I need a 2000 watt transistor for a kiln

[Capernicus]

Can someone please find a 2000 watt transistor for me with a price on it I can order on the internet.
I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to transistors,  I don't buy many.

So are 2000 watt transistors expensive or are they cheap?

[hamster_nz]

Can someone please find a 2000 watt transistor for me with a price on it I can order on the internet.
I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to transistors,  I don't buy many.

So are 2000 watt transistors expensive or are they cheap?

I think you want a Solid State Relay (SSR) for that sort of thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_relay

[Capernicus]

Thanks that would be good.   but I need an analogue amplification because I need to do the ramp up and ramp down circuit.
If I just use a relay, I probably could use log relays and switch the power on a bus,  but doing it on one line would be a lot smaller circuit.

I want to do it without a microcontroller as well.  I know arduino would handle it pretty easily, but I want to do it old school.

[pqass]

Couldn't you "ramp up and ramp down" the kiln using an off-the-shelf triac dimmer?  No need to make.

[Capernicus]

Couldn't you "ramp up and ramp down" the kiln using an off-the-shelf triac dimmer?  No need to make.

How much does it cost?  Is there a page where I can buy one?

[TimNJ]

Crydom has a variety of SSRs with built in circuitry control to handle a variety of input signals, i.e. from a thermocouple/RTD, 4-20mA, etc. I think some have ramp rate control and things like that.

Or, just get a proper PID controller with an internal relay or external relay of your choosing. Some PID controllers have jumper programming (or digital selection) of ‘relay type’. If you select SSR as your relay type, usually it will allow a faster minimum on/off period for better, more accurate control.

Unless you want to design the controller itself?

[Capernicus]

So are some relays not just full on full off, some do the range of the output as well with a electrical signal input?

[pqass]

Couldn't you "ramp up and ramp down" the kiln using an off-the-shelf triac dimmer?  No need to make.

How much does it cost?  Is there a page where I can buy one?

I don't know where you could buy it in Australia.  Your local big-box hardware retailer?
I would get one from a reputable manufacturer; one with the proper certifications.  Not Aliexpress.

However, if you need to set and maintain a specific temperature, that's a different beast altogether. 

I'm assuming that your kiln is attached to wall power (240VAC).  Doesn't it already come with a thermostat?

[Capernicus]

Its fully home made.
I'm just going to use a toaster wire, at 24 ohm, should get me 10 amps.
Just the problem is i'm worried if my kitty litter cant take the thermal shock, so I need to ramp it instead of just blasting it on straight away.

Then that should be the whole thing handled.

I don't know what the temperature is going to be, I'm just making sure its at least 900 degrees in there, (so the full 2000 watts should do it.) cause I'm making some metal infused rock for my robot army.

[Dubbie]

lol

I think the best idea is to buy an ebay PID controller with matching SSR.

Something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265163167481?hash=item3dbcf4d6f9:g:xs4AAOSwly1gogj7&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4Ch6AHRoqu0QJEyKGyMnv1RFElySM0h07UV4dJ8LbCEUow3t0LU4TP%2Fr2J42A7uMbLAIVnRsY2V1GVnqzqXuVuhSIWmoqzlHsfFgYsLxUKyJbrm6Tq01GAGAIvbCE8LKcownXWHgTHG1M7wmzRHM65SZA%2BeefS3t3MUJJmjjUsX7GJg6%2B29vqLeAWMCnZ0ZyFQ%2BNonc8w2gJlQo3bgYVX3rWVFMlwH8SJwzR7Am5LUEQ%2BIoEkw4wTEomucgDeAaeaw59%2BpUZ5zsFySbEhsW%2Fe%2BNSLmjgVbjxYPEUwi6VqxCI%7Ctkp%3ABFBM2Nb3pptg

You can find a youtube tutorial to follow on setting everything up.

It really sounds like you don't know what you are doing so I suggest getting a friend with electrical experience to help make sure everything is wired up safely.

[Capernicus]

That looks really nice.  thats in my temperature range too.
The price is good as well thanks!

[pqass]

Oh I see.

I think you'd still want to set/maintain a temperature; you can't let it go uncontrolled.
What you are looking for is a "PID Temperature Controller".
It turns on/off an SSR based on the readings from a thermocouple.

Commerical units look like this: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=kiln+pid+temperature+controller&source=lnms&tbm=shop
The kit should consist of a controller, thermocouple, and SSR.  Again, I'm not sure where you can locally buy a certified unit.

If you want to try your hand at building see: https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/MrRoboto19/electric-kiln-controller-f5c633

[John B]

So we're skipping fake Fotek brand relays and going straight to Fqfer brand relays??

Expect to pay around $50-$100 for a genuine device.

[Capernicus]

so do the cheap relays burn out?   
Do you they just make shit technology on purpose?   

[pqass]

so do the cheap relays burn out?   
Do you they just make shit technology on purpose?   

There are a lot of cheap fakes that burn-out at the very least or are a fire hazard.
They may seem fine if you don't push too much current through them but if you expect them to work at close to rated, they fail.
You must provide good heatsinking at high currents.
Buy SSRs from a reputable distributor.

FQFER exposed! https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/warning-dont-buy-fotek-solid-state-relays/msg3606633/#msg3606633

[jonpaul]

Hello..

On/ off use a contacter not SSR
Proportionnelle control

Manuel with Variac
Electronic control via triac and temp sensor / controller, all off the  shelf.

Beware a 2KW kiln DIY will be a fire and electrical hazard.

Get a very good fire insurance policy!

Bon chance

Jon

[BeBuLamar]

So are some relays not just full on full off, some do the range of the output as well with a electrical signal input?

There are the device called "Phase Angle Controller" which would change the output with a varying voltage input (0-10VDC). You want 2000W so they do have 20A ones that would provide 2000W with 120VAC.
They are relatively more expensive than the "Solid State Relay" that only turn on an off. However, for heating you can use a pulsing input to simulate varying power. That is if you want half the heater power you can turn the heater on for 1/2 sec and off for 1/2 sec. With solid state relay there is no problem turning them on an off that frequently.

[BeBuLamar]

A standard lamp dimmer would be inexpensive works well except that it's hard to find a 2000W one. Most only rated for 600W.

[themadhippy]

If you go down the dimmer route  look in the entertainment world,2kw dimmers with 0-10v control  are almost a jellybean part,and with the move to LED can be found on the second hand market for peanuts,only issue is there most common in 6 channel,but hey  you get 5 spares