I have the opportunity to buy a $3000 kiln for $800 (was used at a college), the downside is that it is made for 208v service, and I have 240v service at my house. Does anyone know if the device can be modified to work with the 240v service? Since it is a kiln, the elements are made to run extremely high (the kiln interior can be heated to ~2500 degrees F, so that means the elements are significantly hotter when they are heating), so it's possible the higher temperature associated with the higher voltage won't be an issue (I'm trying to contact the manufacturer now); the kiln temperature is computer controlled, so if it heats faster than normal, the computer would make the adjustment; it's whether the elements can take the faster/hotter heating that is the issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I would say buy it and connect it to the 240. I doubt it would hurt anything. The only concern would be the PC control. The input may be to high regardless of a transformer. Calling them is your best bet.
Also have you measured your voltage. It could be considerably less than 240.
I heard back from the manufacturer of the kiln, and was told that the 208 volt kilns have to run on 208 volt power. Thanks for the responses! (and this was a $3000+ kiln being sold for $800!)(the story of my life; either too late, or wrong voltage)
Just use a buck-boost transformer. It's much smaller, lighter, and cheaper than a regular transformer and will reduce the 240V line to 208V. It's a simple solution.
Thanks again for the responses! I told the person I was going to have to pass on the purchase. Dealing with a transformer was just one more complication I didn't want to have, and of course, I would have paid for the electricity loss associated with it. This kiln was verging on industrial sized; so it would have put a pretty severe dent in my homes amperage capacity, so much so, that I would have had to make sure almost no other major appliances ran when it was on. I really appreciate the quick and informed responses here! I just joined for this question, but now will check back here when other issues come up with my never ending list of home improvement projects.
How keen are you ?
Most kilns set up for 208v could be set up to run on 240v.
All you need is a sparky with a can do attitude.
Check with the manufacturer of the heating elements,
Find out what there safe operating voltage is ?
They maybe be rated for 240v ?
Or could be changed for 240v rated.
And on the contriol side, if it involves a low voltage tranny
it could also be rated for 240v,
or easily changed for one that is
All possible,
the only limiting factor
is how much money you can spend.
But if it is a cheap price to start with
you could already be ahead.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
DIY Home Improvement Forum
3.1M posts
319.5K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Helping You to Do It Yourself!