HARVIA K11G Electric Sauna Heater Instruction Manual

HARVIA K11G Electric Sauna Heater

Product Information

Specifications:

• Model Numbers: K11G, K13.5G, K15G, T9, T10.5, F10.5, F15, F16.5, F18
• Manufacturing Date: 11072023
• Part Number: Y05-0318

Product Usage Instructions

The Sauna Room
Ensure proper insulation and wall materials in the sauna room to maintain heat efficiency. Avoid blackening of sauna walls by following cleaning instructions.

Insulation and Wall Materials
Use appropriate materials for insulation to retain heat efficiently. Clean sauna walls regularly to prevent blackening.

Sauna Room Floor
Choose a suitable flooring material that can withstand the heat generated in the sauna.

Heater Output
Adjust the heater output according to your preferences for temperature and humidity levels in the sauna room.

Ventilation of the Sauna Room
Ensure proper ventilation to maintain air quality and circulation within the sauna room.

Hygienic Conditions
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the sauna room by regular cleaning and following recommended practices.

Installation Instructions
Before Installation
Prepare the installation area by ensuring all necessary tools and materials are available.

Fixing Heater to Floor
Safely secure the heater to the floor following the provided instructions to prevent accidents.

Safety Railing
Install safety railings around the sauna room to prevent falls or injuries.

Installation of Control Unit and Sensor
Properly install the control unit and sensor for efficient operation of the sauna heater.

Electrical Connections
Connect the sauna heater to the electrical supply following electrical safety guidelines.

Electric Heater Insulation Resistance
Check and maintain proper insulation resistance of the electric heater to ensure safe operation.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: How often should I clean the sauna walls to prevent blackening?
  A: It is recommended to clean the sauna walls regularly, at least once a month, to prevent blackening and maintain a clean appearance.

• Q: Can I adjust the heater output based on my preferences?
  A: Yes, you can adjust the heater output to control the temperature and humidity levels in the sauna room according to your comfort.

Purpose of the electric heater:

• The KG-, T-, and F-heaters are designed for the heating of large saunas to bathing temperatures. It is forbidden to use the heater for any other purposes.
• The guarantee period for heaters and control equipment used in saunas by families is two (2) years. The guarantee period for heaters and control equipment used in saunas by building residents is one (1) year. The guarantee period for heaters and control equipment used in saunas by institutions is three (3) months. Please read the user’s instructions carefully before using the heater.

NOTE!

• These instructions for installation and use are intended for the owner or the person in charge of the sauna, as well as for the electrician in charge of the electrical installation of the heater.
• After completing the installation, the person in charge of the installation should give these instructions to the owner of the sauna or to the person in charge of its operation.

Congratulations on your choice!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Piling of the Sauna Stones
Sauna heater stones are significant in terms of the unit’s safety. For the warranty to remain valid, the user is responsible for proper maintenance of the stone space per the specifications and instructions.

Important information on suitable sauna stones:

• Suitable sauna stone materials are peridotite, olivine diabase, olivine, and vulcanite.
• Only use a cleavage surface and/or rounded stones for your sauna heater.
• If the heating elements of an electric sauna heater are in contact with the stones, rounded stones may only be used in the outer layers of the stone space, so that they do not come into contact with the heating elements.
• Ceramic stones and decorative stones may only be used if they have been approved by the manufacturer and are used according to their instructions.
• Note that decorative stones are only suitable on the top layer of the stone space. Decorative stones must be placed loosely to ensure sufficient air circulation. Place any decorative stones so that they do not touch the heating elements of an electric sauna heater. If you have a wood-burning stove, make sure the stones do not touch the stove’s hot inner frame.
• The warranty does not cover any defects that have been caused by the use of decorative stones or by sauna stones not recommended by the manufacturer. Neither does the guarantee cover any faults caused by disintegrated or too small stones blocking the heater ventilation.
• The sauna stones for an electric heater should be 5–10 cm in diameter.
• Stone dust should be washed off before piling the stones.
• The stones should not be piled too tightly so that air can flow through the heater. See fig.
  1. The stones should be fitted loosely, and not wedged between the heating elements. Very small stones should not be put into the heater at all.
• The stones should completely cover the heating elements. However, they should not form a high pile on the elements.
• The stones disintegrate with use. Therefore, they should be rearranged at least once a year or even more often if the sauna is in frequent use. At the same time, any pieces of stones should be removed from the bottom of the heater, and disintegrated stones should be replaced with new ones.
• Neither does the guarantee cover any faults caused by disintegrated or too small stones blocking the heater ventilation.
• No such objects or devices should be placed inside the heater stone space or near the heater that could change the amount or direction of the air flowing through the heater, thus causing the resistance temperature to rise too high, which may set the wall surfaces on fire!

