easier way for me to do this im all ears!!! Keep in mind im doing this on the cheap to so please no expensive parts!!!
Thanks for the help.....

[tr4dude]

the size of the wire should not be a problem, i was doing my oven like that and the contactor stuck in the test runs and the circut board burned out but I was able to solder it back and am just using one element until I can get a pid and ssr, the wires never got hot, I think the biggest thing is if the contactor will take the amperage that both elements are drawing. It might stick or burn out. just do some test runs to see what happens and have a fire extenquisher ready

[ed_denu]

The only way to safely answer your question is to know the capacities of all the components. Since you are powering 2 elements from controls that were probably designed to handle only 1, it is likely that something will fail as tr4dude pointed out.

You can determine the wattage of the elements by doing an ohms test. The controls may or may not have any markings on them indicating their capacities. The wiring also may have markings on it that will help you determine it's capacities.

Your concern about the elements getting the correct voltage isn't the issue. The voltage will remain the same, but the current draw(amperage) is what you need to be concerned about(2 elements versus 1).

Lastly, and probably most important, don't forget about the circuit you are powering your oven from. It needs to be of the proper amperage to support your load.

[goincrzy]

OK let me ask you guys this, if i wanna redo all the wiring and get rid of the old oven controllers what exactly would I need to get
I've been spending some time on here looking at different wiring questions from the past and gaining some knowledge but not enough......
Do I need an ssr and a pid?? Do I need 2ssr's?? IM confused!!
Just to let you know I built an oven that is 3x3x5 I only have 2elements in there and a light, no fan yet but would like to get one after i figure the main wiring out.... Thanks for the help!!!
Also what are you using to seal your door I've looked for fiberglass rope but nobody carries it...

[ed_denu]

Originally Posted by goincrzy

OK let me ask you guys this, if i wanna redo all the wiring and get rid of the old oven controllers what exactly would I need to get
I've been spending some time on here looking at different wiring questions from the past and gaining some knowledge but not enough......
Do I need an ssr and a pid??You need a pid, it's the controller to manage the temperature. The ssr is a relay that is used to switch the high current for the elements as the pid circuit cannot handle the load. Do I need 2ssr's?? IM confused!!This would depend on the element load, but in general 1 ssr or contactor will surfice.
Just to let you know I built an oven that is 3x3x5 I only have 2elements in there and a light, no fan yet but would like to get one after i figure the main wiring out.... Thanks for the help!!!You need to determine the wattage of the elements you're using. Look for markings on them or better, do an ohms check with a miltimeter to determine their resistance. From this you can calculate wattage.
Also what are you using to seal your door I've looked for fiberglass rope but nobody carries it...Check the sticky at the top of this section for parts suppliers. McMaster Carr is one supplier for rope seals

See comments above

[goincrzy]

ok the wattages are as follows
the first element is
240v-3410w
208v-2565w

The second one is
240v-2585w
208v-1940w

what do you think for a ssr and the pid does it matter what pid i select with this setup??

[ed_denu]

Assuming you are running these elements at 240vac then combined they are going to draw @25 amps. I would go with a 40 amp ssr and a decent heatsink. Most any pid would be capable of driving this setup. If you intend to control the ssr via the pid's ssr connection terminals, then make sure the ssr you purchase has a DC input voltage.

6000 watts will probably heat a 45 sq. ft. oven ok.

25 amps plus a light and fan would be borderline on a 30 amp circuit(most circuit breakers are rated at 80% continuous load). If you haven't yet installed one, you may want to go with a 40 amp circuit.

[goincrzy]

Thank you for all the help!! I have to ask, what is a heatsink?? and why do i need it??

[ed_denu]

SSR's generate heat during the switching process. As the load increases, so does the heat generation. Anything greater than a few amps and an SSR would have a short life span without a good heatsink.

Heatsinks are generally finned aluminum devices that attach to the back of the SSR. The fins allow air to circulate over them to dissipate the heat. You could also use a recycled cpu computer heatsink with an attached fan.