March 25, 2025
KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS L&L KILN KNOWLEDGEBASE Home> Support> Knowledgebase-FAQs SERCH> Vent What should I do to ventilate my kiln? An electric kiln atmosphere rich in oxygen will make elements, kiln-sitters, and thermocouples last as long as possible. All the materials used in L&L kilns like to be in oxygen. Why are no holes drilled int the lid of L&L kilns that are vented? We have never subscribed to the idea that holes in the lid are a good idea for venting. Assembly Can I convert a manual J230 to an automatic JD230 and if so what do I need to get? It is possible to convert a J230 manual kiln into a JD230 automatic kiln. Changing from 208 volts to 240 volts - what to do? All the elements will need to be replaced. Why? For example, the ohms on the JD2927 208 volt element circuits should be around 10.4. How do I move a used kiln? Question: We are getting ready to move long distance and wondered how we can pack/box/crate our kilns so they are protected in transit. How easy is the set up of L&L sectional kilns? Setting up any of our kilns is very simple. Should you use the latch on an "Easy-Lift" Lid? A customer asks: Switching a manual kiln from 208 volts to 240 volts Change ElementsAll the elements will need to be replaced. For example the ohms on the J2927 208 volt element circuits should be around 10.4. Switching manual kiln (50 amps) from 208 volts to 240 volts All the elements will need to be replaced. For example, the ohms on the J230 208 volt element circuits should be around 14.2. What is the purpose of the latch on the new L&L Spring Hinge? This latch should be closed/used during firing of the kiln. We provide it because the lid is light enough with the spring hinge so that it could rise slightly during firing. Installation Can I get a 30 amp plug on an e18S-3? The e18S and e18S-3 have an amperage draw of 23.9 amps. It is possible to supply this with a 30 amp plug. Can I install my kiln on a non-fireproof floor? In a word- No. Can I use Three-Phase Wye Power on a Three-Phase Delta wired kiln? Question: The school district is looking to purchase a kiln (K-E-23T3/22, 11000W, 208v, 3phase, 40 amp). Can you remove the door of an Easy-Load kiln? For all Easy-Load kilns (except the EL3048): With the door all the way open the kiln will go through a 34-1/2" wide door. Do I need a separate electrical line for my kiln? We recommend that you install your kiln on a separate line coming out of your main electrical box. It should have its own circuit breaker or fused disconnect switch. See our Do you make 480 volt kilns? The following kilns can be ordered with 480 volts: DaVinci kilns including all Bell-Lift models. Jupiter 2900 (28" and 29" diameter) models. Firing a kiln safely in a garage A customer asks: How can I protect an existing power supply? Circuit BreakersCircuit breakers that have tripped and have been reset continually will be more apt to trip at a lower amperage than they are rated for. How deep should a Kiln Sitter Tube go into a kiln? How do you adjust the depth? The Kiln Sitter Tube assembly should stick into the kiln about 1". This will allow air to circulate around the cone and allow it to have a more accurate representation of the kiln temperature. How do I hook up my kiln to power? L&L's official recommendation is for an electrician to connect the kiln to power. How do I know if I have 240 or 208 volts and single or three phase? Click here for information on how to find out what voltage you have. How do I switch my kiln from 3 phase to 1 phase and vise-versa? On most L&L Kilns this is very easy to do. It is a matter of re-distributing the wires between the kiln fuses or relays and the main powerblock inside the control box. How to pack a kiln for moving Remove the stand and the bottom.Put the kiln on a firm surface like a skid with a piece of plywood on it and put a 1" piece of styrofoam on the wood.Then put the kiln with th How to reduce tension on the Easy-Lift Spring Hinge There are two normal tension adjustments for the Easy-Lift Spring Hinge. How to size the circuit breaker, fuses, cord and/or power supply of your kiln. This consists of the main power cord, receptacle, powerblock, wire, and breakers. Is it OK to have a 24 amp e18S-3 kiln on a 50 amp circuit? This is fine to do if you are careful. The only concern would be if you put the wrong elements in the kiln, or connected them to power incorrectly when you replace them. If Is there a Kiln Installation Checklist? Yes - there