Sauna Installation Services in Kent
Overview: What’s Involved in Installing a Sauna?
Installing a sauna at home adds a touch of luxury and wellbeing — but it also requires careful electrical planning. From safely powering the heater to managing ventilation and lighting, compliance with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) is essential for a safe and durable setup.
Electrical Regulations (BS 7671)
Domestic saunas fall under special installation conditions in the BS 7671 regs due to heat, moisture, and confined spaces.
- Section 703 (Rooms and cabins containing sauna heaters) is the key part of the regs
- All equipment must be rated for the heat zone it’s installed in
- Cables and accessories must be suitable for high-temperature environments
- All circuits must have 30mA RCD protection
- IP ratings: Lighting and switches must have appropriate IP ratings
- Use of heat-resistant sheathed flex for wiring within the sauna cabin
Heating Options
Most domestic saunas use electric heaters, either wall-mounted or floor-standing, sized according to the volume of the sauna cabin.
- Electric sauna heaters: Commonly 3kW–9kW for home use
- Hard-wired: Requires a dedicated supply, often 16A–40A depending on size
- Control units: May be wall-mounted outside the sauna or integrated with the heater, with some having an app on your phone
- Timers & thermostats: Important for safety and energy control
Ventilation Requirements
Proper airflow ensures even heat distribution, prevents moisture buildup, and helps the heater operate efficiently.
- Fresh air intake: Usually installed low down, near the heater
- Exhaust vent: Positioned high up on the opposite wall to allow natural air circulation
- Passive systems: Most domestic saunas use passive ventilation, but active extraction may be used in shared plant spaces
- Room ventilation: The room housing the sauna should also be ventilated to prevent humidity damage
Lighting Inside a Sauna
Lighting must be heat-resistant, moisture-resistant, and safe for enclosed timber spaces.
- Low-voltage sauna lights: 12V LED or halogen with heat-proof lenses are popular
- Wall-mounted lights: Must be rated for sauna use (e.g. up to 125°C or more)
- Control from outside: Switches or dimmers should be located outside the sauna cabin
- Optional extras: Fibre optic lighting or LED strip lighting behind benches for mood lighting