10
TESTING SAUNA HEATER
1. After sauna heater has been properly
wired, according to appropriate wiring
diagram and local codes, turn sauna
breaker on in the main breaker panel.
(Note! Electrician must label “sauna”
breaker.)
2. Turn thermostatic (heat) control to
“on” position. The indicator light will
come on to show that the sauna is
heating. Set timer to 10 or 15 minutes.
3. Within 5-minutes, you should be able
to feel heat from heater elements
when holding your hand over heater.
4. If sauna does not heat, refer to
troubleshooting information.
5. It is normal for smoke to appear
during the first heating, as protective
element coating needs to burn off.
Turn sauna on for 1-hour before using
the first time, to eliminate smoking.
TROUBLESHOOTING
A. If sauna does not operate after initial
installation and wiring:
1. Check breaker to be sure that it is on.
Also, breaker should be correct size.
2. Check circuit breaker in contactor to
be sure that it has not been shorted
out.
3. Be sure that thermostat and timer are
both in on position.
B. If sauna does not operate after initial
installation and wiring:
1. Check breaker to make sure it is on.
2. Check high limit reset button in heater
(reset is under the heater) to see if it
has been released.
3. Call your electrician or service person
for further help.
NOTE! A ground fault interrupter (GFI)
should not be installed in and does not
belong in a sauna. If used, the breaker will
trip, and damage could result.
C. If sauna heater operates, but sauna
room does not come up to sauna
temperature (160-185°F, (70-85°C))
normal temperature:
1. You must allow at least 30-minutes for
Sauna heat-up time.
2. Is sauna thermometer located 6”
from ceiling, and is it above or close
to sauna heater? (This is proper
location for sauna temperature
reading.) Thermometer readings vary
with room heights and location. For
example, 180 °F (82 °C) above sauna
heater = 165 °F (74 °C) on opposite
wall = 140°F (60 °C) on upper bench
level = 120 °F (49 °C) on lower bench
level = 100 °F (38°C) at floor level.
3. Check for proper wire size, amp
size, and proper wiring (according
to diagrams and information) also
necessary copper wiring.
4. Check for placement of stones to make
sure they are loosely spaced around
elements, to ensure good air flow.
Stones packed too tightly will restrict
air flow and reduce heating capacity.
5. Check for heat loss (around or under
door or around ceiling light).
6. Is room properly insulated.
7. Is ceiling higher than 7’?
8. After checking all the above, remove
rocks and check heater elements for
holes or burned areas. (Only if heater
has been in use for some time.)
CAUTION! ELECTRICIAN OR
SERVICE PERSON!
1. Before servicing heater, control, or
contactor, turn power off at breaker!
2. Open junction box to make sure wires
are tightly secured with no loose
connections. Heater wire and all
connecting wires should be copper.
3. Check for burned spots or short in
wiring of timer or thermostat.
Warranty on parts is void if installer/
electrician fails to follow necessary wiring
information provided or fails to follow
code for proper wire size, amperage, etc.
