Do You Need An Electrician To Install A Kiln?

Kilns are essential equipment for potters and ceramic artists to fire their work. However, kilns require specific electrical setups to operate safely and effectively. Most kilns run on 220-240 volt circuits and draw significant amperage ranging from 20 to over 100 amps. With such high electrical demands, one of the most common questions for new kiln owners is whether they need to hire a professional electrician to install and set up their kiln properly.

This article will provide an overview of the electrical requirements for kilns, discuss safety concerns, outline the steps for a DIY installation, and offer recommendations on deciding between hiring an electrician versus doing it yourself when installing a new kiln. The main question we’ll explore is: Do you need an electrician to install a kiln?

Safety Concerns

The installation of a kiln can involve serious electrical hazards if not done properly. Kilns operate at high temperatures and draw a lot of power, so ensuring they are properly wired and located a safe distance from combustibles is crucial. According to Kiln Safety Tips | How to Fire Safely and Effectively, proper installation is critical for safely operating a kiln. Electrical hazards like improper grounding, insufficient wire gauge for the electrical load, and lack of adequate clearance can all lead to fires or electrocution.

Some key safety concerns when installing a kiln include having adequate space around the kiln for ventilation, at least 18-24 inches between the kiln and any combustible surfaces according to Kiln Safety – Kilns | Ceramic Pottery Kiln, Glass …. Proper electrical wiring with sufficient amperage and the right gauge of wire is also critical. The kiln should have proper grounding and should be on a dedicated circuit. Improper electrical installation can lead to fires, short circuits, and electrocution hazards.

Electrical Requirements

Kilns require a lot of power in order to reach the high temperatures needed for firing ceramics. Most kilns will require a dedicated 240 volt circuit with an amperage rating of 60 amps or higher, depending on the size of the kiln (Skutt 2021). Smaller tabletop and hobbyist kilns may be able to run on a standard household 120 volt, 15-20 amp circuit. But for larger kilns that pull more power when firing, a 240 volt setup is required.

When installing a 240 volt circuit for a kiln, an electrician must run special electrical wiring from the main electrical panel to the location of the kiln. This will include installing a double pole circuit breaker in the panel, as well as running 10 or 12 gauge electrical wires to the receptacle (Big Ceramic Store n.d.). The kiln should be the only appliance running on this dedicated circuit to avoid overload.

It’s crucial to size the circuit properly based on the kiln’s power demands and amp rating. Undersizing the circuit can cause tripping of breakers during firing. Oversizing is also not recommended, as it can diminish electrical safety. Consulting with both the kiln manufacturer and electrician will ensure optimal electrical setup.

Permits

Permits and inspections are usually required when installing a kiln, especially an electric kiln, to ensure it meets electrical and fire code requirements. According to the Ceramic Arts Daily forums, many areas require both electrical and fire permits when installing a kiln [1]. Electrical permits ensure proper wiring, voltage, amperage, and electrical connections to handle the kiln’s power needs. Fire permits relate to having proper clearances from combustible materials and proper ventilation. For example, the International Fire Code states that kilns should be installed on noncombustible flooring like concrete and have at least 12 inches clearance on all sides [2]. Some jurisdictions may also require a business permit or license to operate a kiln. Always check local building codes and permit requirements before installing a kiln.

DIY Installation

Installing a kiln yourself can save money compared to hiring an electrician, but also comes with risks if not done properly. When installing a kiln on your own, you’ll need to handle all the electrical work, structural construction, and permitting yourself.

Electrically, you’ll need to run wiring from your home’s circuit panel that can handle the power demands of the kiln. This often requires an upgrade to at least a 50 amp circuit with 6 gauge wiring. You’ll need to safely run this wiring through your home’s walls or ceilings to reach the kiln’s location. At the kiln, you’ll need to install a proper receptacle and wire it to the kiln unit.

Structurally, you’ll need to construct a proper housing for the kiln, which usually means brick or ceramic fiber insulation. The housing needs to safely contain the high heat while insulating the surrounding areas. Proper ventilation is also key.

Permitting varies by location, but often requires filing paperwork with your local building department. They will want details on your electrical work to ensure it meets code.

While doable for a knowledgeable DIYer, improperly installing a kiln can be dangerous. Consult local codes, read guides thoroughly, and consider extra safety precautions.

