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nincompoop
July 6th, 2003, 11:12 AM
I have a Kiln that has a three prong plug (black white and green) and a new house with a 4 prong recepticle (black white red and green) can I replace the recepticle with a 3 prong or must I replace the pigtail?

Thanks
James
imported_Ron
July 6th, 2003, 11:37 AM
I'm not sure what pigtail your planning to replace, but....
The 4 prong was for a range (or similar)? Can we assume that the existing cirucit in the home is served by a 2-pole breaker and is 240V? What is the amperage of the breaker and wire size serving the existing circuit in the home. Tell us what voltage and current is the kiln rated for?
If all work out, the exchange may be as simple as replacing the receptacle, and caping the extra wire, but fill us in as to the specs.
nincompoop
July 6th, 2003, 12:19 PM
The circut is a double breaker 40 amp 240V, it was installed specifically for the kiln in 2002 so I am confident that all is ok except for the recepticle which is new code while the kiln is old code.
imported_Ron
July 6th, 2003, 01:04 PM
Codes for kiln circuits have not changed. The installer did not know that your kiln would require a 240V like a heater (no neutral), or 240/120V like a range/oven. Sounds like you need a receptacle for 240V plus ground. Look at the chart on the web site below and check which plug is on your kiln.
http://www.bryantelectric.thomasregister.com/olc/72982523/sb_chart.htm
Is it a 6-50P? We will go one step at a time till we work this out. What is the watt rating on this kiln?
Anonymous
July 7th, 2003, 03:50 PM
The Kiln requires 30 amps & 7200 watts and it is a 6-50R receptacle which I have. What I really need to know is what to do with the extra wire.

Thanks
James
imported_Ron
July 7th, 2003, 06:03 PM
Wire nut the neutral wire within the receptacle box as spare. If the circuit is wired correctly to the panel, the neutral will be the white.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2003, 08:04 PM
Thanks. You have been very helpful.
I have another problem you might be able to help me with. I have a motorhome that I plug in when it is home. The only outdoor plugs I have all go through a GFI in the basement. The only thing running in the motorhome when I plug it in should be the battery charger and the clock on the microwave. Every time I plug it in the GFI trips. I can usually reset it after several attempts. Is this a faulty GFI or is there some other reason for this?

Thanks
James