Kiln Power Supply Requirements Explained

There is nothing worse than getting your kiln home or to your studio unaware your power supply isn't capable of running it. We put together some helpful information to take into account and ensure you get not only the right size kiln for your needs but one you can actually run by taking the time to have the right power supply before you buy.

Determine Capacity Needed

First, you need to find out the size of you kilns chamber, will be large enough to fire the pieces you produce? Once you know the size you need, then you can check your power requirements. Larger kilns often require you to upgrade the power supply if you only have standard residential outlets.

Determine Your Available Power Supply

The next step is to find a kiln that will either operate on the electrical service of your building or look at upgrading your power supply. Most people will need to have an electrician install their kiln, so it is also wise to have them verify voltage, amperage and phase when he visits on-site to estimate the job.

Learn More About Outlet Capacity: 

Voltage:

The official standard home voltage in Australia is 230 V, while in practice, the voltage can often be closer to 240 V. There are exceptions so it is important to check to be sure.

Amperage:

Most domestic buildings have a limited amperage (10Amps) available without having the power company upgrade your service. Your circuit box or fuse panel must correspond to the model you choose. For safety and to prevent overloading, it’s recommended to check this with your electrician and the model of kiln you are considering.

Phase:

Kilns can be wired for Single-Phase or Three-Phase power supplies what’s the difference? 

Single-phase power supplies are the most common throughout homes and businesses, they run at 230V / 240V and will power your everyday appliances like lighting, fridges etc... 

Three-phase power supplies are common in residential and industrial areas. They provide extra power capacity like, industrial equipment, and higher-consuming appliances such as a kiln. 3-phase runs at 400V (230V per phase) without going over the property's maximum capacity. 

Determine the Firing Temperature Needed

Another consideration when looking to purchase a kiln, is to know the kiln that will fire to a temperature that meets, and preferably exceeds, the temperature requirements of the materials you will be working with. 

• Are you firing Earthenware or Stoneware?
• How often will you need to run the kiln?

A smaller kiln with less elements will go through the elements faster if firing often and to higher temperatures. It might be more expensive to purchase a larger kiln and install the correct power supply initially, but this could save you money over time, so this is worth investigating when considering the right kiln for you.

Now you have a better idea of which direction best suits your needs take a look at some respected ceramic kiln brands available here in Australia.

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