March 28, 2025

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

Troubleshooting

What do I do if I overfire and melt clay and/ or glaze all over the inside of the kiln?
Overfires are NEVER covered under the warranty.
What do I do if the control display doesn't show anything?
On/Off SwitchMake sure the On/Off Switch is turned on. Turn it on and off.Control FuseCheck control fuse in side of control box.
What do I do if the display is normal but the kiln won't heat up?
ProgrammingMake sure you have programmed the kiln properly and it is supposed to be firing. Do you have a Delay Time or a Preheat Time in your program?
What do I do if the kiln doesn't heat at all (manual kilns)?
Check many of the same things in the above section on Automatic kilns - power supply, branch fuses, short circuits, cord, etc.
What do I do if the kiln heats too fast?
Voltage
What do I do if the kiln stalls?
If for some reason the thermocouple wires touch the hot kiln case, they may melt and fail.
What happens if the power goes out while I am firing?
If power goes off during the Delay countdown, the controller will remember where it was when power shut off.
What is the E- A code on the DynaTrol and how do you fix it?
E- A or Error A is the result of having too high a number programmed into one or more of the segments of the Vary-Fire program you are trying to fire.  Bartlett
What makes elements melt and sag?
Getting glaze on the element can cause that to happen.It can also happen sometimes from a combination of things, not involving direct contact with glaze.
What to do if the kiln fires slowly?
Incorrect LoadingIf your kiln is loaded unevenly it can cause the 3-zone control to slow the kiln down to compensate.Try evening out the load.
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 re-start while the kiln is very close to the final temperature.
Why do I get TC-- code when I run my 3-button Bartlett
There is a glitch in User 2 program in the 3-button Bartlett.
Why do stainless steel threads become jammed on element terminals?
We use stainless steel element terminal bolts.
Why does my 8, 10, and 12 sided kiln lid open more in the front when I fire?
When this happens, it almost always means the hinge is out of adjustment or set too low on the back of the kiln.
Why does my DaVinci kiln lid open more in the front when I fire?
When this happens, it almost always means the hinge is out of adjustment or set too low at the back of the kiln.
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 environments, plus all the water vapor, not to mention sulfur, fluorine, carbon etc.
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:
Why does the kiln's breaker keep tripping?
Breakers can trip on the kiln for a couple different reasons. What is important to know is, when does it trip? Does it trip as soon as you turn the toggle switch on?
Why kiln amperage is higher than the rating when first turned on
When you first turn on a kiln and the elements are cold the amperage is higher. Once the elements heat up the resistance changes by

Service

How to get expert Instrument Panel Repair
Repair Service
How to remove Panel for Service
Unplug the kiln.
How to replace control
Easy instructions for replacing or upgrading your control
How to replacing a Control Transformer in an L&L Automatic Kiln
How to replace the transformer
Replacing Bottoms
Remove the kiln sections. Take the old bottom of the stand. Put the new bottom on the stand. Relevel the kiln.
Replacing Element Channels
When ordering a new channel, provide the model number of the kiln and the length of the element holder.
Replacing Firebrick in Sides of a Sectional Kiln
Order the firebrick precut and rerouted from L&L Kilns
Replacing Fuse Holder
Simple instructions of how to do this
Replacing Lids
Remove one of the Cotter pins from the Hinge Bar. Pull out the Hinge Bar. Unscrew the chains from the stainless-steel case of the lid.
Replacing Power Relay
How to Replace the Power Relays of Most L&L Kilns.
Replacing Thermocouples
Unplug kiln. Remove or hinge open the control box. Remove the Thermocouple Lead Wire from the Thermocouple.
Stretching Elements
Details for how to stretch elements
Testing Element Resistance
How to check element resistance
What do I do if there is shipping damage?
Don't sign the Bill of Lading if you notice the shipping damage. If you do sign it, sign it with mention of the damage. What you do may determine how helpful the shipping co
Where can I get service?
Most of our distributors provide repair service. We keep a database with the names of local kiln service people that we find out about. Call us for a name and we'll see if w
Will working on your kiln void the warranty?
The short answer is no - working on your kiln will NOT void the warranty. L&L kilns are designed for self-service.

Parts

Are parts available for all L&L kilns?
L&L sells parts for just about every kiln made by L&L Kiln Mfg., Inc., L&L Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Are there different size element holders?
There are different lengths, but other than that they are all the same size.  No, L&L will not make custom sized element holders except for
Can I buy and use L&L element holders for a kiln I am building or on other kilns?
A customer writes:
How does L&L ship parts?
Click here for more information.
What are the packing charges for parts?
Click here for more information.
Where can I get parts?
Parts are available direct from the factory. We typically ship the day after we get an order.
Why should I use L&L elements?
Replacement elements made by L&L Kiln Mfg., Inc.

Specifications & Literature

Do you need to register your kiln for the warranty?
No. We track kilns by serial number and there is no need to register your warranty,
Notes on Sectional Kiln Construction
Kilns used onAll L&L top-loading kilns are sectional.Front-Loading kilns are not sectional.Why do we use sectional construction?
Should I get a powered bottom?
Availability Powered bottoms are available on Jupiter kilns with 22-1/2", 23-1/2", 28" and 29" diameters.
What is so great about Dyna-Glow Hard Ceramic Element Channels? Do they cost more?
One, your kiln will last much longer. We have seen L&L kilns that are 20 and even 30 years old that look and function like new kilns.
What is the difference between a JD230 and a JD230-EZ?
The only difference is the amperage and watts. The JD230-3 is designed with the same elements that we used for 50 years in the J230 kilns (43 amps at 240 volts).
What is the difference between a Jupiter kiln and a DaVinci kiln?
The DaVinci kilns are normally larger and are square and rectangular in shape. For some the shape is critical (for tiles, for instance) and makes the kiln more efficient in terms of
What is the difference between an Easy-Fire kiln and a Jupiter kiln?
The Easy-Fire kilns were designed to meet the need for an uncomplicated easy-to-buy kiln that meets the needs of majority of kiln users. The Jupiter kilns are primarily used when cus