REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR VIDEOS

Paper Test to Analyze Which Elements Work

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:

  • Start by folding up small strips of paper. You will need one paper per element in the kiln that you want to test.
  • Turn off the kiln and unplug it (or at least shut it off at the circuit breaker/fused disconnect).
  • Insert the paper scraps in between the coils of each element. It does not matter where along the element.
  • Plug-in and turn on the kiln.
  • Program for Fast Glaze to any cone (or turn manual
    • Changing a Relay in an L&L Automatic Kiln (Video)
    How To Change A Relay In An Easy-Fire Kilns
  • Be sure to keep the wires on in the right sequence when changing a power or control relay in an Easy-Fire, Easy-Fire XT, School-Master or eQuad-Pro Kiln.
  • The configuration is similar in a Jupiter panel or as control relay in a DaVinci, Hercules, or Easy-Load panel.
  • Make sure kiln is unplugged or locked out and tagged out at the circuit breaker or fused disconnect switch when doing this maintenance.
    • Parts

    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.

    Changing a thermocouple on an Easy-Fire Kiln (Video)

    This video is useful for changing a thermocouple on any L&L kiln - in particular an eQuad-Pro or a School-Master Kiln.

    Be sure to maintain proper polarity.

    In the USA: Yellow Wire = PLUS (+) Red Wire = MINUS (-) The thermocouples are marked with a (+) and (-). Also the negative (-) is marked with a red marker. The negative wire is MORE magnetic than the positive wire.

    For more information about thermocouple polarity, color coding, and markings see this page.

    Parts

    See this page for the standard type K thermocouple.

    See this page for the mounting hardware.

    See this for all thermocouple parts and

    Kiln Repair: Brick Patch

    This is an overview of L&L's brick patch and how it can be used to repair a variety of holes, chips, and gouges in firebrick.

    Kiln Repair: Hairline Cracks

    In this video, we will demonstrate how you can use L&L's brick cement to repair hairline cracks in your kiln brick.

    Kiln Repair: Cracked Lid or Bottom

    In this video, we will demonstrate how to fix a broken kiln lid or bottom using L&L's high-temperature brick cement.

     

    Note: This is re-used footage using our old cement formula, hence the lighter color. However, the process is precisely the same!

    Changing an Element Holder (Video)

    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.

    Testing Element Resistance on an Easy-Fire Kiln

    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

    REPAIR PDFS

    REPAIR KNOWLEDGEBASE

    One of my elements failed, should I replace them all or just the one that failed?
  • Normally it is best to have elements that are all the same age. That way it is easier for the
    • Right temperature to fire to on the first firing?

    A customer asks: I have a question regarding this first test firing. For my previous kiln, I

    Should you replace a K18 power cord?
  • The power supply cord originally supplied with K18 kilns is only a three-wire cord. The third
    • Switching a manual kiln from 208 volts to 240 volts
    Change Elements
  • All the elements will need to be replaced.
  • For example, the
    • 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

    The center of my kiln gets too hot compared to the top and bottom.
    For DynaTrols, Set PID at 65 (normally)

    Assuming that the loading is even and the TC offsets

    The contactors on my Easy-Load, or Davinci kiln are loud. What can I do about it?
  • The first and easiest thing to do is to change the cycle time of the contactors.
    • The elements fell out of the holders in my kiln - what should I do?

    L&L element holders require no pins so the elements can expand over time on their own without

    The Spring Hinge does not go all the way back. What is wrong?
  • The hinge piece that attaches to the lid has two "ears".
  • These must go on the
    • 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.
    • 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
    • Weight of Kiln Rings or Sections and Tops and Bottoms for Lifting Guidance

    All weights are shown in pounds and are estimates.

    What are Thermocouples?
    General Information on Thermocouples
  • The pyrometers and all of the electronic kiln
    • What can I do to promote even kiln firings?
    Control
  • Our DynaTrol or Genesis control with Dynamic Zone Control is the state-of-the-art
    • What do I do if I still smell something and I am using a Vent-Sure Downdraft kiln vent?
  • First, all the peepholes must be plugged, the lid adjusted properly, and any other holes into
    • 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 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
    • What do I do if the kiln heats too fast?
    Voltage
  • Check your voltage. Some people may have high voltage like 245 volts where you
    • 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 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 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 is an Automatic Control Box?
    Similarity of Automatic Control Box with Manual Control Box
  • The similarities between the
    • What is L&L's brick facing for and how do I use it?

    Facing is meant to penetrate into the brick 1/2" or so. When it is fired, it makes that part of

    What is the difference between 220 volts, 3 phase and 380/220 volts, 3 phase (overseas applications)?
    380 volts, 3 phase wye (220 volts line to neutral)
  • If you have 380/220 volts and 3-phase
    • What makes elements melt and sag?
  • Getting glaze on the element can cause that to happen.
  • It can also happen
    • What size elements should I order?
  • We have had several improvements in our element holder designs over the years and have been
    • What sort of pliers should I have for installing the very thick series elements into my kiln?

    The pliers to get for grabbing the wire and bending it around the bolt are called Linesman Pliers

    What to do if the kiln fires slowly?
    Incorrect loading
  • If your kiln is loaded unevenly it can cause the 3-zone control to slow
    • What to do if there is no display on the DynaTrol
    How the DynaTrol is Supposed to Work

    All of the DynaTrol or Genesis controlled L&L Kilns

    What to do when you see "FAIL"?
    BASICS
  • FAIL usually just means a thermocouple is broken. It will read FAIL,&nbsp
    • What wire gauge should you use for along wire run to your kiln?
  • The wire gauge recommendations in our "Wire Gauge for Connection" specifications are based on
    • What wire size is used to connect a kiln?

    When you are installing the circuit for your new kiln, it is important to use the correct type

    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

    Where do T1, TC2 and TC3 go on a kiln?
    Two Zone Kiln (2 sections)

    TC1 is the top and TC2 is the bottom.

    Three Zone Kiln (with
    Which kilns have element circuits wired in series and which are wired in parallel?
  • Mostly you just have to remember how each kiln is wired or look at the wiring diagram.
    • Why are some elements not twisted?

    We double-twist element ends that are 14 gauge and thinner. We do not twist element ends on 13

    Why do my DaVinci kiln sections move out of alignment or slide off the floor slab over time?
  • If a DaVinci is installed on a smooth floor and the lid is opened a lot, or left open for
    • 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 jump over the Preheat without holding at the Preheat temp?
  • It is possible to confuse the Hold Time in the original program with the Hold Time for the
    • 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-
    • Why does the kiln's breaker keep tripping?
  • Breakers can trip on the kiln for a couple of different reasons. What is important to know is
    • Why does the temperature read-out on my hand-held pyrometer differ from the temperature shown on the DynaTrol?
  • In order for temperature readouts to be close to each other, the two devices need to use the
    • Why is the 3 phase WYE 2 section kiln Amp listing lower than the actual amp reading on Neutral?
    • On 3-section kilns with wires running to N, L1, L2, and L3 all 3 amp readings (L1,
    Why is the element for the powered bottom not long enough?
  • Elements in most L&L kilns are the same (exceptions are front-loaders with door elements,
    • 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