As an expert in home renovations and improvements for over 15 years, I‘ve helped install countless home saunas. I‘ve found infrared saunas are a popular choice due to their many benefits and reasonable power requirements. But a common question I receive is – can you simply plug an infrared sauna into a regular 120V household outlet?
The quick answer is yes, in most cases you can. However, to make sure your sauna performs safely and optimally, there are some important electrical considerations I‘ll cover in this comprehensive guide.
Relax and Rejuvenate with Infrared Saunas
First, let‘s look at what makes infrared saunas so popular. Infrared saunas have seen a growth rate of over 20% annually in recent years according to the Global Wellness Institute.
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to directly warm the body instead of heating the surrounding air. The infrared waves are safely absorbed by the skin, raising the core body temperature. This provides a deeply relaxing and detoxifying sweat at lower temperatures than traditional saunas.
Specific benefits include:
- Improved circulation and cardiovascular health
- Lower blood pressure
- Pain relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Skin purification and rejuvenation
- Detoxification and weight loss
- Stress reduction and relaxation
- Increased growth hormone production
With benefits like these, it‘s no wonder infrared saunas are being installed in more and more homes each year.
Power Requirements: Infrared vs Traditional Saunas
One of the main appeals of infrared saunas is their reasonable power needs compared to large traditional saunas.
This table shows the key differences:
| Sauna Type | Heat Method | Temperature | Power Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Heating air | 180°F – 220°F | High, often needs 240V, 30A+ circuit |
| Infrared | Heating body directly | 120°F – 140°F | Lower, often runs on 120V, 15A household circuit |
Traditional saunas must produce enough power to heat a large room‘s worth of air to high temperatures. This requires special dedicated electrical circuits and wiring.
Meanwhile, infrared saunas only need to generate power for several infrared heating panels to warm the occupants directly.
Household Electrical Systems and Sauna Power
To understand sauna power requirements, it helps to first understand standard residential electrical systems.
In North America, household current is 120 volts supplied from two hot lines each providing 60V and an earth ground at 0V.
The two common household circuits are:
- 15 amp circuit – Supplies a maximum of 1800 watts (120V x 15A)
- 20 amp circuit – Supplies a maximum of 2400 watts (120V x 20A)
As long as the total wattage needed by the sauna stays under 1800W, it can safely run on a common 15A household circuit. Up to 2400W can be pulled from a 20A circuit.
Sizing the Electrical Needs of Infrared Saunas
When installing an infrared sauna, you‘ll need to calculate the total power draw from the heating panels, controls, and any other electrical components.
As a general guideline:
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Small 1-2 person infrared saunas often need only 900W or less. These can plug into any 120V 15A household outlet.
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Medium 2-3 person infrared saunas may require 1200-1500W. They can run on a 15A circuit, but will have ideal performance on a dedicated 20A circuit.
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Large 3-4 person infrared saunas tend to need 1500-1800W. These are better run on their own dedicated 20A circuit.
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Extra-large 4-6 person commercial infrared saunas sometimes need 2000W or more. These require special 240V wiring.
To determine your exact needs, add up the wattage of all the sauna‘s heating panels and other electrical components. This will tell you the total power your sauna will draw.
As your friendly electrician, I always recommend installing the largest circuit you can for a sauna to allow for future upgrades and modifications down the line.
Proper Electrical Installation
I always advise my clients to have a licensed electrician inspect any sauna installation to ensure safety and code compliance.
Here are some best practices electricians will follow:
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Verify the electrical panel has sufficient capacity for the added sauna load. Upgrade if needed.
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Install a dedicated circuit for the sauna, either 15A or 20A depending on power needs.
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Use proper gauge wiring suitable for a sauna electrical system.
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Ensure the circuit has a ground wire and has GFCI/AFCI protection.
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Position the sauna outlet close to the power source to minimize extension cords.
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Inspect all electrical connections for tightness to prevent arcing and heating.
Hiring an electrician provides an extra level of safety and ensures your sauna electrical system will perform optimally for years to come.
Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
If you experience any issues like frequently tripped circuit breakers, it likely indicates an overloaded circuit. Some common causes include:
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Insufficient circuit capacity – The sauna may need its own dedicated 15A or 20A circuit, rather than sharing power.
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Faulty wiring – Corroded, loose or improperly rated wiring can cause shorts and electrical faults.
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Old breaker – If the circuit breaker is old, it may not be rated for the sauna‘s power needs.
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Extension cord issues – Heavy duty extension cords may be needed for large saunas.
If problems arise, I recommend contacting a professional electrician right away to thoroughly diagnose and resolve any wiring or electrical issues. They have the proper tools, testing equipment and experience to get your sauna running smoothly again quickly.
Safety Tips for Home Sauna Electrical Systems
I always recommend a few added safety steps when installing home saunas:
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Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These will instantly cut power if an electrical fault is detected, preventing shocks.
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Install arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers. These advanced breakers prevent fires by detecting dangerous electrical arcs.
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Keep electrical components away from water sources and add weatherproof coverings for outdoor saunas.
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Limit use of extension cords and power strips. Have outlets installed where needed.
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Use carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near the sauna.
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Never leave the sauna unattended when in use.
Following basic safety precautions keeps your sauna electrical system safe for family and friends.
Weighing DIY Install vs Professional Electrician
Some handy homeowners may consider installing their infrared sauna wiring themselves. While this can reduce costs, it has serious risks if not done properly.
Benefits of a professional electrician include:
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Ensures wiring meets all electrical codes
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Can assess your electrical panel capacity and upgrade if needed
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Has proper tools and testing equipment to diagnose issues
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Provides safety checks and inspections after installation
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Is insured if any accidents or damage occur
Risks of DIY electrical work:
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May overlook important safety issues or code violations
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Lacks specialized tools and training for diagnosing problems
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Any mistakes can lead to electrical fires or shock hazards
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May void home insurance coverage if improper work is found
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Liability for any injuries or damage is on the homeowner
For most homeowners, hiring a trained electrician is highly recommended for any sauna installation work. The peace of mind and safety is well worth the added cost.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed electrical guide helps explain how to power an infrared sauna properly and safely. To summarize:
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Most infrared saunas can plug into a standard 120V household outlet
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Larger saunas may need dedicated 15A or 20A circuits
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Have an electrician install and inspect wiring for safety
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Address any electrical issues promptly to prevent hazards
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Follow basic precautions like GFCI outlets and AFCI breakers
With the right electrical setup and safety steps, you can relax and enjoy your home sauna for years to come! Let me know if you have any other home or sauna wiring questions.
