Things To Know Before Ordering A Kiln
- Where are you going to install the kiln? It should be placed on a fire-proof floor, such as concrete. If it must go on a wood floor, you can put two layers of cement board (tile backer board) under it. The kiln should be at least 16" from walls, or anything flammable.
- How will you vent the kiln? I highly recommend venting all electric kilns, no matter where they are installed, even in a garage. It's good for the kiln elements, good for your glazes, and really good for your lungs. You have two options for venting- a downdraft vent or an overhead hood. A downdraft vent is best for removing fumes, since it pulls directly from the kiln, preventing fumes from ever coming in to the room. If you need to vent heat also (kilns put out a lot of waste heat), then you'll either need to install separate venting system for that, like a through-wall fan or an overhead hood. An overhead hood system, like those made by Vent-A-Kiln, do a good job of removing heat and fumes all in one, but are more expensive than downdraft vents. Both types of vents use small exit holes, similar to venting a clothes dryer. The exit flue can go through the wall or up through the roof.
- How big a kiln do you need? This is always the most difficult question to answer. Remember that your L&L kiln will last 20+ years with proper care, so get the kiln you'll need in 5 years, not the kiln you need now. Chances are you'll be making more work as your skills improve, so you'll need a larger kiln in the future. From a financial standpoint, it's not a big deal if you don't always fill it completely as first. The firing cost per pot is pretty low even if the kiln is only 3/4 full.
- Do you need a tall kiln or a wide kiln (or both)? The most popular size kiln sold in America is 23 inches wide by 27 inches tall (L&L E23T-3). It's about 7 cubic feet in volume, and a great size for most hobbyists and as a second kiln for professionals. Most people don't need the height, though, so a 27 inch wide by 18 inch tall kiln would be better for them. It's the same volume (about 7 cubic feet), but it's much easier to load, especially if you're under 5'8". It also holds more work, because as the diameter of the kiln increases, so does the efficiency of loading. There are fewer wasted areas in a larger diameter circle.
- What is the voltage and phase of your electrical service? If you're in a typical residence, it's probably 240 volt single phase. If you're in a commercial space, it could be 240 or 208 volts, and single or 3 phase. Have an electrician verify your service if you're unsure, and to make sure you don't have lower than expected voltage for some reason. Your new kiln must be wired up according to the service you have or it won't function properly. Ordering the wrong wiring setup is the #1 mistake people make when buying a new kiln.
- Can your breaker/fuse box handle the electrical needs of a kiln? Most kilns need a circuit breaker that is much larger than anything you currently have in your breaker box. Your air conditioning unit and electric clothes dryer are probably the biggest consumers of electricity in your house, needing a 30 amp breaker. 30 amps only gets you a small kiln, about 18x18 inches. The most popular size kiln needs a 60 amp breaker. If you've got a newer home with 200 amp service, it probably won't be a problem, but if you've got an older home with only 100 amp service, you may have to upgrade the service or be very careful about not running certain appliances while the kiln is on. Either way, have a certified electrician check it out. FYI, the National Electrical Code says that all kilns must be on a breaker that is 25% greater than the draw of the kiln. So 24 amp kilns need a 30 amp breaker, 48 amp kilns need a 60 amp breaker, etc.
-Get quotes from several licensed electricians. This is very important. Most people are shocked at how expensive it can be to have the electrical service for the kiln installed. You don't want to buy a kiln and then not be able to afford to hook it up. I've seen quotes for the same job vary from $400 to $1300, so I recommend getting quote from at least 3 licensed electricians. Spec sheets are available for all kiln models, so you can show the electricians exactly what will be needed. Don't let your brother-in-law do it. Leave it to the pros.
- Talk to your insurance company. Some insurance providers won't care at all if you put a kiln in your house. Others will make you add a rider to your policy, and others won't cover it at all. Whatever your situation, make sure they are aware of the kiln so that if any bad ever happens, you'll be covered. Using a licensed electrician falls into this category as well. If you let your brother-in-law wire up the kiln, the insurance company may not cover any claims. In general, do everything according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep everything above board. Get a permit from the city if it's required in your area, etc.
That should do it! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about any of this, so give me a call at 847-223-1807, or email me through the Contact page.
