Frank Tucker on mon 26 oct 98
At 09:20 AM 10/23/98 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Wayne Rives wrote:
>>
>> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> I have a Skutt 1027 that I only use for bisque. In an attempt
>> to use my limited space more efficiently, I am considering
>> welding up an angle iron frame that will fit the existing stand
>> base measurements. I will mount 3 inch wheels on the angle iron
>> frame, and set the kiln on top.
>>
>>
>>
>> Anyone seen anything like this,
>>
>> Wayne Rives
>> Peachtree City, GA
>Hi Wayne:
>I have a 10 cu. kiln & a 4 1/2 c. kiln that use the same plug. A friend
>welded high density wheels on the bottom of the frame of the small kiln
>so it can be moved closer to the plug. Works great, the wheels have
>been on the kiln for years & haven't been affected by the heat at all.
>Give it a try.
>
>Beryl Budnark..........Hamilton, Ont.
>
>
Hi Beryl,
Just a note of caution.
Kilns sharing receptacles is something you want to be careful with.
There are 2 major concerns.
The first is that constantly unplugging and re-plugging something into a
receptacle will eventually cause wear on the receptacle parts as they begin
to loosen. This is a potential electrical hazard, and is also the reason
that CSA doesn't allow Canadian kiln manufacturers to put plugs on their
kilns in the first place. If you are going to use such a system, be sure
to keep an eye on the condition of the receptacle, and replace it with the
first signs of wear. Look for a loose connection, or discolouring of the
receptacle's surface.
The second concern is that you couldn't possibly have an "electrically
legal" (if such a term exists) installation if you are using 2 different
sizes of kilns on the same service. If the receptacle was made for the
amperage of the smaller kiln, it would not be able to handle the amperage
of the larger kiln and would therefore blow your breaker whenever you tried
to use the 10 cft kiln. Since I'm sure that this is not the case, you must
have installed a receptacle for the larger kiln. Now when you use the
small kiln, which draws substantially less amperage than the receptacle and
wiring are rated to handle, you also have an electrical hazard. The
receptacle and associated breaker are installed as a safety mechanism, and
if something goes wrong with the kiln they are designed to shut down the
power. If for instance you decide to change the elements in the 4 cft
kiln, and you either install the wrong ones, or you re-assemble the kiln
incorrectly so that there is either a short in the wiring or make any other
of the possible mistakes in re-assembling things; it is now quite possible
that the kiln could fire incorrectly, damage electrical parts, or even give
you a shock. Since the service you have it hooked up to is for a kiln of
much greater amperage, it is possible that the breaker will NOT blow and
allow further damage to the kiln.
Michael Leonard
TUCKER'S POTTERY SUPPLIES
tuckers@passport.ca
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