Element Connection Board Controller_Box MainSwitch wiring_conductors Plugs Choice BreakerBox

A Kiln's Electrical System

VIEW 85% RULE BELOW
Kiln Wiring System
The 85% Rule

The single most important rule to observe in laying out your kiln electrical system is The 85% Rule. It keeps you from burning the house down. You design a system so that the maximum amount of power you use is no more than 85% of the power ratings for every component.

 85 PERCENT IMAGE
Example: Our kiln above is powered by 4 elements that draw 10 amps each at 240 Volts AC, single phase. So we calculate the power use of the kiln to be 40 Amps (4 x 10 = 40). Now apply the 85% rule → solution2
What does this mean? Well it means that all the components should be rated above 47.06 amps. Fifty amps is the closest nominal unit. This applies to the breaker in the breaker box (#1) as well as all the other components: The main switch (#5), plug (#2), and socket (#2) also the mercury relay found in the power connection board cabinet (#3 above). And all the wiring (#6) connecting these components should be rated for 50 amps.