If you find yourself in this section of the manual please remember that Skutt and your Skutt Kiln distributor are here to help you as long as you own your kiln. If you are unable to determine the problem, or just need to order parts, please let us know.

Q: When I am using the GlassFire Mode the kiln is shuting off before my project is done. What can I do about this?

A: There are 2 options for getting more heatwork into a GlassFire Mode program.

Due to the fact that there are many variables (i.e. type of glass, kiln being used, position within the kiln, shape of project...)we have designed the GlassFire Mode to be extremely flexible. You can add time or temperature to the program as needed while the kiln is running by pressing the "ADD TIME" or "ADD TEMP" key located in the bottom left quadrant of the touchpad. This is generally done while the kiln is in the "HOLD" portion of the last heating segment. You will see the time counting down and the temperature will be at the peak heating temperature indicated in the manual for the program you are running.

At this point you will either look through a peephole or put on a fire rated glove and open the kiln to see if the project needs more heatwork. If you feel the time will runout before the proper amount of heatwork is received then you will press either the "ADD TIME" or ADD TEMP key.

The "ADD TIME" key will add time in 5 minute increments to the hold. This is commonly the first choice for achieving more heatwork. If you have added more time and are still not seeing results, you may want to increase the temperature at this point. Pressing "ADD TEMP" will add temperature in 5 degree (F) increments.

The second option for getting more heatwork in GlassFire Mode is to change the values in the program itself. GlassFire Mode was designed to let the operator mofify the final heating temperature and hold time to compensate for different types of glass. This is done by using the Menu key to access the Modify GlassFire mode. When this mode is toggled on the controller will ask you to enter a temperature and a hold time each time you enter a GlassFire mode program. When the Modify GlassFire mode is then toggled off again the controller will store these new values and you will not have to program them again. To toggle the Modify GlassFire on and off press the MENU key repeatedly until you see "M6F" then press ENTER. After you press ENTER you can toggle the Mode on and off by using the BACK key. When you have the setting you want press ENTER once more.

Kiln Will Not Start
If there is no display, check to see if the kiln is plugged in and the breaker has not tripped. If there is a display, double check your programming instructions. The kiln must be in Idle Mode to start.

Kiln Will Not Reach Temperature
Make sure the kiln is connected to the proper voltage. After extended use the elements in the kiln wear out and eventually need to be replaced. Look for possible breaks in an element. Elements can break if they are contaminated by bits of glass. If an element is out it will not glow. Program the kiln to at least 500 °F and look in the kiln to see if any individual elements are out.
Kilns cycle power on and off through relays. If a relay goes out, 1 or more elements in the kiln will not function. Look at the wiring diagram to determine if elements not glowing are connected to the same relay. If they are, chances are that relay needs to be replaced. Skutt recommends to replace all relays at the same time.

Kiln Overfires or Underfires
The thermocouple, which looks like a metal tube protruding into the kiln chamber, measures the temperature in the kiln chamber. As thermocouples began to wear out they slowly drift in the direction of an overfire. If you have noticed that your projects have become increasingly overfired it may be time to change your thermocouple. If you are comparing your results to how they fire in other kilns it is important to remember that every kiln fires slightly different and it may be necessary to adjust your firing programs.

Kiln Will Not Turn Off
Kilns cycle power on and off through relays. If a relay sticks on 1 or more elements in the kiln will stay on. Skutt kilns are specifically designed to split the power between 2 or more relays therefore the likelihood of a severe over fire is extremely unlikely. Look at the wiring diagram to determine if elements glowing are connected to the same relay. If they are, chances are that relay needs to be replaced. Skutt recommend to replace all relays at the same time.

Error Messages
The following errors may appear in the window of your controller. Along with the error number, the display indicates elapsed time in hours and minutes and also the temperature the kiln reached when the error occurred. Please write these numbers down and call your distributor or Skutt Kilns at (503) 774-6000.

Error and Description

Err1 Ramping up and rate is less than 12° per hour. Rise is checked every 7.5 minutes. Rate must persist for 22.5 minutes before display.

Err2 Program in hold, temperature 50° or more above hold temperature. Error must persist for more than 18 seconds before error is triggered.

Err3 Program in hold, temperature 50° or more below hold temperature. Error must persist for more than 18 seconds before error is triggered.

Err4 Program ramping down and temperature more than 50° above last hold temperature. Error must persist for more than 18 seconds before error is triggered.

Err5 Program ramping down and temperature more than 50° below local set point. Must persist for 18 seconds to trigger.

Err6 Negative reading detected at thermocouple, indicating it is wired improperly.

Err7 Ramping up and temperature 50° above local set point.

Err8 Controller in positive ramp, kiln temperature is ramping down. Negative rate must persist for 22.5 minutes to trigger error.

ErrP Informational error message: . When it flashes, a brief, noncritical power outage has occurred. The controller was able to resume firing and the load of ware is not in danger. It continues to alternately display with the internal temperature until you press Enter.

FAIL System cannot sense thermocouple.