TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR L&L KILNS
troubleshoot-general.pdf
REV: 4/15/2017
Page 3
2017
L&L Kiln Mfg, Inc. 505 Sharptown Rd, Swedesboro NJ 08085 856.294.0077 F:856.294.0070 [email protected] hotkilns.com
TROUBLESHOOTING ELEMENT PROBLEMS
See ELEMENT TROUBLESHOOTING & INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS in the TROUBLESHOOTING section for
information on elements problems and instructions on how
to install elements and element holders.
TROUBLESHOOTING FIRING PROBLEMS WITH
CONE PACKS
See TROUBLESHOOTING KILN FIRING WITH CONE
PACKS in the LOG, CONES, TIPS section.
THE CERAMIC PROCESS
See THE CERAMIC PROCESS
in the LOG, CONES,
TIPS section.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
See the PARTS section.
SERVICE
See SERVICE section.
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
TOOLS AND METHODS
BASIC TOOLS REQUIRED
The minimal toolkit necessary for effective troubleshooting
and fixing of electric kilns contains a digital multi-meter
to measure ohms and AC voltage, and an assortment of
screwdrivers, nutdrivers, wrenches, pliers, cutters, wire
strippers and wire terminal crimpers. As you work on your
kiln you will see what types of tools you need, like a 3/8”
nut-driver, needle-nose pliers without the cutting part so
the tips will close all the way. wire cutters heavy enough to
cut the element terminals, wire strippers and wire terminal
crimpers. No special tools are required for maintenance on
L&L kilns.
KEYS TO GOOD TROUBLESHOOTING
SAFETY FIRST
Pay attention to electrical safety. Don’t get electrocuted and
don’t guess.
DEFINE THE VARIABLES
Define all variables of the situation, and how they could
potentially interact with and affect each other in each unique
case you come across.
ELIMINATE VARIABLES ONE AT A TIME
Eliminate variables one by one to expose the problem
variable(s). Asking questions can do this to some degree.
Electrical testing, examining shards of ware or cone, or
examining the interior of the kiln usually can supply the rest
of the story. Good troubleshooting is based on logic.
Err1 (ERROR 1) - THE MOST
COMMON ERROR
This is the most common troubleshooting problem we see.
It generally means one of two things. 1) The elements
have aged with increased resistance and therefor lower
power. 2) A relay is not working. See The section in these
instructions on Error Codes, CHECKING ELEMENT OHMS,
and various paragraph on checking the relays.
CONTROL DISPLAY DOESN’T SHOW
ANYTHING
On/Off Switch
1) Make sure the On/Off Switch is turned on. Turn it on and
off.
Fuse
1) Check control fuse in side of control box. Twist open
the fuse holder and physically check the fuse. If the metal
element inside is melted if it is blown. You can also use
your digital multi-meter to check continuity across the fuse.
Replace if faulty:
hotkilns.com/control-panel-fuse
Picture of the on/off switch and fuse holder opened.
Fuse Holder
If you notice that the fuse holder itself is damaged replace
it. See:
hotkilns.com/change-fuse-holder