by olddog » Wed Feb 01, 2012 12:59 pm
The type of element I use is a 2400w backup element from a Solarhart solar water heater, they are available in 2400w and 3600w, but as I am on a 10 amp circuit 2400 is the max for me.
The element has a plate with 4 bolt holes. I cut the circular hole for the element in the keg, and drilled the 4 holes to bolt it on, you can fit the bolts through the element hole. I used a SS washer and a cork washer on the inside, and 3 layers of cork on the outside made into a gasket shape for the square plate fitting. If you get the bolts a bit longer than normal, once you get the nut on, you can grip the thread with a vice grip to tighten really tight, as at this stage you will not be able to get a spanner on the head of the bolt inside of the keg. I tighten up all four bolts and really compress the cork. I have done two kegs like this, and have had no leaks.
OD