Jennifer F Boyer on wed 18 jul 01
Hi all,
One of the leads burned out on the cord that runs from the
elements to the switch box. I noticed that some insulation
pieces have burned up: On the outside of the kiln where the
elements go through the body, they run through porcelain
collars. They used to run through insulation collars next and
then the elements go around the edge of a flat plate and hook
onto a bolt. Do you think these (disappeared) insulation parts
are necessary? I'm wanting to fix things so the wires don't burn
out again. The porcelain spacers at the top and bottom of the
flat plate are still intact.
The top section was the one that had the wire problem. The other
2 sections are fine. Is there something about the top section
that makes it more liable to burn out?
Also how often, if ever, do you go in and tighten the nuts on
the bolts that have the element ends wrapped around? I remember
something about loose fitting nuts creating problems......
Jennifer of the WD40 and 2 wrenches. PS: emailed L&L on this but
no answer yet, and of course I want to fire tomorrow....
--
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jennifer Boyer mailto:jboyer@adelphia.net
Thistle Hill Pottery
95 Powder Horn Glen Rd
Montpelier, VT 05602 USA
802-223-8926
http://www.thistlehillpottery.com/
Never pass on an email warning without checking out this site
for web hoaxes and junk:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/science/urbanlegends/cs/nethoaxes/index.htm
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Arnold Howard on wed 18 jul 01
The following information is for any kiln, not specifically for L &
L:
Porcelain insulators are used to keep the element from touching the
kiln's steel case and heat shield. It is very important that the
insulator is in place. Otherwise the element will short out against
the case, often ruining the element.
Sometimes an inexperienced repair person does not push the
porcelain insulator all the way into the kiln. This can result in
the element touching the case even with the insulator in place. If
you look at the insulator carefully, you can tell how the insulator
works and how it should be installed.
The switch box of the top section tends to get hotter than the
switch boxes of the other sections.
The element connectors must be tight. However, once the elements
have been fired, they become brittle. If you tighten the element
connector too much after the element has fired, you can break the
element. Recommended tightness will vary depending on the brand of
kiln. (Paragon elements require 30 inch pounds.)
Loose connections anywhere in the switch box can generate so much
heat that the connection blows. It can sound like a firecracker.
I hope this helps.
With best wishes,
Arnold Howard
Paragon
--- Jennifer F Boyer wrote:
> Hi all,
> One of the leads burned out on the cord that runs from the
> elements to the switch box. I noticed that some insulation
> pieces have burned up: On the outside of the kiln where the
> elements go through the body, they run through porcelain
> collars. They used to run through insulation collars next and
> then the elements go around the edge of a flat plate and hook
> onto a bolt. Do you think these (disappeared) insulation parts
> are necessary? I'm wanting to fix things so the wires don't burn
> out again. The porcelain spacers at the top and bottom of the
> flat plate are still intact.
>
> The top section was the one that had the wire problem. The other
> 2 sections are fine. Is there something about the top section
> that makes it more liable to burn out?
>
> Also how often, if ever, do you go in and tighten the nuts on
> the bolts that have the element ends wrapped around? I remember
> something about loose fitting nuts creating problems......
>
> Jennifer of the WD40 and 2 wrenches. PS: emailed L&L on this but
> no answer yet, and of course I want to fire tomorrow....
> --
> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
> Jennifer Boyer mailto:jboyer@adelphia.net
> Thistle Hill Pottery
> 95 Powder Horn Glen Rd
> Montpelier, VT 05602 USA
> 802-223-8926
> http://www.thistlehillpottery.com/
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william schran on wed 18 jul 01
Jennifer - Had this happen several times on my 2927 L&L, mostly to
top section cause it gets hotter than lower sections. I tightened all
connections AND stuffed some fiber in the kiln wall holes where the
elements come through. Have not had to replace anymore jumper cords.
Bill
Jennifer F Boyer on wed 18 jul 01
Good idea! The fiber could replace the insulation doohickies I
mentioned that went poof. The porcelain collars are fine, and I
will push them in ala Arnold. Thanks everyone....
Jennifer, firing tomorrow? hmmm
william schran wrote:
>
> Jennifer - Had this happen several times on my 2927 L&L, mostly to
> top section cause it gets hotter than lower sections. I tightened all
> connections AND stuffed some fiber in the kiln wall holes where the
> elements come through. Have not had to replace anymore jumper cords.
> Bill
>
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--
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jennifer Boyer mailto:jboyer@adelphia.net
Thistle Hill Pottery
95 Powder Horn Glen Rd
Montpelier, VT 05602 USA
802-223-8926
http://www.thistlehillpottery.com/
Never pass on an email warning without checking out this site
for web hoaxes and junk:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/science/urbanlegends/cs/nethoaxes/index.htm
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Roger Korn on thu 19 jul 01
Long term, you want to fix this right. Find a local appliance parts
place and get some #12 "hinge wire" for electric ranges. Johnstone
Supply is one source. The insulation is good for
~900 F.
Now. as to why the insulation burned in the first place, I suspect a
connection that has become oxidized, causing high resistance and hence,
a local hot spot. Take the connection apart and clean the wires and
re-make the connection with a split-bolt connector. Tight! Then
retighten after a couple of firings.
Short term, make sure the wire with the bad insulation isn't touching
anything and go for it, after re-making the connection as described
above. This is a hazard, so do get it fixed, but I'd go ahead with a
firing if pressed.
Hope this helps,
Roger Korn
McKay Creek Ceramics
Jennifer wrote:
Hi all,
One of the leads burned out on the cord that runs from the
elements to the switch box. I noticed that some insulation
pieces have burned up: On the outside of the kiln where the
elements go through the body, they run through porcelain
collars. They used to run through insulation collars next and
then the elements go around the edge of a flat plate and hook
onto a bolt. Do you think these (disappeared) insulation parts
are necessary? I'm wanting to fix things so the wires don't
burn
out again. The porcelain spacers at the top and bottom of the
flat plate are still intact.
The top section was the one that had the wire problem. The
other
2 sections are fine. Is there something about the top section
that makes it more liable to burn out?
No.
Also how often, if ever, do you go in and tighten the nuts on
the bolts that have the element ends wrapped around? I
remember
something about loose fitting nuts creating problems......
Jennifer of the WD40 and 2 wrenches. PS: emailed L&L on this
but
no answer yet, and of course I want to fire tomorrow....
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