Heating of the Sauna

• Before you switch the heater on check always that there aren’t any things over the heater or in the near distance of the heater. See item 1.6. “Warnings”.
• When the heater is switched on for the first time, both the heater and the stones emit smell. To remove the smell, the sauna room needs to be efficiently ventilated.
• The purpose of the heater is to raise the temperature of the sauna room and the sauna stones to the required bathing temperature. If the heater output is suitable for the sauna room, it will take about an hour for a properly insulated sauna to reach that temperature. See item 2.1., ”Insulation and wall materials of the Sauna Room”. A suitable temperature for the sauna room is about + 65 °C – +80 °C.
• The sauna stones normally reach the required bathing temperature at the same time as the sauna room. If the heater capacity is too big, the air in the sauna will heat very quickly, whereas the temperature of the stones may remain insufficient; consequently, the water thrown on the stones will run through. On the other hand, if the heater capacity is too low for the sauna room, the room will heat slowly and, by throwing water on the stones, the bather may try to raise the temperature of the sauna. However, the water will only cool down the stones quickly, and after a while the sauna will not be warm enough and the heater will not be able to provide enough heat.
• To make bathing enjoyable, the heater capacity should be carefully chosen to suit the size of the sauna room. See item 2.3. ”Heater Output”.

Control Unit of Heater

• The KG, T, and F model heaters require a separate control unit to operate the heater. The control unit should be located outside the sauna room in a dry place, at an altitude of approximately 170 cm. The temperature sensor, by means of which the set temperature is maintained in the sauna room, should be connected to the control unit. The temperature sensor and the overheating limiter are located in the sensor box installed above the heater. The sensor box should be installed under the installation instructions of the control unit model in question.
• The KG, T and F model heaters can be controlled with the following control units:
  • Harvia C150
  • Harvia Fenix
  • Harvia Griffin
    See the instructions for use of the selected control unit model.

Throwing Water on Heated Stones

• The air in the sauna room becomes dry when warmed up. Therefore, it is necessary to throw water on the heated stones to reach a suitable level of humidity in the sauna.
• The humidity of the air in the sauna room is controlled by the amount of water thrown on the stones. A correct level of humidity makes the bather’s skin sweat and makes breathing easy. By throwing water on the stones with a small ladle, the bather should feel the effect of air humidity on his skin. Both too high a temperature and air humidity will give an unpleasant feeling.
• Staying in the hot sauna for long periods makes the body temperature rise, which may be dangerous.
• The maximum volume of the ladle is 0.2 liters. The amount of water thrown on the stones at a time should not exceed 0.2 l, because if an excessive amount of water is poured on the stones, only part of it will evaporate and the rest may splash as boiling hot water on the bathers.
• Never throw water on the stones when there are people near the heater, because hot steam may burn their skin.

Sauna Water
The water to be thrown on the heated stones should meet the requirements of clean household water:

Hardness: most important substances are magnesium (Mg) and lime, i.e. calcium (Ca)| Precipitates| Mg: <100 mg/l

Ca: <100 mg/l

Chloride-containing water| Corrosion| Cl: <100 mg/l
Chlorinated water| Health risk| Forbidden to use
Seawater| Rapid corrosion| Forbidden to use
Arsenic and radon concentration| Health risk| Forbidden to use

Only special perfumes designed for sauna water may be used. Follow the instructions given on the package.

