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Installing a ceramic kiln

5K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  RWolff 
#1 ·
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Hello, I am trying to find some information to help me install a ceramic kiln. The above images are the information plate and plug for the Evenheat kiln.

I understand that there needs to be a 240v breaker installed (I have room for it on the panel and I have replaced breakers in the past). I have read that I have to have kiln be 80% of the Amperage rating of said breaker. So I would need a 60A rated breaker.

Now I what I am having trouble with is finding an outlet/receptacle that 1) matches the factory plug. 2) matches the 240v 60A

Please illuminate me with the solution that I'm sure is right in front of me.
 
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#2 ·
That's a typical welder plug on the kiln. It's rated at 50 Amps, 240 Volts.
NEMA 6-50.

You can readily get a receptacle that matches it at most electrical suppliers. Some home-horror stores may also have these in stock.

You can feed it with #8 THHN conductors installed in conduit, or #6/2 romex cable.

You don't need anything larger than a 50 Amp breaker.
 
#3 ·
Sorry KB, I disagree.

I do a lot of kilns, and IMO this unit requires hard wiring with a local disconnect since 60A devices are basically non-existent locally and stupidly expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-9460-Receptacle-Industrial-Grounding/dp/B00271GXA6
https://www.platt.com/platt-electri...Plugs/Leviton/9462-P/product.aspx?zpid=161882

It is a continuous load over 50A so a 50A circuit and receptacle are not appropriate. 6/2NM is just slightly under the limit for ampacity, but I would not worry about it.

Someone just put that welder cable on it because it was easy. That does not make it appropriate.
 
#4 ·
Sorry KB, I disagree.

I do a lot of kilns, and IMO this unit requires hard wiring with a local disconnect since 60A devices are basically non-existent locally and stupidly expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-9460-Receptacle-Industrial-Grounding/dp/B00271GXA6
https://www.platt.com/platt-electri...Plugs/Leviton/9462-P/product.aspx?zpid=161882

It is a continuous load over 50A so a 50A circuit and receptacle are not appropriate. 6/2NM is just slightly under the limit for ampacity, but I would not worry about it.

Someone just put that welder cable on it because it was easy. That does not make it appropriate.
what makes you think the cord was added and not factory installed?
 
#9 ·
I second the recommendation to hard-wire this kiln. I have one slightly larger than that, and I just moved it to my new house. Will be wiring it this weekend. The kiln will draw full rated power for many hours continuously, and in a hot environment. The 80% derating factor really needs to be applied, and kilns tend to melt plugs even when they don't exceed the ratings. I'd use #6 wire in flexible conduit and be done with it.
 
#13 ·
We all stand corrected!
http://evenheat-kiln.com/ceramic/rmseries/rm2-2329/
That's the current model of this kiln - the only difference appears to be updated controls. This kiln comes with that cord, and is intended to be plugged into a NEMA 6-50R receptacle, presumably on a 50A breaker since that's the largest allowed for the receptacle. I'd still take the cord off and hard-wire it, but using the cord would be perfectly acceptable.
 
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#15 ·
We all stand corrected!
http://evenheat-kiln.com/ceramic/rmseries/rm2-2329/
That's the current model of this kiln - the only difference appears to be updated controls. This kiln comes with that cord, and is intended to be plugged into a NEMA 6-50R receptacle, presumably on a 50A breaker since that's the largest allowed for the receptacle. I'd still take the cord off and hard-wire it, but using the cord would be perfectly acceptable.
I guess so huh?

It amazes me how a presumably listed product can be so blatantly non-code-complaint. :icon_rolleyes:
 
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#17 ·
I don't care what the manual says or if the kiln comes with that plug, it will melt. I know this from experience and fact that it's happened to me several times in the early days when all of my kilns had those worthless power cords. I've seen these things melt completely away and ruin entire outlet. Heck, I'm pretty sure I see in OP's photo of plug that it is already melted some and plastic pulling away from prong.
 
#24 ·
I have one of my customer did have pretty large kiln but one instering twist is that he have triphase kiln and it did oringally came with 60 amp triphase plug but I told him get rid of that and go with hard wired and never have any issue with it.

As for common single phase kiln size like what ya got there I know there were couple I ran into most case I tell them go with hardwird and be done with it.

It the same way over here in France most case just hardwired and be done with it.

Merci,
Marc
 
#26 ·
mpoulton.,

They do get pretty hot and the amount of load is constant until it hit the peak firing tempture ( useally a cone ) will trip the lever and shut the power off and let it cool down overnite.

That one reason why as soon I heard kiln circuit I useally upsize the conductors for that purpose and keep that breaker away from other breakers to keep it cool so it will not trip out early.

Merci,
Marc
 
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