Karen R. Betts on wed 19 sep 01
To the equipment experts on this list:
I have recently been given a small electric kiln, and I would like to
utilize the receptacle for my clothes dryer as power to it.
Problem is; my dryer receptacle is a three prong "y" shaped receptacle.
The kiln's plug is four prongs, two parallel, one round and one "L"
shaped. I was told that I just needed to buy a dryer cord/plug for it, but
I am concerned that it might not be sufficient for the amount of
electrical current that it draws.
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of dilemma?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Karen R. Betts
Marianne Lombardo on wed 19 sep 01
I am not an expert, but no, you cannot use your dryer receptacle. There is
more involved than the actual plug and receptacle. The wiring is not heavy
enough. I had an electrician run a heavy duty wire that could handle the
kiln, from the fusebox, on its own fuse. It's not worth the risk of an
electrical fire.
Marianne
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen R. Betts"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 1:42 PM
Subject: Equipment.
> To the equipment experts on this list:
>
> I have recently been given a small electric kiln, and I would like to
> utilize the receptacle for my clothes dryer as power to it.
>
> Problem is; my dryer receptacle is a three prong "y" shaped receptacle.
> The kiln's plug is four prongs, two parallel, one round and one "L"
> shaped. I was told that I just needed to buy a dryer cord/plug for it, but
> I am concerned that it might not be sufficient for the amount of
> electrical current that it draws.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this sort of dilemma?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
> Karen R. Betts
>
Cindy Strnad on wed 19 sep 01
Hello, Karen.
You need to look at the kiln's specs. They should tell you what size circuit
you need, and it's most likely a larger circuit than that which was provided
for your dryer. Do Not switch out your kiln's cord for a dryer cord. Great
way to burn down your house. And don't assume that just because an
electrician has "journeyman" behind his name that he knows what 1800-1900
degrees Fahrenheit means. That's assuming you're doing low-fire. Otherwise,
he has to have a concept of 2232 degrees F, which I assure you, he does
not--unless he's worked with kilns before. I've shown numerous electricians
the impressive glow through the peephole of a kiln reaching temperature.
Every single one of them was shocked and amazed. Sometimes you have to do
this, to get them to put in the size circuit you want. Especially if you're
"just" a girl.
If you don't have the kiln specs, then look up the kiln's manufacturer. They
can probably be found on the net somewhere. Call them and ask their advice.
I have one kiln on a 45 amp circuit, one on a 60, and one on a 75. Your
dryer is probably provided with a 30 amp circuit. Unless you have a very
small kiln, this is unlikely to be sufficient. I prefer circuit breakers to
fuses, btw. Fuses are a mess.
Is this kiln in your basement? You should know that it's difficult to fire a
kiln in the basement and breathe at the same time. Ask the kiln's
manufacturer about a venting system, while you're at it, or put the kiln in
an outbuilding.
Hope you get it up and running. Best wishes,
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
cindy@earthen-vessels-pottery.com
http://www.earthen-vessels-pottery.com
Jim Murphy on wed 19 sep 01
> Problem is; my dryer receptacle is a three prong "y" shaped receptacle.
> The kiln's plug is four prongs, two parallel, one round and one "L"
> shaped. I was told that I just needed to buy a dryer cord/plug for it, but
> I am concerned that it might not be sufficient for the amount of
> electrical current that it draws.
Karen,
You describe a kiln plug intended for use on a 3-pole 4-wire grounded type
30 Amp branch circuit. Check the voltage/current rating markings on your
kiln. It must be rated for more than 20 Amps.
You don't mention whether your dryer 3 prong "y" shaped receptacle has a
connection for a round ground pin. If not, then it's probably connected to a
3-pole 3-wire nongrounded 20 or 50 Amp circuit - though I'm guessing a 20
Amp circuit for a household dryer. If there is a ground connection to the
dryer receptacle it means it's a 2-pole 3-wire grounded type circuit.
Either way, it appears there's a problem using the dryer receptacle with the
kiln due to current and grounding issues.
Use the internet (Google search) to track down the kiln manufacturer for
proper installation instructions (Proper branch circuit voltage, current,
grounding, etc.). and have a licensed electrician give you an estimate for
wiring the proper circuit/receptacle in your home/studio.
Best of luck.
Jim Murphy
Patrick Logue on wed 19 sep 01
please call an electrician.
sincerely
Pat Logue
--- "Karen R. Betts" wrote:
> To the equipment experts on this list:
>
> I have recently been given a small electric kiln,
> and I would like to
> utilize the receptacle for my clothes dryer as power
> to it.
>
> Problem is; my dryer receptacle is a three prong "y"
> shaped receptacle.
> The kiln's plug is four prongs, two parallel, one
> round and one "L"
> shaped. I was told that I just needed to buy a dryer
> cord/plug for it, but
> I am concerned that it might not be sufficient for
> the amount of
> electrical current that it draws.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with this sort of
> dilemma?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
> Karen R. Betts
>
>
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vince pitelka on wed 19 sep 01
> I am not an expert, but no, you cannot use your dryer receptacle. There
is
> more involved than the actual plug and receptacle. The wiring is not
heavy
> enough. I had an electrician run a heavy duty wire that could handle the
> kiln, from the fusebox, on its own fuse. It's not worth the risk of an
> electrical fire.
This is not strictly true. The original post specified a "small" electric
kiln, and if it draws less than 30 amps 220V, then it could be rewired to a
dryer plug, but this should be done by a competent electrician who can check
out the whole system and make sure it is safe.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Home - vpitelka@dtccom.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
http://www.craftcenter.tntech.edu/
Shirley Tschannen on thu 20 sep 01
Hi Karen, Don't do it....that is, don't use your dryer recep. for your
kiln. I have done that for several years and blew the plug, caused a
small burn on the recep. and various bad firings. I recently redid my
kiln with all new 'stuff' and had an electrician put in a dedicated
line. I'm still struggling with the new Orton controller but I can tell
the kiln is getting the proper amps. In the long run, you will be
better off to do it the right way at the beginning. Good luck!
vince pitelka on thu 20 sep 01
> Hi Karen, Don't do it....that is, don't use your dryer recep. for your
> kiln. I have done that for several years and blew the plug, caused a
> small burn on the recep. and various bad firings. I recently redid my
> kiln with all new 'stuff' and had an electrician put in a dedicated
> line. I'm still struggling with the new Orton controller but I can tell
> the kiln is getting the proper amps. In the long run, you will be
> better off to do it the right way at the beginning. Good luck!
Again, I appreciate the warnings, because they are certainly
well-intentioned, sent by wise people for whom safety is always first (as it
is for all of us). But if you have an electric kiln which uses no more
electricity than an electric dryer, then there is absolutely no reason not
to use the dryer plug. The important thing is to be absolutely sure of the
amperage draw of your electric kiln, and make sure of the amperage rating of
your 220V dryer plug. As I said in another post, get an electrican to check
out the circuits and wire the plug.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Home - vpitelka@dtccom.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
http://www.craftcenter.tntech.edu/
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