KNOWLEDGEBASE

Kiln Sitters in general

1. First, download the appropriate kiln-sitter manual from L&L’s website- (PDF Library/ Controls and Thermocouples section.)
2. Never let the kiln-sitter shut off the kiln unattended- always come back to check on it.
3. The kiln-sitter tube assembly needs to be routinely replaced depending on usage- especially if the sensing rod (the rod that sits on top of the cone) is getting thin or bent, or if the cone is looking puffy once the kiln cools down.  If not replaced and left unattended the kiln could dramatically overfire.
4. On unvented kilns, the kiln-sitter tube assembly must be replaced much more frequently.

Calibration

If the kiln-sitter does not bend the cone enough or does not shut off soon enough:

1. VERY IMPORTANT- see the first couple of pages in the kiln-sitter manual for step-by-step adjustments. 
2. Or see the article here about how to adjust.

White Button does not stay in

1. Be sure the timer is on. 
2. Be sure the weighted trigger (swings up and down on the front of the kiln-sitter) stays in the upright position when you push the button. 

If the white button still does not stay in, then EITHER:

1.  There is a little spring missing on the flat metal plate on the back side of the kiln-sitter faceplate that pivots into a slot cut into the button to hold the button in.  See the exploded diagram of the kiln-sitter in the kiln-sitter manual to see where the spring is supposed to go.

OR

2.  Cords or wires inside the kiln-sitter box have moved around enough to press against this same metal plate, not allowing the spring to pivot it into the white button’s slot.

OR

3.  The kiln-sitter is corroded enough that this same metal plate cannot pivot, even with the spring’s tension.

OR 

4.  One of the connection points on the ceramic connection block (that the button is attached to) is overheated enough to partially melt the button so the metal plate cannot pivot into the slot.

The white Button stays in, but there is no power

1. Reset the kiln breaker.  

Still no power?

1. Set switches on the control box all to HIGH. 
2. With the weighted trigger in the down position on the kiln-sitter face plate, jiggle the button on the kiln-sitter in and out and look for the indicator lights near the switches to flash on and off.  Sometimes the contact points cannot line up properly on the ceramic connection block. Jiggling the button can re-align the contact points.  

Still no power?

1. Listen for the timer ticking when the button is pressed.  
2. If you don't hear it, you should check for an overheated or disconnected place in the kiln-sitter or back towards the breaker, or to see if the breaker is bad. 
3. If you hear the timer, look for the overheated/ disconnected spot after the kiln-sitter in the main control box.  UNPLUG the kiln and look for these overheated places. 

Multi-meter testing by an electrician with help from Tech Support over the phone is the next step if nothing is found.