Autumn Downey on sat 6 may 00
Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to test kiln elements
with a meter - and more importantly how to interpret the numbers that pop
up? Does this even work as a way of picking out the weaker elements?
Kiln is a Coneart 208 v, 3phase, 33 amp. 10.3kw. I've been placing the
meter probes on the connectors to the switches. Is that an ok place?
Should switches be on or off?
It seemed like the readings on new elements is around 32 (ohms) and on some
that have been there awhile - around 25 or 26. Others were around 12, but
in this case I thought maybe the numbers read differently (higher) after I
had turned the switches off and then back on. (No power connnected, or I
wouldn't be typing this).
Yes, I know some local electricians, but not too well!
This is my latest "bone" to worry, so would appreciate any suggestions from
those who check over kilns on a regular basis.
Thanks.
Autumn Downey
downeya@internorth.com
Yellowknife, NWT, Canada
http://users.internorth.com/~downeya/index.html
chris@euclids.com on mon 8 may 00
> Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to test kiln elements
> with a meter - and more importantly how to interpret the numbers that pop
> up?
Hi Autumn,
One of our technicians would be glad to go over this with you & compare your
readings to the actual specs. Feel free to give us a call.
chris
chris@euclids.com
www.euclids.com
800-296-5456
chris@euclids.com on mon 8 may 00
> Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to test kiln elements
> with a meter - and more importantly how to interpret the numbers that pop
> up?
Hi Autumn,
One of our technicians would be glad to go over this with you & compare your
readings to the actual specs. Feel free to give us a call.
chris
chris@euclids.com
www.euclids.com
800-296-5456
Andie Plamondon on sun 3 jul 05
I have a cone 10 electric kiln. I generally fire to cone 7 or 8.
My glaze firings have been taking longer than usual, and I wonder if I have
an element going.
What is the best process for testing elements?
I have turned them all on one by one and they do heat up. Do you leave them
until they glow? How long should this take?
Thanks for any tips -
:) Andie Plamondon
Handful of Earth Pottery
www.handfulofearth.com
Liz Harris on mon 4 jul 05
Hi Andie,
The best way to test the integrity of your element coils is to measure their electrical
resistance; if they all glow, then they are all carrying current, but you cannot tell how
well they are doing so. As elements age, their electrical resistance will increase, the
amount of current they carry will decrease, and the time it takes to fire your kiln will
increase. This is normal, unavoidable aging.
Go to your nearest home supply store, like Home Depot, and purchase an ohm-
meter (ohms are the unit of measurement for electrical resistance). You can get a
simple unit which just measures resistance or a multimeter, which will also measure
things like amperage and voltage. I like the multipurpose multimeter better, since my
husband and I use it all over the house in addition to my kiln. You can probably get
a good unit for as little as $15-20. The ones with all sorts of bells and whistles go up
to about $50. Just make sure that the range the unit will cover will include the values
you need (if you'll need it to measure 100 amps, for example, make sure that the unit
does not go just up to 50 amps).
Read the directions for using the unit!!! When you measure resistance, the most
important step is to MAKE SURE THE POWER TO YOUR KILN IS OFF. Unplug it,
shut off the breaker--check and recheck. Failing to do so can result in electrical
shock and death. Place one meter lead on each end of an element coil, at the
element connector, and the resistance value will be read by the meter. Test each of
the element coils one-by-one and compare the values to those for new elements
(values for new elements will be available from your kiln's manufacturer). With time,
you'll note how high the electrical resistance is when firing times become excessive-
-then it's time to replace the elements. If you have a reading which is so high it's off-
the-scale, then that element is just plain broken and needs replacement; you'll have
to judge whether the others are intact but not yet ready for replacement. If you have
noted a progressive increase in firing time, then the elements are probably just all
aging.
Good luck! Remember to shut off the power to your kiln first. I am not a licensed
electrician, so if you have any concerns, consult one first. But, measuring electrical
resistance of your kiln elements is easy to do. Keep track of the readings over time;
it's the best way to determine whether you have one bad coil (which will affect all the
others in series with it) or just a bunch of aging ones.
Peace,
Liz Harris
Goddess Earthworks
William & Susan Schran User on mon 4 jul 05
On 7/4/05 1:45 AM, "Liz Harris" wrote:
> Place one meter lead on each end of an element coil, at the
> element connector, and the resistance value will be read by the meter.
