Saunas are relaxing spaces offering many health benefits, such as muscle relaxation, stress reduction, detoxification, and improved blood circulation. If you plan to install a sauna in your home, selecting the right heater and understanding the sauna's electrical requirements is crucial. 

The sauna heater is one of the most important elements of a sauna. A secure sauna session depends on selecting the correct heater size. You will need electrical hookups or wood sources for your steam therapy sessions, depending on which sauna heater you choose. Your sauna requires a dedicated electrical circuit to power the heater and other components.

Forever saunas use Harvia KIP and HUUM Drop heaters. This article will discuss everything you need about Forever Sauna's electrical requirements. Keep reading to learn more.

Understanding Harvia KIP Heaters

Harvia KIP heaters are popular electric sauna heaters manufactured by Harvia, a leading Finnish company specializing in sauna products. The Harvia brand has been well-renowned in the sauna world for decades. The brand has made a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of durable and reliable electric sauna heaters.

The Harvia KIP heater series is made to offer sauna enthusiasts an efficient and enjoyable sauna experience. These heaters come with advanced features and high-quality construction.

Features of Harvia KIP Heaters

The following are critical features of Harvia KIP heaters.

Durable Construction

Harvia KIP heaters are known for their robust construction. They are constructed with high-quality stainless steel, ensuring resistance to rust and a long lifespan. Their rugged construction makes them ideal for both commercial and residential sauna environments.

Their exterior is polished for extra aesthetic beauty. Also, their stylish appearance blends well with various sauna interiors, enhancing the overall ambiance of the sauna space.

Built-In Controls

Harvia KIP heaters are equipped with user-friendly control, making it easy to adjust temperature settings. Some models feature built-in thermostats and timers, enabling you to set precise temperatures and schedule your sauna sessions in advance for added convenience.

Efficient Heating

A reliable sauna heater should heat the sauna quickly and efficiently, which Harvia KIP heaters have been designed to do. Their large stone capacity allows optimal heat storage and distribution, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable sauna experience while minimizing energy consumption.

Safety Features

Safety is essential in sauna heating, and Harvia KIP heaters incorporate several safety features, such as temperature limiters, to prevent your sauna from overheating and ensure a safe sauna experience.

Electrical Requirements for the 6 KW and 8 KW Models

You will want to ensure that a qualified electrician does all electrical wiring. The heater will require 220v and must be hard-wired to the electrical box.

If your sauna comes with a 6.0kw heater, it will require a 30-amp breaker and 10/2 wire unless it is positioned more than 30 feet from the breaker, which will require an 8/2 wire. If it comes with an 8.0kw heater, it will need a 40-amp breaker and 8/2 wire.

The electrician will drill a hole in the wall of the sauna below the heater for the conduit to enable all wirings to come into the sauna. Be sure to use copper wire with 90C insulation and avoid using aluminum wire to make the connection.

HUUM Drop Heaters

HUUM DROP electric sauna heaters are inspired by the purest element of nature – a drop of water. Their sleek and rounded design adds a touch of elegance to any sauna interior. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these heaters boast several outstanding features.

They can accommodate up to 55 kg of stones, more than most wood-burning heaters. They provide gentle and long-lasting steam and come with durable stainless steel details.

Electrical Requirements for the 7.5 KW and 9 KW Models

A qualified electrician should perform electrical installations for both 7.5 kW and 9 kW models to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes and regulations. The 7.5 kW and 9 kW models will need a power supply of 240V. 

A 7.5kW sauna heater operating on 240V typically requires around 31.25 amps, while a 9kW sauna heater using 240V usually requires around 37.5 amps.

Sauna heaters with a 7.5kW output are typically suitable for small to medium-sized saunas that comfortably accommodate 1 to 4 people. On the other hand, Sauna heaters with a 9kW output are ideal for medium to large saunas that can accommodate 4 to 8 people comfortably.

