[Paragon A88B questions]

3 hours ago, Bill Kielb said:

Go to the paragon website and get the wiring diagram for your model. Then you will need to check the wiring is appropriate for your house (If in a house, a neutral and two hots for 120v / 240v).  208 v does not make sense for a home installation it generally only occurs in three phase installations.. Then if all correct you will need to troubleshoot 

Thank you for the info. 

[Paragon A88B questions]

8 hours ago, PotteryFarmer said:

Did you ever fire it up? I just spent a ton of $ getting all my electric in. My electrician found it to be a doosy. Wound up special ordering 208v elements. Cleaned up all the relays. I test fired for 18+ hours and couldn't bend an 04 cone. I'm worried the settings are wired backwards. On low all 4 elements glow, medium every other, and high only the lowest element. I'm new to manual kilns, and I know theres a lit to learn. But not much info out there on this model kiln so any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Actually no, I didn't buy it. I was afraid of what you are going through happening to me!! I'm so sorry, that really stinks. I think I'm going to just buy a new one. This is a great place to get a lot of information and make informed decisions. Best of luck to you.

[Paragon A88B questions]

On 11/28/2021 at 6:54 PM, oldlady said:

brings back good memories, that is what i started out with in 1972.  it worked very well, good luck to you with it.

Ah, thank you! I haven't purchased. I'm just very anxious about not knowing if it will fire up or not.  The person selling it does not have the right outlet to plug it in. :-(

[Paragon A88B questions]

On 11/28/2021 at 5:54 PM, Dick White said:

These old Paragon kilns are wired differently than most kilns these days. They are 120/240V, meaning some of the time the switches cause the elements to run on 120V and other times the elements use 240V. Consequently, the 4-wire plug and receptacle with a neutral is essential.  The kiln will not operate properly on a conventional 3-wire 240V circuit. As Marko notes, a 30 amp circuit is minimum, but 40 amps is maximum.  The outlet on the top of the control box is actually 120/240V, and was intended to power an extension ring if desired. Otherwise, it's not good for much else. As for digital controllers, the external wall-mount Skutt KM-1 is not suitable for this kiln. It will only work with a straight 240V 3-wire cord with no neutral. As noted, this kiln requires a neutral. The Orton AF4000 wall-mount controller can be special ordered with the 120/240V circuitry. If you are adventuresome and facile with electrical wiring, you could replace the kiln sitter mechanism with an Olympic ElectroSitter.

Thank you so very much for your input. While I am adventurous, I am a bit anxious to deal with older electronics. 

[Paragon A88B questions]

14 minutes ago, Marko said:

Hi, your kiln looks in good shape. Have a go at it and try a firing before you get a, digital kiln controller. There are many available, but doing your research can narrow it down to what you want. 

The 240v is the power needed to run the kiln and get the element to the temperature your kiln is rated for. I wouldn't worry about the 120v. I have a Paragon A82B but never used the a 120v outlet on the control box. But you can call Paragon and ask. 

But more import than that is the amps. I see you have 25.9 amps. So the breaker must be at 30 amps or above. Best to ask Paragon or any qualified electrician.  Get this done first then fire, then decide if you should spend the extra money on the digital kiln controller.

Best of luck. ~marko

Thank you so much for your input! It is appreciated!

[Paragon A88B questions]

Hi,

Newbie here! I was hoping I could get some help. I hope I’m posting in the right place. I have been taking ceramics classes for years (with the teacher firing my greenware and glazed  items) but I’ve never had my own kiln.
I now have an opportunity to purchase a used Paragon A88B kiln. The person is posting for an elderly family member in town and doesn’t know anything about the kiln. From the pictures the brick and elements look good but the kiln sitter looks really old. Can I replace that with an electronic version?  Would I have to replace other electrical parts as well?

Also the plate on the kiln lists 240 /120V what does that mean?
 

I’ve added pictures.

Any help  would be appreciated. Thank you so much!