Kittec CB Series User manual

Last updated: 19.10.2020, subject to modifications
U s e r m a n u a l
Model series CB / ECO / SQ

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Content
1About this manual ................................................................................................................ 3
2Safety................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 General safety information ..................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Intended use of the product ................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Safety labels ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Safety instructions ................................................................................................................. 6
3Transport and installation .................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Storage and transport ............................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Installation............................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Checking clamps.................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Connection of exhaust pipe .................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Electrical connection ............................................................................................................ 10
3.6 Initial operation/Test firing ................................................................................................... 11
4The firing process............................................................................................................... 13
4.1 General............................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Firing procedure .................................................................................................................. 13
5Maintenance and care ........................................................................................................ 15
6Kiln disposal ....................................................................................................................... 16
7Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 17
8Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 18
9Firing record template........................................................................................................ 20
10 Certificate of conformity .................................................................................................... 21

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1About this manual
With this user manual, we would like to acquaint you with your
KITTEC®kiln. Please read the instructions carefully and
familiarize yourself with the operation of the kiln and controller
or burner construction. Above all, please observe the safety
instructions and the safety symbols to ensure successful
work.
The operator is responsible for ensuring that all persons
operating the kiln have read the manual.
This product is built according to state-of-the-art technology
and to recognized safety rules. The product may only be
operated in perfect working condition. The operating
instructions are part of the product and must be observed
during the entire operating period and included with every
change of location.
The content of this manual is for informational purposes only.
It is subject to change without notice and can not to be
considered as an obligation of the manufacturer. KITTEC does
not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy,
content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the
information contained in this manual.
For further information, you may reach out to:
Website: www.kittec.de
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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2Safety
2.1 General safety information
The following safety instructions must be strictly observed in
order to avoid any risk or danger while working.
Even though the product is state-of-the-art, hazards can arise
if the personnel is not instructed properly, if maintenance and
installation are not performed according to the operating
instructions or if the product is used for other purposes.
For safety reasons the product is designed only for persons
over 14 years without physical limitations.
It is intended solely for the described use.
2.2 Intended use of the product
The electric kilns described in this manual, KITTEC®Studio-
Line, are built exclusively for the purpose of firing, thermal
treatment and/or melting of ceramics, china, enamel, glaze
and/or glass. The maximum temperature in the firing chamber
of the kiln is 1320°C (except: SQ50 with max. 1280±30°C and
SQ70 with max. 1250±30°C).
The melting temperature of glazes and the vitrification
temperature of the clays used will dictate the firing
temperature required, invariably less than 1320 °C
(respectively for SQ50 less than 1280±30°C and SQ70 less
than 1250±30°C).
Carburizing atmospheres, endogases, exogases, chlorine,
fluorine, sulphur, metal oxides and alkaline compounds impair
the durability of the heating coils and the durability of the
insulation and reduce the maximum permissible limit
temperature.

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2.3 Safety labels
Read this manual carefully
before using the kiln!
Never open hot kilns!
(=firing chamber > 50°C)
Danger! High voltage!
Hot surface! Particular
caution when opening in
heated state!
Pull power plug before
opening!
Within this user manual the following sign is used for safety instructions:
Safety instructions!

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2.4 Safety instructions
The following safety instructions must be observed for
trouble-free and safe work with the KITTEC®kiln. Failure to
do so may result in risks.
•For safety reasons and due to generation of harmful gases
and vapours the kiln should only be installed in a dry and
ventilated room of adequate size.
•Following fire regulations the kiln shall not be used in a
garage or boiler room.
•It is not permitted to operate the kiln with explosive
gases/mixtures!
•Caution! In use the surfaces of the kiln could reach
temperatures of more than 75°C. Do not obstruct heat
radiation of the surfaces.
•The kiln may only be used for the purpose stated. Other
applications, particularly the storage, production, cooking,
warming and/or drying of food and/or other
misappropriations are not allowed.
•Do not allow unauthorized persons access to the kiln.
•Keep children away from the kiln, possibly lock the room!
•Never put flammable materials into the kiln.
•While operating the kiln, it must be ensured that it is not
possible to reach into the hot firing chamber! It is
recommended to lock the lid/door.
•Use only authorized raw materials and glazes in your kiln.
Ask your supplier for information on the correct use of the
materials, read the safety data sheets and relevant
specialist literature about firing temperatures, maximum
temperatures and resulting gases and vapour relating to
the materials
•For health reasons it could be necessary to draw off the
fumes when the kiln is in operation. Please take note of the
advice given for the installation of an exhaust pipe from the
kiln room to outside in the chapter installation and
operation.

