Use Copper Wire for Hook Up

November 21, 2024
CAUTIONS CAUTIONS Support> Cautions> Use Copper Wire for Hook Up Use Copper Wire for Hook Up Do not use aluminum wire on the final connection to the kiln. The specific reason particular to kilns is that the wire tends to get hotter near the kiln than it might be going into some other types of appliances. Being a resistive load, there is constant heat being generated by the conductors for quite a few hours. When aluminum wire gets hot it accelerates oxidation. Aluminum oxide is a resistor; copper oxide is not as much. If the connection at the terminal board gets oxidized it will really heat up - to the point where it could cause a fire. Note: Depending on local codes it may be OK to use aluminum wire to your sub-panel - as long as that wire is not exceeding its temperature rating while kiln is firing on full power for an extended period of time. Aluminum wiring was once widely used in homes, but because it was found that aluminum had a greater expansion profile under load, it often loosened wire connections and sometimes caused electrical fires. Because kiln loads can present a substantial load on the wiring, we recommend the use of copper wiring in kiln circuits.

Do not use aluminum wire on the final connection to the kiln.
The specific reason particular to kilns is that the wire tends to get hotter near the kiln than it might be going into some other types of appliances.
Being a resistive load, there is constant heat being generated by the conductors for quite a few hours. When aluminum wire gets hot it accelerates oxidation. Aluminum oxide is a resistor; copper oxide is not as much. If the connection at the terminal board gets oxidized it will really heat up - to the point where it could cause a fire.
Note: Depending on local codes it may be OK to use aluminum wire to your sub-panel - as long as that wire is not exceeding its temperature rating while kiln is firing on full power for an extended period of time.
Aluminum wiring was once widely used in homes, but because it was found that aluminum had a greater expansion profile under load, it often loosened wire connections and sometimes caused electrical fires. Because kiln loads can present a substantial load on the wiring, we recommend the use of copper wiring in kiln circuits.

CAUTIONS