SERVICE FOR L&L KILNS
service.pdf
REV: 12/1/2016
Page 2
2016 L&L Kiln Mfg, Inc. 505 Sharptown Rd, Swedesboro NJ 08085 P:856.294.0077 F:856.294.0070 [email protected] hotkilns.com
is difficult to coordinate the electrician, a hot kiln, and our
technical support on the phone all at the same time, but it
can be necessary to make the most of the electrician’s time,
and to fix the kiln in a timely fashion. It is usually best also
to discuss with our technical support department the date
and approximate time an electrician is expected to arrive.
Be Aware Of Limitations
As a practical matter the technical support staff is limited
by the fact that we are at a distance from your kiln,
communicating by email or telephone and are often working
with you through multiple sessions to fix your kiln’s problem.
We rely heavily on your accurate and complete description
of the problem, and your responses to our questions. We
rely on you to remember where we are in the process of
fixing your kiln each time we talk. (Email is easier because
there is a recorded thread of communication).
Application Support
Distributors often offer a degree of application support. For
instance if you are having problems with firing your work
the first place to go for answers is the people who supply
your clay and glazes. We offer some application support on
this web site but it is minimal. Generally, this is outside the
scope of our service. Look at the External Links for many
great sites that can help you.
Be Comprehensive And Proactive
We have found through long experience that is best when
trouble starts to replace all of a certain part. If your elements
are old and one burns out – change the whole set of elements.
The same is true for thermocouples, thermocouple wires,
element terminal screws, power cords, and contactors. Do
not expect control panel components to reliably perform
after 15 or 20 years. The heat of kilns causes unavoidable
oxidation of electrical components - some that you can’t
see. Kilns need to be rebuilt occasionally. Changing JUST
the part that is causing the immediate problem is just asking
for more trouble in short order.
WHERE TO BUY PARTS
You can order parts through your local distributor or
directly from the factory. L&L stocks almost all parts we sell
including elements. We normally ship within one to three
days although some parts do take longer. Most parts are
listed at hotkilns.com/parts.
FREE LIFETIME SUPPORT IS CONTINGENT ON
THE USE OF L&L FACTORY PARTS. USE OF
NON-L&L PARTS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
WHAT WE CAN’T DO
We can not give you advice over the phone on hooking
up your kiln to your electrical system. You must have a
qualified electrician who can physically see what your
specific electrical situation is and who understands any
local codes.
SELECTING AN ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTOR
A quality electrical contractor:
1) Complies with state and local codes and regulations.
2) Carries the proper business and workers compensation
insurance.
3) Is knowledgeable on a wide range of new equipment,
technology and design procedures.
4) Has a local facility, and is willing to have you visit.
5) Is prompt and courteous and provides fast, reliable
service -- attempting to perform service at your convenience.
6) Is neat and well groomed. This neatness should be
reflected in their vehicles and offices as well as their
personal appearance.
7) Provides a detailed written proposal, clearly outlining the
work to be done and the agreed upon cost, including labor
and materials. Make sure you understand every word of any
contract before you sign it.
8) Asks in detail about any problems and offers
understandable solutions.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
1) Ask for references. Find out if other customers were
satisfied. Check with the local Better Business Bureau
regarding any filed complaints.
2) Compare price. Get bids from a few contractors. Make
sure you give each contractor the same specifications and
materials needed for the job.
3) Remember! How a company treats you now reflects how
they will treat you if there’s a problem. A quality electrical
contractor listens to your problems, understands what you
want accomplished and is willing to follow up after the work
is completed.