is an installation checklist. See this page. Is three phase cheaper & better to run than single phase? It is not normally cheaper to run kilns on three phase power vs single phase power. You still use the same amount of KW hours regardless of the phase of the power. In some a Markings on Type S Thermocouples and lead wire colors Question: On the thermocouple terminal block of our Type S thermocouple, one screw is clearly labeled with a bright red ‘+’ and the other has a dark black ‘-‘. Should you replace a K18 power cord? The power supply cord originally supplied with K18 kilns is only a three-wire cord. The third wire is actually a "neutral" wire, not a ground wire. The Spring Hinge does not go all the way back. What is wrong? The hinge piece that attaches to the lid has to "ears". These must go on the outside of the hinge piece that attaches to the body of the kiln. There are small ceramic discs wedged in the element holders. What are they for? The discs are placed in the element holders to keep the elements from coming out during shipment.it is a good idea to keep them in place during at least the first firing.Once Weight of Kiln Rings or Sections and Tops and Bottoms for Lifting Guidance How much does a kiln top weigh? How much does a kiln section or ring weigh? weight top bottom ring section weights lifting What does it mean to direct wire a kiln? Is there a power cord? All L&L Kilns that are over 48 amps are direct wired. That means that there is a power connection block inside the control panel. What is a GFCI or GFI Breaker or Outlet and why might it trip when used with an electric kiln? What is a GFCI or a GFI Breaker or Outlet? What is a UL499 or MET listing? Is UL499 Listing Required? What is Branch Fusing and where is it used? Branch Fusing Included On High Powered UnitsAccording to the the National electrical Code electrical equipment needs branch fusing when the total amperage draw is higher than 48 amps. What is the difference between 220 volts, 3 phase and 380/220 volts, 3 phase (overseas applications)? 220 volts, 3 phaseIf you have 220 volts and 3 phase power available, the kiln will come with a 3-wire powerblock for the 3 hot wires that give the 3 phase. What wire size is used to connect a kiln? Basics When you are installing the circuit for your new kiln, it is important to use the correct type and thickness of wire. Where can I get more information about electricity and voltage? See our great information on electricity and voltage. Where should I put my kiln? Your kiln should be in a covered, enclosed space. Even if you live in a dry location, dew will form on the kiln if it is outside. A basement or garage is usually a good loca Why is the 3 phase WYE 2 section kiln Amp listing lower than the actual amp reading on Neutral? If the kiln were 3 sections with wires running to N, L1, L2, and L3 all 3 amp readings (L1, L2, and L3) would be the same. On a 2 section kiln the wires run only to N, L1 and L2. Accessories Can I buy kiln furniture separately rather than in the kits mentioned for each model? You can buy shelves and posts separately in any combination. You can substitute two half shelves for any one full shelf in any furniture kit. You can substitute one full she Can you add a section to an Easy-Fire Kiln? Although it is possible to do this you would have to buy a new control panel for the kiln. The same is true for eQuad-Pro kilns. Can you purchase a kiln with the Pull apart Option & Easy-Lift or Standard Hinge? Do you need APM elements for JH and eQuad-Pro kilns? Yes - the Quad element system features really large diameter elements and lots of element surface area. The OD of the element is almost 1/2" vs. a more typical 1/3" found in other brands. Does it make sense to buy a JD18, JD23 or JD2918 and then add a section to it later? The JD18, JD23 and JD2918 control panels all come with three-zone capability. Therefore you can easily add a section later to make the kiln into either a J18X, J230 or J2927. T Does L&L make a wall mount control that I can plug my kiln into? We do not make an automatic control to plug a manual kiln into. There is no way to easily zone such a system, although you could use the manual zone switches on an L&L kiln to co Is a powered bottom necessary? A customer asks:What are the advantages of a powered bottom?Do the extra heating elements help the kiln get to temperature easier?I might have to make a choice betwe Pagination First page Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Current page 6

