HUUM HIVE Electric Sauna Heater

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the installation and operation of the HUUM HIVE electric sauna heater. It is intended for sauna owners, maintenance personnel, and electricians.

ATTENTION! Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician.

ATTENTION! We recommend a specialist for laying stones on the heater.

The HUUM HIVE electric sauna heater requires a control panel and stones for complete installation and operation.

Safety is based on EN 60335-2-53:2011.

The delivery set includes: electric heater, adjustable legs (x4), air tunnel, and this manual.

Before Installation

Read the manual thoroughly. Do not install or perform maintenance if instructions are not understood. Contact your vendor or local distributor for questions.

• Verify the main fuse amperage matches the heater parameters.
• Ensure the heater output (kW) matches the sauna room volume (ft³ /m³).
• Add 3.3 ft³ (1 m³) to the sauna volume for each 1 ft² (1 m²) of uninsulated brick, tile, or glass walls.
• Refer to Table 1 and Table 2 for suitable heater output.
• Ensure minimal safety distances are maintained as per Table 3.

ATTENTION! Warranty is void if heater output does not match the calculated sauna room volume.

Installation

Positioning the Heater

Position the heater to maintain a safe distance from flammable materials and external surfaces.

• Refer to Table 3 for minimal safety distances to the ceiling and walls.
• Place the heater to avoid dangerous situations and minimize accidental contact.
• Power cable inputs are on the bottom cover.

Screw down the four adjustable legs to ensure the heater is level and equally supported.

Technical Specifications

Table 1: Output kW (240V)

*Note: Add 3.3 ft³ (1 m³) for every 1 ft² (1 m²) of uninsulated walls.

Table 2: Output kW (208V)

*Note: Add 3.3 ft³ (1 m³) for every 1 ft² (1 m²) of uninsulated walls.

Table 3: Dimensions and Stone Quantity

Installing Inside Sauna Bench

The HUUM HIVE can be partially mounted inside the sauna bench or floor.

• At least 350 mm (13 25/32") of the heater must protrude from the bench surface.
• Use the HUUM HIVE embedding flange (accessory) to cover immersion hole edges.

Connecting to Power Supply

• Power cable must meet UL 62 (US) and CSA 49 (Canada) standards for sunlight, water, and oil resistance.
• Connection to mains without a GFCI breaker is recommended.
• Maximum current intensity and breaker information is in Table 1 and Table 2.
• Secure the cable to the clamp on the cover screw.

ATTENTION! Crimping power cable ends is mandatory to prevent loose connections.

ATTENTION! Use only heat-resistant cables. The junction box must be waterproof and located up to 50 cm (1 31/32") from the floor.

Steps:

1. Open the heater's electrical box cover.
2. Attach the power cable to the terminal block per the circuit diagram.
3. Close the cover.
4. Fix the cable with a cable strap.

[Diagram: Wiring terminal blocks for HIVE Mini 6/9/11 and HIVE 12/15/18 models, showing 240V 2~ and 208V 2~ connections]

Insulation Resistance

Initial insulation resistance may be lower due to storage moisture, which evaporates after 1-2 hours of heating.

Electric Heater Air Tunnel

The air tunnel supports heating elements, improves air movement, and speeds up sauna heating.

• Bend metal fixators to a 90° angle to prevent elements from touching and prolong their life.
• Fill the heater with stones as instructed.

Laying of Heater Stones

Quantity of Stones

• HUUM HIVE (models 12, 15, 18): 250 kg (551 lb)
• HIVE Mini (models 6, 9, 11): 150 kg (331 lb)
• Stone diameter: 2-4" (5-10 cm)
• Round stones are recommended for optimal steam water flow.
• Natural stones (e.g., olivine diabase) are suitable.
• Avoid decorative stones; they may break and block air holes.

ATTENTION! Defects from unsuitable stones are not covered by warranty.

Wash stones before laying to remove dust.

Requirements for Laying Stones

• Wear gloves.
• Lay stones one by one; do not pour or throw them.
• Start with larger stones at the bottom and sides.
• Use smaller stones to fill gaps and secure larger ones.
• Lay stones tightly but allow for air circulation.
• Lay stones between heating elements to support them. Avoid bending elements.
• Ensure heating elements are not visible through outer stones. Pouring water directly on elements can shorten their life.

ATTENTION! If elements are not properly surrounded, safety distances may not apply due to increased heat radiation. Ensure elements are not visible.

Check stones annually for broken pieces.

ATTENTION! A loosely filled stone container causes a fire hazard!

[Diagram: Four stone filling scenarios: 1. Too tightly filled (❌), 2. Partially filled (❌), 3. Heating elements bent (❌), 4. Correctly laid stones (✅)]

Safety Railings

Install a safety railing to prevent accidental contact with the hot heater.

• Build your own or use the HUUM HIVE safety railing accessory.
• Use materials with low thermal capacity and conductivity (e.g., wood).

