Alerts, Alarms, Oh My! I’ve got all these settings on my kiln controller, but what are they and what do they do? The simplest way to understand alerts and alarms is to think of things like this:
- Alerts: These are events that you want to be informed about – like when a critical temperature has been reached or just before the hold time is about to expire.
- Alarms: These are automatically generated by the controller to let you know that an unexpected condition has occurred.
If all of this is still confusing, don’t worry: We’ll be breaking down the difference and helping you understand what to do with the information your kiln controller provides.
Examples of Alerts and Alarms
Here’s an example to delineate the difference: Pretend we’re starting a firing schedule with an initial chamber temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first step of the schedule is a ramp rate 200 degrees per hour to setpoint of 270 degrees, with a 10-minute hold.
Example of a Kiln Controller Alert
You decide you want to be informed of when the setpoint has been reached, as well as when the hold time is about to expire, so you set alerts for these metrics.
Here’s what happens next:
Once the controller detects that 270 degrees has been reached, you will receive an alert in 3 different formats:
- An audible buzzer on your TAP Controller product.
- A visual pop-up on your TAP Controller product.
- A push notification on your TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
Then, 8 minutes later, with 2 minutes remaining in the hold, the hold alert is triggered. The same same 3 indicators are presented.
Example of a Kiln Controller Alarm
So, we’ve explained how alerts work – but what about alarms?
Let’s pretend the schedule being executed in the first example has a second step: a ramp rate of 100 degrees per hour to a setpoint of 670 degrees.
Given those specs, you’d expect to hit that setpoint 4 hours from now.
However, 30 minutes into that step, something unexpected happens: The controller detects a temperature reading of 670 degrees. Clearly, this isn’t supposed to happen. It should’ve taken 4 hours for your kiln to reach that setpoint, but it’s only been 30 minutes.
This would trigger an Alarm condition and the firing would be aborted to ensure your safety.
Just like with alerts, when alarms are triggered, you receive the same types of notifications:
- A solid audible buzzer on your TAP Controller product.
- A visual pop-up on your TAP Controller product.
- A push notification on your TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
These alarm notifications describe the error and provide possible causes of the problem.
What Should I Do if I Get an Alarm Notification?
Getting an alarm notification can be…well, alarming. Obviously, you want your at home kiln or heat treat oven to operate the way it’s supposed to.
However, TAP Kiln Controllers provide information to help you diagnose the problems and troubleshoot your controller. Usually, they’re minor and easily resolved.
Below is our Table of Errors that help you understand what to do next if you get an alarm notification:
How Do I Turn off Alarms and Alerts?
From your TAP Controller, you can manage alert and alarm settings by navigating to Menu > Settings > Notifications.
Alternatively, you can also manage these settings via TAP Kiln Control Mobile by selecting your kiln and pressing the Settings button at the bottom of the screen.
With Alert Notifications enabled, you are given the option to enable setpoint or hold time alerts for each step within a schedule. These alerts can be enabled when creating a new schedule or editing an existing schedule. Once the condition is met to trigger the alert, all three notification types above will be generated.
Disabling Alert Notifications serves as a global method to turn off all setpoint and hold time alerts. Even if schedules had previously defined setpoint alert or hold time alert triggers for a particular schedule or step, they will be ignored when the Alerts Notifications setting is disabled.
Disabling Alarm Notifications will not stop the controller from monitoring for errors. However, it will prevent the audible alarm and visual indicators from appearing when an alarm condition is triggered.
We recommend leaving Alarm notifications enabled at all times.
Learn More About Notification Settings [Video]
More of a visual learner? We’ve created a video series to help you manage your TAP Controller. Below is a video about managing Notification Settings on your TAP II Kiln Controller.
Alternatively, you can find more information about your controller in your user manual or on our FAQ pages.
How Can TAP Help Me Manage My Kiln Firings?
TAP Kiln Controllers use alerts and alarms to keep you constantly informed about the status of your kiln.
Alerts help you monitor your project and manage your firing by allowing you to:
- Check on your project as soon as a setpoint is reached so that you can make sure your project is progressing as expected.
