Important information
The temperature sensor must be installed in the location specified in the product manual to ensure that the heater operates correctly and safely. The location of the sensor depends on the heater model.
IMPORTANT: The temperature sensor also acts as an overheat protector in case of failure or malfunction, which is why correct installation is particularly important. An incorrectly installed sensor can lead to overheating, poor heating performance or premature wear of the product.
Things to consider when installing a temperature sensor
Supply air valve distance
The sauna supply air valve must not be too close to the temperature sensor. The air flow near the valve will cool the sensor, giving the heater incorrect information about the sauna temperature.
Minimum distance between supply air valve and temperature sensor
- Non-directional 360-degree valve: 1000 mm
- Valve facing away from the sensor: 500 mm (universal models)
- Harvia SASPO105 - supply air diffuser: 350 mm (optional accessory)
Installation options for SASPO105 supply air diffuser (optional accessory) and temperature sensor
- The supply air diffuser and temperature sensor must always be installed on the same surface in the sauna room.
- The supply air diffuser directs the air flow away from the sensor.
Practical examples of sensor installation
Please note that the examples below are specific to certain heater models.
Distance between non-directional supply air valve and temperature sensor
Example 1. The sensor is correctly installed according to the model-specific instructions: The supply air valve is not near the sensor, so the sensor works as expected and shows the right temperature reading.
Example 2. The supply air valve is too close to the temperature sensor. This installation is not recommended, as the sensor may not function as expected. The air flow from the supply air valve may cool the sensor too much - and
- The heater may get hotter than normal, which can lead to rapid wear and tear.
- In the event of a malfunction, the overheat protector may not respond quickly enough to a rise in temperature.
The effect of heater location on sensor installation
Example 1. The sensor is correctly installed according to the model-specific instructions. If the heater is further away from the wall (100+ mm), the sensor needs to be installed on the sauna room ceiling: See example 3.
Example 2. The distance between the heater and the nearest wall is 250 mm. The sensor would be too far from the heater. This installation is not recommended, as the sensor may not function as expected: See example 3.
Example 3. The distance between the heater and nearest wall is 250 mm, in which case the sensor must be installed on the ceiling of the sauna room. Please note distance C (100 mm) if mentioned in the manual.
Quick tips and common mistakes to avoid
Placing the sensor in a corner
The air is slightly warmer in all corners of the sauna room. It is therefore best to avoid installing a temperature sensor in these areas if possible. Otherwise, the heating capacity may appear to be lower than normal and the heater may not reach the desired/target temperature.
- If necessary, the measuring curve of the sensor can be calibrated +/- 10°C from the control panel settings.
Placing the sensor near sauna door
The air may be cooler near the door, which is why the temperature sensor should be placed further away from the door, glass walls and windows.
Sensor positioning options - on the wall or on the ceiling?
The temperature sensor is mounted on the wall or alternatively on the ceiling, depending on the position of the heater. Please check the model-specific location of the sensor in the heater manual.
Embedding a heater into the bench
If your heater is installed through the sauna bench (embedded), it is particularly important that the temperature sensor is in the correct position. Otherwise, the bench structure may overheat.
Another thing to note is the arrangement of stones in pillar-type heaters. Ensure that the heating elements are not visible behind the stones: