1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater. Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use. Retain this manual for future reference.
Image 1.1: Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater. This image displays the complete sauna heater unit, featuring a maroon-colored casing, a stainless steel base, and a top basket filled with sauna stones.
Product Overview
The Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B is an 8kW electric sauna heater designed for sauna rooms up to 425 cubic feet. It features durable stainless steel heating elements and interior construction, suitable for both wet and dry sauna environments. The unit includes built-in controls for convenient operation.
- Power Output: 8 kW
- Voltage: 240V, Single Phase
- Amperage: 33.3 Amps
- Wire Gauge: 8 Gauge (minimum)
- Maximum Sauna Room Size: 425 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 24" H x 16" W x 11" D
- Material: Durable Stainless Steel interior and heating elements
- Controls: Built-in 60-minute timer, thermostat, and 1-8 hour preset timer
- Safety Features: Triple-Wall Safety design reduces surface temperatures for enhanced safety.
- Certification: ETL(us) Certified
2. Safety Instructions
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock and Fire. Installation must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with all national and local electrical codes.
- Do not operate the heater without sauna stones properly placed in the stone compartment.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the sauna room as specified by sauna construction guidelines.
- Keep flammable materials away from the heater. Maintain minimum clearances as specified in the installation instructions.
- Never pour excessive water over the hot stones. Use only small amounts of water to create steam.
- Do not use the sauna heater for purposes other than heating a sauna room.
- Regularly inspect the heater and wiring for any signs of damage or wear.
- Disconnect power before performing any maintenance or service.
- This heater is not intended for use on Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected circuits unless specifically approved by local electrical codes and the manufacturer. Consult a qualified electrician.
3. Installation
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the heater from its packaging. Inspect for any shipping damage. Report any damage immediately to the carrier and your supplier. Ensure all components are present: heater unit, sauna stones (45 lbs), and this instruction manual.
3.2 Location and Mounting
The heater should be mounted on a non-combustible wall surface within the sauna room. Ensure adequate clearance from walls and benches as per local building codes and manufacturer specifications (refer to detailed installation diagrams in the full manual, if available). The unit dimensions are 16" W x 11" D x 24" H.
3.3 Electrical Connection
WARNING: Electrical installation must be performed by a licensed electrician.
- The heater requires a 240V, single-phase electrical supply.
- A dedicated circuit with a minimum 33.3 Amp capacity is required.
- Use a minimum of 8-gauge wire for the electrical connection.
- Ensure all wiring connections are secure and comply with national and local electrical codes.
- Do not connect this heater to a GFCI circuit unless explicitly permitted by local codes and verified by a qualified electrician.
3.4 Sauna Stone Placement
Place the included 45 lbs of igneous sauna stones into the heater's stone compartment. Arrange them loosely to allow for proper air circulation. Do not pack stones too tightly. Ensure stones cover the heating elements completely but do not obstruct the air vents.
3.5 Temperature Sensor Placement
The temperature sensor's placement is critical for accurate sauna temperature control. While a standard placement is often near the ceiling, if the sauna does not reach desired temperatures on the benches, consider adjusting the sensor to a slightly lower position on the wall. Consult your full installation manual for recommended sensor locations.
4. Operation
4.1 Controls Overview
The Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B features built-in controls located at the base of the heater. These include a thermostat dial and a timer dial.
Image 4.1: Close-up of the control dials on the Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater. The image shows two rotary dials, one for temperature control (labeled 'max') and one for timer settings, along with a reset button indication.
- Thermostat Dial: Adjusts the desired sauna temperature. Turn clockwise to increase temperature.
- Timer Dial: Sets the operating time. The heater includes a 60-minute operating timer and an 8-hour preset timer.
- To operate immediately: Turn the timer dial past the 60-minute mark, then back to the desired operating time (e.g., 30-60 minutes).