This is a very important point! To get an accurate reading the leads of the
ohm meter must contact a clean/shiny area of the element. This means you
will have to open the panel/box to access the element pigtail where it makes
the connection with the lead wire.
This means shut off the power, turn off circuit breaker, unplug the kiln -
then just to be sure, turn on the kiln to make certain it's not connected to
juice!
--
William "Bill" Schran
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Arnold Howard on tue 5 jul 05
The center elements on some kilns take longer to glow than the top and
bottom elements. Some people assume that since the center elements do not
glow, they are burned out. But if you give them more time during an element
glow test, they will gradually begin to light up. The length of time needed
for them to glow depends on the kiln.
You can use an ohmmeter or an ammeter to test elements. I know people who
accurately gauge element life with an ohmmeter. However, it's tricky,
because if your ohmmeter is off just slightly, you may end up replacing an
element that still has plenty of life. The difference between a new element
and a worn one is only a couple of ohms or less.
To gauge element life, you might try an ammeter test. You can test all the
elements from one ammeter reading. Caution: The power is on during an
ammeter test, and you will be exposed to live wires. Please don't perform an
ammeter test on a kiln unless you are familiar with electrical work. (An
ohmmeter test is safer because the power is turned off.)
Ammeter Test
1) With the power turned off, open the kiln switch box. Place an ammeter
clamp around one of the hot wires of the kiln cordset.
2) With the kiln switch box still open and the ammeter clamped around one
hot wire, turn the kiln back on. (Do not touch any wires inside the kiln
switch box.) Compare the amp reading with the amps listed on the kiln's
electrical data plate. If the amps are low, test the voltage under load
(while the kiln is firing).
The amps may be low because of low voltage instead of worn elements. This is
a definite possibility especially during the summer when electrical demand
is higher than usual.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andie Plamondon"
> What is the best process for testing elements?
>
> I have turned them all on one by one and they do heat up. Do you leave
> them
> until they glow? How long should this take?
William & Susan Schran User on thu 4 jan 07
On 1/4/07 5:12 PM, "Sue Roessel Dura" wrote:
> Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way to find
> out
> that every element is working?
Turn the kiln on high, wait a couple of minutes, turn off the room lights,
carefully lift the lid of the kiln and see if the elements begin to glow,
especially at the corners.
Alternatively, turn on high and hold a piece of paper against each element -
warning - a rather dangerous method.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
Sue Roessel Dura on thu 4 jan 07
Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way to =
find out
that every element is working? THanks! Sue
Erik Harmon on fri 5 jan 07
Turn your kiln on high,give it a while to warm up, turn off the lights and look to see they are all glowing. Erik
Sue Roessel Dura wrote: Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way to find out
that every element is working? THanks! Sue
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
Sue Roessel Dura on fri 5 jan 07
On Thu, 4 Jan 2007 20:32:11 -0500, you wrote:
>On 1/4/07 5:12 PM, "Sue Roessel Dura" wrote:
>
>> Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way =
to find
>> out
>> that every element is working?
>
>Turn the kiln on high, wait a couple of minutes, turn off the room =
lights,
>carefully lift the lid of the kiln and see if the elements begin to =
glow,
>especially at the corners.
>
>Alternatively, turn on high and hold a piece of paper against each =
element -
>warning - a rather dangerous method.
I did this, but laid a small piece of newspaper in each element groove on=
top of
the element. I waited until there was at least some smoke coming from =
them
(some actually did flame) and turned off the kiln. Then I cleaned up the
remaining debris. So I'd say they are all working and I didn't have to =
hold
flaming paper in my hand or wonder if one of them was really glowing. =
Best, Sue
Lois Ruben Aronow on fri 5 jan 07
This is what I too, but I was afraid if I posted it, someone would yell at
me about safety.
Another note: if I've had a complete overhaul, like relays and stuff, I
will run a fast firing - empty - to ^018. that way I know it's all working,
will turn off, etc. I would probably use cones to test the temp.
For those of use without an extra or backup kiln, it's important to take the
step.
