David Sturm on thu 12 aug 04
One thing I have not yet seen mentioned about Mercury relays that is
important to note is that if they are installed incorrectly, they can
explode, spraying liquid mercury everywhere. This not only ruins the
entire controller for your kiln (and possibly the kiln itself), it
requires someone with a Haz-mat license to clean it up. Mercury is
toxic. Yes, in the old days, kids and adults rolled it around in their
hands because it was nifty, but I also know potters who mixed up lead
glazes with their bare hands while smoking a cigarette and drinking a
cup of coffee. PLEASE be careful if you install these yourself! If you
have an experienced kiln tech in your area, hire him or her to install
it for you.
This does not mean mercury relays should not be on kilns. Installed
properly, they are as wonderful as everyone here has been saying.
David Sturm (& Cindy Bracker)
Bracker's Good Earth Clays, Inc.
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