Electric connections on a kiln ?

SVanderkolff

SVanderkolff

Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
979
I built my own kiln which I have used for several years. I recently replaced the elements and ever since have had a real problem with the connection between the wire from the control box and the element wires. I am running 220 to the kiln. The problem has been that the point of connection between the element wire and the power wires has been melting. I have been using the tube type connectors and crimping the tube on the both ends. I am not an electrician, obviously, and have no idea what I am doing wrong.
Thanks for the help.
Steve
 
do you have a pic of the element point you need to connect to?
what is the wattage?

those plastic butt connectors aren't going to cut it
 
A electrical connection should NEVER get hot. If it's getting hot it's 90% of the time a bad or loose connection, not a good electrical connection. Crimp type connections are notorious for that, especially if your using the cheap butt splice crimps. They sell small tubular connections for kilns that use a set screw to tighten the two wires together. Short of that you can use a stainless steel bolt with washers and wrap the wires around the bolt between the washers and tighten FIRMLY. The other possiblity is that too much heat is leaking from your kiln porcelain tubes and causing excesse heat at the connection but I'm betting it's just a bad electrical connection. Also if your wires have burnt or corroded cut that away if you have slack, replace or the very least scrape them clean for the new connection.
 
I'm NOT an electrician.... But, I do warranty work on water heaters. Make sure the wiring you are using is rated properly for the voltage and temperature. I see wiring failures where the wire melts from a poor connection using spade connectors frequently.
It's the principal by which the elements work in easy terms. There is resistance through the smaller wire, or in this case, poor connection, which builds up heat, melting the wires.
 
Thanks All
I will take a look at the local hardware stores and if that doesn't work I will call PSH. I have worked with them in the past and was impressed.
Thanks
Steve
 
SVanderkolff said:
Thanks All
I will take a look at the local hardware stores and if that doesn't work I will call PSH. I have worked with them in the past and was impressed.
Thanks
Steve
Click to expand...
I looked at PSH's site, and their wiring is temperature rated at 200c. The wiring to the Water heater elements that I repair usually only require 105c PSH also has terminal blocks. That is likely the best route to go.
Please let us know how it turns out, as I am considering building my own kiln eventually.
 
fluidsteel said:
I looked at PSH's site, and their wiring is temperature rated at 200c. The wiring to the Water heater elements that I repair usually only require 105c PSH also has terminal blocks. That is likely the best route to go.
Please let us know how it turns out, as I am considering building my own kiln eventually.
Click to expand...

That's true, they use a special high temperature wire to connect the elements

You should be able to find that high heat wire and ceramic terminal blocks in the typical hardware store -Home Hardware, Home Depot in the area where they keep replacement burners and such for electrical kitchen stoves.


Or try a good quality small town appliance store with real service people, you may be able to strip a ceramic block off the junker stoves they have out back.
 
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