Arnold Howard on fri 21 mar 03
I agree with Bob Nicholson about unplugging or disconnecting an electric
kiln that is not in use. (See Bob's message below.) It would be easy for
someone to turn on the kiln in your absence.
If you leave your kiln plugged in all the time, you should at least keep
the lid closed and peephole plugs inserted. That way if the kiln does
turn on and overfires, the heat will be safely contained within the
kiln. In a severe overfiring, the elements will eventually burn
themselves out, and the kiln will then, of course, begin to cool down
harmlessly.
The reason I mention this is that one time a fire marshall called me
about a fire in someone's garage. The kiln had turned on in the owner's
absence. Because the lid was open, it caused a fire.
The easiest way to disconnect a kiln is to direct-wire the kiln and
install a power cut-off box nearby. Direct wiring is nice, because you
don't have to check the blades on the plug for corrosion any more. One
time I heard a crackling sound while test-firing a kiln. The wall outlet
must have had a loose connection. That type of problem could cause a
fire.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
www.paragonweb.com
From: Bob Nicholson
> A few days back there was some discussion of direct wiring versus
> a plus & outlet.
>
> I've got a 220 volt / 60 amp kiln with a plug that is always left
> physically unplugged when the kiln is not in use. If my house ever
> burns down due to some unrelated cause, I don't want there to be any
> question of the kiln being involved.
Rick Hamelin on fri 21 mar 03
I can honestly say that I have seen more plugs and outlets fail and burn out
while drawing electricity and firing than when they are sitting idle. When
firing is when you smell the plastic burning. It is then when you need to shut
off the kiln. The physical action of removing and installing the heavy bladed
plugs causes alot of friction that causes movement to the blades, screw and
connectors. I don't have problems with the disconnect switches like I had with
unplugging the kilns.
> I agree with Bob Nicholson about unplugging or disconnecting an electric
> kiln that is not in use. (See Bob's message below.) It would be easy for
> someone to turn on the kiln in your absence.
>
> If you leave your kiln plugged in all the time, you should at least keep
> the lid closed and peephole plugs inserted. That way if the kiln does
> turn on and overfires, the heat will be safely contained within the
> kiln. In a severe overfiring, the elements will eventually burn
> themselves out, and the kiln will then, of course, begin to cool down
> harmlessly.
>
> The reason I mention this is that one time a fire marshall called me
> about a fire in someone's garage. The kiln had turned on in the owner's
> absence. Because the lid was open, it caused a fire.
>
> The easiest way to disconnect a kiln is to direct-wire the kiln and
> install a power cut-off box nearby. Direct wiring is nice, because you
> don't have to check the blades on the plug for corrosion any more. One
> time I heard a crackling sound while test-firing a kiln. The wall outlet
> must have had a loose connection. That type of problem could cause a
> fire.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Arnold Howard
> Paragon Industries, L.P.
> www.paragonweb.com
>
> From: Bob Nicholson
> > A few days back there was some discussion of direct wiring versus
> > a plus & outlet.
> >
> > I've got a 220 volt / 60 amp kiln with a plug that is always left
> > physically unplugged when the kiln is not in use. If my house ever
> > burns down due to some unrelated cause, I don't want there to be any
> > question of the kiln being involved.
>
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