Electrical panel in sauna room?

[David56]

I would like to build a sauna in a walkin closet that is in my garage. It has an existing sub electrical panel in the wall currently. Can I leave it in a dry sauna room?
Thanks!

 

[Little Bill]

I am allowing this as it's only a code question. No "how to" replies please.

 

[LarryFine]

I wouldn't want to regularly expose the panel to that much humidity.

 

[suemarkp]

Our sauna isn't humid, but it is hot. Interior temperature is typically 120F (you can set it up to 140F). Seems to me putting a panel in a dry sauna is like putting a panel in a hot attic or on a southern exterior wall in a hot sunny climate. The high ambient could cause breakers to trip that don't normally trip. Not sure if it would lower the life of anything. GFCI/AFCI breakers may have a shorter life from the heat.

 

[jaggedben]

I wouldn't want to regularly expose the panel to that much humidity.

Or heat.

 

[retirede]

I wouldn't want to regularly expose the panel to that much humidity.

Unless it’s a steam sauna, the relative humidity drops as it heats up. Still doesn’t mean it’s a good place for a panel!

 

[rc/retired]

I don't see where the NEC prohibits the installation in a dry sauna.

Ron

 

[jaggedben]

The temp inside a dry sauna according to google can be 200 degrees F. That is just not a suitable location for your typical electrical equipment. If I were the inspector I would ask for documentation from the manufacturer that it's safe to install in such an ambient temp or else fail it citing 110.3(A)(1) and (5).

 

[letgomywago]

Not trying to break into how to but

Is it possible for you to hire an electrician to move the panel? A junction box I wouldn't worry about but the breakers function in a manner similar to thermostats to trip on overload.

Is there some way to do an outdoor sauna for you vs doing this right in the panel area?

 

[retirede]

The temp inside a dry sauna according to google can be 200 degrees F. That is just not a suitable location for your typical electrical equipment. If I were the inspector I would ask for documentation from the manufacturer that it's safe to install in such an ambient temp or else fail it citing 110.3(A)(1) and (5).

175F is the highest I can tolerate. I’m sure there are folks hardier then me who might be able to go higher. It’s definitely too hot for standard electrical equipment.

 

[PaulMmn]

Doesn't a dry sauna have a pile of hot rocks and you dash a scoop of water over the rocks every now and then? Not as dry as you think!

 

[retirede]

Doesn't a dry sauna have a pile of hot rocks and you dash a scoop of water over the rocks every now and then? Not as dry as you think!

That makes it a steam sauna.
Many of the popular ones sold today are infrared. Definitely no steam.