Tetlow K2 User manual

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
K2 –K13 KILNS –01/10/2019

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
SECTION 1 - KILN AND FURNITURE PACKING
1.1 LOCAL AND INTERSTATE KILN PACKING
Kilns delivered locally or Interstate will be packed differently as shown below:
Programmers,
Bungs and
Door Handles
Pallet (Note:
Kiln will be
bolted onto
Pallet)
Kiln Delivered Locally (Note: Local
Delivery of Kiln does not require a pallet)
Kiln Delivered Interstate
Programmers
Bungs and
Door
Handles

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
1.2 KILN FURNITURE PACKING
Kiln Furniture will be packed and wrapped on a pallet and delivered as shown below:
1.3 KILN FURNITURE WITH ROOF MOUNT VENT SYSTEM PACKING
Kiln Furniture with Roof Mount Vent System will be packed and wrapped on a pallet and
delivered as shown below:
Props
Shelves
Roof Mount
Vent System
Props
Shelves

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
1.4 HOW TO MOVE THE KILN WITH A PALLET JACK OR FORK LIFT
When moving or relocating a kiln with a pallet jack or a fork lift, always remember to make
sure the fork can be seen through the other side of the kiln. (Note: If the fork cannot be
seen through the other side of the kiln and lifting has proceeded, kiln can be damaged and
the tipping of the kiln can occur).

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
SECTION 2 - POSITIONING ELECTRIC KILNS
The kiln should be installed in a well-ventilated (but not drafty) area, on a clean, flat, non-
combustible surface (such as concrete or cement sheet), with adequate space around the kiln for
the natural circulation of air. Nothing should be resting against the sides of the kiln, stored under
the kiln or on top of the kiln. There should be no flammable or combustible materials stored in the
room or area where the kiln is situated.
It is recommended that there be a minimum gap of 150 mm of wall on the non-control box sides
and 600 mm of wall on the control box side, where the walls are of a non-combustible material
(such as steel sheet, brick or cement sheet). If the walls are of potentially combustible material
(including but not limited to wood or plasterboard), a minimum of 300 mm is recommended for the
non-control box sides and 600 mm for the control box side.
There should be ample clearance from the top of the kiln to the ceiling or roof (at least 1000 mm),
and any flue (if fitted) should be installed by a qualified provider in such a way as to prevent
contact with flammable or combustible substances. In any event, the kiln should not be situated
below a combustible roof or ceiling.
2.1 POSITIONING OF KILN OUTSIDE IN A SHED
If the kiln is to be positioned outside of a building, it is vital that there is a structure around
the kiln to shield it from weather conditions, such as rain, wind and humidity. If the kiln is
exposed to moisture, the bricks will absorb the moisture and, when firing the kiln, the
moisture will disperse from the brickwork causing reduced life of the bricks. It should also
be noted that the performance of the kiln will be adversely affected by wind and drafts.

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
2.2 POSITIONING OF KILNS IN A SCHOOL ROOM
When the kiln is situated in a school room or any other environment where people who are
not intimately familiar with the hazards of an operational kiln are exposed to the kiln, it is
recommended that the kiln has a barrier with a lockable gate around the outside to stop
anyone from touching the kiln during operation (Tetlow can supply).
SECTION 3 - VENTILATION OF ELECTRIC KILNS
It is recommended that kilns be fitted with a powered ventilation system, which can be provided
by Tetlow. The ventilation dilution system removes the by-products from the clay and glazes,
which could impact on the life of your kiln, and of other objects in the area around the kiln. The
dilution air system also lowers the temperature in the exhaust, which allows PVC pipe to be
used.
Adequate ventilation around the kiln is essential - make sure that the kiln is situated in an area
where there is at least some natural ventilation to the outside of the building (a window or
doorway grill).
Tetlow Kilns & Furnaces can visit sites to recommend positioning and ventilation system of
electric kilns.

