The first thing you need to do when you bring your kiln home is to decide where you are going to use it. Kilns are used safely in thousands of homes everyday but they do get hot so there are several consideration you need to make when deciding where you are going to use them.
Manufacturer Recommendations
The outside temperature of a kiln can get up to 600 F therefore it is important to find a place away from combustibles and where access is limited by small children and pets. Most manufactures offer the following recommendations for locating your kiln:
- Locate your kiln near your present electrical outlet or where a new circuit can be installed. Position the kiln to the left of your electrical outlet so the cord will have an easy run and will not place a strain on the plug or outlet.
- Install it in a well-ventilated sheltered area such as a carport, garage, utility or hobby room. Allow a MINIMUM 18 INCHES (46 cm) of space between your kiln and adjacent walls, other kilns, shelving, etc. When multiple kilns will be installed in the same room, make sure the control boxes on the kilns are not facing adjacent kilns. Radiant heat from nearby kilns can damage the controller.
- For small rooms, monitor the firing so room temperatures does not exceed 105°F (41°C).
- Locate the kiln in a room with a bare cement floor. If a bare cement floor is not available, the uniform mechanical code requires two inches of masonry below the kiln extending a minimum of 12” (31 cm) beyond the outside circumference of the kiln.
- When installing a kiln in a room with a sprinkler system, do not place kilns within a 10 ft. (3m) radius below sprinkler heads
- All kilns are vulnerable to the highly corrosive effects of marine air. If you live near salt water, locate the kiln indoors and protect it from the damp air.