Vaughn Stauffer on sun 2 jul 06
As I was in the beginning of firing a bisque load today I started to smell
some funky stuff coming from the wiring on the kiln. I had replaced a
connection the other day and I wasn't sure if it was that just smelling a
little but it started to get a little more noticeable. Upon peering into
the control box I noticed one of the connections to a switch glowing a nice
orange color. Needless to say I shut of the kiln and turned of the
breaker. Now that you have the background the question.
I'd like to replace most of the wiring and connections and probably the
switches on the kiln. Other than a High temp wire are there any other
specifications that I should be taking into consideration. Copper vs.
Aluminum wire? Are there specific connectors that I should be using to
attach the wires to the switches? Any help and suggestions would be much
appreciated. Thanks.
Vaughn.
William & Susan Schran User on sun 2 jul 06
On 7/2/06 2:33 PM, "Vaughn Stauffer" wrote:
> I'd like to replace most of the wiring and connections and probably the
> switches on the kiln. Other than a High temp wire are there any other
> specifications that I should be taking into consideration. Copper vs.
> Aluminum wire? Are there specific connectors that I should be using to
> attach the wires to the switches?
If you had a connection that was glowing, then it wasn't a tight connection.
Unless you completely understand the mechanics of electrical circuits,
electric loads and sizing wires, my best advise would be to order original
replacement parts from the manufacturer or from another source, such as
Euclids, that can provide aftermarket replacement parts.
Crimped connections can be replaced with other fasteners such as split bolt
connectors.
Whatever you do, stay away from aluminum wiring.
-- William "Bill" Schran
Fredericksburg, Virginia
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
John Rodgers on mon 3 jul 06
I just rebuilt my SnF 24" Paragon Kiln. I replaced 8 grooved insulating
bricks, and replaced all elements, all wiring inside the switch panel,
all switches and the timer motor switch on the Kiln sitter.
This kiln was one given to me that was a match to my other SnF. It was a
208 volt kiln and a good candidate for a conversion to 240 volts during
a rebuild. The kiln now works very nicely
After my experience with this, I would highly recommend that you use all
genuine manufacturer replacement parts. If you do this you will stay
out of trouble. Before I decided to go that route, I looked at wiring
and found there were many different levels of quality and performance in
insulation, connectors, etc. The ones in the panel had to be high temp
connectors as well as the insulation being able to withstand the heat in
the panel next to the kiln. So, I used the factory stuff. I'm happy I
did. Simplifyed matters immensely.
Regarding your glowing wire. That was probably a loose connection.
Connectors absolutely must be tight or they will get hot. Solid
mechanical connection is extremely important.
Regards,
John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL
Vaughn Stauffer wrote:
> As I was in the beginning of firing a bisque load today I started to
> smell
> some funky stuff coming from the wiring on the kiln. I had replaced a
> connection the other day and I wasn't sure if it was that just smelling a
> little but it started to get a little more noticeable. Upon peering into
> the control box I noticed one of the connections to a switch glowing a
> nice
> orange color. Needless to say I shut of the kiln and turned of the
> breaker. Now that you have the background the question.
>
> I'd like to replace most of the wiring and connections and probably the
> switches on the kiln. Other than a High temp wire are there any other
> specifications that I should be taking into consideration. Copper vs.
> Aluminum wire? Are there specific connectors that I should be using to
> attach the wires to the switches? Any help and suggestions would be much
> appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Vaughn.
>
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Vaughn Stauffer on mon 3 jul 06
Thanks for the information. I did take apart the controller box and replace
the connection and turned it on to make sure that it didn't get hot. So far
so good. About getting replacement parts however, that may be a little more
tricky. The kiln is a SnoKiln. An out of business company that wouldn't
have any parts available. So, who would be a good supplier of high temp
wire and connectors. The kiln does not have a kiln sitter so I operate by
three sets of cone packs. The main power line comes in to what looks lika
large switch which is then separated down to the three infinite switches.
So I am still interested in getting some high-temp wire as well as high-temp
connectors. Thanks.
Vaughn
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