Set-Pro Control Operating Manual
Metal Clay version – Nov. 2014
Page 21 of 21
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Kiln Trouble Shooting
Listed below are some of the more probable kiln problems you’ll encounter along with their most common cause and repair advice. Please feel free to
contact Evenheat for assistance when dealing with these and other potential kiln problems.
No Display
Check to see that the kiln is actually plugged in. It happens! Also check the circuit protection (breakers or fuses) to see that they are not tripped or open.
Breakers and fuses don’t trip or open for no reason. They indicate a fault which should be investigated by licensed personnel. See below.
Kiln won’t stop firing (won’t shut off)
Most likely a failed relay (failed closed). A failed relay may cause the kiln temperature to increase when it should be decreasing. Depending upon your
particular kiln model you may see up to 3 relays used in its design. Identifying the failed relay is fairly simple as the element connected to it will remain on.
Unplug the kiln and remove the kiln control panel. Simply follow the element leads to the relay to identify it. Relays are maintenance items and we
recommend replacing all of them when needing to replace one.
Check your program.
Kiln Won’t Reach Temperature
A low voltage will certainly slow a kiln down and, if the drop is low enough, it may cause failure to reach temperature. Low voltage is generally associated
with your power service or provider and is rarely a fault in the kiln.
A failed element reduces the heat produced. Failed elements tend to be very visual and are easily seen. With the kiln off (not running and unplugged) have
a look at the elements for any breaks. If you see no breaks in the heating element then suspect a relay problem.
A failed relay (fails to close) reduces the heat produced. While a relay failure acts like an element failure, a relay is not visible. If the heating elements
appear to be intact replace the relay.
tC/Fail is Displayed
The thermocouple (temperature sensor) circuit is faulty. The thermocouple circuit is broken at some point, usually the thermocouple itself. The
thermocouple circuit consists of the thermocouple, any connecting blocks and the thermocouple lead wire connecting to the Set-Pro.
Circuit Protection Opens (“Blown” Breaker or Fuse)
Circuit protection can open for various reasons. The BIG TWO are a short circuit and overheating. We’ll look at each separately.
Short circuits occur when line voltage finds its way to another line or ground. They are usually violent occurrences with lots of noise, flashes of light and
maybe a bit of smoke! During a short circuit the amperage goes very high. This increase in amperage exceeds your breaker/fuse rating which causes them
to open (“blow”). That’s exactly why they’re there. Short circuits generally happen immediately upon plugging the kiln in or running the firing. They
generally do NOT happen after the kiln has been on for some time.
Overheating of the breakers/fuses can cause them to open (“blow”). Overheating needs time to happen. If the kiln is running fine for a while and then the
breakers or the fuses open we can be fairly confident that the problem is overheating and not a short circuit. Overheating reduces the amount of
amperage a breaker/fuse will allow to pass before it opens. Overheating is caused by many factors, the most common are: loose wire connections at the
breakers/fuses, the size of the wire “feeding” the kiln is too small, the electrical receptacle is faulty or breaker/fuse is faulty.
Reasons for a Failed Heating Element
Glass kiln elements rarely fail on their own. When they do fail it’s usually from contamination. Contamination is stuff like glass bits, glass separator, fiber
paper, etc. that finds its way into the element groove. If you do have an element failure, double check the groove at the point of failure. Remove power
form the kiln and attempt to remove any debris from the groove with a sharp tool. Not doing so may allow the debris to destroy the replacement element.
Reasons for a Failed Relay
Relays are the switches that turn the heating elements on and off. They are moving parts and they’re working all the time. Long, slow firings and extended
anneals make the relays work more which shortens their overall lifespan. Relay replacement is expected.
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