Elmer's Glass Kiln manual Setting Up the Kiln, Electrical Installation, Where to Locate the Kiln

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Setting Up the Kiln

Electrical Installation

You must plug your kiln into a circuit that no other appli- ance uses while the kiln is firing. Turn off the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse for the circuit that your kiln will be plugged into. Check to see

if other appliances shut off too. If that circuit powers appliances that must re- main on while the kiln is firing, plug your kiln into a different circuit.

Note: 120 volt kilns: avoid extension cords if possible. If you must use one, never use one smaller than 12 gauge and longer than 20 feet. Never plug it into a ceiling outlet!

Voltage fluctuation can vary firing time from as little as half to more than twice the average time. If the voltage is too low, the kiln may never reach full temperature.

The receptacle must have a separate safety grounding wire. This protects you from serious electrical shock. Changing the cord plug will void your warranty!

Where to Locate the Kiln

1Place your kiln in a well ventilated, covered and pro- tected area such as the garage, basement, utility or hobby room.

Note: Some people keep their kiln outside on a cov- ered patio. This is okay so long as the kiln is not sub- jected to excessive humidity. We recommend good ventilation. However, some materials, such as silver clay, may not need special ventilation.

2Remove gasoline, paint, and other flammable materials from the kiln room.

3Provide a minimum of 12 inches clearance between kiln and the closest wall.

4Never allow the room temperature of your firing room to exceed 100 - 110° F. Measure the tempera- ture about 3 feet from the kiln. If necessary, use fans to lower room temperature.

Place the kiln on a fire-proof surface, such as a large ceramic kiln shelf.

5Keep the kiln away from curtains or other combusti- ble materials.

6Position kiln on a level, fire-proof surface. We rec- ommend an 18” x 18” piece of sheet metal or a large ceramic kiln shelf.

Note: If you are with the kiln at all times during fir- ing, you can place it directly onto a workbench or kitchen table. A fire-proof surface is ideal, though, because it provides a safe place to lay hot shelves re- moved from the kiln.

7Keep unsupervised children away.

8Keep the power supply cord away from the kiln case.

There is little danger of serious burn from accidental contact if you exercise the same caution you would use with an electric iron.

Transporting the Kiln

Some people take their kilns to seminars or on vacation. The easiest way to transport the kiln is to use the original packing materials.

If you no longer have the packing materials, transport the kiln on its back with the door facing up. Place a thin sheet of foam cushioning between the door and the firing chamber to prevent rubbing. Avoid subjecting the kiln to excessive vi- bration during travel.

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Contents Page Contents IntroductionSafety Important Safety RulesSetting Up the Kiln Electrical InstallationWhere to Locate the Kiln Transporting the KilnAccessories Basic OperationImportant Guidelines Loading the Kiln Optional Glass View PortPlace Ware on a Protective Shelf Applying Glass Separator or Kiln WashUsing Ceramic Fireclay Posts Silver & Gold ClayVenting the Kiln Drying TimeRate, Temperature, Hold Cooling TimeGlass Fusing & Slumping How to Cut GlassFusing Compatibility Test Annealing RangeCleaning Gluing the Glass Firing the GlassPreparing the Copper Decorating the CopperCeramic Overglaze Firing EnamelPyrometric Cones Loading and Firing OverglazeLost Wax Burnout OverviewSample Program ConeFiring Mistakes Burnout InstructionsSilver Clay GlassCeramic Overglaze Trouble-Shooter Kiln MaintenanceKiln Repairs Replacing the Thermocouple Replacing a Relay or TransformerReplacing the Temperature Controller Replacing the Firing Chamber