Install the porcelain tube bracket to the Kiln Sit-
ter (the reverse of step 6).
Reinstall the
guide plate to the
front of the Kiln
Sitter. Tap the
guide plate from
side to side until
the rod is cen-
tered in the por-
celain tube.
Note:
The easiest
way to adjust the
guide plate is to
loosen the screws
so that they barely
hold the guide
plate in place. Then gently nudge the plate side-
ways. The guide plate is more difficult to adjust if
you loosen the screws completely.
After the rod is centered, securely tighten guide
plate screws.
Reinstall the switch box. Arrange the wires so
they do not interfere with the locking slide that
trips when the weight drops. (You can see how
the locking slide works by lifting the weight,
pressing the plunger, and then dropping the
weight.) Also, arrange the wires inside the switch
box so that wires do not touch the element con-
nectors or the kiln case.
Important: Check the Kiln Sitter adjustments shown
on pages 5 - 7 before firing the kiln.
Cleaning or Replacing the
Kiln Sitter Contacts
The contact block is behind the Kiln Sitter plunger
(the button that starts the Kiln Sitter). Pressing the
plunger closes the electrical contacts inside the block.
Sometimes the contact block needs cleaning. It is not
uncommon to find spider webs or bugs inside the contact
block if the kiln has been in storage for a few years. Dirt or
other foreign objects interfere with the closing of the con-
tact block, which causes the current to arc. This, in turn,
overheats the contacts, sometimes melts the Kiln Sitter
button, and damages the wires attached to the contact
block. While you have the Kiln Sitter opened, examine the
wires and replace if damaged by heat.
Another reason for worn contacts is pressing the Kiln
Sitter plunger when the kiln switches are already turned
on. TURN OFF ALL KILN SWITCHES BEFORE
PRESSING THE KILN SITTER PLUNGER. Engag-
ing the plunger with the switches turned on causes the
contacts to arc and become pitted.
Disconnect the power to the kiln. Check that
there is no cone or firing gauge on the Kiln Sitter
cone supports.
Remove and save the
screws at the side of
the switch box that
hold it to the kiln and
remove the box, care-
fully pulling straight
out to avoid damag-
ing the Kiln Sitter
tube. You may need
to prop the box on a
piece of wood as you
lean it against the
kiln.
22
If your kiln is direct wired, you will also need to disconnect the electri-
cal terminal box.
Prop the switch box on a chair or other ob-
ject. Do not strain the wires.