The following is a slightly edited email conversation between a potential customer and Steve Lewicki.
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Dear L&L KIlns -
Here are some questions about the L&L Kiln eQuad Pro 13.6 cubic feet model eq 2836-3. I have not purchased this kiln yet,. I may get the 10.6 cubic foot one instead, but these questions will probably have the same answers, regardless of which model...
1. I am planning to put this kiln in an uninsulated garage in Wisconsin where the temperatures can drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. I could not find anything about cold ambient temperature voiding the kiln warranty. Is that correct?
2. What is the best way to operate the kiln when it is cold? I was planning on building a plexiglass enclosure (not close to kiln) and heating temp up to 35 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit before turning on the kiln's computer for programming the firing. Is that what you would recommend?
3. Will keeping the kiln computer in the cold (when not firing kiln) reduce the lifetime of the kiln in a significant way?
4. How many feet from the walls do you recommend putting the kiln? I am getting the downdraft vent option and also wonder how far the exhaust tube will need to reach.
5. What do you recommend for the walls of the garage near the kiln? Concrete board--will it suffice?
6. I could put the kiln in the basement laundry room that is heated, but I would prefer the garage because there will be lots more space there. I hope that is a workable option. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Thank you very much!
Matt B
Wisconsin
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Matthew -Thanks for emailing! See answers below your questions:
1. I am planning to put this kiln in an uninsulated garage in Wisconsin where the temperatures can drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. I could not find anything about cold ambient temperature voiding the kiln warranty. Is that correct?
Cold weather will not void the warranty per se. However, here are the technical specs of the control (from Bartlett):
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS THERMOCOUPLE INPUT TYPE K or TYPE S (MAXIMUM RESISTANCE 100 OHMS) ACCURACY +/- 10ûF COLD JUNCTION COMPENSATION ELECTRONIC POWER INPUT 24V CENTER-TAP TRANSFORMER OUTPUTS 1, 2, 3, AND SAFETY 600 mA AT 12V; FOUR 12V RELAYS WITH 80 OHM COIL OUTPUT 4 150 mA at 12V; ONE 12V RELAY WITH 80 OHM COIL OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE 0ûF TO 125ûF OR 0ûC TO 52ûC
2. What is the best way to operate the kiln when it is cold? I was planning on building a plexiglass enclosure (not close to kiln) and heating temp up to 35 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit before turning on the kiln's computer for programming the firing. Is that what you would recommend?
I wouldn't use plexiglass - but that is just a person thought. It is very expensive and inherently flammable (I would guess) and not sure what the point is. Why don't you build a little enclosure out of cement board? From the above specs you only need to be above 0 Deg F. The control itself is the only thing that is likely to be affected and the kiln will quickly make everything around it warm enough. The only other mechanical item on the kiln are the relays. (I just looked up their technical specs and found nothing about temperature range).
3. Will keeping the kiln computer in the cold (when not firing kiln) reduce the lifetime of the kiln in a significant way?
The only effect I can see is the expansion and contraction of the firebrick might be more extreme. The other thing, which I don't think will affect you in an enclosed space, is if you somehow create condensation of the kiln with these extreme conditions. I see that more where people want to put a kiln outside in a desert.
4. How many feet from the walls do you recommend putting the kiln? I am getting the downdraft vent option and also wonder how far the exhaust tube will need to reach.
18"
5. What do you recommend for the walls of the garage near the kiln? Concrete board--will it suffice?
Concrete or cement board will be great.
6. I could put the kiln in the basement laundry room that is heated, but I would prefer the garage because there will be lots more space there. I hope that is a workable option. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Try it outside for a winter and see if you run into any operational issues. I don't think you will.
I saw your other note about voltage and there are no issues with that. Just make sure you have enough power per the specs on the kiln you buy.
Good luck with everything!
Stephen Lewicki
President | L&L Kiln Mfg., Inc.
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Thanks so much for answering the questions!
Might be a dumb question, but what do you mean "make sure you have enough power per the specs on the kiln" that I buy? The electrician said that he would do a direct wire to the kiln, and that since we have 200 amp service, we could use the required 100 amp breaker for the kiln. What else besides that would I have to consider in terms of "power"?
Thanks again,
Matt
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Well, now that I think about it, I guess I can ask the electrician if there will be any problem with the specs of 19000 watts and 79.2 amps. The watts are the power. If there is anything else you think I should ask the electrician before ordering the kiln, please let me know.
Thanks,
Matt
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Matt - Having just checked the specs you will need a 100 amp breaker for that kiln if you have 240 volts, single phase.
Stephen Lewicki
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Hi, Stephen,
I am still doing some research on the equad pro kiln that I plan to buy. I am trying to figure out the best retailer to buy from--shipping to Wisconsin.
I spoke to the electrician and he said that I should go with 240 volts with single phase. I am wondering why somebody would go with 208 volts instead. Also wondering what triple phase means. If those questions are not too annoying to respond to, I would enjoy hearing back from you.
Thanks,
Matt
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Matt -
You typically do not have a choice of voltage. It is what it is normally. You just need to match your kiln to the voltage that you have available. Typically in a home that will be 240 volts single phase.
Stephen Lewicki