First smoker build, a few PID questions

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acarter5251

Newbie
Original poster
Dec 22, 2013
5
10
Hi, I have looked at quite a few diagrams and threads regarding the set up of a PID for temperature control of electric smokers. I am considering building a PID controller box for an electric smoker and just had a few questions to make sure I do this correctly and safely.  

1) I was planning on ultimately using the PID with a 1500 watt heating element, so based on this, the current being drawn by the element should be around 13A, correct?

2) I was thinking of using 12 AWG wiring for the input as well as wires connected to the outlet and the relay, while using 18 or 20 AWG wire for the wires running to the PID.  Would this be sufficient?

3) I was planning on housing the unit in a plastic junction box, with the heat sink on the outside of the box.  It would be a good idea to connect a ground wire to the heat sink for safety purposes, correct?

4) As far as fuses go, should a 1A fuse be good enough for protecting the PID?  Also what size fuse would be good for the heating element?  I was thinking something around 16A, but I'm not entirely sure?

Thanks for the help
 
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