- To preset a future start time: Turn the timer dial to the desired preset duration (e.g., 1-8 hours). The heater will start after this preset time has elapsed and then operate for up to 60 minutes.
4.2 Initial Start-Up
After installation and stone placement, turn on the main power supply to the heater. Set the thermostat to maximum and the timer to a short duration (e.g., 30 minutes) for the initial burn-in. Some smoke and odor may occur during the first use as manufacturing residues burn off. Ensure good ventilation during this period.
4.3 Regular Use
- Ensure the sauna room is clear of any obstructions.
- Turn on the main power supply to the heater.
- Set the desired temperature using the thermostat dial.
- Set the desired operating time using the timer dial.
- Allow the heater to preheat the sauna room to your preferred temperature. This typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on room size and insulation.
- For steam, carefully ladle small amounts of water onto the hot sauna stones. Do not pour large quantities of water at once.
- After use, ensure the timer has turned off the heater. If not, manually turn off the heater and the main power supply.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your sauna heater.
- Sauna Stones: Periodically inspect sauna stones (at least once a year). Replace any cracked, crumbling, or discolored stones. Rearrange stones to ensure good air circulation and full coverage of heating elements.
- Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the heater with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the heater is cool and disconnected from power before cleaning.
- Electrical Connections: Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical connections annually to ensure they remain secure and free from corrosion.
- Ventilation: Ensure sauna room ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Heater does not turn on. | No power supply; timer not set correctly; thermostat set too low; tripped circuit breaker. | Check main power switch and circuit breaker. Ensure timer is set for immediate operation or correct preset. Increase thermostat setting. If circuit breaker trips repeatedly, consult a qualified electrician. |
| Heater turns on but does not heat sufficiently. | Thermostat set too low; insufficient sauna stones; stones packed too tightly; improper temperature sensor placement; sauna room too large for heater capacity; poor sauna room insulation. | Increase thermostat setting. Ensure 45 lbs of stones are used and arranged loosely for air circulation. Adjust temperature sensor placement (e.g., lower on the wall). Verify sauna room volume is within 425 cubic feet. Check sauna room insulation. |
| Circuit breaker trips repeatedly. | Overload; short circuit; faulty wiring; heater malfunction; incorrect wiring for GFCI circuit. | Immediately discontinue use and consult a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to reset the breaker repeatedly without identifying the cause. This heater is not designed for GFCI circuits unless explicitly approved by local codes and a professional electrician. |
| Smoke or unusual odor during initial use. | Manufacturing residues burning off. | This is normal during the first few uses. Ensure good ventilation. If smoke or odor persists after several uses, discontinue use and contact support. |
7. Specifications
Image 7.1: Specifications table for the Finlandia FLB-80 Sauna Heater. This table details power rating, size capacity, material, rock capacity, dimensions, voltage, amperage, heater weight, and control features.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FLB-80/KIP-80B (054-FLB) |
| Power Rating | 8 kW |
| Size Capacity | 250 to 425 cubic feet |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Rock Capacity | 45 lbs of igneous stones (included) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 24" x 16" x 11" |
| Voltage | 240V AC, Single Phase |
| Amperage | 33.3 Amps |
| Heater Weight | 49.2 pounds (product) |
| Controls | Built-in 60-minute timer, thermostat, and 8-hour preset timer |
| Certification | ETL(us) Certified |
8. Warranty
The Finlandia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater comes with a 5-year warranty covering parts and performance. This warranty ensures peace of mind and reliable operation for years to come. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the official warranty documentation provided with your purchase or visit the manufacturer's website.
Image 8.1: A badge indicating a 5-year warranty, symbolizing the product's reliability and manufacturer support.
9. Support
For technical assistance, spare parts, or warranty claims, please contact your authorized Finlandia dealer or the manufacturer directly. Have your product model number (FLB-80/KIP-80B) and purchase date available when contacting support.
Manufacturer: Finlandia
Website: www.finlandiasauna.com