Temperature and Humidity of the Sauna Room

• Both thermometers and hygrometers suitable for use in a sauna are available. As the effect of steam on people varies, it is impossible to give an exact, universally applicable bathing temperature or percentage of moisture. The bather’s own comfort is the best guide.
• The sauna room should be equipped with proper ventilation to guarantee that the air is rich in oxygen and easy to breathe. See item 2.4., ”Ventilation of the Sauna Room”.
• Bathing in a sauna is considered a refreshing experience and good for the health. Bathing cleans and warms your body, relaxes the muscles, soothes and alleviates oppression. As a quiet place, the sauna offers the opportunity to meditate.

Instructions for Bathing

• Begin by washing yourself; for example, by taking a shower.
• Stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable.
• According to established sauna conventions, you must not disturb other bathers by speaking in a loud voice.
• Do not force other bathers from the sauna by throwing excessive amounts of water on the stones.
• Forget all your troubles and relax.
• Cool your skin down as necessary.
• If you are in good health, you can swim if a swimming place or pool is available.
• Wash yourself properly after bathing. Have a drink of fresh water or a soft drink to bring your fluid balance back to normal.
• Rest for a while and let your pulse go back to normal before dressing.

Warnings

• Sea air and a humid climate may corrode the metal surfaces of the heater.
• Do not hang clothes to dry in the sauna, as this may cause a risk of fire. Excessive moisture content may also cause damage to the electrical equipment.
• Keep away from the heater when it is hot. The stones and outer surface of the heater may burn your skin.
• Do not throw too much water on the stones. The evaporating water is boiling hot.
• Do not let young, handicapped or ill people bathe in the sauna on their own.
• Consult your doctor about any health-related limitations to bathing.
• Parents should keep children away from the hot heater.
• Consult your child welfare clinic about taking babies to the sauna.
  • age?
  • the temperature of the sauna?
  • time spent in the warm sauna?
• Be very careful when moving in the sauna, as the platform and floors may be slippery.
• Never go to a hot sauna if you have taken alcohol, strong medicines or narcotics.

Symbols descriptions

• Read the operator’s manual.
• Do not cover.

Troubleshooting

If the heater does not heat, check the following points:

• the current from the control center to the heater has been switched on
• the thermostat shows a higher figure than the temperature of the sauna.
• the fuses to the heater are in good condition.

THE SAUNA ROOM

Insulation and Wall Materials of the Sauna Room
In an electrically heated sauna, all the massive wall surfaces that store plenty of heat (such as bricks, glass blocks, plaster, etc.), must be sufficiently insulated to keep the heater output at a reasonably low level.
A wall and ceiling construction can be considered to have efficient thermal insulation if:

• the thickness of carefully fitted insulating wool inside the house is 100 mm (minimum 50 mm).
• the moisture protection consists of e.g. aluminum paper with tightly taped edges. The paper must be fitted so that the glossy side is towards the inside of the sauna.
• there is a 10 mm vent gap between the moisture protection and panel boards (recommendation).
• the inside is covered by 12–16 mm thick paneling.
• there is a vent gap of a few millimeters at the top of the wall covering at the edge of the ceiling paneling.

When aiming at a reasonable heater output, it may be advisable to lower the ceiling of the sauna (normally 2100–2300 mm, minimum height 1900 mm). As a result, the volume of the sauna is decreased, and a smaller heater output may be sufficient. The ceiling can be lowered so that the ceiling joists are fixed at a suitable height. The spaces between the joists are insulated (minimum insulation 100 mm) and surfaced as described above.
Because heat goes upwards, a maximum distance of 1100–1200 mm is recommended between the bench and ceiling.
NOTE! Consult fire-extinguishing authorities to find out which part of the fireproof wall may be insulated.
NOTE! The protection of the walls or ceiling with heat protection, such as mineral board fitted directly on the wall or ceiling, may cause the temperature of the wall and ceiling materials to rise dangerously high.

Blackening of the sauna walls

• Wooden material in a sauna, such as panels, blackens with age. The blackening process is sped up by sunlight and the heat from the heater. If the wall surfaces have been processed with protective panel agents, the blackening of the surface of the wall above the heater can be seen quite quickly depending on the protective agent used. The blackening is because the protective agents have less resistance to heat than unprocessed wood do. This has been proven in practical tests. The micronic mineral aggregate that crumbles from the stones on the stove may blacken the wall surface near the heater.
• When following the manufacturer’s approved guidelines in the installation of the sauna heater, the heater will not heat up enough to endanger the flammable material in the sauna room. The maximum temperature allowed in the wall and ceiling surfaces of the sauna room is +140 degrees Celsius.
• Sauna heaters equipped with CE signs meet all of the regulations for sauna installations. Proper authorities monitor that the regulations are being followed.

