3.8. Troubleshooting
A. If sauna does not operate after initial installation and wiring:
1.Check breaker to be sure that it is on. Also, breaker should be correct size.
2.Make sure that a neutral wire has been included
3.Check circuit breaker in contactor to be sure that it has not been shorted out.
4.Be sure that thermostat and timer are both in on position.
5.Be sure that timer winds down. If timer has been shorted out, heater will not operate.
B. If sauna has been in operation, but heater ceases to operate:
1.Check breaker to make sure it is on.
2.Check timer to see if it winds down.
3.Check high limit reset button in heater (reset is under the heater to see if it has been released).
4.Call your electrician or service person for further help.
C. If Sauna heater operates, but room does not come up to Sauna temperature
1.You must allow at least 30 minutes for Sauna heat- up time.
2.Is Sauna thermometer located 6” (150 mm) from ceiling, and is it above or close to Sauna heater? (This is proper location for Sauna temperature reading.) Thermometer readings vary with room heights and location. Eg. 180°F (82°C) above Sauna heater = 165°F (74°C) on opposite wall = 140°F (60°C) on upper bench level = 120°F (49°C) on lower bench level = 100°F (38°C)at floor level.
3.Check for proper wire size, amp size and proper wiring (according to diagrams and information) also necessary copper wiring.
4.Check for placement of stones to make sure they are loosely spaced around elements, to insure good air flow. Stones packed too tightly will restrict air flow and reduce heating capacity.
5.Check for heat loss (around or under door, around ceiling light or fan – we do not recommend ceiling light and a fan does not belong in the Sauna.
6.Is room properly insulated?
7.Is ceiling higher than in figure 4?
8.After checking all of the above, remove rocks and check heater elements for holes or burned areas. (Only if heater has been in use for some time.)
3.9. Caution! Electrician or service person!
1.Before servicing heater, control, or contactor, turn power off at breaker!
2.Open junction box to make sure wires are tightly secured with no loose connections. Heater wire and all connecting wires should be copper.
3.Check for burned spots or short in wiring of timer or thermostat.
3.10. Maintenance instructions
1.Use only clean water on Sauna stones. Do not use spa or pool water as it will destroy your heater.
2.Clean water should always be used in Sauna buckets and water should be dumped out after every use. Scour buckets and dippers occasionally when film collects from usage. Use plastic bucket liner in bucket to prevent water leakage.
3.Scrub benches with a soft brush, using soap and water or a mild disinfectant, when needed - about once a week in commercial Saunas, or depending upon sauna usage. For sanitation, each bather should sit or lie on a towel (this will prolong bench life).
4.Remove Super Dek and wash waterproof floor with disinfectant (e.g. Pine Sol) about once a week or as often as needed. Hose off Super Dek to clean.
5.To maintain beautiful appearance of Sauna heater, remove water stains by wiping a damp cloth occasionally.
6.Harvia Sauna Heaters require no special maintenance when properly installed by a qualified electrical contractor. After 1 years of usage, the rocks may need replacing if they have crumbled or powered.
7.Harvia Sauna strongly recommends a floor that can be easily cleaned (concrete, ceramic tile, or a poured type of flooring). When this is provided, the Sauna can be easily cleaned and kept in a sanitary condition with little effort. A carpet is NOT recommended for a Sauna! A carpet becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria in the moist conditions of a Sauna; and a carpet promotes the spread of foot diseases such as athlete‘s foot. For same reasons, wooden duckboard should not be used for flooring.
8.In new construction, a floor drain should also be provided, especially in commersial Saunas for sanitary cleaning and maintenance.
9.Seal wood around glass in door - inside and outside
– with Thompson‘s Water Seal to prevent warpage.
10.When Sauna wood becomes stained from perspiration, the wood may lightly sanded with fine sandpaper to restore beautiful appearance. We do not recommend stains or sealers as toxic vapors may appear when heated. However, 2 coats of Thompson‘s Water Seal may be used on the wood benches in a commersial Sauna, so that the wood may be more easily cleaned and kept sanitary – the wood will not absorb perspiration.
11.The Sauna room will heat faster if the higher vent is kept in a closed position when heating. The lower vent may always be kept in an open position.
12.Required warning signs should be posted according to the instructions.
10
