Frx2InstSheetfinalhtmllayout

INSTRUCTION SHEET

AutoMate II

AUTOMATIC HEAT SWITCH

for Ceramic Kilns

GENERAL INFORMATION

The AutoMate II Kiln Switch is a self-incrementing percentage timer. The unit is

specially designed for use as an automatic turn-up control for ceramic kilns.

This device regulates the heating process by operating the kiln’s heaters on a “time

proportioning” basis. For example, to apply 30% of the available heating capacity, the switch

repetitively turns the heat on for three seconds, and off for seven seconds. To provide its

automatic turn-up function, it automatically increases the “on” time from zero to 100% during

the time period set by the user.

The switch may be wired for either 110vac or 220vac, 50/60Hz power. A single-pole electrical

contact, capable switching up to 15 amps at 240vac, constitutes the output of the switch.

Since all but the smallest kilns draw more than 15 amps, a power relay or “definite purpose

contactor” is normally also required to complete the installation. For long life and quiet

operation, mercury displacement relays are suggested.

INSTALLATION

The AutoMate II Kiln Switch may be installed on the kiln, or in a remote enclosure. If installed on the

kiln, the temperature at the mounting location must not exceed 130°F during operation.

The control can be mounted in panels as follows:

Provide a rectangular cutout measuring 51/2” high by 3

” wide.

Insert the AutoMate II in this cutout and mark the locations for its four mounting

screws.

Remove the control and drill

” pilot holes at the marked locations.

Fasten the AutoMate II to the mounting panel using #6 self-tapping screws.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

All electrical connections are made at the tabs provided along the bottom edge of the control’s circuit

board, using ¼” push-on terminals.

The AutoMate II Kiln Switch will work with 50/60Hz input power, either 110/120vac or 208/240vac.

Small kilns drawing less than 15 amps can be operated directly by the control’s output contact. Larger kilns

require a separate power relay, sized according to the nameplate current of the kiln.

The four representative wiring diagrams provided in this sheet illustrate all possible alternatives, and will

generally apply even if the particulars of your installation are somewhat different:

For 120vac systems, connect terminal a to b and terminal c to d.

For 220vac systems, connect terminal b to terminal c.

Connect one leg of the input power to terminal L1, and the other to L2. (Most power

relays have auxiliary terminals that are intended as a convenient source of control power.

L1 and L2 can usually be connected to the power relay at these auxiliary terminals.)

Connect the output contact of the AutoMate II to interrupt current either to the

kiln’s electric heaters, or the solenoid coil of the power relay. This normally open contact

is provided between terminals H1 and H2.

If directly operating electric heaters, connect one leg of the power line to H1, one end of

the heating element to H2, and the other end of the heating element to the other leg of the

power line.

If using a power relay, connect H1 to a L1 auxiliary terminal on the power relay, then

connect H2 to either one of the power relay’s coil terminals. Next connect the second coil

terminal to a L2 auxiliary terminal on the same power relay.

Please note that the AutoMate II kiln switch modulates power to the kiln on an ON/OFF

basis. Kilns are often equipped with a motor-driven shut-off timers; in such cases, the power

relay should be connected so that it does not interrupt power to the timer. Please also note

that certain types of mercury relays can be highly inductive, and may cause the

AutoMate II output contact to switch erratically. If any “chattering” is evident (HEAT

light flickering), consider attaching a snubber network as shown in the diagram.

CONTROL KNOB REMOVAL

The control knob is securely attached to the shaft of the turn-up

time adjustment potentiometer using a set screw. There isn’t

normally any need to remove the knob, but if you wish to do so,

loosen the set screw before pulling the knob off the shaft. Prying

the knob without loosening the set screw will damage the control.

OPERATION

To operate the AutoMate II, proceed as follows:

Rotate the TURN-UP TIME knob clockwise from OFF to turn on the control.

Notice that the TIMING light begins to flash, indicating that the system is on.

The TIMING light blinks at a rate proportional to the TURN-UP TIME setting, and thereby

also provides an indication of how fast the kiln is firing.

Select the desired TURN-UP TIME (in hours).

A few moments or perhaps several minutes later … depending on the turn-up time selected

… the HEATING light will flash, turning the kiln on very briefly, then off again. In the

beginning, the ON time will be very short, and the OFF intervals quite long. As time passes,

the ratio of ON to OFF time will gradually change, until the kiln’s heaters are finally ON

100% of the time. Shortly thereafter, the TIMING light will stop blinking, indicating that

the turn-up process has been completed.

Beyond this point, the kiln might be tripped off by a cone-actuated limit switch, or

manually by an attendant who judges the appropriate turn-off point using pyrometric cones

placed at some visible location within the kiln.

To set the heat manually, do this:

Move the TURN-UP TIME knob to the SET position, and observe the operation of the

HEATING light, which flashes every ten seconds.

With the control knob at the SET position, the AutoMate II increases its output at a

rate of 1% per second. Thus, each flash of the HEATING light indicates that the output has

increased another 10% … after the light flashes ten times, the output will be at 100%, and

the HEATING light will remain on 100% of the time.

Use this timing feature to manually establish heat settings …

For example, to set the kiln on “LOW” (ON approximately 30% of the time), turn the

switch on and move the pointer to SET. When the HEATING light comes on for the third

time, move the control knob immediately to HOLD.

When the knob is set at the HOLD position, the timing process is suspended, and the

AutoMate II will maintain the kiln at the current heat setting indefinitely.

To complete the firing process, simply move the knob to the desired firing time, and the

AutoMate II will complete the firing, automatically adjusting for that part of the turn-

up process that had already been completed.

SERVICE

If you have questions, please give the dealer or kiln manufacturer from whom you purchased your controller

the first opportunity to assist you. FireRight Controls warrants AutoMate II units for one-

year. We will repair or replace, without charge, units that fail because of defective material or workmanship.

Factory service is available a reasonable flat rates for all other cases, and can be handled through your dealer,

or factory-direct.

Warner Instruments

1320 Fulton Street PO Box 604

Grand Haven MI 49417 USA

Internet: http://www.fireright.com