A primary/secondary regulator question

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by pointyskull, Jul 8, 2017.

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  1. pointyskull

    pointyskull Zealot (675) Mar 17, 2010 Illinois
    Trader

    If I am using a secondary regulator is there a formula/chart/resource/suggestions to help me determine what psi my primary should be set to?

    I have seen a multitude of responses on other boards, ranging from 15 to 50 psi for the primary, so I'm guessing other factors come into play.

    In my current situation I have a commercial keg tapped, and will soon want to force carb a homebrew corny.

    thanks in advance.....
     
    #1 pointyskull, Jul 8, 2017
  2. IceAce

    IceAce Pooh-Bah (2,274) Jan 8, 2004 California
    Pooh-Bah

    The primary needs to be set higher than the secondary; a good rule of thumb is 10 additional psi will work fine.
     
    #2 IceAce, Jul 8, 2017
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  3. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    The main purpose of the primary regulator is to reduce the pressure to a safe and manageable level. 700+ psi would put a lot of unnecessary stress on the downstream components, requiring reinforced hoses and beefier connections, not to mention the safety issues when a hose or a connection inevitably fails. 20-ish psi, not so much. As @IceAce said, it only needs to be higher than the highest secondary. 10 additional psi is fine. If you don't need multiple pressures, you can get by with simply a primary set to serving pressure and save yourself $50+.
     
    #3 mikehartigan, Jul 11, 2017
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  4. pointyskull

    pointyskull Zealot (675) Mar 17, 2010 Illinois
    Trader

    Thanks for the info, folks.

    I already have a secondary, so so much for me saving the extra cash.
    I wanted the multiple pressure options so I can force carb a homebrew corny while keeping 'normal' psi on a commercial keg.
     
    #4 pointyskull, Jul 11, 2017
  5. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Even if you decided you would only ever need one pressure, you'd likely buy a secondary or three somewhere down the road anyway. That's just how this homebrewing thing works! :rolling_eyes:
     
    #5 mikehartigan, Jul 11, 2017
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