Paragon DTC 1000 series Troubleshooting Manual page 7

 Ramp-Hold
Check to see if you have programmed a long hold time in one of the early segments.
Do you see water dripping from the kiln or condensing on the case?
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Dripping water means the ceramic greenware is wet, which slows the kiln to a
crawl. The greenware should be bone dry before loading.
Vent the lid and fire no hotter than 200°F until moisture no longer fogs a mirror
held near the top peephole. (Be careful to avoid burns.) The mirror must be at
room temperature, not hot, so hold it near the peephole for only several seconds.
Did firing time suddenly, or gradually, become longer?
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 Suddenly:
This indicates a drop in voltage during peak demand, a bad relay or a broken ele-
ment. See page 5 to test elements; page 14 to test relays.
 Gradually:
This is usually caused by worn elements. Keep a record of firing time. When elements begin to wear, firing time will
gradually increase.
Does firing time vary depending on time of day or season?
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This indicates low voltage during peak demand.
Is the kiln on its own circuit, or does it share the circuit with other appliances?
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The kiln should be on its own circuit. Other appliances on the circuit can slow down the firing.
Is the circuit wire gauge heavy enough for the kiln's amperage?
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See catalog specifications for your kiln, or the instruction manual. Consult a qualified electrician.
How far away is the breaker panel from the kiln?
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If it is over 50 feet, the wire gauge should be one gauge heavier than the catalog recommendation.
Check kiln amperage with an ammeter
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at wall receptacle.
kiln's rated amperage. Before checking amps, check voltage under load,
Disconnect
Power before
page 6.
removing wall
receptacle
Only a qualified repair person or electrician should perform this test.
cover.
1 Shut off circuit breaker for the kiln's wall receptacle.
2 Remove the receptacle cover. Remove the receptacle from the wall outlet box.
3 Place the ammeter around either of the two hot wires.
4 Plug kiln into the receptacle. Turn on the breaker.
Start the kiln.
Before unplugging the kiln and reinstalling the recepta-
cle and cover, be sure to shut off the breaker.
 Result: Amperage is a little below normal.
Consider replacing elements.
 Result: Amperage is way below normal.
The problem is most likely a broken element or relay, or
elements of the wrong resistance. See next section,
"Some elements do not fire."
Wall Receptacle Ammeter Test
The ammeter measures the amps that the kiln draws. If
an element is burned out or a relay is broken, the kiln will
draw less amperage. See the electrical data plate for your
With a mirror, you can detect moisture es-
caping from the kiln. Keep the lid in the
vented position until the mirror no longer
fogs.
The ammeter attaches to only one hot wire. Be sure
breaker is shut off before you remove the receptacle
cover.
The indent on the crimping tool goes
on the side opposite the seam of the
connector. Test the crimp by pulling
on the wire firmly.
Tighten loose push-on connectors
by squeezing gently with pliers.
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