Hi All, Any advice or knowledge welcome!
I am looking to convert my Electric Kiln from a 3-Phase wiring configuration to a Single-Phase config.
I am assured by the manufacturer that this is an easy job for any electrician, though I can't source either a 3 or single-phase wiring diagram.
I know that really they're relatively simple pieces of kit but seem to be shrouded in mystery.
I'm not really open to the suggestion of a phase-convertor, as I believe this is more for 3 phase motors rather than the kiln application.
I'm not intending on doing this myself, I would just like to be as informed as possible, as I love building my technical knowledge being a routine kiln user.
The kiln: Stanton T35 circa 1995
Originally single-phase, it was rewired to 3-phase by the school that I bought it from.
7kW should draw approx 30.5Amps when reaching absolute max temp, or getting to temp as fast as possible, currently should draw 10Amps in 3-phase config.
Kiln rating plate indicates 400/230V
Has a digital programmable controller, with no infinity switch or manual control.
6 heating elements, currently powered in pairs, 2 to each line/phase.
Relay appears to be rated at max 20 Amp Continuous Current?
I'm in the UK on domestic supply, from a garage-style Consumer Unit in an outbuilding away from the main property, with enough capacity to run the kiln. My query is purely around the conversion of the kiln.
Marked up images of current wiring attached
Key Questions
Thanks so much folks!
I am looking to convert my Electric Kiln from a 3-Phase wiring configuration to a Single-Phase config.
I am assured by the manufacturer that this is an easy job for any electrician, though I can't source either a 3 or single-phase wiring diagram.
I know that really they're relatively simple pieces of kit but seem to be shrouded in mystery.
I'm not really open to the suggestion of a phase-convertor, as I believe this is more for 3 phase motors rather than the kiln application.
I'm not intending on doing this myself, I would just like to be as informed as possible, as I love building my technical knowledge being a routine kiln user.
The kiln: Stanton T35 circa 1995
Originally single-phase, it was rewired to 3-phase by the school that I bought it from.
7kW should draw approx 30.5Amps when reaching absolute max temp, or getting to temp as fast as possible, currently should draw 10Amps in 3-phase config.
Kiln rating plate indicates 400/230V
Has a digital programmable controller, with no infinity switch or manual control.
6 heating elements, currently powered in pairs, 2 to each line/phase.
Relay appears to be rated at max 20 Amp Continuous Current?
I'm in the UK on domestic supply, from a garage-style Consumer Unit in an outbuilding away from the main property, with enough capacity to run the kiln. My query is purely around the conversion of the kiln.
Marked up images of current wiring attached
Key Questions
- Is the relay likely to need upgrading for higher amperage? I would like it swapped to SSR in future (probably at the same time as installing a more up to date controller) but for now, I just want the kiln useable.
- Is it likely that the wiring will need changing to a thickness rated for higher amps if it was originally designed as a single-phase unit? Would it have been likely that the wiring had to be changed at the previous conversion?
- Would the single-phase wiring setup run the elements in series, in pairs parallel (currently in pairs per line/phase) or each element in parallel individually?
- Any guestimations of cost for a job like this or recommendations of someone able to do this kind or work from the Wirral/Liverpool area North West, UK?
- Anything else I'm glaringly missing and should be thinking about?
Thanks so much folks!