I am installing a sauna in my master bedroom and could use some tips for the wiring. The heater is a used unit I removed from my brother’s sauna. Here is all the info I have on unit. 3.5-KW 240-V-AC, made by Electric Steambath Co. I do have detailed information on placement and clearances. The wire run will be about 90 feet to the circuit breaker. Can I use a 30amp breaker? #10/2 wire? Thanks for any input!
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My "seat of pants" calcultion is as follows 3500w / 240v = 14.6 amps to run it. However, allowing a 75% loading of the wire would produce a #12 wire, and 20 amp breaker, rather than the #10 / 30a breaker combination which you proposed. The #10 wire will certainly not hurt the unit, but the 30a breaker might.
My advice would be to contact the manufacturer as they may have some different opinions. For example, my heat pump manufacturer calls for #10 wire with a maximum 25a breaker.
In any event, this reply will bump your post back into the "easily seen" catagory on the site.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Thanks for the response Jim. I really appreciate it. I agree with your calculations and all the information I've gotten since does as well.
Thanks
Thomas Cook
Keep it Together Construction
I would suggest running the #10 wire.
steamers and saunas are known for drawing very high loads even though they say they only need 17.5 amps.and being 100' away the # 10 are a good idea.
if the factory wants you to use a 20 amp breaker. then use it.. but I would still use # 10 wire..
Would this be a good place to install a gfci breaker?
GFCI breaker? Yep, I would.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.