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Electric Sauna Installation Guide

Overview

This guide will help you understand the key steps and requirements for installing your sauna heater safely and in accordance with typical electrical standards. Please share this information with your electrician before installation begins.

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Power Supply & Wiring

  1. Main Connection

    • Your sauna heater requires a dedicated circuit from the electrical switchboard.

    • Depending on the distance from the main switchboard, a sub-board (sub-panel) may be installed closer to the sauna.

  2. Isolator Switch

    • An isolator switch (e.g., a 40A isolator) can be placed near the sauna.

    • This allows for quick and safe disconnection of power to the heater for maintenance or in an emergency.

  3. Cable Specifications

    • From Sub-board to Sauna: A 10mm² (2C+E) TPS cable is recommended.

      • “2C+E” means it has two conductors (active and neutral) plus an earth wire.

    • From Main Switchboard to Sub-board: A 16mm² NS (Neutral-Screened) cable is commonly used to handle higher currents over longer distances.

  4. Cable Protection & Routing

    • Surface-Mounted Conduit: Cables are typically run in heavy-duty conduit for protection and clipped to timber or another sturdy surface.

    • Underground Option: If desired or required, cables may be buried underground, but it is not mandatory if the surface-mount method is used.

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Grounding & Safety

  • Built-In Earth Wire:

    • The TPS cable includes an earth wire. No additional grounding of the cable itself is necessary beyond connecting to the sauna heater’s earth terminal and ensuring the overall electrical system is properly earthed.

  • Circuit Protection:

    • Ensure the sauna circuit is protected by the correct type and rating of circuit breaker (and RCD, if required by local codes).

 

Distance Considerations

  • Sauna Location:

    • If the sauna is far from the main switchboard (e.g., 50 meters), installing a sub-board closer to the sauna (about 10–15 meters away) can simplify the cable run.

  • Cable Runs:

    • The total cable length to the sauna can be broken down into:

      1. Main Switchboard to Sub-board (if used)

      2. Sub-board to Sauna

 

Heater Connection Details

  1. Cable Entry

    • The 10mm² cable from the isolator (or sub-board) will enter the sauna through the floor of the sauna, by drilling a hole where necessary.

    • Ensure the hole is sized correctly and sealed to protect against moisture or pests.

  2. Terminal Block

    • The sauna heater has a built-in terminal block with labelled connection points:

      • Earth (Ground): Marked with the earth symbol (typically green/yellow wire).

      • Neutral (N): Marked “N” (typically blue wire).

      • Active (L1): Marked “L1” (typically brown or red wire).

  3. Securing Wires

    • Loosen the terminal screws, insert each wire into its corresponding terminal, and tighten the screws firmly to ensure a secure connection.

    • Double-check each connection is correct and tight before powering on the heater.

 

Role of the Electrician

  1. Licensed Professional

    • A licensed electrician must carry out all electrical work. This ensures compliance with local regulations and safety standards.

  2. Site Assessment

    • The electrician will determine the best location for any sub-board, the appropriate isolator switch rating, and the cable route.

    • They will also confirm that your existing electrical service can handle the sauna’s power requirements.

  3. Permits & Inspections

    • Depending on local rules, permits or inspections may be required before and after the work is completed.

 

Additional Considerations

  • Maintenance

    • Schedule regular check-ups to ensure all electrical connections remain tight and corrosion-free.

  • Documentation

    • Keep this guide, along with any permits, plans, or inspection certificates, for future reference

 

Summary

By following the steps outlined in this guide—covering power supply, cable selection, conduit protection, grounding, and correct heater connections—you’ll have a safe, efficient sauna setup. Always consult a licensed electrician for any questions or assistance during installation.

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