Harvia Sauna Heater Owner's/Operator's Manual

1. Instructions for Use

1.1. Piling of the Sauna Stones

The way sauna stones are piled significantly affects the heater's performance. Use stones with a diameter of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Only use angular, split-face sauna stones intended for heaters, such as peridotite, olivine-dolerite, and olivine. Avoid light, porous ceramic or soft soapstones, as they do not absorb heat well and can damage heating elements. Wash stones to remove dust before piling them into the heater. Do not drop stones into the heater; place them sparsely to allow air circulation. Avoid forming a high pile of stones or placing objects that could alter airflow within or near the stone space.

1.1.1. Maintenance

Due to temperature variations, sauna stones disintegrate over time. Rearrange stones at least annually, or more often with frequent use. Remove any stone fragments from the heater's bottom and replace disintegrated stones to maintain optimal heating capacity and prevent overheating. Pay attention to the gradual settling of stones, ensuring heating elements remain covered. Stones settle most rapidly in the first two months.

1.2. Heating of the Sauna

During the first use, the heater and stones may emit an odor; ensure the sauna room is well-ventilated to remove it. A properly insulated sauna typically reaches the desired bathing temperature in about an hour, assuming the heater output is suitable for the room size. Sauna stones usually reach bathing temperature concurrently with the room. The recommended sauna room temperature is 149-176 °F (65-80 °C). Always check that no objects are placed on or near the heater before switching it on.

1.2.1. Using the Heater

The heater is controlled via a separate control unit. Refer to the specific control unit's instructions for use.

1.2.2. Throwing Water on Heated Stones

As the sauna air dries during heating, water must be thrown onto the hot stones to achieve comfortable humidity. Experiment to find your preferred heat and steam levels. Use a ladle with a maximum volume of 0.05 gallons (0.2 liters). Excessive water can cause boiling hot water to splash. Never throw water on stones when people are near the heater, as hot steam can cause burns. Use only clean tap water; pool or spa water can produce chlorine gas and damage heating elements. Only use aromas specifically designed for sauna water.

1.3. Instructions for Bathing

• Begin by washing yourself.
• Stay in the sauna as long as you feel comfortable.
• Relax and forget your troubles.
• Avoid disturbing others with loud conversation.
• Do not force others out by throwing excessive water on the stones.
• Cool your skin as needed; a swim is possible if you are in good health and a swimming place is available.
• Wash yourself after bathing.
• Rest to allow your pulse to return to normal. Drink fresh water or a soft drink to rehydrate.

1.4. Troubleshooting

All service operations must be performed by professional licensed maintenance personnel.

The heater does not heat.

• Check breaker condition.
• Verify connection cable is connected.
• Ensure control panel temperature setting is higher than sauna temperature.
• Check overheat protectors (see Figure 9).
• Confirm breaker is switched on and correctly sized.

The sauna room heats slowly. The water thrown on the sauna stones cools down the stones quickly.

• Check breaker condition.
• Verify all heating elements glow when the heater is on.
• Increase temperature setting.
• Confirm heater output is sufficient (see Section 2.3).
• Ensure sauna room ventilation is correctly arranged (see Section 2.4).

The sauna room heats quickly, but the temperature of the stones remain insufficient. Water thrown on the stones runs through.

• Lower temperature setting.
• Check heater output is not too high (see Section 2.3).
• Ensure sauna room ventilation is correctly arranged (see Section 2.4).

Panel or other material near the heater darkens quickly.

• Verify safety distances are met (see Section 3.2).
• Ensure heating elements are not visible behind stones; rearrange stones if necessary (see Section 1.1). Refer also to Section 2.1.1.

The heater emits smell.

• Refer to Section 1.2.
• The heater may amplify existing odors not related to the sauna or heater (e.g., paint, glue, oil).

The heater makes noise.

• Occasional bangs may be due to stones cracking from heat.
• Thermal expansion of heater parts can cause noises during heating.

2. The Sauna Room

2.1. Insulation and Wall Materials of the Sauna Room

For an electrically heated sauna, massive wall surfaces (brick, glass blocks, plaster) require sufficient insulation to maintain reasonable heater output. Efficient thermal insulation is achieved with:

• A minimum of 4 inches (100 mm), preferably 2 inches (50 mm), of carefully fitted insulating wool.
• A vapor barrier, such as aluminum paper with sealed joints, with the glossy side facing inward.
• A 1/4 inch (10 mm) vent gap between the vapor barrier and panel boards.
• An interior covered with 1/2 to 5/8 inch (12-16 mm) thick paneling.
• A few millimeters vent gap at the top of the wall covering near the ceiling.