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•The lid of the kiln must not be used as a storage surface or
table, even if the kiln is not in use (the mechanical lid
should not be put under any pressure and in use the heat
given off could present a hazard, free heat radiation needs
to be guaranteed during operation).
•The kiln must never be opened during use or until the
firing chamber reaches a temperature of less than 50 °C.
The escaping hot air is a fire and health hazard.
•Never use extension leads to connect your kiln to the power
supply!
•During maintenance disconnect the kiln from the power
supply (pull the plug or if applicable turn off the isolator
switch).
•The whole electrical circuit must be checked by a service
engineer prior to first use of the kiln, after maintenance and
repairs and regularly at least every 4 years.
•Keep order in vicinity of the kiln. Disorder increases the risk
of accidents.
•Changes to electrical components may only be carried out
by qualified service engineers. Proceed only according to
circuit diagram!
•Safety devices must never be put out of operation.
If you are not able to properly carry out your work process
with our protective devices, please let us know. Together we
will surely find an acceptable solution.

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3Transport and installation
3.1 Storage and transport
The kiln should be positioned in a dry room with humidity of
less than 80% to avoid that insulation bricks are absorbing
moisture. Protect the kiln against strong temperature
fluctuations and aggressive atmospheres.
The kiln should be moved in an upright position with a fork-
lift truck or suitable lifting equipment. Lifting equipment must
not be fixed onto the body, only onto the frame of the kiln.
During transport the kiln itself can overturn or parts may fall
down. For this reason, it must be ensured that there are no
persons in vicinity of the kiln.
3.2 Installation
The kiln should only be installed and operated in a suitable
room. The most important requirements are:
•The size of room must be adequate, dry (relative humidity
< 80%) and ventilated.
•The floor should be of stone, concrete or a material of
similar strength and heat resistance.
•The floor should be smooth and even offering secure
standing for the kiln. The authorized area loading must not
be exceeded.
•Floors of wood, carpet, plastic or other flammable materials
which deform and/or inflame with temperatures < 75°C are
not acceptable.
•The installation must allow free heat radiation during
operation without the risk of ignition of objects, floor, walls
or ceiling. The following minimum distance is
recommended:
ofrom the wall: 0,2 m
ofrom the ceiling: 0,5 m
•Ceilings and walls must not be of flammable materials like
wood, carpet or other materials which deform with
temperatures lower than 250°C. Otherwise a lateral
distance of minimum 1m must be observed, respectively a
fire-proof insulation should be mounted on the ceiling

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above the kiln, which exceeds the outer dimensions of the
kiln 1 m in each direction. In order that the surrounding
materials do not ignite, suitable fire-proof materials of low
heat conductivity should be used. Calcium Silicate
insulation boards (15 mm) are particularly suitable and
available from builders & merchants.
3.3 Checking clamps
When putting toploader kilns in operation the lid clamps on the
kiln must be checked for strength and tightened if necessary.
The test needs to be performed during first installation and
every 6 months in the first 2 years of operation (or after 30
firings, whatever occurs first).
After 2 years of operation this check must be carried out at
annual intervals.
3.4 Connection of exhaust pipe
Generally, all kilns are supplied with an exhaust pipe of 
80mm which should be fixed with two threaded screws with
the sloped side in front of the side ventilation hole.
For a discharge to atmosphere a minimum 2 m
long (chimney effect) stovepipe (e. g. flexible
aluminium pipe 80 mm available from
KITTEC®) can be connected to the end of the
exhaust pipe (suitable size metal hose clamp)
and passed through a heat-resistant fairlead
(e.g. stone or concrete) to
the other side of the wall or ceiling to
open-air in an upward direction.
Precautions should be taken to prevent
rainwater entering the exhaust pipe and
to prevent the flue being influenced by
bad wind conditions.

