? for the electrically inclined

[Justin King]

Would a 15 amp router control work as a variable switch for a 1000 watt heating element?

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Yes, I think it would.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

If it's a 110v or 220v element, yes. @ 110v it's only a little over 9 amps.

 

[Justin King]

Thanks, I'll let you know...

 

[Bill Burke]

watts = volts x amps

so, amps = watts / volts

so at 120 volts your 1000 watts heater will draw 8.333 amps and at 240 volts it will draw 4.1666 amps.

 

[Justin King]

Works like a charm, if anyone was interested. I can keep my parkerizing tank at a nice, stable temp now.

 

[Doc Shipley]

Oooh, good call!

I need to make a heater for my quench tank, and I need a new home for the infinite-control switch off a little 110V Paragon kiln. This sounds perfect.

What heating element are you using?

 

[Justin King]

The element I am using came from one of Allied Precision's bucket heaters. I have not been able to find out what the element is made from so I'm hoping it is not reactive with the parkerizing chemicals. With the amperage rating of the router control I am using I can run a 120v 1500w element for a water heater if the one I have is not suitible, Home depot sells them for about
15-20$.