Kiln Fires Too Slowly Or Will Not Reach Temperature - Paragon DTC 1000 series Troubleshooting Manual

Disconnect
Power before
opening kiln
faceplate to the switch box. Lift faceplate out of box and let the board hang on the outside of the box with the
switch box or
back of the board facing you. Then plug the kiln back in. Program the controller to fire to 1000°F at 9999° rate
removing the
in Ramp-Hold mode. Press
controller.
2 Put the voltmeter in DC mode. (It must be in DC mode when testing OUTPUT voltage.) Touch probes to
OUTPUT and CENTER TAP connections (red wire and blue/black wire) for at least 12 seconds. (See dia-
grams, page 1.)
 Output Test Result: No voltage at OUTPUT and CENTER TAP.
The controller is not sending power to the relays. Return the controller for re-
pair or replacement.
 Output Test Result: 10 - 12 volts at OUTPUT and CENTER TAP.
The controller is sending correct power to the relays. Unplug kiln/disconnect
power. Remove the kiln switch box. Look for disconnected wires between the
controller, relays and elements. Check the wiring diagram to be sure wires are
connected to the correct terminals. Be sure connections are tight. If the wiring
is okay, perform the "Relay 12 Volt Battery Test," page 14.
Does the kiln have a door or lid switch?
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If the controller is sending correct voltage to the relays, test the door or lid
switch.
Disconnect
Power before
removing
switch cover.
you get a no continuity reading with the lid or door closed (no-needle-move-
ment on an analog ohmmeter, OPEN reading on a digital meter).

Kiln fires too slowly or will not reach temperature.

Is your kiln model rated to fire hot enough for the ware?
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Does kiln voltage match circuit voltage?
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Be sure your 240 volt kiln is not plugged into a 208 volt outlet, and vice versa.
Check wall outlet voltage with a voltmeter during firing.
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Low voltage can double firing time. Sometimes voltage is correct, but drops
when the kiln turns on.
Receptacle Under Load Test
low voltage is persistent and the utility company cannot correct it, we can make
elements to compensate for low voltage.
Are you using Cone-Fire or Ramp-Hold?
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 Cone-Fire
In DTC 1000 slow speed, the last segment is a cool-down segment. It is possible that the kiln fired to completion
and you are observing the kiln during cool-down. (Does not apply to DTC 800, 600 and 100 series.)
If you have inadvertently programmed a pre-heat, the kiln will not heat past 200°F. (Does not apply to the DTC 800,
600 and 100 series.)
6
Controller Power Output Test
Is the controller sending voltage to the relays? Test OUTPUT with a voltmeter:
1 UNPLUG the kiln/disconnect the power. Remove the 4 screws holding the controller board
.
START
Door/Lid Switch Test
First, UNPLUG kiln/disconnect power. Remove door or lid
switch cover. Place ohmmeter leads across the switch termi-
nals. Open and close the door. Replace or adjust the switch if
Only an experienced repair person should perform this test.
Pull the kiln plug ¼" from the wall receptacle. Start the kiln.
Place a voltmeter probe against each of the two "hot" blades of
the cord plug to measure voltage. If voltage is low, try firing the
kiln during periods of low demand when voltage is higher. If
Testing a door switch with an ohmmeter: this
type of switch mounts on top of the kiln.
Testing a door switch with an ohmmeter: this
switch mounts inside the main switch box.
While the kiln is firing, measure voltage at the
cord plug. Be sure not to touch the metal part of
the voltmeter probes.