Cord and Plug Safety for Electric Kilns

How to Replace an Electric Kiln Cord: We replaced the 2-prong twisted cloth cord on our old kiln with a new 3-prong plug and 20amp rubber electric cord, but we were told later that we should have used a twisted 20amp cloth cord. © By: Dave Rongey

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Installing a New Cord on an Electric Kiln
[ad#block]Electrical Question: We replaced the 2-prong twisted cloth cord on our old kiln with a new 3-prong plug and 20amp rubber electric cord, but we were told later that we should have used a twisted 20-amp cloth cord.

• I was given an old, electric jewelry kiln.
• No identification is available about the kiln.
• It draws 14 amps.
• It fires up to about 1650 degrees F., but the plug would get too hot to touch.
• We replaced the old, 2-plug twisted, cloth electrical cord with a new 3-prong plug, & 20amp rubber electric cord that we got from our hardware store.
• Our neighbor (contractor) says it should have been replaced with a similar twisted, 20-amp, cloth cord. Is this true?

This electrical question came from: Isabel, a Homeowner from Sun City West, Arizona.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Isabel.

How to Replace an Electric Kiln Cord

Application: Wiring a Kiln Cord.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the kiln circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important: Burnt or damaged wiring and circuit components of the kiln should be replaced with new electrical materials of the same voltage and amperage rating.
Notice: Rewiring or Repairing an electric kiln should be done according to  all applicable electrical codes. Installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment for an electric kiln should be approved by the original equipment manufacturer of the kiln.

Upgrading an Electric Kiln with a New Cord and Plug

Yes Isabel, I agree with your neighbor the contractor because rubber insulation does not have the same temperature rating as high temperature cloth wire.

Example of the Electrical Wiring for a Kiln

• The cloth electrical cord would need to be identified, however the cloth wire has a higher heat resistance than a rubber cord.
• Even though you may not be able to find the exact information about the electric kiln that you have, just take the same known specifications that you do have and look at other good brand kiln to see what types of cords and cord connector plugs that they require.
• It may be a good idea to equip your older kiln with the same cord type that is being used on a newer model with the same electrical specifications.

Other Considerations when Connecting an Electric Kiln to an Electrical Circuit

• You may also note that a dedicated circuit may be required for the kiln.
• Check the information nameplate where the voltage and amperage specifications are listed for this specific kiln.

Important

• To ensure safety and reliability, the electrical wiring and all associated electrical components for old electrical equipment such as this electric kiln should be carefully examined before using, especially if the equipment has been previously owned.

More about Electrical Wiring

• Guide to Home Electrical Wire
  

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• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
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• This link is helpful as a Homeowner
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