Help! My Kiln isn't Heating

[Cabaribeads]

I have a Paragon Caldera high fire kiln. This is the first time ever it has not heated up. The Orton programmer seems to work ok but no heat. What do you think I need to fix it myself? And can I ?
Thanks so much for any help! I am desperate here with orders waiting. Yikes!

[nevadaglass]

Not familiar with that particular model but, First - unplug it, then check to make sure the leads that connect the coil to the programmer didn't work loose. I have replaced the coils myself in my kiln twice and its pretty straight forward. the coils only have a screw that keeps them secured into the programmer.

I also had an instance where I accidently caused the controller to turn off the roof coils and I called Paragon who walked me through re-enabling the roof coil. Evidently if you press the right buttons on the controller you can disable the coils on either the roof or the sides - go figure.

[snoopdog6502]

Could be a dead relay, the part that clicks the kiln on and off.

http://www.paragonweb.com/files/trou...ment_guide.pdf

$32
http://www.paragonweb.com/kiln_parts...ID=1577&type=P

[Cabaribeads]

Thank you SO much for replying to my plea for help. lol

[hyperT]

If its fairly old check that one of the heating coils hasn't broken apart.
If it has you can overlap them back together as a temporary fix.

[Arnold Howard]

Originally Posted by Cabaribeads

I have a Paragon Caldera high fire kiln. This is the first time ever it has not heated up. The Orton programmer seems to work ok but no heat. What do you think I need to fix it myself? And can I ?
Thanks so much for any help! I am desperate here with orders waiting. Yikes!

Here is a video that shows how to check a kiln with a multimeter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsDdQaIO7FI

The Caldera is easy to fix, because there isn't much to go wrong with it. I would not replace parts, however, until you know what is preventing the elements from turning on. Please let me know if you have questions. Also, feel free to call 972-288-7557 if you would like a customer service rep to walk you through the diagnostics. When you call, ask for customer service.

Sincerely,

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

[echeveria]

Dear Paragon/Arnold -
You Rock! Thanks for the info.

Patti, good luck! Lisa and I will help. Okay, we will watch while you repair it, lol. But we will make encouraging sounds and comments.

[Cabaribeads]

Thank you , Kathy and Lisa! lol And thank you Arnold and all who have replied. <3

[Cabaribeads]

That is what is wrong. No clicking but I don't see the part on the page from the link you posted. help?

Originally Posted by snoopdog6502

Could be a dead relay, the part that clicks the kiln on and off.

http://www.paragonweb.com/files/trou...ment_guide.pdf

$32
http://www.paragonweb.com/kiln_parts...ID=1577&type=P

[Cabaribeads]

Never mind I found it by the price. thank you so much. i will start there.

[snoopdog6502]

Good deal, Im happy for you.

[Speedslug]

Thanks Arnold for popping in.


The lack of clicking will help them diagnose it over the phone. Most likely the relay as it is the single moving part other than the switch.

[Cabaribeads]

Well. Phill, the kiln is working. Your advice was totally correct! Thank you , thank you and thanks to Paragon, too. You all are awesome! I am going to go make beads.

[Speedslug]

Glad to hear you are cooking again!