Sauna Room Floor

• Due to a large temperature variation, the sauna stones disintegrate in use.
• Small pieces of stone are washed down on the sauna room floor along with the water thrown on the stones. Hot pieces of stone may damage floor coverings installed underneath and near the heater.
• A light-colored joint grout, used for a tiled floor, may absorb impurities from the stones and water (e.g. iron content).
• To prevent aesthetic damage (due to the reasons presented above) only dark joint grouts and floor coverings made of rock materials should be used underneath and near the heater.

Heater Output

• When the walls and ceiling are covered with panels, and the insulation behind the panels is sufficient to prevent thermal flow into the wall materials, the heater output is defined according to the cubic volume of the sauna. See table 1.
• If the sauna has visible uninsulated wall surfaces, such as walls covered with brick, glass block, concrete or tile, each square metre of said wall surface causes the cubic volume of the sauna to increase by 1.2 m3. The heater output is then selected according to the values given in the table.
• Because log walls are heated slowly, the cubic volume of a log sauna should be multiplied by 1.5, and the heater output should then be selected based on this information.

Ventilation of the Sauna Room

• Sufficient ventilation is extremely important for the sauna. The air in the sauna room should be changed six times per hour. The air supply pipe should be located at a minimum height of 500 mm above the heater. The pipe diameter should be about 50–100 mm.
• The exhaust air of the sauna room should be taken from as far from the heater as possible but near the floor level. The crosscut area of the exhaust air vent should be twice that of the supply air pipe.
• Exhaust air should be led directly into the air chimney, or, by using an exhaust pipe starting near the floor level, into a vent in the upper part of the sauna. Exhaust air can also be led out through an exhaust air vent in the washing room through a 100–150 mm opening under the sauna door.
• For the above-mentioned system, mechanical ventilation is necessary.
• If the heater is mounted in a ready-made sauna, the instructions of the sauna manufacturer should be followed when arranging ventilation.
• The series of pictures shows examples of ventilation systems for a sauna room. See fig. 2.

1. Air supply vents placing area.
2. Exhaust air vent.
3. Possible drying valve, which is closed during heating and bathing. The sauna can also be dried by leaving the door open after bathing.
4. If there is an exhaust vent in the washing room only, there should be a minimum 100 mm opening under the sauna room door. Mechanical ventilation is recommended.

Hygienic Conditions of the Sauna Room

• Good hygienic standards of the sauna room will make bathing a pleasant experience.
• The use of sauna seat towels is recommended to prevent sweat from flowing onto the platforms. The towels should be washed after each use. Separate towels should be provided for guests.
• It is advisable to vacuum or sweep the floor of the sauna room in connection with cleaning. In addition, the floor may be wiped with a damp cloth.
• The sauna room should be thoroughly washed at least every six months. Brush the walls, platforms and floor by using a scrubbing brush and sauna cleanser.
• Wipe dust and dirt from the heater with a damp cloth.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION

Before Installation
Before installing the heater, study the instructions for installation, as well as checking the following points:

• Is the output and type of the heater suitable for the sauna room? The cubic volumes given in Table 1 should be followed.
• Is the supply voltage suitable for the heater?
• The location of the heater fulfills the minimum requirements concerning safety distances given in Fig. 3 and table 1. It is necessary to ensure that the installation is carried out according to these values. Neglecting them can cause a risk of fire.
• The heater should be installed so that the warning texts on the cover of the junction box can also be read without difficulty after the installation.
• Neither KG-, T- nor F- heaters have been approved to be installed in a recess in the wall or floor.

Heater| Output| Sauna room| Min. distances

| Cables| Fuse

400 V

3N~

---|---|---|---|---|---

Cubic vol.

| ****

Height

| A

min.

| A

max.

| B

min.

| C

min.

| D

min.

| E

max.

| To control| To sensor| Connecting cable to the heater
 | ****

kW

| See item 2.3.

