Arnold Howard on mon 22 dec 03
Taylor, 4-way rotary switches for your A-99B are available from Paragon, but
the original switches are no longer made. The replacement 4-way rotary
switches, made in Spain, are deeper than your switches. Depending on the
depth of the kiln's switch box, it is possible for the new switches to burn
out due to contact with an element connector. It is likely that you will
need to install 1/4" offsets on your switch box to move the switches further
away from the kiln.
A 1/4" offset is a 1/4" long steel collar that fits between the kiln case
and the switch box. The offsets are placed under the switch box screws. The
offsets are available from hardware stores.
We are adding the A-series wiring diagrams to the website, and have already
added the A-series instruction and service manual. Since we have not yet
added the A-99B wiring diagram, I will mail you one, Taylor, if you send me
your postal address.
Testing the A-99B (and all the other early Paragon A-series) is fairly
simple. An ohmmeter reading at the cord checks the entire electrical system,
including wire connections, switches, and elements. I will be glad to send
A-series ohmmeter instructions to anyone who wants it. We will also load the
instructions in the next few days to our website.
Ordinarily, when an A-series kiln does not fire, it is because the Kiln
Sitter contact block is corroded. That can usually be repaired by cleaning
the contacts with a pencil eraser. (Never use emery cloth.) The contact
block is not difficult to disassemble if you are careful to catch all the
washers and nuts as they fall out of the contact block.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
arnoldhoward@att.net
www.paragonweb.com
From: "Taylor Hendrix"
> I finally got enough money from pottery sales to wire up an electric kiln
> in my garage. I found an old model A99B Paragon kiln for 200 bucks and
> bought it about a month or so ago. 44.2 Amps/ 10612 Watts/ Max temp of
> 2300. Brick is in fantastic shape. I was told that they could not get it
> to come on, so I know that I may have some work to do. Simple enough:
> switches and wires.
>
> Well just finished wiring it into my panel. Ran #6 from my box to the
> kiln, used armor from the ceiling to the kiln box. Took off the old plug
> and wired straight. Well, while putting the box back on the kiln, I
popped
> off one of the leads to the bottom switch. Damn! Now I am in need of
some
> advice (You listening Arnold?). This is a late 70's kiln. How easy is it
> to get a new H/M/L/Off switch for it? Can I use a switch out of the old
32
> amp kiln I have for making a raku kiln? The configuration looks
different.
>
> I have taken the time to test all the elements and they all are at about 9
> ohms each. I have the manual for the kiln but no wiring diagrams. I
would
> really love a diagram for this A99B. If anyone has one of these, let me
> know off list. Arnold has done a great job getting wiring diagrams up on
> Paragon's web site but so far no AA99B.
>
> The only thing left to check will be the switches, but I am not sure how
to
> check switches for proper functioning. Any switch-savy clay but want to
> fill me in? Here is the info stamped on the side: 26A. 120 - 277 V.A.C.
> 1 1/4 H.P.120 2 H.P.240 V.A.C. There are also what look like part
> numbers. The top of the switch has four leads, stamped 1, COM, PL, and 2.
> The bottom of the switch has three leads, stamped L1, L2, and N. I got
> that the bottom has the black, red and white neutral feeds. The top PL is
> for one of the pilot light's leads. The others connect the various
element
> ends. I don't, however, know the first thing about testing to see if the
> switch is functioning. How would I go about testing it to see if it is
> working for all three settings?
>
> Getting closer to firing my own stuff! Can't wait.
>
> Taylor, in Waco
Hendrix, Taylor J. on mon 22 dec 03
Arnold,
Thanks for the reply. I did find a Paragon parts sheet and just ordered
the switch. I found it impossible to find parts lists on the Paragon
sight, however. A google search for 'kiln switch' turned up a supplier
link to a pdf. 2002 prices but correct part numbers.
Reconfiguring the switch box will be a snap, thanks. I did have the
sales dept. send me a wiring diagram for the A99B. If the ohmmeter
instructions will soon be online, I won't bother you with sending me
some via snail mail. That's a small 's', Snail. The kiln sitter is my
next project. Thanks for the heads up regarding the contacts. I will
be looking for that.
I am very excited about this kiln. It is 30 years old, but it is in
excellent shape. This kiln is going to be my second class in kiln
repair/maintanence. Fun.
Taylor, in Waco
Arnold Howard on tue 23 dec 03
A used kiln can be a great bargain. I've seen 30-year-old kilns at the
Paragon factory sent in for a change of elements. The bricks are immaculate
on some of them. The paint on the outer surface of the lid is still intact.
When a kiln is treated properly, it lasts many years.
I will have more instructional materials loaded to the website as soon as
possible.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
arnoldhoward@att.net
www.paragonweb.com
From: "Hendrix, Taylor J."
I am very excited about this kiln. It is 30 years old, but it is in
excellent shape. This kiln is going to be my second class in kiln
repair/maintanence. Fun.
Taylor, in Waco
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