Element connections on heat treat kiln...

ScottRoush

ScottRoush

Joined
Jan 10, 2010
Messages
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I was hoping to see some pictures (or good explanations) of how other folks handle their kiln element to copper wire connections. I've been trying the stainless all thread stud with a bank of stainless washers between the element and the 10 ga copper wire.. but I still get the copper burning off occasionally. This arrangement is located outside of the kiln.. not embedded within. I wonder if I should go with longer all thread and keep the element completely within the kiln and then the copper wire outside? Also... how do other folks house these connections so that heat doesn't build up inside (this may be a moot point if I keep the element completely within)?

Thanks!
 
On the oven I built a long time ago, I used long stainless bolts. I made the connection at the rear of the oven with the copper. The coils themselves stayed completely within the oven. The bolts penetrated through the wall of the oven to make contact with the ends of the coils. Whatever you do, make sure there is clearance between the skin of the oven and the element bolts or connections. My oven was soft fire brick skinned in sheet steel. I cut large holes in the sheet steel where the bolts would penetrate. Then, I just drilled through the fire brick and inserted the bolts, letting the brick support them.

I did have issues with arcing between washers clamping the coils which eventually burned through the coil ends. So instead of using a washer-sandwhich, I took a small bit and drilled a hole through the bolt near the end, inserted a straightened end of the coil through the hole, and then tightened a nut up against it.

--nathan
 
I used these on mine.
http://www.paragonweb.com/MS6_Element_Connectors.cfm

lgMS6_Element_Connector_Mar2011w11.jpg
 
Thanks a lot guys .. that helps a lot. No metal skin on mine except for the frame itself. Just soft fire brick and kaowool. So no housing over the connection points?

Jason.. that fitting.... How exactly does it work?
 
The wire from the SSR is connected to the brass screw with a ring terminal, or whatever wire connector you have on hand and the end of the element slides into the hole in the brass connector then tightened down very snug with the stainless screw.
 
Ahh.. that makes sense. Looks slick and inexpensive. Would that unit be outside of the kiln then?
 
I did have a housing over mine just to make sure nothing accidentally touched the contact points.

--nathan
 
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