Video Support

Video Support

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
    • 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

    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.

    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

    Check Control Transformer on an L&L Automatic Kiln (Video)

    How to check the operation of a control transfomer on an L&L automatic kiln. Applies to all automatic kilns that are not 480 volts. The control transformer reduces the incoming line voltage from 240, 208 or 220 volts to 24 volts for the control and 12 volts for the relays.

    Parts
  • See this page for 12 KVA control transformers used on kilns with three sections or less.
  • See this page for 30 KVA control transformers used on kilns with four or more sections.
    • 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.

    Repairing Firebrick in a Front-Loading Kiln (Video)

    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).

    Brick Repair for Front-Loading kilns

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

    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.