elements

[maddpotter]

I recently replaced my elements in my duncan kiln. I used 1 jump lead as one of my bus bars had fused to oblivion. After 4 firings , the jump lead fried because of not being tightened. I had to replace an element, & use a new jump lead as Paragon forgot to include my new bus bar. The glaze firing went well (^6). I reloaded for a bisque (^06) & i noticed around 700 degrees the element wire above the one I replaced, which it was jumped to, was glowing red. None of the other elements were doing this. I noted the firing was at 13 hrs, when normally it's @ 10.5 hrs. I have since recieved my bus bar, but am questioning wether I have to now replace another element or if it was just the lead. Not wanting to ruin yet another element, but needing to fire, I need advice.

PS i would call paragon, but they were not very johnny on the spot about with my last dealings.

Maddpotter

[ArnoldHoward]

I reloaded for a bisque (^06) & i noticed around 700 degrees the element wire above the one I replaced, which it was jumped to, was glowing red. None of the other elements were doing this. I noted the firing was at 13 hrs, when normally it's @ 10.5 hrs.

An element connector glows red because it is loose. Ordinarily, you will not need to replace the element. Just tighten the connector. A loose connector also reduces the amperage a little, which may be the reason your kiln is taking longer to fire.

What type of connector glowed red?

I'm sorry you had an unsatisfactory experience when you called Paragon. Ordinarily the CSRs are very helpful.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com