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Erik Harmon
Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 10:32 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Testing elements
Turn your kiln on high,give it a while to warm up, turn off the lights and
look to see they are all glowing. Erik
Sue Roessel Dura wrote: Now that my kiln will be back
together tomorrow, is there a safe way to find out that every element is
working? THanks! Sue
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Craig Clark on fri 5 jan 07
If the elements are working correctly you should be getting a nice
glow from them within five minutes. Just keep in mind that if the lid is
open and the kiln is on then there is 220 volts with substanital current
flowing through the elements. If you inadverdently come in contact with
one of them, besides the burn problem, you will also experience a very
nasty shock. So, just be aware and careful. It is quite easy to do. It
is always a good idea to have another person around as well who is there
to turn off the power at the breaker panel if anything happens.
Hope this helps
Craig Dunn Clark
619 East 11 1/2 St
Houston, Texas 77008
(713)861-2083
mudman@hal-pc.org
Erik Harmon wrote:
> Turn your kiln on high,give it a while to warm up, turn off the lights and look to see they are all glowing. Erik
>
> Sue Roessel Dura wrote: Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way to find out
> that every element is working? THanks! Sue
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
billBUCKNER on sat 6 jan 07
Someone wrote...
> Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way
to find out that every element is working?
Someone responded...
> Alternatively, turn on high and hold a piece of paper against each element -
> warning - a rather dangerous method.
I say...
Yeooooww! I do hope folks will have better sense than to make any kind
of personal contact with a live electrical kiln element!!! "A rather
dangerous method" indeed. Why even make such a suggestion?
Please have a little common sense...
The method suggested above can be used safely by applying a piece of
paper (or a match, or some other combustible material) to the element
while is safely disconnected from the power and cold. Turn the
element(s) on high and WATCH, DON'T TOUCH! The combustibles should
scorch or ignite within a minute or so. NEVER MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT
WITH A LIVE ELECTRICAL ELEMENT, PLEASE!
I really would not like to hear about anyone who tested their elements,
but did not live to tell about it.
-Bill
--
bill*BUCKNER*atlanta
www.sodaglaze.com
Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
-Dr. Seuss
Craig Clark on sat 6 jan 07
Sorry, but I gotta throw in on this method. It is questionable at best,
and I'm being diplomatic with my prose here. Why on earth do you want to
put a piece of paper in the elements when a visual inspection work just
fine?!?!?!? All one needs to do is turn the kiln on high and take a
look. The elements will glow if they are working. This is a simple thing
to do. Additionally, the flashpoint of paper is only 451 F, so this will
not indicate whether or not the elements are working at full tilt boogie.
Hope this helps
Craig Dunn CLark
619 East 11 1/2 St
Houston, Texas 77008
(713)861-2083
mudman@hal-pc.org
billBUCKNER wrote:
> Someone wrote...
> > Now that my kiln will be back together tomorrow, is there a safe way
> to find out that every element is working?
>
> Someone responded...
>> Alternatively, turn on high and hold a piece of paper against each
>> element -
>> warning - a rather dangerous method.
> I say...
>
> Yeooooww! I do hope folks will have better sense than to make any kind
> of personal contact with a live electrical kiln element!!! "A rather
> dangerous method" indeed. Why even make such a suggestion?
>
> Please have a little common sense...
>
> The method suggested above can be used safely by applying a piece of
> paper (or a match, or some other combustible material) to the element
> while is safely disconnected from the power and cold. Turn the
> element(s) on high and WATCH, DON'T TOUCH! The combustibles should
> scorch or ignite within a minute or so. NEVER MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT
> WITH A LIVE ELECTRICAL ELEMENT, PLEASE!
>
> I really would not like to hear about anyone who tested their elements,
> but did not live to tell about it.
>
> -Bill
>
> --
>
> bill*BUCKNER*atlanta
> www.sodaglaze.com
>
> Be who you are and say what you feel,
> because those who mind don't matter
> and those who matter don't mind.
> -Dr. Seuss
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
>
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
Arnold Howard on mon 8 jan 07
You can also use thermal fax paper to test elements. Cut the
paper into 1/2" wide strips, and place one in each element
groove. Turn on the kiln for 20 seconds. Elements that
heated will turn the fax paper black.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
From: "billBUCKNER"
> The method suggested above can be used safely by applying
> a piece of
> paper (or a match, or some other combustible material) to
> the element
> while is safely disconnected from the power and cold.
> Turn the
> element(s) on high and WATCH, DON'T TOUCH! The
> combustibles should
> scorch or ignite within a minute or so.
| |
|
