June 30, 2025

Plug-n-Fire Knowledgebase printer-friendly page icon

Plug-n-Fire Knowledgebase

Location: Can I install my kiln on a non-fireproof floor?
Fireproofing Around a Kiln

Short answer: No, you cannot place a kiln near non-fireproof

Restarting the Kiln after Getting an Error Message
  • You can try to restart the kiln after getting an error code.
  • Some messages, like
    • Does the digital controller have a way to prevent an over fire?

    Once properly calibrated, your L&L digital kiln should fire reliably for many cycles. The

    Element Connections are glowing. Why? What should be done?

    An element connection can start to glow if it overheats, which can occur for several reasons:

    Error Codes: How and Why to Turn Off
    To Toggle Error Codes On and Off

    The OTHER button contains a menu that contains many of the

    Elements: How can I extend ceramic kiln element life?
    Why do elements in electric kilns fail? How can you save on kiln maintenance costs?

     <

    How can my kiln section stay on all the time in my computerized kiln, even when the on/off switch is off?
    A Relay May Be Stuck Shut
  • All computerized kilns use relays to cycle the power on and off
    • Firing: How do hold times and heatwork affect my work?
  • There is an option to add time to the end of the program when you enter a program. Usually,
    • Programming: How do I enter a really slow program?

    On the DynaTrol you will need to use the Vary-Fire programming. On a Genesis use the Custom

    Firing: How do I fix pinholes and blistering in glazing?
  • The first thing to check is to make sure you are not putting on too thick a layer of glaze.<
    • How do I keep elements from falling out of the element holders in the corner of a kiln?
  • Sometimes with thick elements, especially in the corner of a DaVinci, or Easy-Load kiln, the
    • Thermocouples: How do I know which thermocouples to get for my kiln?

    L&L has used a lot of different style thermocouples over the years.

    With

    Programming: How high can the DynaTrol or Genesis be programmed to fire to?

    The DynaTrol or Genesis control can be programmed to fire to up to 2400° F or 1315° C. No special

    Relays: How long do relays last?

    Relays generally last around 200,000 cycles on average (roughly 18+ months depending on

    Longevity: How long does a kiln last?

    That is a difficult question to answer, as the longevity of a kiln is based much more on how it

    Shelves: How many times do I coat my shelves with kiln wash?

    Question: I am about to run my first bisque firing in my new L&L kiln. I have coated the

    Firing: How soon after the test firing can one bisque fire?

    Immediately.

    Genesis: How to create custom program in the Genesis Control
    Step-by-step instructions on how to create a custom program with an added delay on the Genesis
    Genesis: How to Disable the Alarm Sound on a Genesis Control
  • Go to "Menu"
  • Scroll down to "7-Factory Config"
  • Enter Code "443"<
    • Genesis: How to find the latest Revision for Genesis Software and Update
  • Check your version on your control.
    • I blew up a a piece of ceramic, how do I get glaze out of the wall and off the element?
  • Dig it out of the wall carefully.
  • Use safety glasses and a Dremel to carefully
    • The temperature in the control is jumping erratically. How do I fix it?
    Electrical Noise External
  • Sometimes there is electrical "noise" in your incoming line.
    • Calibration: Thermocouple Offset and Cone Offsets
    What they are, how to find them, and when to use which setting.
  • Thermocouple Offset and Cone
    • Genesis: Troubleshooting WIFI Issues on Genesis Control
    Network Compatibility

    Genesis controllers work best with WPA, WPA2, and WEP networks. The

    Thermocouples: What are Thermocouples?
    General Information on Thermocouples
  • The pyrometers and all of the electronic kiln
    • What do I do if I overfire and melt clay and/ or glaze all over the inside of the kiln?
  • Overfires are not covered under the warranty.
  • It's best to extract all of the clay
    • What do I do if the control display doesn't show anything?
    On/Off Switch
  • Make sure the On/Off Switch is turned on. Turn it on and off.
    • What do I do if the display is normal but the kiln won't heat up?
    Programming
  • Make sure you have programmed the kiln properly and it is supposed to be
    • What does it cost ($) for the electricity to fire the kiln?

    The only way to figure this out accurately is to have a kilowatt meter installed in the power

    What happens if the power goes out while I am firing?
  • If the power goes off during the Delay countdown, the controller will remember where it was
    • Thermocouples: What is a thermocouple (TC) and how does it work?
  • A thermocouple (TC) is a temperature sensor. It reads the temperature in the kiln and gives
    • What makes elements melt and sag?
  • Getting glaze on the element can cause that to happen.
  • It can also happen
    • What's the worst thing that can happen from restarting after an Error Code?

    Keep in mind that you run the risk of over-firing if you restart while the kiln is very close to

    Why do stainless steel threads become jammed on element terminals?
  • We use stainless steel element terminal bolts. Stainless steel bolts have weaker threads than
    • Why does my kiln corrode so quickly?

    Corrosion on a kiln is perfectly normal... mostly because it is a kiln! Hot-to-cold-to-hot

    Why does my kiln seem like it overfires the pottery?

    The work is overfired but there is no error code. Here are some things to look for:

    Why does my kiln seem like it underfires the pottery?

    If your kiln underfires with no error code:

  • Cones placed wrongly in cone pack-
    • Firing: Why use slow bisque over fast bisque? Is it just a moisture issue?
  • Slow bisque is the safest to use and ensures a better firing to get out fumes and water