Craig Martell on sat 20 apr 02
Hi:
Roger thinks that a 50 amp breaker will work OK with a kiln that draws 47
amps and he may very well be correct if all the circuits are in top notch
condition. This would mean that resistance is at the optimum point in the
entire system. This is maybe true for a short time but as the kiln is
used, things change.
My point is that a 60 amp breaker gives more latitude for the kiln to
continue operating over a period to time. Especially if you are firing
glaze loads to cone 6 and higher. I've seen 50 amp breakers installed on
47 amp kilns and sooner or later, they start to trip before the firing is
completed. So, I think it's better to install a 60 amp breaker, which is
what most kiln manufacturers recommend for a kiln drawing 47amps. You
avoid having to change the breaker and you still get adequate protection
for the kiln and all the wiring. The difference in cost is very small too.
regards, Craig Martell in Oregon
Paul Herman on sat 20 apr 02
Hi toaster firers,
I had this (below) happen to me exactly as Craig describes it. After
about ten firings the 50 amp breaker started tripping in mid firing. Had
to go to a 60 amp, problem solved.
Best,
Hardway Herman
----------
>From: Craig Martell
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Re: Hardwiring kiln/Breaker Sizing
>Date: Sat, Apr 20, 2002, 10:04 AM
>
> I've seen 50 amp breakers installed on
> 47 amp kilns and sooner or later, they start to trip before the firing is
> completed. So, I think it's better to install a 60 amp breaker, which is
> what most kiln manufacturers recommend for a kiln drawing 47amps. You
> avoid having to change the breaker and you still get adequate protection
> for the kiln and all the wiring. The difference in cost is very small
too.
Tommy Humphries on sat 20 apr 02
Amen to that.
When I first installed my small American Beauty I put in a 50amp breaker
that I already had on hand...the kiln states 45 amp...installed in the late
fall, the firings went super through the winter, but with the first 90+ day
of the summer the breaker started to trip 3/4 of the way through to ^6.
Felt of the wire all the way from the plug to the box, and it was OK, but
the breaker was real warm. Went to the supply house and bought the 60amp and
it has been great ever since. The only place it ever heats up is at the
plug, and some cleaning and polishing of the prongs takes care of that.
Tommy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Martell"
> Hi:
>
> Roger thinks that a 50 amp breaker will work OK with a kiln that draws 47
> amps and he may very well be correct if all the circuits are in top notch
> condition.
Candise Flippin on sun 21 apr 02
It is wise to check with the city or county planning or development office
regarding the building codes for your community. My experience has been
that they were very helpful. Home Depot, Electrical supply businesses and
even licensed electricians are not always reliable. Also, keep in mind that
code is the minimum requirement. Circuit breakers and undersized wiring do
cause fires that are a lot more costly than the upfront investment in
electrical safety.
Just some thoughts.
Candise in Vista, North San Diego County
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