By: Linda Cummings


Electric Useage of Kilns

Look for the total amps used by the kiln with all elements in use (20
amps) divide amps by number of elements to get amps used by each element.
Multiple that number by 230 to get total power used for each element.   Let me
give you an example: Say you have a kiln that draws 20 amps with 4 elements.

20/4=5 amps per element
5x230=1150 watts per element
1150/1000=1.15  kw per element

Take your power bill and see how many kw you used for the month and divide the
cost by the power. 114.63/1695=0.068 cost per kw of power

multiply the cost times the power per element
1.15x.068=.0782  cents per hour per element

now if you fire adding one element per hour until all are being used it totals
like this: 0.0782   cents for the 1st hour 0.1564   cents for the 2nd hour
0.2346   cents for the 3rd hour 0.3128   cents for the 4th hour 0.3128   cents
for the 5th hour if needed 1.0948   dollars total firing cost for electricity.

Figures will vary depending on current requirements, number of elements, firing
time and cost of the power.