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replacing thermocouple wires

updated wed 2 sep 09

 

Eleanora Eden on mon 31 aug 09


Hi Clayart,

Considering Dawn's issues reminded me that I have a kiln issue
that I have to address. My bottom pyro stopped working. If I switch
to that one the computer control registers "fail" and meaningless
temps.

I fixed it once by carefully taping up anyplace on the wires to that
sensor that seem to have worn. That worked for a while. Now I will
replace the thermocouples and the wiring.

I already have new thermocouples and have just ordered the wire.
(Also ordered a yard of the element connector wire as advised in one
of the posts.)

The wires all attach to the bottom of the Paragon kiln controller. I will
have to take the controller off the wall to get at them. I am pretty nervo=
us
about this job. Any advice?


Thanks in advance,

Eleanora


--
Bellows Falls Vermont
www.eleanoraeden.com

Arnold Howard on mon 31 aug 09


From: "Eleanora Eden"
> The wires all attach to the bottom of the Paragon kiln
> controller. I will
> have to take the controller off the wall to get at them.
> I am pretty nervous
> about this job. Any advice?
---------------
Eleanora, have you tried the paperclip test? If the
controller still reads Fail after you replace the
thermocouple with a bent paperclip, the problem is not the
thermocouple.

The controller is held in place with four screws on the
corners of the faceplate. Disconnect the power, remove the
screws, and carefully lift out the controller.

The thermocouple wires are on the bottom of the back of the
controller. The Bartlett controller (DTC 600 - 1000 series)
uses screws to hold the thermocouple wires; the Sentry 2.0
controller uses push-button connectors.

Screws: You will see a block where the screws fasten. As you
loosen or tighten the screws, hold the block to prevent it
from turning. Tighten securely.

Push-button: Press the button and insert the thermocouple
wire. Tug on the wire to be sure the connection is tight.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

Rogier Donker on tue 1 sep 09


Hey Eleanora,
There's only one correct way to connect the
yellow and red thermocouple wires. If you do it wrong the control pad
will say "FAIL"... reverse the wire connections and you'll be fine.
There is NO JUICE on those wires. Touching them will NOT KILL you!
You can do this!

Rogier

P.S. See us on the web at http://www.donkerstudio.org