Electric kilns emit toxic gases, vapors and fumes, and there is no stage at which something is not being emitted.  Ventilation is absolutely necessary.  Most  small electric kilns don't require an electrician, but some of the larger, computer programmed ones require special installation.

As for building code requirement, it depends on where you are, Melody.  When I was doing a planning in Wisconsin there is even a state code having to do with the safety and ventilation requirements.   Here's part of the report from that job: The Wisconsin regulations for kiln ventilation are in Chapter SPS 332.24(5) of the Public Employee Safety and Health code.   They require ventilation for both electric and gas kilns. 

   

quote:

   (5) VENTILATION FOR KILNS. (a) General. 

   1. Except as provided in subd. 2., local exhaust ventilation shall be provided for all fuel-fired and electric        kilns.

   2. Local exhaust ventilation need not be provided where the kilns can be isolated in a separate room and        the room is ventilated by means of a dedicated system at a minimum rate of 10 air

   changes per hour.  SNIP

    **Note: Reduced atmosphere firing produces high concentrations of carbon monoxide

   and caution should be exercised when entering the kiln room.   

   3. Exhaust ventilation systems for kilns shall be designed to remove harmful quantities of air contaminants    generated during the firing process in order to comply with s. SPS 332.35.

   Note: For examples of canopy hood exhaust systems, see the American Conference

   of Governmental Industrial Hygienists "Industrial Ventilation Manual".

   (b) Canopy hood ventilation. 1. The height of a canopy hood above the top surface of a top-loading kiln            shall be limited to that which is necessary for loading of the kiln. Canopy hoods over side- or front-loading    kilns shall be located as close to the top edge of the kiln as possible, and side curtains shall not be                    required.

   2. Canopy hoods over top-loading kilns shall be provided with noncombustible side curtains on 3 sides. If        the kiln is located against a wall, only 2 side curtains shall be required. Side curtains shall extend down        from the bottom edge of the canopy hood to the top edge of the kiln. Side curtains shall not be required for    retractable hoods which can be positioned directly over the top of the kiln after loading.

end quote

**The precaution in this note is far from adequate.  Electric kilns have been shown to release significant amounts during certain phases of the firing.   The recommendation in this report is to provide special ventilation for gas reduction kilns (see below), local exhaust for both types of kilns and a CO detector in the kiln room for monitoring the efficiency of these systems.

The best thing is to start with the manufacturer's manual/recommendations.  Then check what building code they are under and search for ceramic kilns.  Most of the codes have distances from walls or fire resistance requirements for the walls near electric kilns.  

Monona

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS Membership Chair <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Sent: Wed, May 29, 2019 3:54 pm
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Electric kiln repair standards

From: Melody Russo <melody.russo**At_Symbol_Here**gmail.com>

Re: Electric kiln repair standards

Does anyone (Monona? ) have experience with the ownership and accompanying responsibility for maintenance of electric kilns? Classroom/school district environment preferred.

Are auxiliary certifications required, such as licensed electrician?  Is the scenario of teachers following a manual or online/  telephone helpline adequate for safety protection?

What kinds of hazards exist with these kilns?

Thank you!

---

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--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas