installing additional heating element

[drdale]

I have read the some people have installed an additional heating element in the 6 rack digital.  How do you do that?  Description please.  Also, comment on safety of that install.

[TedEbear]

I have read the some people have installed an additional heating element in the 6 rack digital.  How do you do that?  Description please.  Also, comment on safety of that install.

Here's a step-by-step install guide for the OBS.  I believe the 6 rack digital would be the same procedure.

Additional Heating Element Modification

The one thing I did differently than the instructions was I just made a short 3-4" wire loop on each side from the second element to the first element instead of running the wires all the way out the back of the cooking chamber and connecting to the plug on the back of the unit. Either way it is still wired in parallel.

Also, I removed the inline 10A fuse from the circuit but kept the high temp limit sensor. 

If you do this mod adding a PID controller is highly recommended. I have the internal Auber version that mounts in the smoke generator box or a project box.

As far as safety, the 120V connections on the second element are exposed in the chamber since there is not a ceramic insulator to hide them.  Just have to be more careful.

[Habanero Smoker]

The link that TedBear posted is for the digital models.

I would not do this modification without an external temperature controller; such as a PID. To address any additional concerns you may have, the link below shows how to add a second in-line fuse and temperature sensor for the second element. Make sure you order the right parts, because the OBS and DBS use different parts.
Additional In-line Fuse & Temp Sensor