- Check on your project as a hold time is approaching so that you can extend the hold time or skip the time remaining and move immediately to the next step if needed.
- Receive push notifications to your TAP Kiln Control Mobile app so that you always know when your critical process point has been reached – even if you have to step away from your controller.
Power More Precision, Convenience, and Peace of Mind with TAP
Between kiln alerts and alarms, TAP Kiln Controllers allow you to manage your kiln firings with confidence, convenience, and ease.
However, that’s just the start: The TAP II and TAP II Pro Kiln Controllers by SDS Industries power your kiln with intuitive touchscreen controls, PID-driven precision, and the ability to name, save, and access and unlimited number of firing schedules with an unlimited number of steps.
With integration to the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app, you will be able to monitor your projects in real-time, receive real-time alerts, and enjoy remote kiln control through your smartphone or tablet!
We invite you to explore our selection of programmable kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store. You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP Controlled Kilns and Heat Treat Ovens through one of the following distributors:
- Evenheat
- Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
- Paragon Kilns
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
Disclaimer: The images shown within this post may not be 100% representative of what you will see on your screen. Different products, software versions and variants, and hardware versions may produce differing displays. The intent of this post is to communicate the basics of the features available for TAP Controller products.
Kiln Controller Alerts & Alarms FAQ
What steps can I take to minimize my chances of triggering a kiln controller alarm?
Sometimes kiln firing errors or component failure is unavoidable. However, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid them.
These include:
- Make sure to consult a certified electrician when installing your kiln.
- Regularly perform kiln maintenance and take care of your TAP Controller.
- Never store your kiln outdoors.
- Clean your kiln after each firing.
- Leverage TAP’s Preventative Maintenance features to replace kiln relays, elements, and thermocouples before they reach end of life.
- If you need to replace kiln components, make sure to purchase from reputable manufacturers.
- Research firing schedules for the medium you’re using prior to firing and make sure to double check your schedule.
Following these steps helps you avoid most firing errors. However, if you do get a kiln controller alarm, make sure to follow these troubleshooting tips!
Are at home kilns safe to use?
With proper installation and maintenance, at home kilns are generally safe to use.
However, any time you’re operating devices at high temperature, there are risks. Precaution is key.
Below are steps you can take to ensure kiln safety:
- Make sure to consult a certified electrician before and after installing your kiln.
- Regularly perform kiln maintenance, including cleaning and visual inspections.
- Invest in a solid-state relay to minimize the possibility of kiln relay failure.
- Never place or store things on top of or nearby your kiln.
- Invest in a safety limit controller (like TAP Monitor) and wire it to a redundant safety relay.
- Always use safety equipment like heat resistant gloves, safety glasses, non-flammable clothes, and possibly an apron.
- Keep a reliable fire extinguisher near your kiln.
- Never leave your kiln unattended during firing.
- Use remote monitoring to address any potential issues as soon as they happen.
That said, we don’t think you should be scared to use an at home kiln, just mindful! Following these steps minimizes the chances of something going wrong.
Other than kiln controller alerts and alarms, what other benefits does TAP provide artists?
Whether you’re making knives, firing bisque, or firing glass art, TAP Kiln Controllers are designed to help you elevate your craft with more precision, ease-of-use, and convenience.
While kiln controller alerts and alarms are powerful tools, they are hardly the only benefit of TAP! Other benefits include:
- Intuitive menus and touchscreen controls mean even new artists can immediately start confidently using TAP.
- The ability to name, create, save, and easily execute an unlimited number of firing schedules with an unlimited number of steps – so you never have to waste time (or risk user error) recreating a firing schedule you’ve already used.
- PID control algorithms ensure maximum precision for the chamber of your kiln.
- Preventative maintenance alerts help you replace kiln components before they reach the end of their lifespan.
- Regular software updates ensure you’re constantly getting access to better features and a smoother user experience.
- The ability to remotely monitor and control your kiln through TAP Kiln Control Mobile unlocks new levels of convenience and peace of mind.
If you’re still deciding if TAP is right for you, we encourage you to check out this kiln controller manufacturer comparison.
