Arnold Howard on thu 20 feb 03
A few days ago, someone on Clayart had an intermittent problem with a
digital Paragon kiln. The firings were sometimes okay, and sometimes
off.
I've thought about the problem. I think it may be due to a loose
thermocouple connection or defective thermocouple. (The answer below
applies to any brand of digital kiln.)
A loose connection in the thermocouple wires can cause the temperature
readout to fluctuate. Sometimes the temperature readout will appear
normal, yet will not be accurate. Loose connections cause intermittent
firing problems. Sometimes a loose connection will make the display
readout freeze at one temperature.
To solve the problem, first check the thermocouple wires at all
connection points. This will include the back of the kiln controller
and, on most kilns, the ceramic thermocouple block where the wires
attach to the thermocouple.
Pull on the wires at the back of the controller. If you have button-type
connectors, it is possible that one of them has stuck in the downward
position. Look at the buttons. Are they level, or is one lower than the
other? If one is lower, it is stuck. This would be the cause of a poor
connection. Press down on the sticking connection button until it
releases and moves upward freely. Then gently tug the wires to make sure
they are tight.
Check the ceramic thermocouple block for tight connections. It is
possible that an over-tightened screw has broken a thermocouple lead,
causing a poor connection. (The thermocouple leads are the two small
wires that come directly from the thermocouple, which extends into the
firing chamber.) In this case, you may have to replace the thermocouple.
It is also possible that the connection point inside the thermocouple is
bad. If you have a sheathed thermocouple, you will not be able to see
the tip, where the two wires connect. A poor connection inside the
thermocouple can cause the same problems as a poor thermocouple lead
wire connection.
Thank you,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
www.paragonweb.com
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