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Notice
In most cases it is sufficient to ventilate the premises during
firing, e.g. through a tilted window. If there are people in the
same room for several hours during firing, we recommend
discharging the exhaust air outside via a pipe. However, this
is not required by law. As far as we know, there is not even a
corresponding regulation for public institutions throughout
Europe.
3.5 Electrical connection
The electrical connection of the kiln should be checked by a
professional electrician prior to use. An electrician should also
check existing electrical installations (fuse box, supply and
sockets) and for sufficient size of fuse and thickness according
details given on the type plate of the kiln.
To guarantee a fast and easy disconnection of the kiln from
the power supply in case of emergency, the main isolator
switch on the electrical supply should be readily accessible
within the kiln room.
For enlargeable kilns the plug connection between the kiln
components has to be checked!
Do not connect kilns with 230 volts nominal capacity to any
230 volts socket, before an electrician has checked all
mentioned points.
For kilns with 400 volts nominal capacity and higher than 10
kW nominal power different regulations (like necessary
registration or official approval) apply. Please check with your
electrician.
The controller is linked via a plug connection to the kiln.
Caution!
Never use extension leads!

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3.6 Initial operation/Test firing
Initial operation
For several reasons each new kiln has to be fired empty prior
to general use:
•Checking the function of the kiln and controller.
•Extending the life of the heating elements by a protecting
oxide layer. This oxide layer is built up during the empty
first firing process.
•The kiln’s insulating fire bricks may still contain moisture
residue, which shall dry during the slow increase in
temperature of this first firing.
The first firing is carried out empty of ware but
including kiln furniture.
Advice:
Load the kiln furniture supplied with the kiln into the kiln for
the first firing.
To open the kiln, release the lock and lift up the lid until it
comes to rest. Remove any protective packaging and close the
kiln by carefully bringing down the lid again.
Mount the controller to the bracket provided and connect the
controller plug to the multipin socket on the bottom of the
power box at the rear, bringing down the fixing catch.
Advice:
Avoid placing the control unit on the kiln although the kiln is
not in use. It has often happened that customers out of
habit placed the control unit on the kiln after they have
started a program. By rising heat, your controller will be
destroyed and may even cause fire. Therefore:
Never place the controller on top of the kiln!
Test firing
Insert the electric power plug into a correctly installed and
checked socket. Turn on the power switch of the control, bolt
the lid with the safety lock and start a firing program (please
see controller manual for how to call up a program).

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When heating over 200°C for the first time, an odour nuisance
may occur due to evaporation, this is not harmful to health.
Example first firing program:
60-100°C/h until 600°C, after that
skip (fast heating) until 1200°C,
60 min. dwell
During all programs the noise of the protectors in the power
box is clearly audible. After completion of the firing test
program your KITTEC®kiln is ready for use.
Attention!
NEVER open the hot kiln when the firing chamber
temperature > 50°C.
Always switch off the controller at the power switch if the kiln
is not in use. For a longer period out of use the electric power
plug should be disconnected at the main isolator switch.

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4The firing process
4.1 General
Open the kiln and distribute the ware evenly in the kiln. Advice
for the stacking of ware can be found in the following sections.
Fill the whole firing chamber to avoid energy wastage.
Attention for base heating of CL series!
The bottom burning plate needs a minimum distance of 4 cm
to the bottom heating (valid for CL-series). Otherwise the
heat-up might lead to destroyed heating coils and damaged
brick lining. Make sure not to place stilts and cordierite base
plates directly over heating coils grooves but on the brick-
surfaces in between.
Then close the lid (for top-loader) or door (for front-loader)
with the lock on the body.
For starting the firing process please use the controller to
select the desired firing program and start the kiln (see user
manual for the controller).
Supply air bottom valve (mostly optional)
The (optional) supply air bottom valve can be opened in case of:
1. dry firing to draw off humidity
2. decor and gold firing, because of solvents
3. desired faster cooling process.
4.2 Firing procedure
Biscuit firing
Biscuit firing, also called glow, raw or rough firing is the first
firing of ceramics, that means the firing of dry and unglazed
pieces. In a biscuit firing the arrangement of the ware in the
kiln is not crucial. The pieces may touch each other and may
be stacked.
Take care when loading the kiln not to touch kiln walls or
elements. If there is not enough surface area several levels
may be filled by using props and one or more kiln shelves.

