| It is important to understand a thing or two about
power. Many companies that sell infrared saunas fail to explain
the difference
between wattages, amps and volts, which is vitally important, since
not all infrared saunas are powered in the same way. 15
Amps, 110/120 Volts: that is the key to “standard household” wiring North America.
15amps@110v= 1650 Watts. Infrared saunas that require more wattage
than 1650 watts will more than likely require you to upgrade to
a 20 amp circuit. For electricity standards from around the world click here.
WHAT DO SAUNAS REQUIRE FOR HOME WIRING?
Infrared saunas from many companies,
require
a 20 Amp, 110/120 Volt outlet, which is rarely used as a standard
in North American household wiring. Some homes have 20 Amp outlets in the bathroom,
kitchen and garage, but this limits where the can be
sauna without hiring an electrician to upgrade the customers circuits. 20
amp
circuits require a thicker gauge #12 wire which must be run through
the wall
to the outlet where the sauna will be plugged in. This can get
expensive in a hurry.
BE ON ALERT FOR TWO-PLUG SAUNA WIRING:
Some companies sell infrared saunas requiring TWO 15 amp plugs,
and say "110 volt 15amp, no wiring needed." These companies
regrettably fail to warn that typically ALL of the outlets in
a single room run on the same fuse. The result? In order to operate
the sauna and not trip the circuit breaker, an extension cord would have to be run into another area of the house. We do not
consider this to be a viable—or attractive—solution.
It is important to note "20 Amp 110/120 Volt
- standard household wiring” IS
NOT STANDARD. 20 Amp circuits are usually only
found in the kitchen, bathroom and garage.
WHY IS HOME SAUNA WIRING IMPORTANT?
When buying infrared saunas for your home or business, the question
of location is a critical one. Whether you’re looking for
a home sauna experience, or to improve your business by adding infrared
saunas, it’s important that you be able to install the sauna
in a place that is convenient and desirable. Standard home sauna
wiring is critical to convenient location. Especially for those
looking to make a home sauna purchase, you don't want to be limited
to putting your home sauna in the kitchen or bathroom, where 20Amp
outlets are typically found, if present at all.
WHAT ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK
Ask how many AMPS the sauna requires.
Anything over 15 amps requires a different 20 amp circuit in order
to meet code, and thus insure that you are protected from liability.
Also, make sure you ask how many plugs are required to power the
home sauna. One shouldn't need extension cords all over the house. Also, be sure to ask about electrical
safety certification for any infrared saunas that you consider distributing. Beware there are a number of false certifications being used so be sure to verify the certification number with the authorizing body.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Now that you understand a little bit more many of the fundamentals,
it's time to talk about warranties. Most infrared sauna companies
will include a warranty of some kind, but what they offer can vary
widely.
PLEASE NOTE: The information in
this infrared sauna guide is free to print and distribute as long
as it is not modified in any way. Any publishing of this information
on the Internet does require a link placed back to this site.
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