Installation Guide
Proper installation is critical for the longevity of your elements. Follow our professional guide to ensure your kiln performs at its best.
Safety First
Electric kilns operate on high voltage. Never attempt to service a kiln that is connected to power. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, please consult a qualified electrician.
Tools Required
Needle-nose Pliers
For handling brittle elements and bending tails.
Digital Multimeter
To verify resistance (Ohms) before and after install.
Shop Vacuum
With a brush attachment to clean grooves thoroughly.
Element Pins
High-temp staples to hold coils in place.
Screwdriver Set
For terminal block and control box access.
Wire Strippers
If you need to refresh the lead wires.
Preparation & Safety
Before starting, ensure the kiln is completely disconnected from power. Turn off the breaker and unplug the unit if possible. Gather your tools: needle-nose pliers, a multimeter, a vacuum, and element pins.
Removing Old Elements
Disconnect the element tails from the terminal block. Carefully pull the old elements out of the grooves. Note that used elements are extremely brittle and will break into small pieces—this is normal.
Cleaning the Grooves
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean the element grooves. Any remaining debris or glaze drips can cause 'hot spots' that will shorten the life of your new elements.
Stretching the Elements
New elements are shipped in a compressed state. You must stretch them to the exact length of your kiln's grooves. Stretch them evenly by having two people pull from opposite ends, or by securing one end and pulling steadily.
Seating & Pinning
Place the stretched element into the groove. Use high-temperature element pins to secure the coils in place, especially around corners and at the ends of the grooves to prevent sagging during firing.
Terminal Connections
Feed the tails through the kiln wall into the control box. Connect them to the terminal block, ensuring all connections are tight. Loose connections are the #1 cause of terminal failure and arcing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Uneven Stretching
Stretching one section more than another causes 'hot spots' where the wire will burn out prematurely.
Loose Connections
If the terminal nuts aren't tight, the connection will arc, melt the wire, and potentially damage the controller.
Dirty Grooves
Leaving old element bits or glaze drips in the groove creates a chemical reaction that eats through new wire.
Cold Adjusting
Attempting to move a used element while it's cold. Once fired, Kanthal wire is like glass and will snap.
Post-Installation Checklist
The "Break-in" Fire
After installing new elements, it is highly recommended to perform a "break-in" firing. Run the kiln empty to approximately 1000°F (538°C) and hold for 20 minutes. This allows the elements to form a protective aluminum oxide layer while they are still clean and free of glaze fumes.
Need replacement elements?
We manufacture custom elements for all major kiln brands. Order your precision-wound coils today.