Liz Harris on thu 9 jun 05
Hello all,
I have a 15 year-old Paragon SnF 28-3 which I purchased, used, several years ago.
Although the original documentation which came with the kiln stated that it was rated
to cone 8, subsequent information revealed that the kiln is now rated only to cone 4.
I typically fire to cone 6. I spoke with Paragon's customer service department several
months ago and was told that the kiln's cord set limits the amount of power the kiln
can draw, and, therefore, the temperature that the kiln can reach. I was also told that
the cord set cannot be upgraded, but I'm not sure why. If the heating elements and
switch-box wiring can handle a sufficient amount of current, and the cord set is of a
larger gauge, then the kiln should be able to reach a higher temperature.
I have been successful in firing this kiln to cone 6, but the rate of temperature rise
after 1900 degrees is very slow (30-50 degrees per hour). Although I plan to
purchase a large cone 10 kiln in the future, I cannot easily afford to do so right now; I
would prefer to rehab the kiln I already own. Has anyone had this sort of trouble and
been able to modify the kiln to meet their needs?
Liz in CT
Rogier Donker on fri 10 jun 05
Hey Liz,
Sure! Any electric kiln can be upgraded. Just install heavier elements and a
larger supply cord...You could even install a computer controller on it. Is
it worth doing? That depends on the condition of your old kiln. Is it made
out of K23 or K 26 fire brick? Was it over fired at times? Is the firebrick
brownish and brittle? If the latter is the case it is probably not worth
doing....
Rogier
See us on the web at http://www.donkerstudio
Liz Harris on sun 12 jun 05
Hi Rogier,
Thank you for your kind message. I'm not sure which kind of firebrick I have (soft,
that's all I know), but the brick is in almost-new shape and is nice and bright. If I
contact a company which can make custom kiln elements, they should be able to
make coils heavy enough to carry the increased current, I should think.
Many thanks,
Liz
Arnold Howard on mon 13 jun 05
Liz, the 240 volt Paragon SnF-28-3 is rated to 10,800 watts. It can be
upgraded to 14,400 watts. The cord set in the 10,800 watt kiln is limited to
50 amps, so your upgraded kiln would require direct wiring.
You will need a new set of elements designed for the higher amperage, 3
relays, an infinite control switch, a power connection box for direct wiring
the kiln, and extra switch box wires. After the rewiring, your kiln would no
longer be UL Listed.
If you are interested in a kiln upgrade, please call 800-876-4328.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com
From: "Liz Harris"
> I have a 15 year-old Paragon SnF 28-3 which I purchased, used, several
> years ago.
> Although the original documentation which came with the kiln stated that
> it was rated
> to cone 8, subsequent information revealed that the kiln is now rated only
> to cone 4.
> I typically fire to cone 6. I spoke with Paragon's customer service
> department several
> months ago and was told that the kiln's cord set limits the amount of
> power the kiln
> can draw, and, therefore, the temperature that the kiln can reach. I was
> also told that
> the cord set cannot be upgraded, but I'm not sure why. .
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