Lowering the ceiling (minimum height 75 inches / 1900 mm) can reduce sauna volume, potentially allowing for a smaller heater. Ensure insulation in the lowered ceiling space. A maximum distance of 47 inches (1200 mm) is recommended between the bench and the ceiling. Note: Heat protection applied directly to walls/ceiling may dangerously increase their temperature.

2.1.1. Room construction - general information

• Framing: 2" x 4" (50 x 100 mm) wood, 16" (406 mm) on center.
• Ceiling Height: Maximum 7'6" (2300 mm).
• Insulation: R11 Fiberglass with foil backing, foil facing into the room.
• Drywall: Follow local codes. If used, install 1" x 2" (25 x 50 mm) nailers for attaching wall/ceiling boards.
• Paneling: Use kiln-dried softwood with moisture content not exceeding 11%.
• Benches: Use matching softwood, fastened from the bottom to prevent burns.

Door

Must open outwards and not have a lock. Acceptable fastenings include magnetic catches, friction catches, or spring/gravity loaded closers.

Room Light

Should be vapor-proof, wall-mounted, with a flush-mounted rough-in box. Mount 6 inches (150 mm) from the ceiling, away from direct heater placement or upper benches. Bulb wattage should not exceed manufacturer recommendations.

Note: No electrical receptacles or plugs are allowed inside the sauna. If a speaker is installed, it must be mounted no higher than 3 feet (914 mm) from the floor and away from the heater.

2.1.2. Darkening of the Sauna Walls

Wooden surfaces naturally darken over time. This process can be accelerated by sunlight, heater heat, or wall protective agents with poor heat resistance.

2.2. Sauna Room Floor

Stone fragments washed down by water can affect the floor. Use dark joint grouts and rock-based floor coverings near the heater to prevent aesthetic damage.

2.3. Heater Output

Heater output is determined by the sauna's cubic volume, assuming well-insulated, paneled walls. For log walls, multiply the volume by 1.5 to select the appropriate heater output.

2.4. Sauna Room Ventilation

Ventilation requires a low vent near the heater (4 inches / 100 mm from the floor) and a high vent on the opposite wall (6 inches / 150 mm from the ceiling or at least 24 inches / 600 mm from the floor). Vents should be adjustable to allow 5 air changes per hour, as per local authorities.

2.5. Hygienic Conditions of the Sauna Room

Good hygiene enhances the sauna experience. Use seat towels to prevent sweat from reaching benches; wash towels after each use. Provide separate towels for guests. Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly and wipe with a damp cloth. Thoroughly wash walls, benches, and floor every six months using a scrubbing brush and sauna cleanser, then rinse with clean water. Remove lime stains from the heater with a 10% citric acid solution. Wipe dust and dirt from the heater with a damp cloth.

3. Instructions for Installation

3.1. Prior to Installation

Before installing, read all instructions and verify:

• Heater volume is suitable for the sauna room volume (refer to Table 2 for minimum/maximum volumes).
• Supply voltage and amperage are adequate.
• Breakers and connection cables comply with regulations and dimensions match Table 3.
• The location is suitable (refer to Section 3.2).
• Resetting the Overheat Protector (Section 3.9).
• Note: Only one electric heater per sauna room is permitted unless they share the same control unit (Multidrive).

3.2. Place and Safety Distances

Minimum safety distances are detailed in Figures 3 and 5. Adhering to these distances is critical to prevent fire hazards. Hot stones can damage floor coverings, so ensure the installation area has heat-resistant flooring.

3.3. Heater fence

A safety fence, typically made of softwood matching the sauna interior, is necessary. Refer to Figures 3 and 5 for required clearances. The fence should be wall-mounted and not exceed the heater's height below the rock line.

3.4. Installation of the Control Unit and Sensor

Follow the control unit's instructions for wall mounting. Install the sensor (WX248) as shown in Figure 5. Ensure the air vent does not direct airflow onto the temperature sensor (refer to Figure 4).

3.4.1. Suitable control units

• Harvia CX30-U1-U3
• Harvia CX45-U1-U3

Refer to Table 3 for more details on supply wires and Table 4 for heater grade settings for the control unit.

