Relay clicking stopping, normal?

[Giovannaaa1109]

Hi Everyone,

This is my second time posting here, and last time everyone was so helpful and assisted with fixing my kiln that had broken relays.

I have an old Skutt KM-1027 Kiln, that in 2020 I upgraded with a new circuit board, transformer, wiring, and 3 new relays. Everything worked beautifully for the few firings I was able to do due to a new job. 3 years later and its time to start the kiln back up! I was nervous to put my prized possessions in a kiln that hasn't been fired in 3 year and is outside in a metal shed. But I did a test fire and everything fired like it should and came out great. 

Today I went to fire the real thing,  for reference I live in New York its about 45 degrees F today, which isn't so bad for a NY winter, which is why I chose today to fire. I started the kiln for a cone 05 slow speed program, and initially heard the relays click a bunch. After maybe 1 or 2 more clicks I didn't hear anything else, and watched the temperature rise to 75 degree F. A few years ago when I fired around this time in December my kiln completely gave out and I eventually found out I needed to replace all 3 relays. I got paranoid that I didn't hear anything else and stopped the kiln when in hit 75 degree F. I did put my hand inside and it did feel slightly warmer than the outside temperature. But I feel like when I fire I usually hear more clicking, but am clueless at this point. Is this fine and I'm just being paranoid, or could it be from the cold? I know it should be above 32 degree F (which it is) and you can heat the control box with a hair dryer or heater, which I have yet to do.  

Obviously anything can happen in a short amount of time, but everything was running normal when I fired a few weeks ago. I just wanted to reach out and get any clarification or reassurance before firing again and just hoping for the best.

Thank you in advance to anyone that reads this and please let me know what important information you might need 

-G 

[Bill Kielb]

9 hours ago, Giovannaaa1109 said:

I got paranoid that I didn't hear anything else and stopped the kiln when in hit 75 degree F. I did put my hand inside and it did feel slightly warmer than the outside temperature. But I feel like when I fire I usually hear more clicking, but am clueless at this point.

I would suggest running a quick test fire to let’s say a few hundred degrees. So 1 segment program, go as fast as you can (9999) to let’s say 500 degrees. All the relays will turn on and stay on till near 500 degrees. Ought to take minutes to achieve and you should see all the elements glowing. You don’t fire enough to intuitively know if what you are hearing is normal or not, so a quick test at least should show everything is working - or not.

Do this without stuff in the kiln, especially wet stuff!

Edited December 3, 2023 by Bill Kielb

[neilestrick]

How long did you let it run?  A Slow firing may only climb at 80 degrees per hour, so there won't be much clicking. If you don't want to unload the kiln and run a full power test, just start the firing again and let it run. It'll either work or it will give an error code.

[Giovannaaa1109]

3 hours ago, neilestrick said:

How long did you let it run?

Hi Neil, I only let it run for a very short period of time, maybe under 20 minutes. I know I didn't give it enough of a chance to run, but I wanted to make a decision before the firing got too far along. 

[Giovannaaa1109]

11 hours ago, Bill Kielb said:

So 1 segment program, go as fast as you can (9999) to let’s say 500 degrees.

Hey Bill, Thanks for your advice! So I did a quick segment programming like you suggested. I couldn't empty my kiln at the moment, so I only ran it for about a minute so I wouldn't compromise the pieces. But I heard a lot of buzzing and it got hot in inside quick. I didn't see any glowing coils, but I think its because I only had it running for a short minute. 

I'm feeling better about it all, now i'll just wait for a day when its not raining outside. 

Thank you again!

 

Edited December 3, 2023 by Giovannaaa1109