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Kiln repair
now available in So. California area
We now offer full service kiln repair &
service in the Southern California area:
To schedule kiln
service, call us at 818/782-1500
Simple & Important safeguards for operating a kiln.
Please read and
observe the following safety warnings before operating your
kiln:
Install kiln
18" or more from any wall or combustibles.
Fire only on
stand or legs furnished.
Never fire
hotter than cone 10 or 2350 degrees.
Do not fire
hotter than the manufacturer's recommendation for your clay,
glazes, or decals, or permanent damage may result to your
kiln or ware.
Do not open lid
until kiln has cooled.
Before opening
lid, turn off all switches, then carefully open lid and test
that lid brace is securely engaged before allowing lid to
stand freely.
Do not leave
kiln unattended while firing.
Never use an
extension cord.
Operate kiln
only in a well-ventilated room.
Unplug kiln
before servicing or cleaning.
Dangerous
Voltage - Do not touch heating elements with anything.
Do not touch
hot sides of kiln or hot lid. Burns may result.
Never store
anything under kiln; never lean objects against kiln.
Do not store or
use flammable liquids or sprays in the same room with your
kiln.
Do not store or
use your kiln outside; keep rain and moisture away from
kiln.
Do not use kiln
if cord is damaged.
Wall receptacle
must not be corroded.
Use kiln only
with adequate electrical supply and with the correct
voltage, amperage and correct fuse size (not too large or
small). Be sure the wire size is large enough (avoid
aluminum wiring). Do not use a 208 VAC kiln on 220 VAC.
Kiln must be
grounded properly.
Wear goggles
when looking thorough peephole.
Wear protective
gloves when handling hot peephole plugs.
When firing
objects to be used with food and drink, use only supplies
tested and labeled "safe" for such purposes.
Avoid breathing
fumes from materials being fired.
It is imperative
that you read all instructions and follow
ALL of the manufacturers instructions and recommendations before
operating the kiln.
These are very
simple guidelines, there is so much more to know before you
are ready to use your kiln.
Electric Requirements of Kiln (Volts &
Amps)
Most small test kilns (1 cu./ft.) can be fired on a standard
110-volt outlet, and only draw 15 amps. However, larger
kilns require more volts and amps. Ask your electrician what
the available voltage is to your kiln room. The voltage
supplied might be 208 or 240 volts. Note the voltage when
ordering the kiln. If your voltage supply is 240 and your
kiln requires 208 volts this situation will shorten the life
of the kiln elements and switches. If you voltage is 208 and
the kiln draws 240 volts the kiln might not reach its
maximum temperature during the firing. The goal is to match
the kiln to the power supply. When you have selected a kiln,
ask the ceramic's supplier the voltage and amperage (amps)
requirement of the kiln you are considering purchasing then
relay this information to your electrician so he can
determine the correct electrical connections when the kiln
is in place.
A Reputable Ceramic Supplier (An
Important Choice)
Before purchasing any ceramic supplies or equipment consider
the company that stands behind their product or service.
This will be the most important decision you will make when
purchasing an electric kiln. Look for a local ceramics
supplier who has a good business reputation and offers full
service to its customers. It is best to buy from a "full
service" dealer with a good reputation.
Click here for some places to kiln fire your
ceramics in the US and Canada
Happy &
Safe Firings!