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Hint:
When firing large and even plates, use firesand or firing rods
as a moving support. This works like a lubricant underneath
the pottery ware.
When firing very large pieces, the increase in temperature
should be slow, e. g. 50 °C/h. This prevents possible cracking
due to thermal stress. Pieces which are not completely dry can
be prepared for firing with a drying program.
Glaze firing
In glaze firing the even temperature distribution is of vital
importance for the future appearance of the ware because
glazes are very sensitive to temperature differences.
Therefore, distribute the ware evenly in the kiln. Fire similar
pieces on one level. The minimum distance between the
pieces should be three to five cm, that is also advised for the
distance to the wall. The base of each piece should not be
glazed or it should be supported on stilts to protect the surface
of the kiln shelf.
The kiln shelves may be spread with suitable protective batt
wash, as protection from accidental glaze runs (for
information ask your kiln retailer).
Reduction glaze firing
Reduction firing should be avoided in electrically heated kilns
because the protecting oxide layer on the heating elements
will be reduced and their life shortened.
Firing records
To reach reproducible results firing records are an important
aid. At the end of this user manual you will find a firing record
template.
sample images:
load with shelf props

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5Maintenance and care
Warning!
For safety reasons, the mains plug must be pulled out or any
main switch installed must be reset before any maintenance
work is carried out. It must be ensured that the kilns firing
chamber temperature does not exceed 70°C.
To guarantee safe use of your KITTEC®kiln the electrical
installation must be checked at least every four years by a
specialist.
Other maintenance of the kiln is limited to regular cleaning
and visual inspection for damage. Sweep the kiln and clean
the grooves where the heating elements are situated carefully
with a vacuum cleaner. After some time, the heating elements
get brittle and break easily. So please avoid toughing the
heating elements with the vacuum cleaner suction pipe.
Should glaze get in contact with the insulation bricks, it should
be removed with a suitable tool, e.g. a spatula. With further
firings the glaze would lead to further damage of the
brickwork. After each firing please check the firing chamber
for damage by accidental glaze spillage or runs.
If more than 2 cm of the brick is eroded, the area of brickwork
should be repaired as follows:
•First carve out the damaged spot rectangular.
•Tidily shape a new piece insulating brick.
•Clean the damaged area with a vacuum cleaner and
•Put in the replacement piece with high temperature
cement.
You may obtain an overview of spare parts and repair
materials from your KITTEC®dealer.
Advice:
Hairline cracks in insulating bricks resulting from high
temperatures, are quite normal and will not affect the
operating efficiency of your KITTEC®kiln.

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6Kiln disposal
The decommissioning must be well prepared if the kiln is to
be reassembled and installed in another location. Please
disconnect the kiln from the power supply and any further
connection.
It is recommended to disassemble all mounting parts
thoroughly, to label and if necessary, to pack them. This helps
to ensure that all parts can be reassembled properly.
With each firing process the heating elements and (for electric
kilns also) the brickwork become fragile, so KITTEC®denies
liability for all kind of transport damage.
Final disposal:
If no take-back or disposal agreement has been made, recycle
all disassembled components of the kiln.
For more information on appropriate disposal please contact
your local Environmental Agency.

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7Troubleshooting
What if…
… the error „E“ is displayed on the electronic
controller?
The regulation found an error in the program sequence.
The meaning of the detected error and its correction are
described in the controller user manual.
… the firing chamber does not heat up?
It might be the case that the lid or door may not be closed
completely.
… the firing chamber heats up too slowly or the kiln
does not reach the set temperature?
One or more heating elements might be damaged. First
check the elements visually for breakage or cracks. If you
cannot find any breakage, get a resistance check of the
heating elements. Broken heating elements can only be
changed by a service engineer.
Alternatively:
The voltage supply to your kiln could be below 230V. This
can be checked by your service engineer.
… the glaze did not melt out or the kiln switched off
before reaching the set temperature?
Power failure during the firing.
Alternatively:
The lid or door was not closed correctly.

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8Warranty

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9Firing record template
Time
Temperature
Difference
target - actual
Power
Volt - Ampere
Remarks