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4. USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE HEATER
WARNINGS:
The Kastor heater is intended for heating a family sauna to normal bathing temperatures, and it
must not be used for any other purpose. Check the steam room before switching on the heater. Beware of the
hot heater to avoid skin burns from the stones and metal parts at operating temperatures. Care is mandated in
the heater's vicinity as well – particularly due to the risk of slipping. When throwing water on the heater,
protect yourself from hot water droplets and the steam generated in the process. Parents must look after their
children in the sauna and make sure that the instructions are followed. The heater controls must not be touched
immediately after throwing water (because of the hot steam). Never throw too much water on the stones to
prevent excessive steam generation. The heater must not be covered or used without stones. Unhindered air
flow must be ensured particularly behind the heater. Never hang any flammable objects such as clothes or
carpets above or near the heater to avoid the risk of fire. This heater has not been designed for use with sea
water. Only one electric heater may be installed per steam room. Check that the heater is properly fixed in
place before heating it. After heating make sure that the heater timer has turned off the power supply at the
pre-set time. If you have any problems or questions during the warranty period, please contact the
manufacturer prior to performing any repairs. Use gloves during servicing and cleaning to protect your hands.
Remove any stickers and plastic packaging prior to first use!
4.1. Cleaning the soapstone mantle (Stone models)
Clean the heater only when it is cold. Use a mild dishwashing liquid solution for regular cleaning. Stains can
be removed by rubbing with a cloth dipped in dishwashing liquid. Let the liquid take effect and rinse
thoroughly. It is advisable to remove stains as soon as they appear.
4.2. Heater stones
The heater must not be used without heater stones. We recommend traditional heater stones (e.g. peridotite or
olivine) supplied from a quarry. A suitable stone size for electric sauna heaters is 5 to 10 cm. If you want
moist and long-lasting steam, mix in a few soap stones. They go to the bottom of the stone chamber. The
stones must be washed with a brush before use. Check the condition of the stones at least twice a year. Any
aggregate material falling off the stone chamber is a sign of erosion.
4.3. Stocking the stone chamber
The core of the stone chamber should be stacked with larger right up to the surface layer. Use smaller stones at
the top towards the edges. Take care to ensure that no stones fall through the supports onto the heating
elements because the impact may destroy the coils prematurely. The stones must not extend higher than 1 cm
above the edge of the heater mantle. If the top stones tend to remain wet, there are too many stones or they are
too small.
4.4. First heating
The first heating is performed at maximum temperature while ensuring efficient ventilation to burn off any
impurities in the stones and coils, which may produce some smoke.
4.5. Preheating
Preheating means the time required for heating the steam room to the desired bathing temperature. This
depends on the desired temperature (position of the temperature sensor), the amount of stones in the heater, the
steam room volume and its cladding material. The fewer stones you use, the quicker the room heats up, but a
smaller amount of stones gives a less satisfying steam output. Usually preheating takes
40 to 70 minutes.
The
heater stones take longer to heat up than the room itself, so you should not enter the sauna too soon.
4.6. Using the heater
The heater is operated using a separate CC control panel.
4.6.1. Main circuit breaker
In the 6, 8 and 10 kW heaters, the main circuit breaker is located under the junction box next to the power
supply cable sleeve. In the 12.5 and 15 kW heaters, it is located in the relay box next to the power supply cable
sleeve. Switch off the power with the main circuit breaker only if the sauna is not to be used for a longer
period of time. If you do so, the control panel memory is cleared.
