Karen Latorre on wed 16 aug 06
I've done a quick search for this in the archives but didn't find any
reference to "element connectors".
I'm in process of replacing the elements on my 7 cu ft Cone Art kiln, and
can't loosen the connectors which connect the elements to the electrical
wire. In fact broke the set screw in one while trying to loosen it.
The kiln is one of the older models, single walled (model 2327). I'm
prepared to cut the wire close to the connector, restrip the end of the wire
and replace the connectors along with the elements, but now I'm not sure if
the connectors are made of any special material (i.e. do I have to get them
from the supplier in a week and a half when I go into Toronto, or is it your
basic everyday steel which I should be able to find here in Belleville
tomorrow).
For some reason I'm not receiving any digests for the past week (I've left
the list and rejoined today hoping that clears the blockage up), so I may
not respond to any replies in a timely manner, but I DO appreciate ANY help
anyone can give. I'll search the archives for any responses, alternatively,
email me directly.
Many thanks in advance,
Karen
north of Belleville, Ontario
www.karenlatorre.com
pottertoo (at) hotmail (dot) com
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Arnold Howard on thu 17 aug 06
From: "Karen Latorre"
I'm not sure if
> the connectors are made of any special material (i.e. do I
> have to get them
> from the supplier in a week and a half when I go into
> Toronto, or is it your
> basic everyday steel which I should be able to find here
> in Belleville
> tomorrow).
Karen, I suggest using the element connectors designed by
Coneart. I would not substitute with a connector from a
hardware store.
The number one cause of element failure in a new replacement
element is a loose connector. So be sure to get the
connectors very tight.
When you crimp the lead wires to new terminals, test the
crimps by yanking on the wires. Or buy new lead wires. If
the insulation on the wires is brittle, you should replace
the wires anyway. (You can tell if the insulation is brittle
by bending the wires. If they make a crackling sound, they
should be replaced.)
While you are replacing elements, you should also examine
the switch box for damaged wires or loose connections.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
William & Susan Schran User on thu 17 aug 06
On 8/16/06 8:48 PM, "Karen Latorre" wrote:
> The kiln is one of the older models, single walled (model 2327). I'm
> prepared to cut the wire close to the connector, restrip the end of the wire
> and replace the connectors along with the elements, but now I'm not sure if
> the connectors are made of any special material
You could do a search in the archives for split-bolt connectors that can be
obtained at electrical supply places.
Just like the name, it's a bolt with a split opening down the length with a
thin piece, like the part that would have been removed from the bolt, that
are held together with a nut. The wires rest in the opening and you can
really tighten them down.
I've used both steel and copper ones to replace crimp connections.
-- William "Bill" Schran
Fredericksburg, Virginia
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
Karen Latorre on thu 17 aug 06
Arnold, Bill, thanks for the replies.
Arnold, yes, the ends of the switch wires are also brittle. I noticed that
the ends were a touch charred looking and the coating (fiberglass I expect?)
was turning to dust in my hands while I was trying to loosen the connectors.
The switches themselves are in good order. My dad (a certified electrician)
replaced my broken down ramp controller with 3 infinite control switches
last year, and he checked everything else on the inside of the panel at that
time (other than the wires directly connected with the elements).
Karen
north of Belleville, Ontario
www.karenlatorre.com
pottertoo (at) hotmail (dot) com
_________________________________________________________________
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