3.5. Electrical Connections

All electrical connections must be made by a licensed electrician in accordance with current regulations. Wiring diagrams are provided with the control unit's instructions. For non-standard installations, consult local electrical authorities.

1. Unpack the heater and place it in the sauna room, observing safety clearances (Figures 3 and 5).
2. Refer to the applicable wiring diagram for your heater model (Figure 6) and the control unit manual for detailed connection instructions. The heater must be permanently installed using seal-tight conduit. Wiring must be done by a licensed electrician following the diagram and local codes. Use appropriate AWG rated copper wire suitable for 194°F (90°C) within sauna walls. Ensure proper grounding using provided terminals.
3. Place the "CAUTION" sign inside the sauna room above the heater and the "WARNING" sign on the exterior door.

3.6. Installing the Heater

Connect cables to the heater and ensure it is vertically straight using the adjustable legs (see Figure 7).

3.7. Electric heater insulation resistance

A potential "leakage" during insulation resistance testing may occur due to moisture absorbed during storage or transport. This moisture will dissipate after a few heating cycles. Do not connect the heater power feed through an RCD (residual current device) or GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter).

3.8. Replacing the Heating Elements

Refer to Figure 8 for instructions on replacing heating elements.

3.9. Resetting the Overheat Protectors

If the sauna room temperature becomes excessively high, the overheat protector will cut off power. The protector can be reset after the heater cools down (see Figure 9). Verify that stones are properly piled and the sensor is correctly installed. ⚠️ The overheat protector can also trigger at temperatures below -5°C / 23°F (storage, transport). Before installation, place the device in a warm environment. The protector can be reset when the device temperature reaches approximately 18°C / 64°F. It must be reset before use.

4. Spare Parts

Use only parts approved by the manufacturer!

Guarantee

The manufacturer provides a one-year guarantee from the date of purchase, covering all heater parts (elements, controls, contactors). The guarantee covers manufacturing and material defects only and includes spare parts supply after faulty parts are returned. Replacing parts does not extend the original guarantee period.

The guarantee excludes defects from normal wear and tear, improper installation, poor maintenance, failure to follow instructions, or product alterations. Improper use voids the guarantee. Delivery and on-site repair costs are not covered. If returned within five years, free repair may be offered, but spare parts may be charged if the one-year guarantee has expired.

The guarantee is void if installation and wiring were not performed by a licensed electrician or authorized representative. Installer's signature is required.

The guarantee is also void if the required information is not filled out and returned within 15 days of purchase. The guarantee applies only to the initial installation and the original purchaser.

Warranty Registration Fields:

• Harvia heater model / Serial number
• Date of purchase / Date d'achat
• Original purchaser / Acheteur d'origine
• Address / Adresse
• Purchased from / Acheté chez
• Date of electrical installation / Date de l'installation électrique
• Signature of the installer / Signature de l'installateur
• Licensed number of installer / Numéro de licence de l'installateur

Maintenance Instructions

1. Use only clean water on sauna stones; avoid spa or pool water.
2. Use clean water in sauna buckets and empty after each use. Clean buckets and dippers periodically. Use a plastic liner to prevent leaks.
3. Scrub benches with a soft brush, soap, and water or mild disinfectant as needed (weekly for commercial saunas). For hygiene, each bather should use a towel on benches to prolong their life.
4. Clean waterproof flooring with disinfectant weekly or as needed. Hose off removable flooring.
5. Wipe the heater with a damp cloth occasionally to remove water stains and maintain appearance.
6. Harvia heaters require no special maintenance when installed by a qualified electrician. Stones may need replacement after 1-2 years if crumbled or powdered.
7. Recommend easily cleaned flooring (concrete, ceramic tile, poured flooring) for sanitary conditions. Carpets are not recommended due to bacteria and athlete's foot risk. Wooden duckboards are also discouraged.
8. Provide a floor drain, especially in commercial saunas, for sanitary cleaning.
9. Seal wood around door glass (inside and out) with waterproofing protector to prevent warping.
10. Lightly sand stained wood with fine sandpaper to restore appearance. Avoid stains or sealers that may release toxic vapors when heated. Waterproofing wood protector can be applied to benches in commercial saunas for easier cleaning and hygiene.
11. The sauna heats faster if the upper vent is closed during heating; the lower vent can remain open.
12. Post required warning signs according to instructions.