Help with a 220v PID controlled smoker.

[heritagemeat]

Hello,
I have built a smoker out of a double door commercial freezer.
I am using an inkbird PID controller operating a 5000 watt element.
I can't figure out why the wires are getting so hot. The thermocouple works and the element shuts down when it gets to temp.
I have 10 gauge running to the element from the relay. There is a fan that blows air across the top of the element. Fan and element purchased from The Sausage Maker for a 100# smoker. Element rates at 20 amps.

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

You can see where an element wire shorted to the frame of the smoker.

Using an ohmmeter, closely check that the element is reading the amount of ohms it's supposed to.
Also that the element isn't contacting the frame anywhere.
Then replace all power wires to be safe.
They're cheaper than a fire.

 

[heritagemeat]

You can see where an element wire shorted to the frame of the smoker.

Using an ohmmeter, closely check that the element is reading the amount of ohms it's supposed to.
Also that the element isn't contacting the frame anywhere.
Then replace all power wires to be safe.
They're cheaper than a fire.

Thank you. The wires got so hot it melted the insulation and it hit the frame.

 

[JC in GB]

Thank you. The wires got so hot it melted the insulation and it hit the frame.

I agree with @Up_In_Smoke. Also, when you rewire it, use high temperature insulation wire. Make sure all connections are very clean or you will get hot spots. I wish you success.

JC in GB

 

[JIMSMOKES]

I wouldn't use those wire nuts for connections. Crimp or even better solder them.

 

[dsk]

Wires to the hot element connection need to be ultra-high temperature wire. This means ceramic, fiberglass, or mica insulated wires. I don't think teflon will be good enough in this case. I'm not really sure how long they need to be, with free air circulation, before you can transition to regular wire. I'd guess at least a foot, 18 inches would be better, but you will need to figure it out. Use only crimp terminals for everything.