Determining Electrical Load Capacity

If you plan to install a sauna in your home, you will want to know its power consumption. All electrical systems have specific load limits to prevent overloading and potential hazards such as equipment damage and electrical fires.

By determining the electrical load capacity for your sauna, you can avoid exceeding the capacity of your electrical circuits and wiring, reducing the risk of electrical accidents. Also, determining the electrical load capacity enhances the efficiency and proper functioning of your home's sauna and electrical system.

Factors to Consider When Determining Electrical Load Capacity

Consider the following when determining your sauna's electrical load capacity.

Heater Wattage

The wattage rating of the sauna heater indicates how much electrical power the heater consumes to generate heat. Heaters come in various wattage options, such as 6kW, 8kW, and 9kW. You will want to choose a heater with a wattage appropriate for the size of your sauna and the number of users it will accommodate.

Higher-wattage heaters are suitable for larger saunas with more users because they generate more heat. However, they require more electrical power.

Additional Electrical Components

When determining the electrical load capacity, it is essential to consider other additional sauna components that require power. Some elements to consider are ventilation systems, lighting, audio systems, and digital control panels. You will want to sum up the wattage requirements of these sauna components and add them to the heater wattage to determine the total electrical load.

Safety Measures

Saunas present unique safety considerations because of high humidity levels and temperatures. Ensuring all electrical components are rated for use in saunas is essential. All connections should be well-insulated and secure. You will want to follow safety guidelines and codes to prevent electrical hazards.

Consulting with an Electrician

As mentioned, saunas involve unique electrical requirements and safety considerations due to the high humidity levels and temperatures, making it crucial to have a professional handle the installation. Consulting with a qualified electrician ensures your sauna operates smoothly and you can enjoy a relaxing experience.

An electrician can inspect the entire sauna electrical system to understand its capacity, safety features, and wiring layout. Their assessment can help identify areas that need attention. They will calculate the total electrical load of the existing system, considering all the connected devices. 

If necessary, the electrician can upgrade wiring and circuits to handle the additional power requirements of your sauna. For instance, they can install higher amperage circuits or use larger gauge wiring to minimize voltage drop and ensure efficient power delivery. After making installations and adjustments, they can conduct thorough testing and verification to ensure the electrical system works efficiently and safely.

Importance of Complying with Local Electrical Codes and Regulations

The primary objective of electrical codes and regulations is to ensure the safety of individuals and properties. Saunas usually operate at high temperatures and humidity levels, which can create potential risks to users. Complying with electrical codes and regulations minimizes potential electrical hazards.

Saunas have a humid environment because of the high temperatures and steam. It is essential to ensure electrical components in the sauna are moisture-resistant and rated for use in such conditions to prevent damage and enhance continued safe operation.

In addition, complying with electrical codes gives you peace of mind, knowing that your sauna is installed correctly and safely, reducing concerns about electrical malfunctions.

Safety Considerations

The following are safety considerations when installing and using sauna heaters.

Ventilation

Proper sauna ventilation enhances air circulation and helps prevent excessive humidity buildup. Therefore, it is vital to ensure your sauna has good ventilation.

Professional Installation

Having a sauna professional or qualified electrician install the sauna heater is an essential safety consideration because they are well-versed in the specific electrical requirements and safety guidelines for sauna heaters. The heater should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring it is placed securely and away from combustible materials.

Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is crucial when installing and using sauna heaters. It helps contain the heat within the sauna space, preventing it from escaping to the surrounding areas. This reduces the risk of injuries or accidental burns by ensuring the floors, exterior walls, and ceilings remain at safe and comfortable temperatures.

Conclusion

The wattage rating of the heater is crucial in determining the electrical load. You will want to ensure that a qualified electrician handles the installation of the sauna heater and all electrical components. Using the correct sauna heater size ensures your sauna reaches and maintains the desired temperature efficiently and safely.

For a comfortable sauna experience, consider our Forever Saunas products. Contact us with any questions, and we will be happy to help.