wjskw@BELLSOUTH.NET on sat 29 jan 05
The dinosaur electric I'm privileged to own (going on 20 years old
now) has three, 3 position switches. Well, 4 positions including
"off". One switch for each set of elements.
Can these switches be replaced with the "infinite" variety, assuming
that all other factors are the same, i.e. current draw, etc.?
I think having a more "gradual" control might help adjustments
during firing, adjusting for a "hold", gradual cooldown.
I haven't contacted the kiln manufacturer yet. I'd like to see what
others on the list have done, when they've done a rebuild.
Anyone?
Best Regards,
Wayne Seidl
Rick Hamelin on sat 29 jan 05
Robertshaw part number 5500-213 (formerly inf-240-597B) used on L and L kilns. Contact them and ask who is sells it in your territory; in Massachusetts one source is Bell Electric.
Comes with instructions
Rick
--
"Many a wiser men than I hath
gone to pot." 1649
-------------- Original message --------------
> The dinosaur electric I'm privileged to own (going on 20 years old
> now) has three, 3 position switches. Well, 4 positions including
> "off". One switch for each set of elements.
>
> Can these switches be replaced with the "infinite" variety, assuming
> that all other factors are the same, i.e. current draw, etc.?
>
> I think having a more "gradual" control might help adjustments
> during firing, adjusting for a "hold", gradual cooldown.
>
> I haven't contacted the kiln manufacturer yet. I'd like to see what
> others on the list have done, when they've done a rebuild.
>
> Anyone?
>
> Best Regards,
> Wayne Seidl
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Arnold Howard on mon 31 jan 05
Yes, you can replace 4-way rotary switches with infinite controls. However,
I would replace the switches only after they wore out. I wouldn't throw away
good 4-way rotary switches. Also, this will void the kiln's UL Listing.
An advantage of infinite controls over 4-way rotaries is that infinite
controls can fire on a 3-wire electrical system. The older Paragon kilns
with 4-way rotary switches required a fourth wire used for grounding.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com
----- Original Message -----
From:
The dinosaur electric I'm privileged to own (going on 20 years old
now) has three, 3 position switches. Well, 4 positions including
"off". One switch for each set of elements.
Can these switches be replaced with the "infinite" variety, assuming
that all other factors are the same, i.e. current draw, etc.?
I think having a more "gradual" control might help adjustments
during firing, adjusting for a "hold", gradual cooldown.
wjskw@BELLSOUTH.NET on mon 31 jan 05
Thank you Arnold. The kiln is over 20, I'm not particularly worried
about the UL listing, since I've replaced all the wiring twice
already .=20
May I add to your list of what I would like in an electric?
The L&L element holders are a very nice idea. Replacing
elements with those blasted hairpins is a PITA. Better, how
about solid elements. Yes, the cost would be worth never
having to change them, or changing them ONCE in a kiln's life.
Infinite switches. I value the ability to micro-adjust
temps.
for holds, ramps, etc. Perhaps that's just me being anal
retentive, but I get the idea that lots of us want that.
A non-stainless, non mirror casing. Brushed aluminium would
be nice. Or painted. Either would be easier to keep clean, too.
One of those hydraulic piston lid lifters. You see those
slim cylinders on hatchback cars, rear doors of SUVs. Ever had a
lid fall on you while you're trying to place a pot??!!
Put the darn legs on the thing. Forget about these flimsy
stands. I'm getting ready to pitch my stand, and bolt angle iron
legs to the outside. See my lid comment above.
(This is asking too much, maybe) but how about a clamshell
opening arrangement where the kiln splits vertically, (insulation
could be maintained with a tongue and groove arrangement in the
brick) and a hinge system on the back. I'm 6 feet tall and
I'm out of breath from having to lie (lay?) on my diaphragm on the
wall edge to load the bottom. If I want to see stars, I can
darn well glaze them on.=09
Just my $0.02.
Best Regards,
Wayne Seidl=09
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Arnold
Howard
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 9:32 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Electric kiln switches, replacing 3 pos. with infinite
Yes, you can replace 4-way rotary switches with infinite controls.
However,
I would replace the switches only after they wore out. I wouldn't
throw away
good 4-way rotary switches. Also, this will void the kiln's UL
Listing.
An advantage of infinite controls over 4-way rotaries is that
infinite
controls can fire on a 3-wire electrical system. The older Paragon
kilns
with 4-way rotary switches required a fourth wire used for
grounding.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com
----- Original Message -----
From:
The dinosaur electric I'm privileged to own (going on 20 years old
now) has three, 3 position switches. Well, 4 positions including
"off". One switch for each set of elements.
Can these switches be replaced with the "infinite" variety, assuming
that all other factors are the same, i.e. current draw, etc.?
I think having a more "gradual" control might help adjustments
during firing, adjusting for a "hold", gradual cooldown.
____________________________________________________________________
__________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your
subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Tarrant, Derek on tue 1 feb 05
-----Original Message-----
To Wayne and others who might consider replacing three position switches
with "infinite" controls: -
I service Invensys, one of the main manufacturers of these "infinite"
switches in Mexico (surprise).
Their construction is OK but they are usually specified for a maximum
current of 15 Amps and usually are only expected to handle 10 Amps tops.
They cannot be expected to last long continuously switching heavy loads like
15-20 amps per bank of elements in medium to large electric kilns,
particularly if they are mounted in a warm or hot area. Remember also that
startup current surges with cold elements are even greater. Contact
surfaces oxidize, then arc more each time the elements are switched off.
Eventually they fail.
They precise control they offer is attractive, however. If space or
configuration allows why not use each "infinite" controller to switch a
corresponding large relay. These relays are not value engineered to within
an inch of their life and can be expected to work for years.
A suitable DPDT (double pole double throw) unit with 30 amp capacity (times
two as it is a double throw) allows you a comfortable margin. This gives
you a backup set of contacts per elements set or you could use one relay to
control two large oven sections, leaving the third on the traditional three
position switch. Such relays cost about $11.50, (cheaper than the
"infinite" control even) e-mail me off line at dctarrant@yahoo.com and I
will provide details of a mail order dealer who can supply.
If space is at a premium it could still be worth making a separate relay box
attached to the kiln to house these units.
Regards,
Derek (a "lurker") in Weaverville
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