|
|
What is my Voltage?
What is 208v?
Yes, there are different electrical specifications for kilns. 200, 208, 220,
240 and 480 are just a few of the common electrical voltages used worldwide for high
amperage electrical appliances, such as electric kilns. In the United States the common electrical voltages are 208v and 240v
with 480v
and other high voltage variants reserved for use
only in industrial settings.
240v circuits are commonly found in homes and many commercial buildings. All
kilns kept in Dogwood's inventory are wired for 240v operation because it is
the most common voltage for residential and small business use.
208v is commonly used in situations where more flexible electrical installation/usage may be needed. Typically large commercial buildings and nearly all new school construction will be wired with 208v circuits. 208v is also found in some historically old downtown areas and even has been found in some unusual new home construction.
There is no visible difference between 240v and 208v outlets, so even a
qualified electrician may not be aware that a 208v circuit is being used without
actually checking the voltage or electrical specifications of the building.
Dogwood has found some local school campuses that have older buildings wired with 240v
circuits while the newest buildings on the school campus were wired with 208v
circuits. So never assume!
Check with your electrician or electric company for specific information. Be
persistent and require exact information by asking "is my location wired for
208v or 240v?" Get a definitive answer, because a kiln wired for 240v operation
will not work on a 208v circuit and a kiln wired for 208v will quickly fail if
used on a 240v circuit.
What happens if my wiring is 208v? Just specify a 208v kiln when you place your
order. There is no additional charge for a 208v kiln but these kilns must
ALWAYS be specially ordered.
| Please note: You don't get to pick your voltage. 208v is not better than 240v or visa versa. You must match your kiln's voltage to the voltage
supplied by the power company per local code, circuit availability and the building's electrical specifications. Ordering just "any voltage" and hoping your electrician can make it work is a recipe for an expensive disaster. The cost of modifying the electrical supply to your building to accommodate your purchasing error can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Better solution, just slow down your purchase long enough to confirm your voltage and (if necessary) order the correct kiln for your situation. The correct solution (kiln) might not even cost an extra penny. |
But my electrician says I have 220v.
Sorry, if you are located in the Continental United States (or most of North America) there is a very good chance your electrician is WRONG.
So where does this 220v number come from?
The power company is obligated to provide the proper voltage, within normal tolerances, to the exterior of your home or building. Typically the power company will provide 240v unless the electrical requirements dictate 208v. Most modern buildings and homes will be wired with electrical outlets that may be 10's or even 100's of feet from the electrical meter. Each linear foot of wire distance causes a slight drop in the voltage.
The designers of common home appliances, such as stoves and dryers, have realized that they can not control the tolerance range of the power company nor the amount of voltage drop within the home and, more importantly, there are instances when their product could be used on either a 240v or 208v circuit. Therefore many of these common appliances have been designed for a broad range of electrical conditions and will operate within design specifications for voltages within a range of 220v.
Some electricians may answer the voltage question by saying
"yes you have 220v". 220v is a simple answer. In most instances the
electrician will be referring to the common appliance requirement of 220v, and
answering that you have sufficient power to supply those common appliance
requirements. Ask the electrician for the exact voltage value, when
measured at the electric meter, and it will typically be 240v.
If your kiln is to be located a considerable distance from the electrical meter it is important to measure the voltage at that location. It is possible that there may be a large voltage drop, and in fact, at that location the electrician may determine the available voltage may be even below 230v. In those situations of low voltage you will need to relocate the kiln closer to the electrical meter or have the power company add an additional meter that is closer to the location of the kiln thus providing a better source of power.
220v Conclusion:
If you are located in the Continental United States and your electrician insists that you are supplied with 220v please consult with another electrician.
Single Phase, Three Phase, what is my phase?
Single Phase is the typical AC power that is found in most residential homes,
schools and small commercial buildings. Three Phase electrical service (meaning
three phases of AC current) is found in some large commercial and school
locations where high startup current electric motors, such as those needed in
elevators and walk in refrigeration, will be installed. For most kiln customers, single
phase is the only option of electrical service available.
Should your school or commercial building have Three Phase service available, Paragon will provide kilns that are appropriately wired for you particular operation, including 208v, 240v or 480v 3 phase. Except for the large pottery kilns, such as the Paragon Viking and Dragon Kilns, there is a small additional charge for kilns wired for 3 phase operation.
| 3 Phase power is NOT better than single phase power for electric kiln operation as there is no high current startup load with the electric kiln and the cost of operation will be the same regardless of power supplied. |
..
12590 Dedeaux Road
Gulfport Mississippi, 39503
Telephone (228) 831-4848 Fax (228) 831-3111
Showroom Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10AM to 5PM
Thursday 1PM to 6PM
Closed Wednesday and Sunday
In the United States the common electrical voltages are 208v and 240v with 480v and other high voltage variants reserved for use only in industrial settings.