Electricity question.

[leapingbare]

 Let me start by saying that electricity and myself don't get along to well.
 
 Ok i have this Kiln that runs off 240v I need to be able to run it off 120v.
Dose all the wiring need to be replaced or just the power cord?

[dmassphoto]

Let me start by saying that electricity and myself don't get along to well.
 
 Ok i have this Kiln that runs off 240v I need to be able to run it off 120v.
Dose all the wiring need to be replaced or just the power cord?

Don't quote me on this, cause I'm not the best at electricity either, but I think all that needs to happen is if you buy one of those converters from Walmart.  It may not work though if the plug on the kiln isn't European.

[leapingbare]

its got a dryer plug on it now.

[leapingbare]

I just had a wild idea.
I have a power outlet on the back of my house it has two 120v outlets. could i rewire that to have one 240v outlet? and would that run my kiln?

[Badger]

Nearly all homes have 2 120 lines and a nuetral. You need to have a 220 plug wired up from your fuse box. You cant just put together two 120 plugs because they are likely going to be off the same 120 leg. You can probably get it done for around $100.00 if you shop around a bit. Steve

[skyarrow]

you will need to run a new wire to a new plug to do it rite if you have a breaker box outside  you can set it up there come out of it with the 220 to wherever you want it to go and put your plug on the end of it  and thats it. and make shure that you come off of both legs for you 220 and not the same leg call me if you need help

361-935-1715
sterling lynch

GL and ttyl 

[El Destructo]

Jesse .....You might look at the diagram on the Kiln...and see if it says 110/220.....some are convertible...some are not....depends on the size of the heating element.....too big of an element....and they won't heat enough when converted to 110....how often are you going to use this? May be better off to just plug it in where your Dryer is...whenever you use it....that's what I do with my Crackerbox Welder.....

[Justin Snyder]

I would suggest that you pay an electrician. I would hate to see you electricute yourself over a couple of $.  It is usually possible to change it to 110 since most 220 appliances have two heating elements, or an element and a control module, each runs on a different 110 leg of the 220. However, if the kiln wasn't designed for it you risk burning up the kiln and the house.

[Pappy]

Don't know for sure but am really glad you are finely going to get that thing out of my way.
You may ask Don/Kevin or Jeff mayo,they are all good electricans and I am sure would be glad to help you out.
    Pappy

[El Destructo]

Pappy....is it that big beast of a Pottery Kiln that I seen near the knapping pit? Man ....I bet you are glad to see that going.... .....Yeh you have a few Electricians in the Club don't you....Dang Jesse....just make em some point....and they may cut you a good deal..... 

[RidgeRunner]

Take this from someone who has built power lines for the past 13 years....

Hire yourself a good electrician to install a dedicated plug for the kiln.  Some place where the heat will not get into your house.
It will draw a good peal of power over a long period of time.

It can burn your house down if it is not set up correctly.

David

[stickbender]

     As a former Fire Fighter, I agree with Ridgerunner.  Pay the Electrician!  Unless you are looking for insurance money........


                                                                                           Wayne

[leapingbare]

Thanks guys.
 Pappy i spoke with Dave on the phone about it and I've also spoke to Jeff. The data plate on the kiln said 115/230 so i am guessing thats the range of volts it can run off of. i know it wont get as hot on 120v then 220v but the max temp is 2500* and i only need it to go to 900* max so I'm sure 120v will be enough. so only thing i need to do is change the male plug on the cord or find an adaptor.

[El Destructo]

Also Jesse....220 volt is cheaper to run on than 110/120 is.....but since it heat that Hot.....man I ain't never seen a Pottery Kiln get that hot.....but if it does....should be no problem cooking rock at a lower voltage....jmo

[Justin Snyder]

It really isn't going to get hotter on 220 than 110. I would still have an electrician wire you a 220 for it in the garage though. If you do decide to use 110 you will want to use a minimum of 12 guage wire with a 20 amp breaker which probably means running a new circut anyway.

Depending on how often you are going to use it, you could have the electrician build you a power cord and run it from the dryer plug in the laundry room.