Tips For Fixing a Kiln

Update 12/19/20: the new plug was the issue for mine. A week later a similar issue arose. The plug was fine and I traced voltage all the way back to the outlet and also found that one of the leads was loose/arced and wasn’t making contact cleanly. Since the new plug and restripping and attaching the leads in the outlet I’ve had 8 firings with no issues. So elements probably weren’t the issue but it’s nice knowing that I have new ones because I didn’t know how old they were before.

How to fix a kiln isn't always the easiest task. It involves troubleshooting to figure out exactly what's wrong. What started off as a simple element replacement for my kiln became much more. In this video, I explain my process for fixing a kiln and diagnosing problems that come up along the way. I'm hoping this short tutorial can help anyone who comes across an issue like this with their kiln. I going into a little bit for detail with replacing kiln elements. Even thought it was a lot of work, I'm honestly kind of glad I got the experience as I now know my kiln much better. It is however, very frustrating to be without a kiln for a short while. I'm crossing my fingers. Wish me luck!

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My name is Jim Fazio. I make ceramics and pottery tutorials, clay creations, and give you an inside view of the life of an artist. Check out my channel for more if you're interested!

[nancyhartshorne]

Although you're frustrated, this is a really informative video!

[ilovepugs]

I’d get too frustrated trying to figure out what was wrong with the kiln and would just buy a new one haha so props to you for sticking with it

[connecticutaggie]

Sorry to hear about your challenges, I am an Electrical Engineer and have installed two AC circuit for kiln (including breaker), repaired 2 kilns (one sitter and one electronic) and a pottery wheel. Let me know if you would like any help. You have helped me with making ceramics (and gave me a glass), I would love to do the reverse.

[TheresaRichard]

Im going through the exact same thing. I have a man coming Monday but I have a kiln almost exactly like yours bought used as well. Changed out elements and still have issues.

[whisperer]

Omg I've been doing the same thing. Searching for answers. Oh I hope this could be my answer. ♡♡♡ Thank you for giving me some direction. Sitting here staring at it isn't working. :)

[MitchPR]

I just bought a used Duncan EA-820….it has this weird LOUD clicking when I turn it on and if you look down into the control box I can see Arc’ing so something is fried. Looks like I’m gonna be teaching myself how to repair a kiln!

[mattmurray]

Omg so with you brother im sorry. Stay strong

[lesselavie]

Not looking forward to changing my elements this week. Thanks for the how to!

[RayleneG]

My used, new yo me, duncan automatic plus ea 1020 kiln will not turn on. I removed the switches replaced, as I had the sitter box unscrewed from kiln, plugged in, it slipped and the corner leaned against the bar on the top right of elements. It turned on that top element! Hmmm.... so I'm guessing I have the wires wrong. I sure do wish for a new kiln! But for now I just wish I could get this kiln working properly 😕

[kidscooking]

Hi Jim, I just watched your 2020 video about trouble shooting your older kiln. I feel like I am going through the same problem and total frustration that you went through. I have a very old kiln, maybe 50 years old. It is a L&L J18 with a sitter controller. My problem is that when I replaced the heating coils I may have gotten the internal wires mixed up. How do I know where those electrical wires go? I have searched on line but can’t find literature on it possibly because it is so old. When I fire the kiln it is not reaching a cone 5 so I know something is wrong. I appreciate any help you can give me.

[heidicash]

Ok I have this pull and am trying to replace the switch with a skutt replacement switch. Any idea and knowledge you have wound be greatly appreciated

[freidabauer]

I am having the same issue with my kiln. It looks to be the same as yours. Paragon A-88b. I replaced all the elements thinking that was the issues. It looked like the original wiring. We even replaced all the wires. I still have the same issues. Two of the elements are not working and the controls don’t work on low or medium. It looks like someone may have changed out the main plug to a 3 prong. I noticed yours was a 4 prong. Another video I watched, the plug was also a 4 prong plug. Any suggestions on what might be wrong?

[susanlarson]

My kiln wire in the switch ( on and off and trun up) one wire is diminished in how many little pieces of wire and the covering which is heatproof and cloth like maretial receded . How do I replace this wire and can I just order that wire.
Thanks for any help

[benpatterson]

If you ever need help troubleshooting, I recommend the Ceramic Arts Daily Forums. The have an equipment board, with a kot of knowledgeable participants. There is actually one poster, who sells and repairs kilns, and is based in the Chicago area.

[athinamillerk]

Hiii ! I saw a couple weeks ago your video on "How to add colors to clay". It happens that in my country, maison stains its almost a luxury in terms of price, because of shipping issues. So I start a online research in order to look for a cheap alternative and find out dye pigments for concrete in red, yellow and blue, which also happens to be in amazon "for pottery use". Have you tried them? Does it work? If not, i will experiment and see what happens.

[ronaldagresta]

I have a paragon older kiln fired once now won’t get to temp ? Can u help me !!

[gabijones]

Bought a kiln three years ago, have not been able to use it :( I live in an apartment, and have no where to plug it in... a friend said I could use her basement as my studio, but then things in her life started falling apart... Frustrating, but... it's life. My son-in-law said he's going to make a space in his basement, and get the wiring changed.... have to wait til Covid goes on its way. You should buy a new kiln... yes, a lot of money... especially when you have little ones... but... it's a business expense... with your new shop opening... and would probably save you a lot of money on electricity.. maybe??? Awesome video though. thanks. You and yours stay well.

[sybillestahl]

I replaced my elements about 3 years ago, and they’ve been good, but now my dials no longer give me variable power. They’re either on full, or off. Guess I have to learn a new skill, replacing dials.

[nealspear]

I'm having the same problem with an old kiln. Was it the cord?

[jhessail]

That is my exact kiln and I'm where you were at the start of this video.