- Where are you going to install the kiln? It should be placed on a fire-proof floor, such as concrete. If it must go on a wood floor, you can put two layers of cement board (tile backer board) under it. The kiln should be at least 16" from walls, or anything flammable.
- How will you vent the kiln? I highly recommend venting all electric kilns, no matter where they are installed, even in a garage. It's good for the kiln elements, good for your glazes, and really good for your lungs. You have two options for venting- a downdraft vent or an overhead hood. A downdraft vent is best for removing fumes, since it pulls directly from the kiln, preventing fumes from ever coming in to the room. If you need to vent heat also (kilns put out a lot of waste heat), then you'll either need to install separate venting system for that, like a through-wall fan or an overhead hood. An overhead hood system, like those made by Vent-A-Kiln, do a good job of removing heat and fumes all in one, but are more expensive than downdraft vents. Both types of vents use small exit holes, similar to venting a clothes dryer. The exit flue can go through the wall or up through the roof.
- How big a kiln do you need? This is always the most difficult question to answer. Remember that your L&L kiln will last 20+ years with proper care, so get the kiln you'll need in 5 years, not the kiln you need now. Chances are you'll be making more work as your skills improve, so you'll need a larger kiln in the future. From a financial standpoint, it's not a big deal if you don't always fill it completely as first. The firing cost per pot is pretty low even if the kiln is only 3/4 full.
- Do you need a tall kiln or a wide kiln (or both)? The most popular size kiln sold in America is 23 inches wide by 27 inches tall (L&L E23T-3). It's about 7 cubic feet in volume, and a great size for most hobbyists and as a second kiln for professionals. Most people don't need the height, though, so a 27 inch wide by 18 inch tall kiln would be better for them. It's the same volume (about 7 cubic feet), but it's much easier to load, especially if you're under 5'8". It also holds more work, because as the diameter of the kiln increases, so does the efficiency of loading. There are fewer wasted areas in a larger diameter circle.
- What is the voltage and phase of your electrical service? If you're in a typical residence, it's probably 240 volt single phase. If you're in a commercial space, it could be 240 or 208 volts, and single or 3 phase. Have an electrician verify your service if you're unsure, and to make sure you don't have lower than expected voltage for some reason. Your new kiln must be wired up according to the service you have or it won't function properly. Ordering the wrong wiring setup is the #1 mistake people make when buying a new kiln.
- Can your breaker/fuse box handle the electrical needs of a kiln? Most kilns need a circuit breaker that is much larger than anything you currently have in your breaker box. Your air conditioning unit and electric clothes dryer are probably the biggest consumers of electricity in your house, needing a 30 amp breaker. 30 amps only gets you a small kiln, about 18x18 inches. The most popular size kiln needs a 60 amp breaker. If you've got a newer home with 200 amp service, it probably won't be a problem, but if you've got an older home with only 100 amp service, you may have to upgrade the service or be very careful about not running certain appliances while the kiln is on. Either way, have a certified electrician check it out. FYI, the National Electrical Code says that all kilns must be on a breaker that is 25% greater than the draw of the kiln. So 24 amp kilns need a 30 amp breaker, 48 amp kilns need a 60 amp breaker, etc.
-Get quotes from several licensed electricians. This is very important. Most people are shocked at how expensive it can be to have the electrical service for the kiln installed. You don't want to buy a kiln and then not be able to afford to hook it up. I've seen quotes for the same job vary from $400 to $1300, so I recommend getting quote from at least 3 licensed electricians. Spec sheets are available for all kiln models, so you can show the electricians exactly what will be needed. Don't let your brother-in-law do it. Leave it to the pros.
- Talk to your insurance company. Some insurance providers won't care at all if you put a kiln in your house. Others will make you add a rider to your policy, and others won't cover it at all. Whatever your situation, make sure they are aware of the kiln so that if any bad ever happens, you'll be covered. Using a licensed electrician falls into this category as well. If you let your brother-in-law wire up the kiln, the insurance company may not cover any claims. In general, do everything according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep everything above board. Get a permit from the city if it's required in your area, etc.
That should do it! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about any of this, so give me a call at 847-223-1807, or email me through the Contact page.