REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR VIDEOS

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
  • 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.

    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

    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.

    This is an overview of how you can use L&L's brick cement to repair damaged kiln brick.

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

    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!

    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.

    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.

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

    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).

    REPAIR PDFS

    Instructions that go with our brick repair kit. Shows how to do brick repair.
    Brick troubleshooting tips for kilns.
    Element troubleshooting and installation tips for kilns.

    REPAIR KNOWLEDGEBASE

    For ideal firing results, thermocouples in each zone should be close regarding how far they

    For ideal firing results, thermocouples in each zone should be close regarding how far they

    Calculate how many CFM of air ventilation you need
  • Find the BTUs per hour (BTU/Hour) your
  • Calculate how many CFM of air ventilation you need
  • Find the BTUs per hour (BTU/Hour) your
  • It is possible to convert a J230 manual kiln into a JD230 automatic kiln. 

    What Parts

    In a word- No.

  • All surfaces within 3 feet of the kiln need to be fireproof.
  • In a word- No.

  • All surfaces within 3 feet of the kiln need to be fireproof.
  • Yes - there is no problem putting a smaller element in a larger holder. Just be careful on the

    Question: We received this semester a DaVinci 2327-D and I'm hoping you can help us with some

    It is fine to go through a roof with the L&L Vent-Sure kiln fumes vent system.

  • It is fine to go through a roof with the L&L Vent-Sure kiln fumes vent system.

  • All the elements will need to be replaced.  Why?  For example, the ohms on the
  • Even though you know the kiln is not that hot: this indicates a thermocouple failure.

    It is very common for kiln stands to rust. This happens from condensation in the air and possibly

  • The molecules of air (which expand during the heating of the kiln) do not carry many BTUs.
  • The molecules of air (which expand during the heating of the kiln) do not carry many BTUs.
  • One of the most difficult kiln performance problems to address is a problem with the electrical

    One of the most difficult kiln performance problems to address is a problem with the electrical

  • An element connection can begin to glow if it is overheating. There are a few ways this can
  • An element connection can begin to glow if it is overheating. There are a few ways this can
  • Why do elements in electric kilns fail? How can you save on kiln maintenance costs?

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    Why do elements in electric kilns fail? How can you save on kiln maintenance costs?

     <

    Circuit Breakers
  • Circuit breakers that have tripped and have been reset continually will
  • Your Jupiter, DaVinci, or Doll kiln will have its elements either wired in parallel or wired
  • A Relay May Be Stuck Shut
  • All computerized kilns use relays to cycle the power on and off
  • When packed, the thermocouples on the Jupiter JD and DaVinci kilns are mounted to the kiln

    The outlets are numbered on the side of the control box. In this example below all the outlets

  • Remove the lid. Open it first to remove the spring-loaded connections to the front of the lid
  • L&L's official recommendation is for an electrician to connect the kiln to power. You should

  • Sometimes with thick elements, especially in the corner of a DaVinci, or Easy-Load kiln, the
  • Sometimes with thick elements, especially in the corner of a DaVinci, or Easy-Load kiln, the
  • Sometimes with thick elements, especially in the corner of a DaVinci, or Easy-Load kiln, the
  • Sometimes with thick elements, especially in the corner of a DaVinci, or Easy-Load kiln, the
  • L&L has used a lot of different style thermocouples over the years.

    With

    On most L&L Kilns this is very easy to do. It is a matter of re-distributing the wires

    Relays generally last around 200,000 cycles on average (roughly 18+ months depending on

    That is a difficult question to answer, as the longevity of a kiln is based much more on how it

    That is a difficult question to answer, as the longevity of a kiln is based much more on how it

  • The Vent-Sure downdraft kiln vent is pulling not only air but moisture and the products of
  • REGULAR KILN MAINTENANCE

    To keep your kiln in top operating condition, we recommend the

    The type of thermocouple on a DynaTrol (with the Blue face) can be either Type K

    The type of thermocouple on a Genesis can be either Type K or Type S.

    Problem: You have a room ventilation system that is external to your kiln, and you want to turn

  • Err2 can only happen in a hold segment.
  • One of the 3 temps has to be 50°F higher
  •  

     

    Although the steps below are comprehensive, in most cases,

     

     

    Although the steps below are comprehensive, in most cases,

    E-22 is the same as E-6. It means one of the thermocouple wires is connected backward.

    Possible Reasons for E-5

    E- 5 errors read as "Err5" on controls manufactured before 2006

    Note: E- d errors read as "Errd" on controls manufactured before 2006

    Basic Problem
  • The ErrP (PF, E- P, E-P in some older models) comes from a reset of the processor during