Rohde Ecotop 20, Instruction Manual

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of 16 Level: 10 / 2020
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8. MAINTENANCE / CARE AND CLEANING
As the fire bricks give off residual moisture during the first operation the volume of the kiln might change slightly� It is
therefore essential to readjust the tensioning belts of the stainless steel casing of the cover (figure 24) and main ring
(figure 25) after the first firings (not applicable for Quattro and square or rectangular Toploader models)�
Please make sure that no clays and glazes come into
contact with the heating elements� This will cause the
heating elements to malfunction during subsequent
firings� If, however, impurities get onto the heating ele-
ments, clean them immediately, as burned-in glazes etc�
will damage the heating elements and bricks� If there is
substantial damage, please contact Helmut Rohde GmbH
or your retailer�
Heating elements are subject to wear� Their resistance (Ohm) increases with every firing� Over the course of time this
will lead to delays in the firing cycle due to a drop in performance, especially in the upper temperature range� If there
is excessive wear we recommend that you replace the complete set of heating elements rather than just single
elements� Replacing individual elements might lead to variations in temperature inside the kiln�
Have a qualified electrician replace the heating elements!
A tip for the firing professional: Always keep a spare set of heating elements! In case of an emergency
this will save you unnecessary delay and allow you to continue firing as quickly as possible.
Remove clay and stone dust regularly using a broom and a vacuum cleaner� This will also increase the service life of
your heating elements�
Avoid reduction glaze firing, as this will cause the oxidation layer to decompose, thus significantly reducing the service
life of the heating elements�
We recommend an empty firing (without furniture or goods) after every 20th firing� This will "clean" the heating ele-
ments and at the same time the oxide layer can renew itself which will extend the service life of the elements�
9. TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
The controller cannot be switched on.
• Check if the controller has been connected to the switch cabinet of the kiln�
• Check if the kiln is connected to the mains supply�
• Check the micro-fuse on the switch cabinet of the kiln� This has a T 2A fuse�
• Have your house mains supplies (plugs), fuses and the current consumption of your kiln checked by a qualified
electrician�
The controller displays an error message.
You will find the relevant explanation in your user’s manual for the controller�
The firing chamber does not heat up. Check if the cover switch is working� The cover switch is probably not
working and thus cannot operate the safety contactor� Make sure that the safety switch drops back in to the round
hole� If this does not happen, the safety circuit is interrupted and the kiln cannot heat up�
The kiln heats up very slowly. The kiln does not reach the programmed temperatures� The controller displays an
error message� Check the heating elements for visible damage, e�g� cracks�
The functionality of all ROHDE kilns is tested before they leave the factory!
figure 24 figure 25