ARMADILLO CLAY AND SUPPLIES
  • HOME
  • Clay
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • High-Fire (9-12)
    • Non-Fired Clay
    • Casting Slip
  • Glazes
    • Underglazes
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • Lusters (017-020)
    • Non-Fired Products
  • Dry Materials
    • Chemicals
    • Plaster
    • Mason Stains
  • Tools
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
    • Pottery Wheels
    • Ceramic Kilns
    • Kiln Parts
    • Kiln Furniture
    • Slabrollers
    • Extruders
    • Carts and Cabinets
    • Pugmills
  • Molds
  • Bisqueware
  • Books
  • Glass
    • Glass Sale Information
  • Services
    • Firing Services
    • Kiln and Wheel Repair
    • Custom Clay
    • Other Services
  • Gift Cards
  • Learning Center
  • More
    • About Us
    • Classifieds
    • COVID-19 INFO
    • Artist Links
  • Ordering Info
  • HOME
  • Clay
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • High-Fire (9-12)
    • Non-Fired Clay
    • Casting Slip
  • Glazes
    • Underglazes
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • Lusters (017-020)
    • Non-Fired Products
  • Dry Materials
    • Chemicals
    • Plaster
    • Mason Stains
  • Tools
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
    • Pottery Wheels
    • Ceramic Kilns
    • Kiln Parts
    • Kiln Furniture
    • Slabrollers
    • Extruders
    • Carts and Cabinets
    • Pugmills
  • Molds
  • Bisqueware
  • Books
  • Glass
    • Glass Sale Information
  • Services
    • Firing Services
    • Kiln and Wheel Repair
    • Custom Clay
    • Other Services
  • Gift Cards
  • Learning Center
  • More
    • About Us
    • Classifieds
    • COVID-19 INFO
    • Artist Links
  • Ordering Info
  • Equipment
  • >
  • Ceramic Kilns
  • >
  • Diagnosing a Problem
Picture

Diagnosing a Problem

When your kiln starts behaving unusually, it may be time for a service call. Most issues are easily solved with some routine maintenance, but it's important to pinpoint the source of the problem before you start replacing parts. Skutt KilnMaster controllers have built-in diagnostic features that can help identify the issue before you even pick up the phone to call a technician.

SAFETY FIRST

Hot Kilns
Whenever possible, avoid working around hot kilns. The skin temperature of a kiln can reach close to 600F. A propped lid or an unplugged peephole can catch your clothes or hair on fire. Always make sure to keep a proper clearance around a hot kiln.

Watch the Lid
Older kilns can become corroded over time and without proper maintenance the lid support could become unstable. Always check the security of the lid prop before sticking your head into a kiln. If possible break the kiln into sections when working on it instead of trying to crawl in the kiln to replace a bottom element.

Electrical Safety
Whenever possible, unplug the kiln before you start working on it. If you need to work on a live circuit, remove any loose jewelry or clothing. Never work on a wet floor. Always make sure you are in a stable stance. Never reach into areas where you cannot see.

Checking Voltage

Element Resistance
The document below lists the element resistance for all KM kilns while they are installed in the kiln. Always unplug the kiln before you open the control box to test the resistance of elements.
element_resistance.pdf
File Size: 42 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Checking Amperage

Amperage Per Section By Model
The document below lists the rated amperage per section of each KilnMaster model kiln. You can use this data in conjunction with the amperage readings you attain from the kilns diagnostic software to help troubleshoot your kiln.
amperage_by_section.pdf
File Size: 60 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Troubleshooting

Before you dive into troubleshooting your kiln, consider taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the ​basic theories behind the equipment you are working with.

Electrical Theory

electrical_theory.pdf
File Size: 799 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Electronic Theory

electronic_theory.pdf
File Size: 127 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Troubleshooting Theory

troubleshooting_theory.pdf
File Size: 68 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Error Codes

SKUTT ERROR CODES
File Size: 161 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Witness Cones

Diagnostic Software

Visual Inspection


Flowcharts

Use these handy flowcharts to diagnose your problem based on your specific issue.
Circuit Breaker Trips
Use this flowchart to troubleshoot the cause of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
Circuit Breaker
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Kiln Will Not Heat Properly
Use this flowchart to help trouble shoot issues involving the kiln not heating properly.
Heating Problems
File Size: 56 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Blank Display
Use this flowchart if there is no display and your breaker has not tripped.
Blank Display
File Size: 41 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Dim Display
Use this flowchart if your display is dim.
Dim Display
File Size: 57 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Indicated Temp Fluctuates
Use this flowchart if the temperature being displayed widely fluctuates in stead of steadily rising or dropping.
Indicated Temp Fluctuates
File Size: 69 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Buttons Do Not Beep When You Press Them
Use this flowchart if the buttons do not making a beep sound when you press them.
Buttons Don't Beep
File Size: 38 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Kiln Is Under Firing
Use this flowchart if your kiln is consistently under firing.
Kiln Underfires
File Size: 49 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

KM-1 Wall Mounted Controller Shuts Off Early
Use this flowchart if you have a KilnSitter Kiln hooked up to a KM-1 Wall Mount Controller and it shuts off prematurely.
KM1 Wall Mount Shutoff
File Size: 42 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

FAIL Message
Use this flowchart if your KilnMaster Kiln is displaying a FAIL message.
FAIL Message
File Size: 58 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

PF Message
Use this flowchart if your display is reading “PF”. This error code indicates their was a power failure.
PF Message
File Size: 32 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

KS Kiln Will Not Start
Use this flowchart if you have a KilnSitter kiln that will not start.
KS Won't Start
File Size: 48 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

KS Kiln Under/overfires
Use these flowcharts if your KilnSitter kiln consistently under- or over-fires.
KS Underfires
File Size: 64 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

KS Overfires
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Still need help?
Call us at 512-385-7311 to schedule a repair!
One of the best reasons to purchase a Skutt kiln from Armadillo Clay is the lifetime support. Our trained and experienced Skutt kiln technician can help diagnose your problem for free over the phone or at the counter, and help you find the right replacement part for your model. If you live in the Austin area, we can even come out to your location and repair your kiln on-site. For a repair estimate, please call the shop and ask for Brent.

Hours
Mon - Fri      9am - 5pm  
Saturday     9am - Noon

FIND A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU

Armadillo Clay & Supplies

3307 E. 4th Street
Austin, TX 78702

P: (512)385-7311
F: (512)385-1152

Sign up for our
monthly newsletter!

SUBSCRIBE

For quotes and product availability, please call us at (512)385-7311

  • HOME
  • Clay
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • High-Fire (9-12)
    • Non-Fired Clay
    • Casting Slip
  • Glazes
    • Underglazes
    • Low-Fire (04-06)
    • Mid-Fire (5-6)
    • Lusters (017-020)
    • Non-Fired Products
  • Dry Materials
    • Chemicals
    • Plaster
    • Mason Stains
  • Tools
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
    • Pottery Wheels
    • Ceramic Kilns
    • Kiln Parts
    • Kiln Furniture
    • Slabrollers
    • Extruders
    • Carts and Cabinets
    • Pugmills
  • Molds
  • Bisqueware
  • Books
  • Glass
    • Glass Sale Information
  • Services
    • Firing Services
    • Kiln and Wheel Repair
    • Custom Clay
    • Other Services
  • Gift Cards
  • Learning Center
  • More
    • About Us
    • Classifieds
    • COVID-19 INFO
    • Artist Links
  • Ordering Info