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At Blackout Electric, we’ve noticed a growing trend in home sauna installations. With more homeowners investing in this luxury, we’ve had the opportunity to complete several sauna wiring projects over the years. If you’re considering adding a sauna to your home, it’s essential to hire a licensed and insured electrician for the installation. This isn’t just about keeping our business running—it’s about ensuring your safety and protecting your home.
Installing a sauna involves handling high-voltage electrical components, which must be correctly wired to prevent potential hazards like electrical fires or malfunctions. In this post, we’ll go over what’s involved in wiring your new sauna and why trusting a professional is the best decision for your safety and peace of mind.
A sauna is an enclosed space designed to generate high temperatures using various heating methods, such as electric heaters, infrared panels, or wood-burning stoves. These controlled heat sources create a warm environment that encourages perspiration, making saunas a popular choice for relaxation and potential health benefits.
Proper Ventilation – Adequate airflow is necessary for safety and comfort.
Temperature Control – Overheating can lead to dizziness, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.
Health Precautions – Individuals with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or those taking certain medications should consult a healthcare provider before sauna use.
Hydration – Drinking plenty of water before and after use helps prevent dehydration.
Electrical Safety – For electrically powered saunas, professional installation by a licensed electrician ensures compliance with safety regulations and prevents electrical hazards.
When it comes to home sauna options, infrared and dry saunas are among the most popular choices for homeowners. While both provide a heated environment for relaxation, they differ in how they generate heat and their overall experience.
Infrared saunas use specialized heating elements, such as infrared light bulbs or panels, to emit infrared energy. This energy directly penetrates the body, creating warmth from within rather than simply heating the surrounding air. Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, making them a preferred option for individuals who find intense heat overwhelming.
Dry saunas, also known as traditional saunas, rely on heating sources like electric heaters or wood-burning stoves to warm the enclosed space. Unlike infrared saunas, dry saunas heat the air, which in turn warms the body. The temperature in a dry sauna is generally higher than in an infrared sauna, often ranging between 150°F and 195°F.
Both infrared and electric dry saunas require a dedicated electrical connection for operation. Wood-burning dry saunas, on the other hand, do not rely on electricity but require proper ventilation and placement to ensure safe use.
Before installing a sauna, it’s essential to ensure your electrical system can handle the additional load. A licensed and insured electrician will assess your current panel to determine whether an upgrade is necessary.
In many cases, if your electrical panel has sufficient capacity and available breaker space, an upgrade won’t be required. Most residential panels can accommodate a sauna installation, provided they are not already operating at maximum capacity.
If your panel is fully loaded or lacks the necessary capacity to power your sauna, an electrician may recommend one of the following solutions:
Installing a Sub-Panel – If your main panel has adequate overall capacity but lacks breaker space, a sub-panel can be added to accommodate the new circuit.
Upgrading to a 200-Amp Panel – If your existing panel cannot support the additional electrical demand, upgrading to a 200-amp panel may be necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation.
A professional electrician will evaluate your home’s electrical system to determine the best course of action, ensuring your sauna operates safely without overloading your existing infrastructure.
When searching for a reliable electrician, call us at (360) 818-3120. We specialize in electrical repairs, indoor and outdoor lighting installations, panel upgrades, and even hot tub wiring!
