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Not every kiln model will use the same kind of receptacle. Below are some power supply receptacles listed according to the number of volts and amperes. This should help you to choose the correct receptacle for the kiln that you have. Kilns that are what is called hard wired or direct wire do not use a receptacle, instead, they are permanently wired into an electrical circuit of the room or building that they will be used in. Each receptacle is identified by voltage and amperage as well as the NEMA designation.

NEMA is the abbreviation for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
NEMA is the largest trade organization in the United States representing the interests of electro industry manufacturers. Its 575 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity.

Many of NEMA's voluntary standards have been approved as American National Standards or adopted by the Federal Government. Over 350 NEMA standards cover a wide range of subjects including telecommunication systems, motors, generators, electrical enclosures, electrical wiring, power guidelines for X-Ray machines and many more subjects.

When buying a receptacle to plug your kiln into, be sure and check so that you know what the volts and amps are for your kiln. It will save you time, as you can see each one has a different prong pattern.


120 Volt, 15 Amp, NEMA 5-15R


Typical Household Receptacle 120 Volt, 20 Amp, NEMA 5-20R


240 Volt, 20 Amp, NEMA 6-20R


240 Volt, 30 Amp, NEMA 6-30R


240 Volt, 50 Amp, NEMA 6-50R


240 Volt, 30 Amp, NEMA 10-30R
(available by request)


240V, 50 Amp, NEMA 1-50R
(available by request)

Most kilns require 220 power and because most homes normally have only 120 power, you will have to have an electrician wire 220 into your fuse box and have at least a 50 amp fuse to make sure it can safely carry the load required to operate your kiln. Always check the plate on the side of your kiln that gives you the volts and amperes for that particular model. It is better to be safe than sorry!!

Tips - Definitions - Clay Projects - Pottery Gallery - Pottery Tools - Glazes - All About Clay

Have you ever come up with a good idea while working with your handmade pottery or ceramics and thought that you would like to share it with others? You have? Well, why not send it to us and we will add it to the tips page for all to see.

Handmade pottery can be a very gratifying hobby that produces fun and satisfying results. For many people it's an enjoyable release that is created by working an inanimate mound of clay into a beautiful work of art that you made through your artistic abilities.

The best way of starting out is to take a few lessons. You will probably waste quite a bit in materials when you first get started. Figuring out how to truly make handmade pottery correctly and shape into what you want it to be can be quite an ordeal. The different tools that a normal shop will have can be fun to try. You will soon see which ones you like to use the most and then when you are ready you will know which ones to buy.

With the help of the internet, you can now purchase most if not all of your ceramic and pottery tools and supplies online. We are located far from any well supplied dealers and yet working with reliable ceramic and pottery suppliers online has allowed us to recieve most of our orders within a timely manner.

When you get all set up, just enjoy the hobby and have fun at it. Some people get pretty serious and start selling their creations at craft fairs and small stores, but others just like to create items for themselves, relatives, and friends. Whichever kind of handmade pottery you desire to endeavor, enjoy the hobby and have fun doing it.