CAUTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR L&L KILNS
cautions.pdf
REV: 11/1/2016
Page 11
2016
L&L Kiln Mfg, Inc. 505 Sharptown Rd, Swedesboro NJ 08085 P:856.294.0077 F:856.294.0070 [email protected] hotkilns.com
2. For instance if you used a Type S thermocouple on a
control set up for Type K you would overfire your kiln.
3. On some controls (like the newer DynaTrols) it is possible
to change thermocouple types. However, this involves both
a programming change and a jumper change on the control.
It also requires you to change out all the thermocouple lead
wire to properly calibrated wire for the new thermocouple
type. (See: hotkilns.com/change-thermocouple-type)
CHECK THERMOCOUPLE CALIBRATION
1. Thermocouples will drift in reading over time.
2. This could potentially lead to an overfiring before the
thermocouple actually fails.
3. Although you can not easily check thermocouple
calibration, the general accuracy of the entire kiln system
can be checked by firing with witness cones. See the LOG,
CONES & CERAMIC FIRING section or hotkilns.com/
troubleshooting-cones. Also see this video: hotkilns.
com/firing-kiln-witness-cones.
4. L&L recommends changing your Type K
thermocouples when you change your elements.
SHUT OFF KILN AT DISCONNECT OR CIRCUIT
BREAKER
1. It is possible for electrical contacts on contactor relays to
fuse together.
2. If this happens power will continue to flow to the elements
and your kilns could overfire even though everything on the
kiln is shut off.
3. You should turn kiln off from the circuit breaker or fused
disconnect switch after turning off the kiln itself.
DO NOT FIRE KILN ABOVE 2350
°
F (1290
°
C, Cone
10)
1. Most L&L kilns are rated for use to 2350°F (1290°C,
Cone 10).
2. The rating of the kiln is listed on its data nameplate
normally affixed to the control panel.
3. DO NOT FIRE ANY HIGHER THAN THIS or hold for
extended periods of time at those temperatures.
4. The elements, element holders and firebrick could melt.
POST FIRING CAUTIONS
CHECK FOR GLAZE AND CERAMIC CHIPS
1. Check element holders and walls for glaze, clay chips or
anything that could melt at a high temperature.
2. If melted clay or glaze comes in contact with an element,
a rapid failure could result. The molten material traps the
heat radiating from the element and subsequently raises
the surface temperature of the wire. The temperature will
quickly pass the maximum recommended temperature for
the wire and burn it.
3. To clean holders, a good shop vacuum with a HEPA
filter will handle dust and loose crumbs. A very gentle chisel
or grinder may help with glaze contamination on element
holders, but remember that the elements themselves are
quite brittle when they are cool.
4. Replace the contaminated holder if you can not clean it.
5. Remove any glaze that has splattered on the firebrick or
shelves. (USE SAFETY GLASSES WHEN DOING THIS
BECAUSE GLAZE CAN BE LIKE BROKEN GLASS).
Vacuum afterward. Note about vacuuming: it is possible
to build up a strong static electricity charge when you are
vacuuming. If this somehow manages to discharge into the
control it can ruin the electronic circuit. Make sure vacuum
is grounded and periodically touch some grounded metal
surface away from the kiln to discharge the energy.