References:

https://www.instructables.com/Homemade-Electric-Kiln/

Hiring an Electrician

Many pottery studios choose to hire a professional electrician to install their kiln safely and properly. There are several benefits to hiring an electrician for kiln installation:

• Experience and Expertise – Electricians have the technical skills and knowledge to install a kiln according to local codes and ensure safe operation. They understand kiln electrical requirements and can size wiring and circuit breakers appropriately (Sherrill).
• Safety – An electrician can ensure the kiln is properly grounded, reducing the risk of shock or electrocution. They can test for proper grounding after installing the kiln (HotKilns).
• Permits – In many areas, permits are required to install a kiln. An electrician can obtain the proper permits and ensure code compliance (Sherrill).
• Future Issues – If there are ever electrical issues with the kiln down the road, hiring an electrician upfront provides someone familiar with the original install to call. DIY installations can cause issues getting help if problems occur.

To hire an electrician for your kiln install, research options online and read reviews. Call at least 3 electricians to compare bids and services offered. Be sure to ask about their experience with kilns specifically. Schedule a consultation so they can inspect your space and electrical panel. Get a written estimate detailing costs, timeline, permits needed, etc (Sherrill).

Cost Comparison

When deciding between DIY and professional kiln installation, one of the biggest factors to consider is cost. According to a Reddit post, a DIY kiln installation cost one user around $600 and took 3-4 hours to complete (https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/n4dk2x/how_much_does_it_cost_to_get_a_home_kiln_installed/). In comparison, hiring an electrician to install a kiln tends to range from $600-$800, based on estimates from kiln retailer Kiln Control (https://www.kilncontrol.com/blog/kiln-costs/).

The main costs associated with a DIY kiln installation are the kiln wiring and parts like a shutoff box, as well as the time investment. For a professional installation, you’ll pay electrician hourly rates plus travel fees which can add up. DIY saves on labor costs, but risks improper installation. An electrician provides expertise and guarantees, but at a premium.

When estimating costs, consider factors like kiln wiring requirements, distance from electrical panel, and the complexity of the installation. Get quotes from licensed electricians to compare with DIY parts and time estimates. In some cases DIY can save hundreds, but professionals may be worth the added cost for a complex job.

Ongoing Maintenance

Once a kiln is properly installed, there are still regular maintenance tasks needed to keep it in good working condition. According to Hot Kilns, some key maintenance tips include vacuuming the interior, checking thermocouples, replacing worn elements, lubricating the kiln’s moving parts, and inspecting the power cords.

Kiln Frog recommends doing a thorough vacuuming after every firing to remove any glaze or clay particles that could fuse to the kiln shelves. They also advise monitoring element condition since elements degrade over time and need replacement. Checking for cracks in kiln shelves, repairing any damaged bricks, and re-applying kiln wash are also suggested.

Proper ongoing kiln maintenance helps ensure safe operation, prevents premature repairs, and allows a kiln to keep firing properly for many years. Tasks like vacuuming and visual inspections can be done by kiln owners, while replacing elements or repairing electrical issues requires a qualified electrician or kiln technician.

Recommendations

If you don’t have experience installing 220V circuits and equipment, it’s strongly recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to install your kiln (Source 1). Many electricians who specialize in installing kilns say attempting a DIY kiln installation as a beginner puts you at risk of electrical fires or other hazards.

According to electricians on forums, the two cases where you may be able to do a DIY install are:

• If you have professional electrical experience and already have a 220V outlet installed where you plan to put the kiln
• If it’s a small tabletop kiln that can plug into a standard 110V household outlet

For medium to large kilns that require new 220V wiring, a professional installation is highly recommended. This ensures proper circuit size, wire gauge, grounding, and configuration for safe kiln operation (Source 2).

Conclusion

In summary, installing a kiln often requires significant electrical work that should only be handled by licensed electricians. Kilns need a dedicated circuit with adequate amperage, which involves rewiring at the breaker box. Permits are usually required for this level of electrical work. While DIY installation may seem cheaper upfront, attempting it yourself can be extremely dangerous if wiring is not up to code. Hiring a professional electrician ensures the job is done safely and properly, avoiding potential electrical fires or other hazards. Though more expensive initially, a proper installation avoids problems and adds value to your home. Given the complexity involved, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician to install your kiln.