laurel ricucci on wed 21 aug 96
Hey there! I just got an electric kiln yesterday and I can't think about
anything else here at work today, so I'm writing you guys and gals about it
and hoping for a little advice, or ANYTHING you possibly might be able to
tell me. I have a little studio in my basement with a kickwheel, etc...
but until now, no kiln.
It's an old one. I'm not even sure what year, but it's a "Dyna-Kiln" top
loader -- 18"X18"X18" (on the inside). It's in fabulous condition, I can
tell that much; the elements look almost brand-new. But I'm clueless as
to how to get it going (electricity-wise). I'm hoping I don't have to get
an electrician because I rent this house (a town-house with a large,
unfinished basement). My landlord is a really cool guy, but I'd hate to
have to put all that money into his old house and then move out in a couple
of years when I can afford to buy my own. I thought I could unplug the
dryer and plug this kiln in, but there's NO WAY this plug is going in the
same outlet that my dryer plug goes into.
The manual that goes with the kiln says the voltage is 110-220 3-Wire, 36
amps, 5,940 watts. My dryer is supposedly 40 amps (that's what it says on
the electrical switch-box) and I do have central air-conditioning.
Do you think I can just get some sort of adapter, like from an electrical
supply store or something?
I'm really sorry if this is a dumb question, or a much-asked question. The
kiln was free. It was a wonderful and miraculous opportunity I couldn't
pass up -- otherwise, I might have waited until I knew more about it. I'm
usually very handy -- fixing things around the house and office, but I
really don't know much about electricity. And I don't have a degree in
ceramics -- just learned how to throw about 5 years ago.
If you want to put your two-cents in, you can reply to me directly at my
email address: ricucci@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu
Laurel Ricucci
Baltimore, Maryland
P.S. Don't worry, I'm not going to ANYTHING with it until I know what to
do and do it right. I'm not in a great big rush or anything.
P.S.S. Hi Debbie. You just plug yours into the dryer plug, huh?
Hmmmmmmmmmm. Is there something I forget to get from Bill???
BobWicks@aol.com on fri 23 aug 96
Hi Laurel:
I have a Dyna Kiln much like yours. My advice is hire an electrician to put
a new plug on your kiln and plug it in where your dryer was. If you are
handy, you might consider doing it yopur self, however I judge that your best
bet is to get an electrician. The kiln is no longer being manufactured, but
it was a good model.
Bob
Pamela Jo Stamper on sat 24 aug 96
Hi Laurel,
I recently had a discussion with Jim Koudelka (Oregon College of Arts
and crafts) I'm afraid you must get an electrician. Even if your new kiln
would plug into your dryer outlet the wire is probably not heavy enough for
the power load. You could be taking a chance so get some expert advice.
Congratulations on the new kiln. I recently fired mine for the first time.
What a thrill--and oh yeah, if the firing goes wrong now, it's my own
fault.
Pamela Jo-- North Oregon Coast, sunny today temp. in low 70's I
wouldn't have wished to be anywhere else but here.
Carl Ross on sat 24 aug 96
In a message dated 96-08-23 08:50:59 EDT, you write:
<<
Hi Laurel:
I have a Dyna Kiln much like yours. My advice is hire an electrician to put
a new plug on your kiln and plug it in where your dryer was. If you are
handy, you might consider doing it yopur self, however I judge that your
best
bet is to get an electrician. The kiln is no longer being manufactured, but
it was a good model.
Bob >>
That might work if you make sure the dryer is also on 220. A friend hooked up
a kiln to the wrong voltage and had a full load ruined because it doesn't
heat it up as quick as expected and ended up under fired. I suggest an
electrician also but make sure they know it has to be 220v as in our bakery,
where I'll be setting up a studio. Sometimes the electrician will hook it up
to a lower voltage or 3 phase if you have it, because it may only mean
tapping into an existing circuit rather than having to run a new one. that is
fine for freezers and the like as that is what they did for our cake freezer
and it only takes a little longer to cool down, but a kiln needs to be wired
for what it is made if it says 220 and has a 220 plug, it should be hooked up
to 220. If it isn't, the controls will be inaccurate as they aren't wired the
same. it's kind of like hooking a AA battery up to something that needs a 9
volt.
if you're totally confused, I don't blame you
Gotta go,
Carl in Phillips
Mark Sweany on sat 24 aug 96
> I recently had a discussion with Jim Koudelka (Oregon College of Arts
> and crafts) I'm afraid you must get an electrician. Even if your new kiln
> would plug into your dryer outlet the wire is probably not heavy enough for
> the power load. You could be taking a chance so get some expert advice.
Actually, there are a number of types of 220V plugs. Each type
is rated for a different amperage. Presuming that the person
that installed the plug and outlet knew what they was doing, if
the plug fits the receptacle, they have the same rating.
___
Mark Sweany
mpsweany@netzone.com
Larry Galbiati on tue 27 aug 96
>Laurel Ricucci
>Baltimore, Maryland
>I thought I could unplug the
>dryer and plug this kiln in, but there's NO WAY this plug is going in the
>same outlet that my dryer plug goes into.
I have a similar situation, I don't know if I can invest in the
electrical work necessary to hook my kiln up ( my circuit breaker box is
on the opposite side of the house from the garage -kiln location- and the
house is two story). So if you get some creative (albeit safe) ideas I
would much appreciate you forwarding them to me. Good luck with your
studio!
Janet E. Glass
apprentice potter in Arlington, Texas
working hard to make up for lost time!
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