December 3, 2024

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

REPAIR VIDEOS

Paper Test to Analyze Which Elements Work
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See https://www.youtube.com/video/1ZbdSO-SqKs

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)
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/dFIhqOI8en8

    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)
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/jgNo_PwTyt4?ecver=2

    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
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/CmJ1qp1uhCs

    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: Brick Cement
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/FypOeLFWNyc

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

    Kiln Repair: Hairline Cracks
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/N3GZUD6yrfU

    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
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/pZNQkeS41rA

    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)
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/lkeTR-RWD7Y?ecver=2

    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
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/oq6A9LRf5Es?ecver=2

    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

    Testing Element Resistance on a Jupiter or DaVinci Kiln
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/oztzw95zLJ8?ecver=2

    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.

    Brick Repair for Front-Loading kilns
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/qftZOFSYWh4

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

    Repairing Firebrick in a Front-Loading Kiln (Video)
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/X3PhjpWxedQ?ecver=2

    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).

    How to Fix Cracks in Firebrick in a Front-Loading Kiln
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    See https://www.youtube.com/video/hXiVZNd57SU?ecver=2

    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

    REPAIR KNOWLEDGEBASE

    How to handle power interruptions, blackouts, and bad electrical power grids
  • In some places, the electrical power is very inconsistent with power outages, interruptions,
    • How to handle power interruptions, blackouts, and bad electrical power grids
  • In some places, the electrical power is very inconsistent with power outages, interruptions,
    • How to move DaVinci Cord Connection to make them cooler

    Sometimes the heat around a kiln can become too much for the standard DaVinci cord connections.<

    How to size the circuit breaker, fuses, cord and/or power supply of your kiln.
    Safety Warnings

    NOTE: If you are unsure about some part or procedure in creating or testing a

    I blew up a a piece of ceramic, how do I get glaze out of the wall and off the element?
  • Dig it out of the wall carefully.
  • Use safety glasses and a Dremel to carefully
    • I blew up a a piece of ceramic, how do I get glaze out of the wall and off the element?
  • Dig it out of the wall carefully.
  • Use safety glasses and a Dremel to carefully
    • I want to do reduction firing with alcohol drip. Does L&L provide any coating on elements to improve lifetime in such usage?
  • We don't offer any coatings for elements. There is an ITC coating that some people claim to
    • Is it OK to have a 24 amp e18S-3 kiln on a 50 amp circuit?
  • This is fine to do if you are careful.
  • The only concern would be if you put the
    • Is there a Kiln Installation Checklist?
    See this page.
    Kiln Control Error Codes
    Error codes for the DynaTrol

    Note: Many of these error codes have an ‘Err’ prefix rather

    Kiln stalls or stop heating with lots of clicking (relays) & no error code
  • Start by pressing 1,2,3 (or 1,2 on a two-ring kiln). Look for which thermocouple is lagging
    • Markings on Type S Thermocouples and lead wire colors

    Question: On the thermocouple terminal block of our Type S thermocouple, one screw is clearly

    My firebrick has some cracks. What should I do?

    Firebrick cracks as it is heated and cooled- it is to be expected. When the kiln is hot, all the

    My kiln is going in a garage/ shed/ covered porch. Do I need the kiln vent?
  • With air moving through the garage, you will minimize the corrosive effects of clay/ glaze
    • 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
    • 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 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.
    • 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
    • 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 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 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 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