A Job You Can Do Yourself

Replacing a kiln element is a maintenance task most potters can do themselves with a little care. It does not require an electrician in most cases, but it does require that you understand and respect the safety rules.

Safety First

• Always disconnect the kiln from power before working on it. Unplug it completely, or switch off and lock out the circuit breaker. Never work on a kiln that is connected to power, even if it is switched off.
• Allow the kiln to cool fully to room temperature. Even a warm kiln can cause burns.
• Wear gloves when handling old elements: they are brittle and the broken ends are sharp.

The Replacement Process

1. Identify the failed element. Look for a visible break in the coil, or use a multimeter to test continuity. A broken element will show no continuity.

2. Order the correct replacement. Elements are specific to your kiln model. Record your kiln brand, model, and wattage before ordering. Using the wrong element can damage the kiln or create a fire hazard.

3. Remove the old element. Unhook the element from its terminal connectors at the ends. The element lifts out of its groove. Old elements are very fragile: they may crumble.

4. Install the new element. Stretch the new element gently to fit its groove, hooking the ends into the terminal connectors. Do not force it: new elements are springy and need to be seated carefully.

5. Test-fire at a low setting before running a full glaze firing to confirm the element is correctly installed and the circuit is working.

Did You Know?

The refractory brick walls of an electric kiln are designed to insulate the chamber and protect the element grooves, but they degrade over time from repeated thermal cycling. Maintaining both elements and brickwork is a practical skill that every studio pottery practitioner develops alongside their throwing and glazing abilities.

Before the First Full Firing

After installation:

• Run a gentle test cycle.
• Confirm all zones heat evenly.
• Recheck terminal tightness after the kiln cools.

Catching connection issues early prevents expensive failures in glaze loads.

Pro Tip

Photograph wiring before disassembly. A visual reference is faster and safer than relying on memory during reassembly.