TAP Conversion Kits and TAP Standalone Controllers enable seamless controller installation. Below are instructions for installing each.
The installation process for your controller very much depends on what controller configuration you purchase.
TAP Conversion Kits and TAP Standalone Controllers are designed so that users can seamlessly install a TAP Controller on their current build with no (or minimal) modification to their kiln or oven. Unless you’re a competent DIYer, we recommend starting there! TAP Conversion Kits are used for swapping out your existing automatic controller, and standalones are used for upgrading manual kilns to programmable digital TAP Controls. We’ll be covering installation steps for those below:
Installing TAP Standalone Controllers
Installing a TAP Standalone Controller is a straightforward, plug-and-play operation:
- Mount your standalone kiln controller unit. First, you’ll have to figure out where you want to place your standalone kiln controller unit in relation to your kiln. Standalone controllers are available in table top and wall mount configurations. Table top standalone kiln controllers are easier to mount – you just place the unit on top of a flat surface! With wall mount kiln controllers, you will have to drill into the wall or other vertical surface to mount your unit. Either way, these units need to be close enough to both a power source and the kiln so that the power cord and thermocouple can both reach where they need to.
- Run the thermocouple to the inside of your kiln. Next, you’ll want to run the wire for the thermocouple so that the tip of the thermocouple is inserted into the interior of your kiln or oven. This may involve having to drill a small hole through your kiln brick.
- Plug your kiln into your standalone kiln controller unit. Take the plug from your kiln or oven and plug it into your standalone kiln controller. This way, your kiln controller will be able to manage the power flow to the elements of your kiln in order to regulate temperature.
- Plug your standalone kiln controller unit into a wall outlet or other power source. When purchasing a standalone kiln controller for DIY installation, you’ll have the option to select different plug types, which need to be compatible with your current kiln plug. The NEMA 5-15 plug is the standard plug in North America, which will plug into any wall outlet in your house!
At this point, your controller installation is complete, and your standalone unit is ready to control (or precisely monitor) the temperature of your kiln. Just power on your kiln, and you’re good to go!
Installing a TAP Conversion Kit
Conversion kit installations are only slightly more complicated than using a standalone unit. Below are the steps for a kiln controller DIY installation using a conversion kit:
- Make sure to purchase a kiln controller conversion kit that’s compatible with the wiring and controller housing for your current controller. Before purchasing a kiln temperature controller conversion kit, you need to know whether your current kiln controller is a 3-key, 12-key, or smart controller. So how do you tell the difference? Easy, just look at the inputs on your current controller. A 3-key controller has three input buttons; a 12-key controller has 12, and a smart controller uses a touchscreen. (SDS Industries includes drop down menus on their conversion kit shop pages, so that you can select the controller you’re replacing to ensure a perfect match. Also, it’s important to note that TAP Kiln Controller Conversion Kits can be used to replace automatic kiln controllers from other manufacturers, such as Bartlett, Orton, Paragon, and Skutt.)
- Remove the old automatic controller from your kiln. First things first, disconnect power to the kiln and controller by unplugging the unit from the wall and/or turning off the circuit breaker! This is no joke – failure to do so may result in injury or death! Removing your old kiln controller is straightforward. You should find four mounting screws on the corners of your old unit. Remove these mounting screws using a socket driver or a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove your old controller unit from its housing, detach the thermocouple leads from your old controller, and remove the wiring harness that connects your old controller to your kiln.
- Install the new controller mounting box. Your DIY kiln controller conversion kit will include a mounting box to house your new controller. Pass the thermocouple leads and wiring through the middle of the mounting box and screw in the mounting box to your kiln (occasionally, it may be necessary to drill new holes to screw in the mounting box; however, this is only in rare cases, and will be the only modification needed to your kiln or oven).
- Plug the new wiring harness adapter into your kiln. The wiring harness adapter for your new kiln controller will plug right into your kiln’s existing wiring harness.
- Reattach the thermocouple leads to your new controller. The plug-in for your thermocouple lead will be marked on the controller board of your new controller.
- Attach the wiring harness adapter to your new controller. You will find plugs in the back of your controller that match the plugs on the new wiring harness adapter.
- Screw in the new controller faceplate to your controller mounting box. Voila! Your kiln controller installation is complete!
Installation for TAP Digital Controllers
Installing a digital controller that isn’t a standalone or part of a conversion kit is not as easy. If you’re not a competent DIYer, we strongly suggest enlisting the help of a certified technician. For our hardcore DIYers, we’ve included TAP Wiring Diagrams to help you make TAP a part of your new kiln or heat treat oven build.
Please note: we do not provide direct technical support for new kiln builds. It is expected that you are able to interpret and utilize the provided wiring diagrams to complete the installation yourself. If you are unable to do so, then this product choice is not for you and a conversion kit or standalone is more appropriate.