March 25, 2025

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

L&L KILN KNOWLEDGEBASE

Vent

An electric kiln atmosphere rich in oxygen will make elements, kiln-sitters, and thermocouples last as long as possible. All the materials used in L&L kilns like to be in oxygen.

Why are no holes drilled int the lid of L&L kilns that are vented?

We have never subscribed to the idea that holes in the lid are a good idea for venting.

Assembly

Can I convert a manual J230 to an automatic JD230 and if so what do I need to get?

It is possible to convert a J230 manual kiln into a JD230 automatic kiln.

Changing from 208 volts to 240 volts - what to do?

All the elements will need to be replaced. Why? For example, the ohms on the JD2927 208 volt element circuits should be around 10.4.

How do I move a used kiln?

Question: We are getting ready to move long distance and wondered how we can pack/box/crate our kilns so they are protected in transit.

How easy is the set up of L&L sectional kilns?

Setting up any of our kilns is very simple.

Should you use the latch on an "Easy-Lift" Lid?

A customer asks:

Switching a manual kiln from 208 volts to 240 volts

Change ElementsAll the elements will need to be replaced. For example the ohms on the J2927 208 volt element circuits should be around 10.4.

Switching manual kiln (50 amps) from 208 volts to 240 volts

All the elements will need to be replaced. For example, the ohms on the J230 208 volt element circuits should be around 14.2.

What is the purpose of the latch on the new L&L Spring Hinge?

This latch should be closed/used during firing of the kiln. We provide it because the lid is light enough with the spring hinge so that it could rise slightly during firing.

Installation

Can I get a 30 amp plug on an e18S-3?

The e18S and e18S-3 have an amperage draw of 23.9 amps. It is possible to supply this with a 30 amp plug.

Can I install my kiln on a non-fireproof floor?

In a word- No.

Can I use Three-Phase Wye Power on a Three-Phase Delta wired kiln?

Question: The school district is looking to purchase a kiln (K-E-23T3/22, 11000W, 208v, 3phase, 40 amp).

Can you remove the door of an Easy-Load kiln?

For all Easy-Load kilns (except the EL3048): With the door all the way open the kiln will go through a 34-1/2" wide door.

Do I need a separate electrical line for my kiln?

We recommend that you install your kiln on a separate line coming out of your main electrical box. It should have its own circuit breaker or fused disconnect switch. See our

Do you make 480 volt kilns?

The following kilns can be ordered with 480 volts: DaVinci kilns including all Bell-Lift models. Jupiter 2900 (28" and 29" diameter) models.

Firing a kiln safely in a garage

A customer asks:

How can I protect an existing power supply?

Circuit BreakersCircuit breakers that have tripped and have been reset continually will be more apt to trip at a lower amperage than they are rated for.

How deep should a Kiln Sitter Tube go into a kiln? How do you adjust the depth?

The Kiln Sitter Tube assembly should stick into the kiln about 1". This will allow air to circulate around the cone and allow it to have a more accurate representation of the kiln temperature.

How do I hook up my kiln to power?

L&L's official recommendation is for an electrician to connect the kiln to power.

How do I know if I have 240 or 208 volts and single or three phase?

Click here for information on how to find out what voltage you have.

How do I switch my kiln from 3 phase to 1 phase and vise-versa?

On most L&L Kilns this is very easy to do. It is a matter of re-distributing the wires between the kiln fuses or relays and the main powerblock inside the control box.

How to pack a kiln for moving

Remove the stand and the bottom.Put the kiln on a firm surface like a skid with a piece of plywood on it and put a 1" piece of styrofoam on the wood.Then put the kiln with th

How to reduce tension on the Easy-Lift Spring Hinge

There are two normal tension adjustments for the Easy-Lift Spring Hinge.

How to size the circuit breaker, fuses, cord and/or power supply of your kiln.

This consists of the main power cord, receptacle, powerblock, wire, and breakers.

Is it OK to have a 24 amp e18S-3 kiln on a 50 amp circuit?

This is fine to do if you are careful. The only concern would be if you put the wrong elements in the kiln, or connected them to power incorrectly when you replace them. If

Is there a Kiln Installation Checklist?

