fuses vs circut breakers

I'm using 60 amp fuses when firing my electric kiln(which draws 48 amps). The last two firings have taken far too long for the kiln to reach temperature. The fuses are new and I've checked the kiln for loose connections and the elements are in good working order. The electrician I spoke with said I needed to switch my service from fuses to breakers(with a price tag of $800). Why and how would that make any difference.

 

Regarding this problem, all else equal, and the existing connections being in good condition, no difference between fuses and circuit breakers.

 

I assume the kiln has resistive heating, not inductive-
There is absolutely no functional reason to switch-
A motor circuit would be a different case-
You shoul dcheck the voltage at the kiln input when it's on( perhaps a difficult task)
If there is an open or resistive connection ahead of the fuse block, the voltage may be absent or reduced, which will increase the heating time

 

Maybe try contacting the kiln manufacturer? Do they have a website with a FAQ? With a power hog like that, they probably get quite a few "juice" questions.

 

Two things that may be causing you the prolonged drying stage on your kiln is voltage drop or inadequate service size.

If you are going more than 250' from the weather head through your panel to the kiln then you have a voltage drop concern.

If you have a fuse panel in your power source it sounds like you have an older main service panel that may have exceeded its capability to carry all load added to it since it was originally installed. I would perform a demand load calculation on the service if you have a 100 amp or 60 amp main service rated panel in your home supplying power to this kiln.

As for fuses, either fuses or breakers are both accepted methods of overcurrent protection.

However the reverse is true than what is being thought in this post. A time delay fuse will take the inrush of a motor better and longer than any breaker can take the same inrush if both the breaker and fuse are of the same amp value.

Loose connections also can be a common problem when dealing with a 60 amp resistive load such as a kiln. The heating and cooling of the wires, fuses, and connections invite loose connections that also can prolong your drying time with your kiln.

Good Luck

Wg

 

To Be positive that you don't have voltage drop problems or too small a service take voltage readings both at the panel and the equipment under noload and when running. Compare the voltage readings you get with the nameplate on the Kiln and let us know what you find

 

Hotdirt:

Please clarify one point: was the kiln working fine for a time and then stopped working properly or is this a new installation that has never worked properly?

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.The sleuthing continues.The power company will check the transformer.A contractor friend came and checked the current at the service box and receptical.All ok there. I rechecked the elememts,after dark,and all was glowing after 30 min. on high. My friendly pottery supply/kiln dealer suggested that a switch may be bad.I've checked two out of three and found no telltale fry signs.I'm still waiting to hear from the kiln mfg troubleshooter. The kiln was bought new,the studio is on it's own line and nothing else was runnung during the firing.The clock is runnung down for holiday orders,hence the panic and in this neck of the woods,electricians just don't come when called.