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is it best to wire the kiln directly to power?

updated thu 16 sep 10

 

DJ Brewer on tue 14 sep 10


I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to know if its best
to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power. I've
heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to know
which way he should proceed with this final step.

Thanks for any and all responses

DJ

jonathan byler on tue 14 sep 10


yes. you should have a disconnect box installed on the wall near the
kiln with appropriate (according to the manufacturer) fuses in it.

having a plug is asking for problems.


On Sep 14, 2010, at 10:19 AM, DJ Brewer wrote:

> I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to know if its best
> to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
> plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power.
> I've
> heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
> kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to
> know
> which way he should proceed with this final step.
>
> Thanks for any and all responses
>
> DJ

David Woof on tue 14 sep 10


DJ=3D2C for serious reasons of safety hardwire the kiln.
=3D20
The archives are full of the technical reasons and tales of studio fires an=
=3D
d loss.
=3D20
David Woof
________________________________________________________________________
7. is it best to wire the kiln directly to power?
Posted by: "DJ Brewer" djbrewer88@COMCAST.NET=3D20
Date: Tue Sep 14=3D2C 2010 11:24 am ((PDT))

I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln=3D2C and I wanted to know if its best
to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
plug=3D2C and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power. I've
heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to know
which way he should proceed with this final step.

Thanks for any and all responses
=3D20


=3D

David Hendley on tue 14 sep 10


Yes.
I've done it both ways - hard wiring (no plug) is better because
the plug and socket is the "weak link" that can corrode and cause
problems.
An "air conditioner box" is suitable for all but the largest electric
kilns, as the cut-off switch close to the kiln. These are required,
next to the outdoor compressor, for central A/C installations in
Texas, which means they are common and inexpensive. This is
cheaper than the high-amp socket than would be required for
the plug, so in this case you have a better installation for less
cost.
Of course, if you plan to move the kiln, even just occasionally,
a plug and socket is more appropriate.

I even got rid of the plug and socket joining the sections of
my big Paragon kiln, since the sections will never be taken apart.
The plug got very hot during firings, even though I inspected
and cleaned it regularly. Now, with direct wiring it stays nice
and cool and there is no maintenance required.

David Hendley
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com
http://www.thewahooligans.com


----- Original Message -----
> I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to know if its best
> to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
> plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power. I've
> heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
> kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to know
> which way he should proceed with this final step.
>

Arnold Howard on tue 14 sep 10


From: "DJ Brewer"
> I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to
> know if its best
> to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego
> the use of a
> plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from
> power.
-----------
It sounds like you have a good electrician.

Whether you direct wire the kiln or use the plug and wall
outlet, place an electrical shutoff box nearby. It is a
convenient way to disconnect the power even if your kiln is
plugged into a wall outlet. Disconnect the kiln when it is
not in use.

http://www.paragonweb.com/Kiln_Pointer.cfm?PID=3D357

Direct wiring the kiln is not essential. Otherwise kilns
would be shipped without a plug. The plug is convenient for
those who already have a wall outlet and don't want to hire
an electrician to direct wire the kiln, and for those who
need to move the kiln occasionally. If an electrician is
already coming out to install a circuit, I would direct wire
the kiln.

Make sure the electrician installs the circuit wire gauge
that Skutt recommends for that model.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

William & Susan Schran User on tue 14 sep 10


On 9/14/10 11:19 AM, "DJ Brewer" wrote:

> I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to know if its best
> to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
> plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power. I've
> heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
> kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to know
> which way he should proceed with this final step.

A hard wire connection will always be the preferred, most secure and longes=
t
lasting type connection. Make certain electrician follows recommended line
size (going up one more size is even better) and ONLY uses copper lines.
Yes, you must have a disconnect near the kiln.

Bill

--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com

DJ Brewer on tue 14 sep 10


I'm convinced. I'm having my kiln hardwired. Thanks to all who
responded -- I got both personal and public responses from various
wonderful folks. I appreciate your expertise.

Happy firing to all and to all a Good Night!

DJ

________________________________________________________________________
is it best to wire the kiln directly to power?
Posted by: "DJ Brewer" djbrewer88@COMCAST.NET
Date: Tue Sep 14, 2010 11:24 am ((PDT))

I'm setting up my skutt cone 10 kiln, and I wanted to know if its best
to hardwire the kiln directly into the power and forego the use of a
plug, and have a breaker by the kiln to disconnect it from power. I've
heard from various sources that this is preferable for an electric
kiln. My electrician is awaiting input from experienced potters to know
which way he should proceed with this final step.

Thanks for any and all responses

Eleanora Eden on wed 15 sep 10


I always thought it was no contest: hardwired is the way to go.
Further, my husband installed a small electronics type fan from
Radio Shack in the side of the control panel. Helped a lot. He
also installed a control switch on the wall next to the kiln that
has a volt meter on line. So there is a permanent read-out there
next to the kiln on how each element is doing. I think this is very handy.

Best,

Eleanora


> I'm convinced. I'm having my kiln hardwired. Thanks to all who
>responded -- I got both personal and public responses from various
>wonderful folks. I appreciate your expertise.
>
>Happy firing to all and to all a Good Night!
>
>DJ
>
>_

--
Bellows Falls Vermont
www.eleanoraeden.com