Help Needed with KH Huppert 236DL 240V furnace

[TechyMechy]

Of course, I found this:

Complete Package Professional PID Programmable Temperature Controller (60 segment Ramp & Soak 1/16 Din) Timely Cycles Control Universal Decimal Input for Pottery Ceramic Annealing Glass Kiln

This is a complete and very applicable kiln package, which measures - controls and programs high temperatures up to 2372F (1300C). Its ramp & soak controller can be programmed for multiple profiles up to 50 segments. Use this valuable package when you

www.thermomart.com

I could probably live without the Wifi capability for this price. Add a contactor for $12 and some lighted alarms....

Thanks for the link for the high temperature cable. I will heat the oven up and measure the temperatures before purchasing.

 

[markba633csi]

Use fiberglass covered wire as used in coffee machines

 

[woodchucker]

Use fiberglass covered wire as used in coffee machines

or silicone

 

[TechyMechy]

or silicone

Thanks,

I found some fiberglass sheathed wiring on Amazon sold in reasonable quantities (like 10 feet). The gage is fine for my needs (8 amps).

So much to consider in this design! I think I'll follow the suggestion of the 7 year old thread referenced above but will include a door cut out switch and a panel breaker sized closer to the oven load. The elements in my furnace are on the side walls, top and bottom. There seems to be ample opportunity for a metal part causing inadvertent shorting while trying to remove it for quenching, etc. even with a floor raised shelf. I'll also include a 10A circuit breaker on the front panel instead of depending on the 30 amp breaker in my houses breaker panel box.

I'll fire up the oven and get it to the maximum temperature and measure the temperature in the existing control box. The existing power cord is standard SO cord. The wiring in the control box is all 12 gage THHN except for the wiring that connects to the heater elements. I need to insure that the control box ambient temperature doesn't exceed about 55C (130F) or else I'll need to add a cooling fan (I might add one anyways) so that the controller doesn't overheat.

Those Hot Shots are super nice, but I would rather just retrofit this little Huppert furnace. The Huppert is very well made too and has stood the test of time (maybe 60 years?).