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
SECTION 4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR THE KILN
In order to ensure electrical safety, any wiring or maintenance of the electrical system or
elements must be undertaken by a suitably qualified electrician. Only a suitably qualified
electrician may remove any cover panels, as the connections underneath may be live and cause
an electrical shock if touched.
No modifications to the electrical wiring or controls should be undertaken unless done by a
qualified electrician, and then only with the approval in writing of Tetlow Kilns & Furnaces.
At all times, please ensure that the kiln is connected to a power supply in full conformance with
applicable electrical regulations, and that no modifications are made which might compromise
the circuitry or safety of the kiln.
The kiln will either come fitted with a power cord and plug, or will be supplied ready for hard-
wiring to power supply, depending on the model.
If the kiln is supplied with a cord and plug, please ensure that it is plugged into a suitably rated
power outlet matching the supplied plug, as installed by a qualified electrician.
If the kiln is supplied ready for hard-wiring to electrical supply, please ensure that it is connected
to the power supply by a suitably qualified electrician, in conformance with applicable electrical
regulations.
Please ensure that you do not install a kiln on an electrical connection with an EARTH
LEAKAGE SYSTEM (RCD or RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE BREAKER). These systems will
often cause the kiln to trip out. A circuit breaker (D-curve type) is more suitable. Should an
Electrician have an issue with not installing an RCD then the kiln may need to be hardwired to
the connection, in accordance with rules and regulations including AS3000.
Small kilns rated up to 20 amp, single phase, come complete with a cord and a 3-pin plug.
Depending on the rating of the kiln, the plug will be a 10 amp, 15 amp or 20 amp plug - the
installed power outlet will need to match this plug. Alternatively, a qualified electrician can hard-
wire the kiln to the electrical supply.
Larger kilns rated above 20 amp, single phase, or with multi-phase will require hard-wiring. All
kilns require neutral and earth in addition to active phase(s).

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
All active and neutral connections are to a terminal strip mounted in the control area along with
a screwed terminal for earth (as pictured below).
1phase:
3wires
1active
1neutral
1earth
2phase:
4wires
2active
1neutral
1earth
3phase:
5wires
3active
1neutral
1earth
Connected
supply: Neutral
Cable
Connected
Supply: Earth
Cable
Connected supply: 3 1-3 active
cables, depending on model
Contactor Terminals
Manual Booklets
Front Panel
Front Panel Lid

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
SECTION 5 - ELECTRICAL ISOLATORS
For a kiln which is hard-wired, an electrical isolating switch must be fitted adjacent to the kiln, so
the kiln can be safely isolated in accordance with rules and regulations including AS3000.
IMPORTANT: Before electrical connections are made, have your qualified electrician check and
secure all terminal screws and nuts on factory fitted cables (contactor, etc). These may have
come loose in transport and associated handling.
SECTION 6 - BRICKS
The bricks used in the electrical kilns are of the refractory insulation type. These have all the
heat-resisting qualities of refractory bricks but are very porous.
These allow for air, a good insulator, to use the huge number of air pockets inside these bricks,
so that only a small portion of the heat seen by the hot (inside) face of the brick is transmitted
through the brick to the opposite (outside) face. The pore structures also make the bricks very
light in weight. Between the outside face of the brick and the casing is a thin layer of ceramic
insulating fibre.
The bricks are brittle, especially after first firing, and will chip or crack easily if subjected to
mechanical stress. Take care not to bump the bricks when loading or unloading the kiln, and not
to subject the kiln to excessive force by (for example): slamming the door, dropping the kiln
during installation or otherwise, dropping something into or onto the kiln, hitting or causing
something to hit the brickwork.

KILNS & FURNACES
Electric in air to 1800°C • Research • Heat treatment 
Controlled atmosphere • Melting • Gas, Natural/LPG to 2300°C
Tetlow Kiln Pty. Ltd. ABN: 26 166 832 300 54 Howleys Road, Notting Hill, 3168 Victoria Australia
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail] www.tetlow.com.au
SECTION 7 –KILN OPERATION
It is recommended that the kiln is isolated from power prior to performing any cleaning
1. Before turning the Kiln ON, visually inspect the kiln inside and out for any damage. Do not
operate the kiln if there is damage.
2. The kiln should be cleaned out before every firing. This entails removing all props and shelves
from the kiln and vacuum cleaning, as below.
3. Vacuum clean the floor and carefully inside each element groove. This will assist in removing
any residual contamination from the clay and glazes and thus prolonging the life of the kiln and
elements.
4. Ensure that the inside is clean and relatively dust free. Remember to wear a mask when
cleaning.
5. Check that kiln furniture is still in good condition: without cracks, etc. (This will reduce the
likelihood of the shelves breaking during firing).
6. Carefully load the kiln checking to ensure that there is adequate space (30 mm) around the
Thermocouple (Temperature Probe) and adequate clearance to the walls and roof.
7. Close the door. For smaller kilns (K2-K6) make sure that the door is tight against the body
once the latch is closed. For larger kilns (K7-K13) make sure the fastening knob(s) are finger-
tight and that there are no gaps between the door and the kiln body.
8. Make sure power is connected to the kiln and turn on the power switch on the control panel.
9. Check over the settings you have for your desired program/cycle and begin the firing. You
should see a run light or hear a clicking to indicate the kiln is running.
10. Before you leave your kiln to run, ensure there is nothing touching up against the kiln or
resting on it. Check to ensure that the kiln bungs are in or out depending on your preference -
see also guidelines below.