sian Posted July 6, 2018 Report Share Posted July 6, 2018 Hi, I hope someone can help - we had an error code 1 in our Potclays 230 volt top loading kiln, investigated and found the elements had broken near where they meet at the back. We've replaced the elements but on a test run, where they connect got really hot and melted the connector. They were connected really tightly. Is there something we are missing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 6, 2018 Report Share Posted July 6, 2018 Define 'where they connect', and 'connector'. Are you talking about inside the control box? Can you post photos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sian Posted July 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2018 Hi, inside the box on the back of the kiln (I can't take photos atm.) There are two sets of elements that we had to replace and they meet in the box at the back with a connector (it was just outside this connector that the elements failed last time). After some research I suspect that it may be the relay switch or thermocouple that we also need to replace - it seems to be firing okay and then the temp will go up really quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 7, 2018 Report Share Posted July 7, 2018 If a connector fails, it's generally because of a bad or corroded connection that is arcing and causing it to overheat. The heating issue could be from a relay that's sticking, however, if the elements you replaced are getting really hot right away, but the others aren't then they aren't hooked up properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Bridge Pottery Posted July 9, 2018 Report Share Posted July 9, 2018 On 7/6/2018 at 12:41 PM, sian said: Hi, I hope someone can help - we had an error code 1 in our Potclays 230 volt top loading kiln, investigated and found the elements had broken near where they meet at the back. We've replaced the elements but on a test run, where they connect got really hot and melted the connector. They were connected really tightly. Is there something we are missing? Are the elements twisted at the end? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 10, 2018 Report Share Posted July 10, 2018 7 hours ago, High Bridge Pottery said: Are the elements twisted at the end? Elements do not have to be twisted at the end. I work on several kilns where they are not twisted. If the wire is thick enough to get a good crimp without twisting, it's not absolutely necessary. The manufacturer will determine whether or not they should be twisted, and send you the appropriate elements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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