Running a paper test can be a great way to troubleshoot your kiln if you do not have access to a multimeter. With just some scraps of paper and 5 minutes you can determine if you have any elements or relays that need replacing.

Despite it's usefulness, the paper test cannot compare to the information that you can get from a multimeter. It will only point you in the direction of a problem, not pinpoint it.

You can follow along with our instructional video as well:

First let's go through the test itself:

This video shows you how to test element resistance of the circuits on an Easy-Fire kiln. Most Easy-fire kilns are wired in parallel and the resistance you will get in this test gets multiplied by two to get the element resistance. You can find your proper element resistance by looking at your wiring diagram and looking for the ohms rating of the elements (which changes with voltage and phase). Make sure you know the voltage and phase of your kiln when you are checking this. 

This basic method will serve for many of L&L kilns like the eQuad-Pro and School-Master series. See this video for how to check elements on a Jupiter or DaVinci kiln. Instead of opening up the control box as shown on those kilns you just unplug the section cords and measure from the plug ends. Be sure to follow the specific instructions in this page: Also see

This video shows you how to test element resistance of the circuits on a Jupiter or DaVinci kiln.  

Also see this page about testing for element resistance. 

See this video for checking elements on Easy-Fire, eQuad-Pro, School-Master and many other kilns.

FOR SAFETY'S SAKE: Be sure to unplug the kiln before performing this test. If you do that there is no chance of any shock even if you are not experienced.

How to change elements in a DaVinci kiln with Quad elements. Useful for any L&L Kiln with the Quad element option.

This video shows how easy it is to change elements in an L&L kiln. The hard ceramic element holders protect the fragile firebrick while you are pulling element out and putting new elements in.

This video shows how to change an element holder in an L&L kiln. There are two methods shown.

Question: If the element holder is replaced by chipping off the lower "lip" will the holder remain in place? It seems that unless some type of cement is used it will just work its way out and fall into the kiln. Would you please elaborate?

Answer: What is left after you follow this procedure is a serrated edge. That actually does an excellent job of holding in the groove. This works in almost all cases - you can always cement it if it doesn't work. One of the great things about these holders is that, when you are done, you have a functional groove - stronger than the underlying brick itself.

How to repair hairline crack - typically in tops and bottoms. Hi-Temp kiln cement can be used instead of phosphate bonded cement (which is no longer available).

How to repair a cracked ceramic kiln top or bottom. Tighten the stainless steel band as soon as you cement the pieces together. This acts as a clamp. Hi-Temp kiln cement can be used instead of phosphate bonded cement (which is no longer available).

How to replace a damaged side brick in an Easy-Fire or other sectional L&L kiln. This video shows replacing both a brick where the element connections are and where the peephole is (the two most difficult bricks).

Some thoughts on repairing brick from Andrew Seymore from Clayscapes with Jessica Putnam-Philips from Clayshare.

This video shows you how to replace a lid on an Easy-Fire, School-Master, Jupiter, eQuad-Pro, JH Series kiln with a spring-assisted lid. For 23" and 28" models only.

This video shows you how to replace a lid on a DaVinci kiln.

How to repair cracked brick in a front-loading kiln. First remove the damaged brick using a drill and chisel to route out and remove brick. Then shape a cut firebrick piece to fit in the space and cement in place. Then sand. Let the cement dry overnight and then do a slow bisque firing to cone 5. This same technique can be used on kiln bottoms and in other situations like on the side or back. Hi-Temp kiln cement can be used instead of phosphate bonded cement (which is no longer available).

This video shows how to repair minor cracks in the bricks on a front-loading Easy-Load kiln. Can also be used in other situations where you do not want to remove firebrick. Hi-Temp kiln cement can be used instead of phosphate bonded cement (which is no longer available).

This shows some interesting techniques for repairing firebrick in front-loading kilns where it is difficult to replace an entire firebrick section.

See this page for the 12 Volt 30 Amp relay we use for most kilns.

See this page for the 240 Volt 30 Amp relay we use as a control relay for 480 volt kilns.

This video shows how to remove the wires in sequence while changing a transfomer on an L&L automatic kiln.