Question:
I am on a limited budget and am considering using the
> element and thermostat from an electric range for the
> heater and controller. Is there any serious trouble with
> doing this?
Answer:
Um, I don't know what the average range is rated at in
watts, but you might need several of these. My sauna was
(still is, I guess) 5x7 with a 7-foot ceiling. I bought a
kit (Finlandia Sauna in Portland; nice people). They
recommended a 6KW electric heater. I got an 8KW heater.
It took about 75 minutes (about 75 cents) to get up to
temperature. This was at high altitude; I'm told that
6KW would heat the same space faster at sea level.
Other nice features of the factory-built Finnish heater:
UL approval, triple-wall steel construction, and a
thermostat and capillary tube designed for the application.
> Should I use a [GFCI] breaker unit?
The building inspector required a separate copper ground
from the breaker box to the thermostat box to the steel
case of the heater. He didn't require a GFCI. I agree
that there isn't a lot of water in there, but next time
I'll probably put in a GFCI breaker....
Get a good book from the library or send away for
manufacturer's literature for design tips, ventilation
issues, etc. etc. One book is: Konya, Allen. Finnish
Sauna. Architectural Press, London, 1987.
