kiln elements lid versus sides

[BarbWaggs]

We have a studio with 200 members and run 7 kilns daily. One kiln, Olympic GF12E, we use the lid elements at 6 out of 10 temp. Our kiln team has been having a discussion on whether we should be running the lid at full power. When we try the pieces get over fired pieces at top full fuse temp 1460. We did have one piece 24 x 24 double layer with decorative layer on a contour fuse 1400 crack, but not sure why.  We have about a 95% success rate on our firings so no immediate concerns. Hoping to hear from others who might use this commercial grade kiln and your thoughts.

 

Barb