SATELLITE J100, J200 REPLACEMENT HEATING ELEMENT

Element Coil Stretching Instructions:
Tools Required:
• Tape measure
• Bench vise
• Locking pliers
• Safety Glasses
Make sure you are wearing safety glasses in case the element slips from vise or pliers. Stretching is a little bit of a trial-and-error process. If you have a long bench with a vise, you can stretch the element with one person, if not you will need two people. Mark out the element’s installed length by measuring from the end that is held fixed. Firmly clamp the fixed end in position, and then pull the heating element about 10% beyond your desired length. Note the distance where you stretched to, then allow the element to relax fully. Very likely you will not have stretched it far enough. Now stretch again slightly beyond your first stretch mark. Mark the spot again where you stretched to. After you have done this several times, you will quickly determine how far you must stretch an element to obtain the desired length. If you overstretched the element there are a few ways to correct this. If you are only slightly beyond your installed length, loosely shaking the element with the fixed end still clamped will usually reduce the length due to some memory effect. If you are well beyond the installed length and shaking will not reduce the length sufficiently, you will have to compress and re-stretch the element. If necessary, you may have to run a rod down the interior of the element in order to compress it enough without extreme distortion. Remember, never cut element shorter to fit it into your kiln. Cutting coil turns out of an element will cause elements to draw more amperage and run hotter. In the best case you will shorten its working life; in the worst case you may cause a fire.