Irene Stephens on sat 7 oct 00
I just put in new elements in my Paragon electronic kiln which I have =
used for 3 yrs (over 100 firings). It worked fine for the 1st three =
firings, then a message came up stating "failure". The manual said to =
check the thermocouple lead wires. Per the instructions I had the =
thermocouple checked with an ohmeter and got a reading of 11.2. The =
manual states if the wires have continuity then I need a new control =
board and not a thermocouple (ouch! ) Has anyone had this problem and =
would you automatically put in a new control board or would you try a =
new thermocouple first? This is my first experience in doing repairs on =
my kiln and I just wanted some input before putting out the big bucks =
for a control board if the problem may be something else. Any input =
would be appreciated!
Cindy Strnad on sun 8 oct 00
Irene,
Thermocouples are generally good for around a year if you use the kiln a
lot. So, you probably need a new one anyhow. I'd go for that first. Call
Euclids and ask for their advice--their number is in any issue of CM or CT.
Just check the advertisers' index in the back to find their ad easily.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
www.earthenvesselssd.com
chris@euclids.com on tue 10 oct 00
> I just put in new elements in my Paragon electronic kiln which I have used
for 3 yrs (over >100 firings). It worked fine for the 1st three firings,
then a message came up stating >"failure Has anyone had this problem and
would you automatically put in a new control >board or would you try a new
thermocouple first?
Hi Irene,
i would definately start by replacing the thermocouple ... that should solve
the problem.
Feel free to give us a call for assistance.
chris
chris@euclids.com
www.euclids.com
800-296-5456
Dave Bartlett on tue 10 oct 00
A general approach to solving a fail message problem is to cut the =
problem in half (determine whether the problem is with the thermocouple =
or with the controller). To do this (caution: disconnect power before =
opening the control box), disconnect the thermocouple and run a loop of =
wire from the screw marked yellow to the screw marked red (a paper clip =
will work for this). Repower the controller and get it it to a flashing =
temperature. If the temperature is the room temperature, the board is =
good and the problem is with the thermocouple. If the controller still =
goes to fail, the thermocouple is good and the controller needs to be =
repaired or replaced.
Some newer controllers have a board temperature option. If yours has =
that option, you can determine whether the problem is with the =
controller or thermocouple without disconnecting the thermcouple. When =
you have selected that option, if the controller is displaying room =
temperature, the board is good and the thermocouple needs replaced. If =
the display still goes to fail or unusually high temperatures, the =
thermocouple is ok. Contact your kiln manufacturer to see if your =
controller has this option.
Dave Bartlett
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