Siehe Kap. 2.3.

| ****

min mm

| See fig. 3.

Siehe Abb. 3.

| ML/MK/ MMJ

mm2

| SSJ

mm2

| H07RN-F

mm2

| ****

A

min m3| max m3| ****

mm

| ****

mm

| ****

mm

| ****

mm

| ****

mm

| ****

mm

K11G| 11,0| 9| 16| 1900| 70| 170| 50| 70| 1200| 700| 5 x 2,5| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 16 A
K13,5G| 13,5| 11| 20| 2100| 100| 200| 50| 100| 1400| 700| 5 x 4,0| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 20 A
K15G| 15,0| 14| 24| 2100| 100| 200| 50| 100| 1400| 700| 5 x 6,0| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 25 A
T9| 9,0| 8| 14| 1900| 120| 150| 50| 80| 1250| 650| 5 x 2,5| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 16 A
T10,5| 10,5| 9| 15| 1900| 150| 180| 50| 100| 1250| 650| 5 x 2,5| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 16 A
F10,5| 10,5| 9| 18| 2100| 100| 200| 30| 50| 1400| 700| 5 x 2,5| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 16 A
F15| 15| 14| 26| 2100| 150| 250| 30| 100| 1400| 700| 5 x 6,0| 4 x 0,25| 5 x 2,5| 3 x 25 A
F16,5| 16,5| 16| 30| 2100| 150| 250| 30| 100| 1400| 700| 5 x 6,0| 4 x 0,25| 2x 5 x 2,5| 3 x 25 A
F18| 18| 20| 35| 2100| 150| 250| 30| 100| 1400| 700| 5 x 10,0| 4 x 0,25| 2x 5 x 2,5| 3 x 35 A
Model and dimensions| Width| Depth| Height| Weight| Stones max|
K11G–K15G| 505 mm| 430 mm| 700 mm| 25 kg| 60 kg
T9–10,5| 465 mm| 345 mm| 660 mm| 25 kg| 40 kg
F10,5–18| 500 mm| 500 mm| 700 mm| 26 kg| 60 kg

Table 1. Installation details

Fixing heater to Floor

• The heater is fixed to the floor at its two legs, at the legs’ fixing points.
• Before fixing the heater, the minimum safety distances to inflammable materials should be taken into consideration. See Table 1 and Figure 3.

Safety Railing
If a safety railing is built around the heater, the mini-mum distances given in Table 1 must be observed.

Installation of Control Unit and Sensor
Detailed instructions for the installation of both the unit and the sensor are delivered with the control unit.

Electrical Connections

• The heater may only be connected to the electrical network per the current regulations by an authorized, professional electrician.

• The heater is semi-stationarily connected to the junction box on the sauna wall. The connection cable must be of rubber cable type H07RN-F or its equivalent.
  NOTE! Due to thermal embrittlement, the use of PVC-insulated wire as the connection cable of the heater is forbidden. The junction box must be splash- proof, and its maximum height from the floor must not exceed 50 cm.

• If the connection and installation cables are higher than 100 cm from the floor in the sauna or inside the sauna room walls, they must be able to endure a minimum temperature of 170 °C when loaded (for example, SSJ). Electrical equipment installed higher than 100 cm from the sauna floor must be approved for use in a temperature of 125 °C (marked T125).

• The wiring diagrams are included in the control unit’s installation instructions.

• Further instructions concerning exceptional installations can be obtained from local electrical authorities.

Electric heater insulation resistance

• When performing the final inspection of the electrical installations, a “leakage” may be detected when measuring the heater’s insulation resistance. The reason for this is that the insulating material of the heating resistors has absorbed moisture from the air (storage/transport). After operating the heater for a few times, the moisture will be removed from the resistors.
• Do not connect the power feed for the heater through the RCD (residual current device)!

SPARE PARTS

We recommend using only the manufacturer’s spare parts.

GLOBAL: P.O.Box 12 | Teollisuustie 1-7 | 40951 Muurame | FINLAND | +358 207 464 000 | harvia@harvia.fi | www.harvia.com

References

• Harvia
• sentiotec

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