Almost Heaven Saunas

Introduction

This guide provides installation and operation instructions for the Almost Heaven Saunas Digital KIP Heater, manufactured by Harvia Oy. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's heater manual found inside the heater box. Both this guide and the manufacturer's manual should be reviewed by the installer and a licensed electrician before proceeding with installation.

Heater Instructions

Almost Heaven Saunas are paired with genuine Finnish Harvia heaters. For any questions regarding installation or operation, contact Almost Heaven Saunas staff at 888-355-3050 or consult a licensed electrician.

Performance Expectation

When properly installed, the KIP heater should consistently heat the sauna to at least 170°F at head height within 45-60 minutes. Performance may be affected at elevations above 5,000 feet. Contact technical support if expectations are not met.

Heater Warranty

The Harvia heater includes a 1-year warranty on heating elements and a 5-year warranty on other components.

Electrical Specifications

4.5kW and 6.0kW KIP Heaters

• 30-amp double pole breaker
• 240 volts
• 1 Phase
• 10/2 wire recommended. For distances over 90 feet, use 8/2 wire to prevent voltage drop.
• Do not use GFCI with this heater.
• Use copper wire with 90°C insulation.

8.0kW KIP Heaters

• 40-amp double pole breaker
• 240 volts
• 1 Phase
• 8/2 wire
• Do not use GFCI with this heater.
• Use copper wire with 90°C insulation.

Installation Instructions

Mounting the Heater:

The KIP heater is a wall-mounted unit. Position it in the designated location according to the following:

• For Barrel Saunas: Mount using two 1.5" lag screws approximately 20" from the lowest point of the barrel and spaced 15 1/4" apart, centered above vent holes. The heater will conceal a portion of the LED light, which is normal.
• For Indoor Saunas: Mount using two 1.5" lag screws approximately 20" from the floor and spaced 15 1/4" apart, centered above vent holes (if present). Covering the holes is acceptable as ventilation will still occur.

Hang the heater on the mounting screws, ensuring it is level and its base is 5-7" off the sauna floor.

Power Entry:

Mark the wall behind one of the rubber gaskets on the lower back of the heater where the power will enter. Remove the heater and the rubber gasket to expose the cutout. Any gasket cutout can be used.

Note: While pre-drilled vent holes are common for power entry, it is not recommended to use them for conduit.

Stone Guard and Heating Elements:

• Remove the two screws holding the stone guard. Pry the guard back and lift to remove.
• Clip the ziptie holding the heating elements, ensuring it does not fall into the heater.
• Flip the heater on its back and remove the bottom cover for access to the terminal block.

Positioning Heater Components

Indoor Saunas

Mount the power unit on or near the sauna, either on the sauna exterior or an adjacent wall. Mount the touchpad in a convenient indoor location, away from moisture. Do not mount the touchpad inside the sauna.

Outdoor Saunas

All components must be protected from moisture. Mount the power unit in a dry, ventilated, weatherproof enclosure. The temperature sensor has a 15' reach; if the sauna is further than this from the power unit, consider a longer sensor wire or relocating the power unit.

Touchpad Mounting:

• Mount the touchpad indoors in a dry area.
• Connect the touchpad to the power unit using the provided 20' data cable. Longer cables are available from Almost Heaven Saunas.

Connecting Heater to Power

The power unit (CX170-U1-15) is rated for single-group connection.

Incoming Power

Bring power to the power unit. Remove the cover and pry out knockouts for wiring. Connect the power cord to the appropriate terminals: hot lines to L1 and L2, and ground to the ground terminal. A neutral line is not needed for U.S. applications unless a light or fan is connected.

Outgoing Power

Connect the ground at the power unit to the heater's ground terminal.

Connect outgoing L1 to T1 at the heater, and L2 to T3 at the heater.

Connect A1 at the power unit to T2 at the heater, and A2 to T4 at the heater for the high-limit safety circuit, using 12ga wire.

Note: Remove and discard any pre-installed copper jumpers in the heater's terminal block.

Temperature Sensor

Mount the temperature sensor in the sauna, approximately 14" to the side of the heater and 14" below the highest point of the sauna. Connect the sensor wire to the power unit.

Feed the sensor wire out of the sauna and connect it to the power unit's circuit board mini-terminal. Connect wires in the order: blue - white - red - yellow.

Touchpad Connection

Mount the touchpad bracket indoors. Feed the data cable through the bracket and mount it. Connect the data cable to the back of the touchpad screen and snap the screen back into the bracket.

Connect the other cable to the port closest to the power unit's mini-terminal block connected to the temperature sensor. Replace the power unit cover and turn the power switch on.

Placing the Stones

Rinse the sauna stones. Place smaller stones between and around the heating elements, ensuring the elements remain upright and do not touch each other. Stones should touch the elements but not bend them. Use larger stones to cover the heating elements completely. Replace the stone guard.

Note: Do not pack stones too tightly, as this restricts airflow. Loosely position stones around and above the heating elements. It is normal to have 5-10 stones left over.

Operating Your Heater

Immediate Start

Turn on the breaker. If connected correctly, the touchpad buttons will illuminate. Press the bottom left button (power) to engage the contactors. The heater will begin heating immediately, displaying the current sauna temperature and remaining heat cycle time.

Delayed Start

Turn on the power button on the touchpad. Press "menu" until the clock icon flashes. Use the "+" or "-" buttons to set the desired preset time, up to 12 hours in 10-minute increments. The time before heating begins will display.

Setting the Temperature

The displayed temperature is the current sauna temperature. To set your desired temperature, press the power button, then "menu" until the thermometer icon flashes. Use "+" or "-" to adjust the temperature.

General Operation Information

• The Digital KIP heater is UL certified and automatically shuts off after one hour of use. Restart the heater if the session times out.
• If the heater is not working, turn off the breaker and press the reset button under the heater. If the issue persists, check the temperature sensor's placement.
• This is a traditional sauna heater. Water can be poured onto the stones to increase humidity. A ladle-full is often sufficient.
• Refer to the manufacturer's manual for error code information displayed on the touchpad.