Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 (edited) Hi everyone, I'm scratching my head on this one. I have a couple of old Duncan Kilns that I still use occasionally , but recently my DA1029N model stopped reaching temp. I checked and replaced 2 of the elements in the middle on the bottom set. Everything ohmed correctly. I done a heat up test and noticed the middle section and the 2 I replaced on the bottom are not glowing after 15 minutes of testing. Is this normal or do I need to do my checking on the relays or anytging else ? I've tried to attach a photo but it's telling the file is to big. Edited July 19, 2023 by Brad71 Still trying to add photo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted July 19, 2023 Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 First, elements wear together so replacing just a couple is interesting but maybe not the norm. Anyway, let’s assume all the resistances are truly good. I believe this kiln has the interval timer and repeat cycle timer and a low manual and auto position. Have you tried operation in manual mode? (Rocker centered, not left and not right, just centered) If yes, can you determine if the interval and repeat cycle timers are functioning. post a picture of the equipment tag and what cone are you routinely firing to? picture size - (one way) you should be able to email the picture to yourself and most email programs will ask if you want to resize. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 Thanks. I ment to say the reason for replacing the 2 elements were due to being broke, crystals to close, lol. I will check the switch when I get home but believe it's in the Auto position. How would I go about checking the functionality on it ? I will email the photo and try to upload them both. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 Firing at cones 5-6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted July 19, 2023 Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 (edited) Looking at your diagram, the bottom elements are series parallel so for the two center to be out and the outside to be working one or more are broken or they are not connected as in the diagram. The center section is series wired but constantly powered so my guess is one or more of those elements is broken. So I would check ALL for continuity, individual if possible if you are not comfortable with the mix of series and parallel wiring. The auto switch and timing relays at this point are secondary, I think you will locate the bad elements / connections. Edited July 19, 2023 by Bill Kielb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2023 Thank, im fixing to head out the the shop and check em out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 Ok , I found a broke spot in the bottom set, so that's a fix, but the middle section all ohm good individually. My switch was on automatic, switched it to manual. I'm going to replace the broke element and test again, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted July 20, 2023 Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 (edited) Nice! It’s hard to tell from your picture, but the middle set of elements should be powered all the time the sitter is on. They appear off to me in the picture. so if they don’t glow at some point then somewhere there is an open circuit and it’s unlikely related to the timers / auto manual switch. Edited July 20, 2023 by Bill Kielb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 (edited) There is a couple of relays, one appears to be linked to the switch. I wonder if they come on later in the firing, could be weak, I only turned the kiln on and ran for 15 minutes or so. Also the switch was in automatic and not manual. Edited July 20, 2023 by Brad71 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted July 20, 2023 Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 (edited) Again, if the middle elements do not glow, they are hooked DIRECTLY to the sitter. No relays, no interval timer, no nuthin. If they do not glow, there is a break in the wire, connection or since they are series wired, one or more of those four elements. They connect straight to power from the sitter and run continuous from start to finish. If they don’t glow, as in the picture, they need to be investigated. Since the top ring and bottom ring do glow - for now - it appears the relays and timers must be working. Edited July 20, 2023 by Bill Kielb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 Gotcha, thanks, I will dig deeper to figure this out since all ohmed correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kielb Posted July 20, 2023 Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 You should measure approx. 25.2 ohms at the terminal block that feeds the four series wired center elements per the wiring diagram. If they measure appropriately then trace the wiring back checking connections to be sure they are powered. Please don’t forget to disconnect all power before checking things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2023 Yes sir, thanks. Always got em disconnected, I don't do electricity very well, lol. Hulk and Bill Kielb 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad71 Posted July 21, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2023 Ok, checked all the middle elements again individually, they ohmed at 5.65 with the setting i was on, if my memory is correct. So I traced the feed lines, guess what, found it, lol. A feed line had come unconnected from where it gets power. Got everything reconnected and fired it back up. The middle section did not glow up fast but did ignite a paper test strip and my thermal gun read 295° after 5 minutes of run time, so I believe Im good to go. Thanks for all the help and info. Bill Kielb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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