[russell]

   I am going to install a 55000 Watt element into a HLT pot and one in a Boil pot. My thought is to keep it so the bottom of the element is one inch above the bottom of the pot. Where do you advise putting it?
     I also would like to have some feedback as to your tips and Does and Don'ts for this install. I am sure there are people out there that have some advice for me.
    Thank you

[a10t2]

As low as practical, both to maximize convection and to prevent dry-firing.

[gav]

1. Think carefully about where you want the cable to plug in. Most people go for L or R side, depending on where the kettle is going to sit. I have seen angled plug-ins on the back - just make sure that the element will clear any valves, dip tubes etc.
2. Low is good, but make sure you have enough space below the hole on the inside and outside for the fittings. Kettles have higher bottoms on the inside then outside. I've seen a hole drilled too low, and the inside fitting would not fit. Some fittings use large electrical boxes on the outside.
3. I can wholeheartedly recommend the 5.kW ULD elements that mount to a 1.5TC fitting - easily removable for cleaning. I got mine from brewhardware.com. They have a weldless TC fitting to go with it.

Remember think about all aspects (sleep on it), measure 3 times and cut once.

Good luck!

[goose]

You also might want to consider having the element high enough off the bottom of the kettle so that when you whirlpool the trub pile does not run into the heating element and not cone up properly.

Just my .02

[TeeDubb]

You also might want to consider having the element high enough off the bottom of the kettle so that when you whirlpool the trub pile does not run into the heating element and not cone up properly.

+1 on this. I use a straight heating element and it definitely hurts my whirpool trub cone formation.  Will be switching to a circular element (like the Blichmann Boilcoil) in the future since I need to keep it low in the kettle.

[russell]

  mounted the weldless 1.5 " tC try clamp bulk head today on my HLT. Using a try clamp 5500 watt element so I can take it out for cleaning. Center line is at 2 " from the bottom of the pot, It leaves me 1.5 inches from the bottom of the element to the bottom of the pot. Wish I had mounted it closer. Done and passed the water test.
   Thank everyone for their input.

[majorvices]

Just be careful it isn't too low because it can reflect heat off the bottom and scorch ... unfortunately this happened to me once and I had to retire that kettle to HLT status.