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Kiln Pointers
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Replacing Electrical Parts |
CONTENTS Replacing Electrical Parts Recent Q&As: adhesive for glass jewelry, 220 and 240 volts Reader Response: wiring a circuit ------------ REPLACING ELECTRICAL PARTS You can use these instructions to replace a relay, transformer, fuse holder, or switch. To see videos on this topic, Click here. 1) Disconnect the kiln from the power. 2) Open the panel that holds the part you are replacing. This usually entails removing the screws that hold the switch box to the kiln. (If a Kiln Sitter is mounted to the switch box, pull the box straight out to avoid damaging the porcelain tube.) Prop the switch box so that it stays open at a convenient angle. 3) Examine the defective part to determine why it failed. Do you see heat damage? A loose push-on connector can overheat and burn up the part it is connected to. In this case, replace the push-on terminal that overheated. 4) Compare the new part with the original to make sure the new one is correct. 5) Hold the new part next to the defective one, aligned in the same direction. Remove and transfer one wire at a time from the old part to the new one. After attaching each wire to the new part, tug on the wire to make sure the push-on connector is tight. 6) After transferring the wires, remove the defective part from the kiln and install the new part. (SWITCHES: Pull off the switch knob. If the knob won't come off, check to see if a setscrew is securing it to the shaft. Remove the single nut from the front of the defective switch. Some switches are fastened to the switch box with two screws. Remove screws. Remove the switch and install the new one making sure it is right side up. Reinstall the shaft nut checking to make sure it is not backwards. Tighten so the switch will not turn during operation.) 7) As you move the switch box back into place on the kiln, check to see that no wires are touching the kiln case or the element connectors. Wires touching the case or element connectors will burn. Tighten the switch box screws. RECENT Q&As Q. What do you recommend for gluing findings to glass jewelry? A. The only adhesive I've used for jewelry findings is E6000. It is a wonderful adhesive. Q. What is the difference between 220 and 240 volts? A. In the United States, 220 volts is not an actual voltage. It is a label used for appliances that can run on either 208 or 240 volts. If your electrical system is rated at 240 volts and the actual voltage is 220, then you have low voltage, which will slow down a 240-volt kiln. You can check the voltage with a voltmeter while the kiln is firing. The measurement should be taken at the kiln rather than at the breaker panel. READER RESPONSE Last week’s topic was checking the circuit breakers. Pam Day of Tucson, Arizona wrote, “I hired an electrician to install a new outlet for my kiln in my garage. All he did was run a line from the outdoor light down the wall. Whenever I use my kiln and someone turns anything on connected to that circuit, it blows! I have to have him come out and re-do his work. Your article helped a lot and explained what was happening.” The sky is an ever-changing canvas of color. Commenting on last’s week’s note, Cindy Durant in faraway Penong, Australia wrote, “I especially enjoy the little note about the sky. Too many people do not pay attention to that. I, too, look at the sky every time I go outside. I am always amazed by the beauty I find there, day or night.” Carole Dwinell of Martinez, California wrote, "Your final lines in this newsletter were quite lovely. I have just returned from Churchill, Manitoba and the dusk and dawn near the Arctic Circle are quietly splendid.” ---------- Last night I watched “Bridge on the River Kwai,” a fascinating psychological thriller. I saw it with my parents at age five and have always remembered the tune that the prisoners whistled. Thank you, With best wishes, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P. – Better Designed Kilns 2011 South Town East Blvd. Mesquite, TX 75149-1122 Voice: 972-288-7557 & 800-876-4328 / Fax: 972-222-0646 ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com PRIVACY NOTICE: Under no circumstance do we share or sell your email address. Copyright 2007, by Paragon Industries, L.P. |
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