Yes - there is an installation checklist. See this page.

Is three phase cheaper & better to run than single phase?

It is not normally cheaper to run kilns on three phase power vs single phase power. You still use the same amount of KW hours regardless of the phase of the power. In some a

Markings on Type S Thermocouples and lead wire colors

Question: On the thermocouple terminal block of our Type S thermocouple, one screw is clearly labeled with a bright red ‘+’ and the other has a dark black ‘-‘.

Should you replace a K18 power cord?

The power supply cord originally supplied with K18 kilns is only a three-wire cord. The third wire is actually a "neutral" wire, not a ground wire.

The Spring Hinge does not go all the way back. What is wrong?

The hinge piece that attaches to the lid has to "ears". These must go on the outside of the hinge piece that attaches to the body of the kiln.

There are small ceramic discs wedged in the element holders. What are they for?

The discs are placed in the element holders to keep the elements from coming out during shipment.it is a good idea to keep them in place during at least the first firing.Once

Weight of Kiln Rings or Sections and Tops and Bottoms for Lifting Guidance

How much does a kiln top weigh? How much does a kiln section or ring weigh? weight top bottom ring section weights lifting

What does it mean to direct wire a kiln? Is there a power cord?

All L&L Kilns that are over 48 amps are direct wired. That means that there is a power connection block inside the control panel.

What is a GFCI or GFI Breaker or Outlet and why might it trip when used with an electric kiln?

What is a GFCI or a GFI Breaker or Outlet?

What is a UL499 or MET listing?

Is UL499 Listing Required?

What is Branch Fusing and where is it used?

Branch Fusing Included On High Powered UnitsAccording to the the National electrical Code electrical equipment needs branch fusing when the total amperage draw is higher than 48 amps.

What is the difference between 220 volts, 3 phase and 380/220 volts, 3 phase (overseas applications)?

220 volts, 3 phaseIf you have 220 volts and 3 phase power available, the kiln will come with a 3-wire powerblock for the 3 hot wires that give the 3 phase.

What wire size is used to connect a kiln?

Basics When you are installing the circuit for your new kiln, it is important to use the correct type and thickness of wire.

Where can I get more information about electricity and voltage?

See our great information on electricity and voltage.

Where should I put my kiln?

Your kiln should be in a covered, enclosed space. Even if you live in a dry location, dew will form on the kiln if it is outside. A basement or garage is usually a good loca

Why is the 3 phase WYE 2 section kiln Amp listing lower than the actual amp reading on Neutral?

If the kiln were 3 sections with wires running to N, L1, L2, and L3 all 3 amp readings (L1, L2, and L3) would be the same. On a 2 section kiln the wires run only to N, L1 and L2.

Accessories

Can I buy kiln furniture separately rather than in the kits mentioned for each model?

You can buy shelves and posts separately in any combination. You can substitute two half shelves for any one full shelf in any furniture kit. You can substitute one full she

Can you add a section to an Easy-Fire Kiln?

Although it is possible to do this you would have to buy a new control panel for the kiln. The same is true for eQuad-Pro kilns.

Can you purchase a kiln with the Pull apart Option & Easy-Lift or Standard Hinge?

Do you need APM elements for JH and eQuad-Pro kilns?

Yes - the Quad element system features really large diameter elements and lots of element surface area. The OD of the element is almost 1/2" vs. a more typical 1/3" found in other brands.

Does it make sense to buy a JD18, JD23 or JD2918 and then add a section to it later?

The JD18, JD23 and JD2918 control panels all come with three-zone capability. Therefore you can easily add a section later to make the kiln into either a J18X, J230 or J2927. T

Does L&L make a wall mount control that I can plug my kiln into?

We do not make an automatic control to plug a manual kiln into. There is no way to easily zone such a system, although you could use the manual zone switches on an L&L kiln to co

Is a powered bottom necessary?

A customer asks:What are the advantages of a powered bottom?Do the extra heating elements help the kiln get to temperature easier?I might have to make a choice betwe