[Clayart] Kiln question

Ginger Dunlap-Dietz gingerpots at gmail.com
Sun Oct 16 09:25:06 UTC 2022


Thank you all for the clarifying responses to my kiln question.  To learn
from you all is a gift!!

Now I have to get my electrician who does know what he’s doing to help me
convince my studio landlord that my studio and others that may follow are
worth the money and agitation with San Diego County here in the desert.
Wish me luck.

Your comments have reminded me of how critical the kiln has been in my
times with clay and what the “adventures” have been!  Manhattan and the
Village in the 60’s, East Hollywood in the late 60’s  and early 70’’s,
Downtown Syracuse on the 80’s and 90’s and now in the SoCal desert.  Every
relocation meant kiln issues and in the early days never being unsafe but
still feeling I and my fellow potters were not quite legit!

I know you most have had similar histories.

Thanks for being there.

Ginger D-D

On Fri, Oct 14, 2022 at 3:54 PM kathi at lesueurclaywork.com <
kathi at lesueurclaywork.com> wrote:

> I would suggest if you have a local clay supplier to ask if they can
> recommend an electrician. Not all electricians understand kilns. I had one
> insist that when my computer controlled  kiln was on it was drawing 45
> amps. I explained that the computer did the same thing as the switches on
> the kiln next to it. He told me I didn’t  know what I was talking about and
> BOTH drew 45 amps when on regardless of how the switch was set. He also
> checked the wire connections. “Tightened them”. The next electrician
> tightened them more.
>
> Kathi LeSueur
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Oct 14, 2022, at 2:18 PM, William Schran <wschran at twc.com> wrote:
> >
> > As David wrote in his response, 220/240V are essentially the same
> > voltage coming to residences. Only issue with used kilns from
> > institutions is they may be 208V and 3 phase connection. No worries
> > your home is 220/240V single phase.
> > It will be important that you have the correct wiring and circuit
> > breaker for your kiln. A quick look at this kiln's electric
> > specifications states a 48 amp draw so this requires a 60 amp breaker
> > and #6gauge copper wire for line to the 6-50P outlet. If you can
> > install near the circuit breaker you can keep supply line under 40
> > feet long that is needed otherwise you'll need #4 gauge wire. Make
> > sure kiln location can be provided with cross draft ventilation.
> >
> > William Schranwschran at twc.com703-505-1617
> >
> >    -----------------------------------------From: "Ginger Dunlap-Dietz"
> > To: "Clayart international pottery discussion forum"
> > Cc:
> > Sent: Thursday October 13 2022 7:08:08PM
> > Subject: [Clayart] Kiln question
> >
> > I've been offered for free in good condition an older Cress Firemate
> > (FX27P) with 220 volts but the voltage in my new studio is 240. I'm
> > wondering if it makes sense to take it and change the elements rather
> > than
> > buy a new kiln with a controller and sections.
> >
> > I fire to Cone 6.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Ginger D-D
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