HVAC / Sauna Heaters
Harvia 145/160/180/190 Series Electric Sauna Heater User and Installation Manual
A comprehensive user and installation guide for the Harvia 145, 160, 180, 190, and E-series electric sauna heaters. This manual covers essential safety information, stone piling, electrical installation, control unit setup, and...
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
This manual provides instructions for the installation and use of Harvia electric sauna heaters (models 145, 160, 180, 190, 145E, 160E, 180E, 190E, 245E, 260E, 280E, 290E). It is intended for the sauna owner, the person in charge of the sauna, and the electrician responsible for the electrical installation. Before using the heater, ensure that no objects are placed on or near the heater, and that the sauna room is properly ventilated.
Device Description
The heater is designed to heat a sauna room to bathing temperature. Models 145-190 are equipped with a built-in timer and thermostat. Models 145E-190E and 245E-290E are controlled via a separate control unit.
Stone Piling
The piling of sauna stones significantly affects the heater's performance and safety. Use only stones recommended by the manufacturer (peridotite, olivine diabase, olivine, or vulcanite). Stones should be 5-10 cm in diameter. Wash off dust before piling. Pile stones loosely to allow air circulation, ensuring they do not touch the heating elements. Do not form a high pile on top of the heater.
Heating and Operation
When using the heater for the first time, both the heater and stones may emit odors; ventilate the sauna room thoroughly. A properly insulated sauna typically reaches bathing temperature (65-80 °C) in about one hour. For models 145-190, use the timer to set the on-time (0-4 hours) or pre-setting time (0-8 hours), and the thermostat to set the desired temperature.
Sauna Room Requirements
The sauna room must be carefully insulated to keep the heater output moderate. Use moisture protection (e.g., aluminum paper) with the glossy side facing the sauna. Ensure proper ventilation, with the supply air vent located above or next to the heater and the exhaust air vent near the floor, as far from the heater as possible.
Installation
Installation must be performed by a professional electrician in accordance with current regulations. Ensure the heater output is suitable for the sauna room volume. Maintain the minimum safety distances specified in the manual. The heater is semi-stationarily connected to a junction box on the sauna wall, which must be splash-proof and located no higher than 500 mm from the floor.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Rearrange the sauna stones at least once a year, or more frequently with heavy use. Remove stone debris from the bottom of the heater. If the heater does not heat, check the fuses, connection cable, timer and thermostat settings, and the overheat protector. If the sauna heats slowly, check the heater output, ventilation, and stone arrangement.
Manufacturer information
Harvia
Practical help
Common problems
Heater does not heat
Check that the fuses are in good condition, the connection cable is properly connected, the timer is set to the 'on' section, the thermostat is set to a higher temperature, and the overheat protector has not been triggered.
Sauna room heats slowly
Check that the fuses are intact, all heating elements glow when the heater is on, the thermostat is set high enough, the heater output is sufficient for the room volume, the stones are not piled too tightly, and the ventilation is correctly arranged.
Heater emits smell
If the heater is new, ventilate the room. If the heater is not new, check for foreign objects or substances (paint, glue, oil) that may have been introduced into the sauna.
Before use
- Ensure no objects are placed on or near the heater.
- Verify that the sauna room ventilation is open.
- Check that the sauna stones are piled correctly and not too tightly.
- Ensure the fuses are in good condition.
- Check that the timer and thermostat are set to the desired levels.
Specs in practice
- Heater Output (kW)
- Determines the heating capacity required based on the sauna room volume.
- Sauna Room Volume (m³)
- The cubic capacity of the sauna room, which dictates the required heater power.
- Safety Distances (mm)
- Minimum required distances from the heater to walls and other surfaces to prevent fire hazards.
Model compatibility
- Use only manufacturer-recommended sauna stones (peridotite, olivine diabase, olivine, vulcanite).
- Do not use PVC-insulated cables for the heater connection due to thermal embrittlement.
- Ensure the junction box is splash-proof and located no higher than 500 mm from the floor.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.