Residential Sauna

Status
Not open for further replies.

iand74

Member
I'm wiring a residential sauna. I haven't found anything in the code about saunas. Does anyone have any experience/advice?

The sauna is a new 9x6 addition to the house. I haven't seen it yet but i think the entrance to the sauna is outside.

I'm wondering about:

1. Disconnecting means
2. Receptacle requirements
3. Anything else anyone has run into.

Thanks for any advice.
 
If sauna is listed self contained then any mfgr instructions trump Ch 1-4 otherwise it is just a room that happens to have higher ambient temperature than most.
 
Might have to use correction factor to size wire if over 86 degrees F where wiring is in a heated zone. Also, the exterior door may need a switch and light if from exterior. Also, probably have to derate branch circuit; more than 3 wires in pipe, or continuous use...

I'd think a damp location fixture would be needed.
 
I can't point to 'code rules,' but I can tell you what I've seen.

First, while I assume 'suana' to mean a very hot, dry room, some folks use the term to descrive a 'steam bath.' So, your first call is whether the location is wet or not. IMO, an otherwise dry place that has some hot rocks folks might pour water on to make a flash of steam don't make the location 'wet.'

From here on, when I say 'sauna' I mean the dry type.

The only wiring I've ever seen that was actually inside the room was the whip feeding the heat unit. Personally, I would use sealtight (because of that water splash issue). The PVC jacket has to get to about 220F before it starts to break down; your sauna will almost never have the ambient exceed 160F.

That issue - heat- and the associated personnel safety risk is why every sauna I've seen has the heat controlled by a twist-knob timer on the outside of the unit. It just won't do for someone to pass out and cook inside. There's also -usually- a pilot light on the outside to indicate 'heat on.'

The light fixtures are metal/glass enclosed types, with the body of the fixture outsied the sauna; only the face is exposed to the heat. For example, a recessed 'can' with a shower trim.

Ever sit on a hot nail head? Well, if you have you will understand why I say that I do not believe you will need to make any effort to 'ground' the unit itself. Everything is plain wood. (Naturally, the heating unit will be grounded in the usual manner)
 
What i have done in the past is a disconnect because it is a separate structure, GFCI protection, all covers inside to be water tight, fixtures to be rated for wet location. Did I say GFCI protection?

also, if it is a factory unit then it probably has instructions.
 
What i have done in the past is a disconnect because it is a separate structure, GFCI protection, all covers inside to be water tight, fixtures to be rated for wet location. Did I say GFCI protection?

also, if it is a factory unit then it probably has instructions.

Is it a wet locaion? Water may be poured on hot rocks but that is no more of a wet location than a boiling pot of water on the stove in a kitchen - do you use wet location equipment in the kitchens you work on?

GFCI may or may not be required. Separate structure on same property as a dwelling and GFCI is likely required just like any other structure.

Disconnect required - depends on the installation. Separate structure then yes.

Heating unit - see article 422, maybe 424, and unit instructions.
 
I would be looking for compliance with the installation instructions, listing and labeling instructions per ANSI/UL 875, and general Chapter 1-4 practices...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top