Kiln Heats Unevenly; Circuit Breaker Trips Or Circuit Fuse Blows; Kiln Connection Box Fuse Blows. (Heavy Amperage Kilns.) - Paragon DTC 1000 series Troubleshooting Manual

Kiln heats unevenly.

How uneven is the temperature in the firing chamber?
I
 If only slightly uneven:
Load more ware in the hot section and less ware in the cool section. This balances the load.
 If very uneven:
Check for burned out elements and bad relays. See "Some elements do not fire," page 8.
Does the kiln have a power connection fuse box?
I
This fuse box is used only on high amperage kilns such as the Viking-24 & 28. The fuse box usually contains six
fuses. If a fuse blows, one relay will stop firing. See "Kiln Power Connection High Amperage Fuse Test," page 8.

Circuit breaker trips or circuit fuse blows.

Does the circuit breaker/fuse shut off immediately after the kiln is
I
plugged in or turned on?
 Breaker trips immediately after the kiln is plugged in.
The kiln plug or wall receptacle has a short-circuit. Check the plug for discoloration and heat damage. Replace the
cord and wall receptacle when the plug shows heat damage.
 Breaker trips immediately after the kiln is turned on.
The kiln has a short-circuit. Unplug the kiln/disconnect the power, remove the kiln's switch box and check for dis-
connected wires. Keep the kiln unplugged until you have found the problem.
Does the circuit breaker/fuse shut off after the kiln has fired for awhile?
I
 Is the breaker the recommended size for the kiln's amperage?
Check the electrical requirements for your kiln in the instruction manual.
 Have you had hotter elements than the standard elements installed in your kiln?
This could increase the kiln's amperage, causing the breaker to shut off.
 Is the kiln too close to the circuit breaker or fuse panel?
Heat from the kiln may shut off the circuit breaker or blow a fuse.
 Check electrical connections for tightness.
Loose connections over-heat, build resistance, and trip the breaker/blow the fuse. Does the circuit breaker panel or
Disconnect
wall outlet feel hot? If so, have repaired by an electrician.
Power before
removing
Unplug kiln/disconnect the power. Open the kiln's switch box and check for loose wires. Loose or corroded element
switch box!
connectors and wire terminals will appear black or greenish-turquoise. See "Have you checked the kiln for loose
connections," page __.
 If the above checks out okay, replace the breaker.
As circuit breakers age, they sometimes weaken and trip too easily. Even a new circuit breaker can be defective. (A
circuit breaker should be replaced only by a licensed electrician.)

Kiln connection box fuse blows. (Heavy amperage kilns.)

Kilns with a power connection fuse box: This fuse box is used only on high amperage kilns such as the Vi-
king-24 & 28. The fuse box usually contains six fuses. If a fuse blows, one relay will stop firing. (See page 8.)
Does the fuse blow immediately after the kiln is turned on?
I
Disconnect
The kiln has a short-circuit. Disconnect the power, remove the switch box and check for disconnected wires. Keep
Power before
the kiln disconnected until you have found the problem.
removing
switch box!
Does the fuse blow after the kiln has fired for awhile?
I
Disconnect the power. Open the kiln's switch box and check for loose wires. Make sure the fuses in the fuse holder
are tight and aligned properly. (Upside-down fuses will over-heat and blow. See photo, page 8.)
9