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Minnesota Clay Co. USA Technical Info - Kiln Error Codes
Specific information on how to diagnose and repair common kiln problems. These are the answers to the questions that we are asked most frequently.
For Skutt Kilns:

ERROR CODES
Error Codes are designed to protect your kiln and the ware inside your kiln if there is a problem with the firing. In most cases when an error is triggered the kiln will shutoff and display E (or Err in older models) followed by the Error Code that describes the error that occurred. Non-critical errors will not stop the firing but they will display a code to notify you of the problem. If you run across a code that is not listed or you need help explaining, please give us a call at 952-881-9101.

Most common errors:

E- 1
The temperature is increasing less than 12 degrees per hour during a ramp segment, where the temperature is programmed to increase. This slow rate must persist for 22.5 minutes before the error is displayed. This error is caused by: Worn or old heating elements, Low voltage to the kiln, A broken heating element or faulty relay, Burned or broken wires to the elements or relays, Electrical noise.

Attempt to Check elements, Check Relays and Use VOLT Menu feature to check voltage, and Use AMP Menu feature to check amperage. The check voltage and check Amperage option is only located on newer control boards with a green LED display. Replace Elements or Replace Relays as needed.

FAIL
Steady display all thermocouples (T/C’s) have failed. If flashing thermocouples of a zone control kiln has failed.

To fix this Replace the Thermocouple.


Full List of Error Codes:
Error Code Description Causes Correction
E-0 Software Error. Caused by hardware or electrical noise, can be caused by electrical spikes, surges, or arcing across the relay Recheck the selected program, and
reprogram if necessary.
E-1 The temperature is increasing less than 12 degrees per hour during a ramp segment, where the temperature is programmed to increase. This slow rate must persist for 22.5 minutes before the error is displayed Worn or old heating elements
Low voltage to the kiln
A broken heating element or faulty relay
Burned or broken wires to the elements or relays
Electrical noise		 Check elements.
Check Relays
Use VOLT Menu feature to check voltage.
E-2 During a hold segment the temperature rises to greater than 50 degrees above the hold temperature which was set. The temperature must stay 50 degrees above this set temperature for 18 seconds before the error is displayed. Stuck relay. If only one section (or relay) remains on
then it is a stuck relay. Turn of breaker to
shutoff power to the kiln.
E-3 During a hold segment the temperature is more than 50 degrees below the hold temperature which was set. The temperature must stay 50 degrees below this set temperature for 18 seconds before the error is displayed. Opening the door or lid of the kiln.
Relay or element failed during firing.		 Check relay.
Check elements.
E-4 The firing is in a ramp segment where the temperature is programmed to decrease and temperature is more than 50 degrees above the previous hold temperature. The temperature must remain 50 degrees about the hold temperature for 18 seconds before the error is displayed. E- 4 is the same as E- 2 except that E- 4 occurs during a ramp phase rather than a HOLD Stuck relay
Skipped step feature		 Check relay
If E- 4 occurs when skipping a ramp phase,
press a key to clear the error.
Allow the kiln to cool to within 50 degrees
of the next hold temperature.
Restart kiln and skip steps until you get to
the segment you want.
E-5 The temperature is more than 50 degrees below the local set-point temperature during a ramp segment where the temperature is programmed to decrease. The temperature must stay 50 degrees below this set temperature for 18 seconds before the error is displayed. Open door or lid
Bad elements
Bad relay		 Check elements.
Check relay.
E-6 A Negative temperature is displayed. This generally indicates the thermocouple is connected incorrectly. To correct this situation, ensure the red and yellow wires are connected correctly to the controller and at all junctions. You can identify the red lead on an unmarked thermocouple with a magnet because a magnet will be attracted to the red lead. Using the kiln in temperatures below 0 degrees °F
(17 degrees °C)
Thermocouple (T/C) connected backwards, red and
yellow leads reversed.
Board has been damaged by static electricity or ESD
(electro static discharge)		 Check T/C to make sure it is
connected properly.
Do T/C bypass test, if temperature reading
is still negative, the board has been
damaged and needs service.
E-8 When using the CONE FIRE MODE, the temperature is decreasing during the last ramp segment. If this a KilnSitter Kiln using a Wall Mount Controller, KilnSitter may have shut off the kiln Faulty relay
Broken Element
KilnSitter Shut-off kiln		 Check relay.
Check Elements
Check Cone used in KilnSitter
PF Continuous PF in display. Indicates a long-term power outage The kiln has been shut
down.		 Press 1 to clear the display and restart the
kiln.
Err P A continuous Err P indicates a short term power outage has occured and the kiln has continued with the program. Power Outage
Power Surge		 Press 1 to clear the display
If firing was in progress, it will continue.
Err- The Err with a dash indicates there was a power loss to the controller while writing a program to the non-volatile memory chip. Power loss Recheck the selected program, and
reprogram if necessary.
E- E or
E- t		 A hardware error has been detected by the controller software. Hardware error The controller must be returned for service.
E-d The kiln or one of the zones in a zone control kiln, is more than 100°F (37°C) above the travelling set point. Stuck relay Check relay
E- A Invalid Program variable   Reprogram if problem persists have board
sent in for service
StUc Key was held too long or was stuck   If problem persists after releasing key have
keypad replaced
E-db Controller is reading a board temperature above 160 degrees. Firing has stopped. Room temperature is too hot.. Lower room temperature below 100°F
(37°C)
E- H Analog to Digital Converter did not pass the self – check diagnostic test on reset.   Board will need to be serviced
FAIL Steady display all thermocouples (T/C’s) have failed. If flashing thermocouples of a zone control kiln has failed.   Change T/C