Placement of the Thermocouple
Placement of the thermocouple is important. When installed through the wall of the kiln it should extend
about 2" into the kiln from the inside wall. In large kilns 3 to 4 inches is better. On thin wall kilns it may be
necessary to shorten the thermocouple so that it does not extend too far outside the kiln. This can be done by
removing the desired length of insulators and cutting the thermocouple. Unlike changing the length of the extension
wire, this will not affect the accuracy of the meter.
The life of the thermocouple can be extended, especially in a reduction kiln by using a ceramic protection
tube. This can be purchased from your dealer.
Install the thermocouple through a peephole or other hole provided on your kiln. If there is no hole drill one
just slightly larger than the ceramic insulator. If you are using a protection tube you will need to drill the hole to
accommodate it.
CAUTION!
IN ELECTRIC KILNS THE THERMOCOUPLE MUSTNOT CONTACT
THE HEATING ELEMENT(S). THESE ELEMENTS ARE LIVE AND CAN
CAUSE SEVERE SHOCK UPON CONTACT WITH A THERMOCOUPLE.
(BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS IF ELEMENTS HAVE COME OUT OF
THEIR GROOVE AND ARE DRAPED AROUND THE KILN