This project is to build a high power audio dummy load for testing audio amplifiers. Please note; when I mention connecting speakers in the video, I meant to say amplifier output.
The nice thing about using isolated water heater elements is that you do not need to use a dielectric fluid like mineral oil. You could just use something more readily available like water, or probably better yet engine coolant (water ethylene glycol) so you wouldn’t need to worry about having it sitting in the car on a winter day. Engine coolant would probably make the unit last longer than water since it has corrosion inhibitors in it. Water or WEG would probably be slightly better thermal conductors than mineral oil anyway, helping dissipate heat from the resistors more efficiently. Thank you for the excellent idea, this was something I was needing to build and was hesitant because of the cost of proper resistors. I’m glad I found your channel!
I’m not sure if water or engine coolant would expand and contract more or less than oil, but as long as you have some air in there and a vent, you should be good from a pressure standpoint. If you’re worried about evaporation over time you could make a simple sight glass using transparent tubing and compression fittings, if you really wanted to go overboard on it!
That's as good as my "Cantenna" dummy load for RF 👍 I've got like an old 900 watt Peavey amp that needs some work and this would be a good load for it.