ATTENTION! When using flammable materials for railings, adhere to prescribed safety distances.

Controlling the Heater

• Use only certified control panels for HUUM HIVE heaters.
• The heater's output must not exceed the control panel's maximum rating.
• Follow the control panel manufacturer's manual for installation.

Sauna Room

Wall Materials and Insulation

Insulate massive heat-accumulating surfaces (glass, concrete, brick, plaster) for optimal heater performance and to prevent heat loss and overheating.

Guidelines for a well-insulated sauna:

1. Insulation layer: 2-4" (50-100mm) foam boards with vapor barrier.
2. Aluminum foil or reflective material over insulation, joints covered with foil tape.
3. Ventilation gap: 10mm (13/32") between moisture barrier and lining board.
4. Lining board: 12-16mm (15/32-5/8") wood. Check for cable/reinforcement needs before installation.
5. Floor distance: At least 4" (100 mm) from the board to the floor to prevent moisture.
6. Wall/ceiling gap: Minimum 3/16" (5 mm) ventilation gap.
7. Wood surfaces: Coat with sauna wax or oil to prevent dirt absorption.

Ceiling of the Sauna Room

• Recommended height: 79-91" (2000-2300 mm). Lower ceiling in higher rooms to reduce volume.
• Minimum permissible height: 77" (1950 mm).
• Distance from top bench step to ceiling: 44-51" (1100-1300 mm).
• Insulate ceiling same as walls.

ATTENTION! Leave ventilation gaps when using heat protection materials (e.g., mineral tiles) to prevent overheating.

ATTENTION! Consult fire safety authorities regarding firewall insulation. Do not insulate in-use flues.

Darkening of Sauna Room Walls

Wooden materials may darken over time due to high temperatures or stone dust. This is natural and not a risk if instructions are followed.

ATTENTION! Maximum allowed temperature for wall/ceiling surfaces is 284 °F (140 °C).

Floor of the Sauna Room

Stone dust and water can affect the floor. Use ceramic tiles and dark joint filler to avoid aesthetic damage.

Ventilation of the Sauna

Ensure efficient ventilation (air exchange six times per hour) for oxygen and fresh air.

Ventilation system depends on natural or forced air.

Components:

1. Supply air pipe: 50-100 mm (1 31/32"-3 15/16") diameter.
2. Exhaust air pipe: Twice the supply air pipe diameter, 100-200 mm (3 15/16"-7 7/8").
3. Drying pipe: Or leave door open for ventilation after use.

Mechanical Ventilation:

• Supply air pipe: Middle of heater or higher (≥ 400 mm / 15 3/4").
• Exhaust air pipe: Opposite side of heater (≤ 600 mm / 23 5/8" from floor).
• Drying pipe opening: Opposite wall, under ceiling.

Gravity Ventilation:

• Supply air pipe: Middle of heater or lower (≤ 400 mm / 15 3/4").
• Exhaust air pipe: Opposite wall, at least 200 mm (7 7/8") higher than supply air pipe (≤ 600 mm / 23 5/8" from floor).
• Drying pipe opening: Opposite wall, under ceiling.

Supply air pipe should have an adjustable valve.

If exhaust air pipe is in the washroom, leave a gap of at least 100 mm (3 15/16") under the door.

Use the drying pipe opening for final ventilation or after heavy use; keep it closed during sauna use.

Using the Heater

Heating the Sauna Room

Initial use may produce odors from elements and stones; ventilate the room well. Proper insulation and heater capacity allow reaching desired temperature in about an hour.

Throwing Water on Heated Stones

Increase humidity by ladling water onto hot stones. Adjust frequency and amount for desired humidity and heat.

• Pour water only on stones, not metal surfaces.
• Start ladling when stones are fully heated and water evaporates completely.
• Use only clean, warm water.
• Recommended amount: ~80 ml per ladle. Wait between ladles for stones to dry and reheat.

ATTENTION! Never ladle water when someone is near the heater, as hot steam can cause burns.

Warnings and Notes

• Heater is for sauna heating only.
• Maintenance requires a qualified professional.
• Always disconnect power before maintenance.
• Check sauna room and heater before turning on.
• Heater must be filled with stones before use.
• Do not cover the heater (fire hazard).
• Do not touch a working heater (burn hazard).
• Incorrect ventilation can dry wood and cause fire hazard; seek professional advice.
• Never use a water hose for steam.
• Use sauna fragrances/oils only diluted in steam water; undiluted can ignite.
• Fireproof thermal insulation (min. 50 mm / 1 31/32") recommended under sauna board.
• Sauna doors should open outward.
• Do not use sauna for unintended purposes.
• Do not leave children unattended.
• Sudden cooling is not recommended for those with poor health. Consult a doctor if needed.
• Do not stay too long; enjoy steam as long as comfortable.
• Keep information in a secure place.

Warranty

General terms and conditions are available at huumsauna.com/warranty.

Find the most up-to-date material on the manufacturer's website: huumsauna.com.