Remote control requires a safety switch
Remote control of an electric sauna heater via a smartphone app, home automation system, or other remote control device requires the use of a safety switch in the sauna. Standard IEC/EN 60335-2-53. A safety switch is not required if the heater is controlled using its own control panel, or if the heater’s total power exceeds 20.0 kW.
Harvia safety switch options for electric heaters
There are three different types of safety switches: door switch, SFE safety devices and integrated safety switches. See below for the differences between them and their suitability for various applications.
Quick Guide for Selecting a Safety Switch
- For home use Choose a door switch or a heater equipped with an integrated safety switch.
- For professional use Choose the SFE safety device (several models).
Door switch for home use
For home use, we primarily recommend a door switch as a safety device, unless the sauna heater has its own integrated safety switch.
How does it work?
The door switch requires that remote control is reactivated from the control panel after each sauna session or after each time the door is opened. This ensures that your sauna is always safe for remote start. However, the door switch will never turn off the heater if the door is opened during a sauna session.
The door sensor is installed on the door frame, and the counterpart (magnet) on the sauna door. Closing the sauna door closes the circuit for the switch. The control panel can also be placed inside the sauna room, as there is a 30-second delay when activating remote control function, during which the sauna door must be closed.
Please note that the door switch is not suitable for public saunas!
Installation guide: Door switch setup
SFE safety device for professional use
SFE safety device is suitable for professional use in public saunas.
How does it work?
The SFE safety device forms a continuous closed circuit that opens only if something foreign falls onto the heater. If a circuit is opened, the heater shuts off immediately; furthermore, the SFE also prevents the heater from turning on if something foreign is placed on it.
The remote start function remains permanently active, making the SFE device suitable for professional use in public saunas - No need to enable remote control function separately each time.
Installation guide: SFE Safety switch setup
Integrated safety switch
Some sauna heater models are equipped with an integrated safety switch, meaning that the safety solution is built into the heater’s design. In such models, remote control of the heater does not require the use of a separate safety switch, such as a door switch or SFE.
How does it work?
The operating principle is the same as in the SFE: the integrated switch forms a continuous closed circuit that opens only if something foreign falls onto the heater. If a circuit is opened, the heater shuts off immediately; furthermore, the switch also prevents the heater from turning on if something foreign is placed on it.
The remote start function remains permanently active, making the integrated safety switch suitable for both home and professional use - No need to enable remote control function separately each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the heater control panel be installed inside the sauna room when using a door switch?
Yes, because there is a 30-second delay when activating remote control function, during which the sauna door must be closed.
The door switch is included with the sauna heater I purchased. Can I leave it uninstalled?
Installing a door switch is not required if the heater is to be controlled solely through its own control panel.
I have activated remote control function from the control panel. Is there a time limit set for remote control after which the remote start function no longer works?
No. You can start the heater remotely, for example, seven days after activating remote control mode. As long as the sauna door has not been opened during that time.
Can I upgrade my current electric heater to be remotely controlled?
Yes and no. Some sauna heater models can be upgraded for remote control. See the section on "Remote Control for Electric Sauna Heaters".
Why isn't a door switch suitable for public saunas or communal sauna use?
When used as a safety device, the door switch requires that remote control is reactivated from the control panel after each sauna session or after each time the door is opened.
Is a safety switch required when the sauna heater is set to start later? (pre-timer function)
No, the pre-timer does not require the use of a safety switch.
When is a safety switch NOT required?
A safety switch is not required if the heater is controlled using the heater's own control panel.
According to the standard, a safety switch is not required if the total power of the heater exceeds 20.0 kW. In this case, select the "No safety switch" option in the control unit settings.
Standard IEC/EN 60335-2-53
According to the product standard IEC/EN 60335 -2-53 regulating electrical sauna heaters, a control panel can be used to remotely control the heater once the heater or sauna room door is equipped with a safety device (a door sensor or a safety switch).
Let's sauna