Sauna Electrical Requirements: Simple Guide for Infrared, Traditional, and Hybrid Saunas

Adding a sauna to your home is simpler than you might expect. Modern saunas are designed with convenience in mind, making them easy to install. In fact, many infrared saunas are plug-and-play, meaning you can have them up and running the same day they arrive.

Whether you’re considering an infrared, traditional, or hybrid sauna, understanding the electrical requirements can help you plan your space and avoid surprises during installation. This guide explains everything you need to know about voltage, amperage, and wiring so you can install your new sauna with confidence.

1. Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are the most user-friendly option for home installation. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air, infrared saunas use infrared light to warm your body directly. This allows them to operate with lower power consumption and makes them ideal for home use.

Electrical Requirements

• Voltage: Most models use a standard 120V outlet (like a TV or phone charger).
• Amperage: Typically requires 15 to 20 amps, depending on the size of the sauna.
• Wiring: Most infrared saunas are plug-and-play, meaning no special wiring is required.
• Power Usage: Power consumption ranges from 1.5 kW to 3 kW, similar to a microwave or hair dryer.

Installation Tips

• Plug and Play: Connect the pre-assembled panels, plug the sauna into a standard wall outlet, and you’re ready to go.
• Dedicated Circuit (Optional): While not required, having a dedicated circuit for larger saunas may prevent circuit breakers from tripping.
• Ideal for Small Spaces: Infrared saunas are perfect for home gyms, basements, bedrooms, and apartments since they don’t require a 240V outlet.

2. Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas deliver the classic sauna experience, heating the air inside the sauna to 150°F - 195°F. To generate that much heat, they require a more powerful heater, which means you’ll need a 240V power source.

Electrical Requirements for Traditional Saunas

• Voltage: Most traditional saunas require a 240V line (like an electric stove or dryer).
• Amperage: For smaller heaters (4.5 kW), you’ll need about 20-30 amps, while larger heaters (6kW–9kW) may need 30 to 50 amps.
• Wiring: Traditional saunas are typically hardwired to a dedicated 240V circuit.
• Power Usage: Traditional sauna heaters use around 4.5 kW to 9 kW, depending on the heater size.

Installation Tips

• Call an Electrician: Since a 240V line is required, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to handle the installation.
• Hardwired Setup: Traditional saunas must be hardwired into your home’s electrical panel.
• Plan for a Dedicated Line: Since traditional saunas draw more power, they require their own circuit. Your electrician will install a dedicated line to ensure optimal performance.

3. Hybrid Saunas

Hybrid saunas offer the best of both worlds by combining infrared heat and traditional heat in one unit. This allows you to switch between the gentle warmth of infrared and the full-body warmth of a traditional sauna, giving you more flexibility in how you use it.

Electrical Requirements for Hybrid Saunas

• Voltage: Most hybrid saunas require a 240V line to support both heating systems.
• Amperage: Amperage depends on the heater size, but you’ll often see units requiring 30 to 50 amps.
• Wiring: Hybrid saunas are hardwired to the main electrical panel, just like traditional saunas.
• Power Usage: Hybrid saunas use around 6 to 9 kW of power when both heating systems are active.

Installation Tips

• Dual Heating Systems: Since hybrid saunas combine both infrared and traditional systems, they have higher power needs.
• Call an Electrician: This setup requires a 240V line, so it’s best to hire a licensed electrician.
• Energy Efficiency: Hybrid saunas are energy-efficient when running in infrared mode but require more power when using the traditional heating system.

Check the Voltage

Confirm whether your sauna requires 120V (plug-and-play) or 240V (hardwired).

Plan Ahead

Decide where you want to place your sauna. This will help you and your electrician plan for outlet placement and wiring.

Ask About Plug-and-Play

Many infrared models don’t need an electrician, making them perfect for DIY installation.

Keep It Simple

Modern sauna manufacturers design their products to be as user-friendly as possible. Follow the manual, and you’ll be relaxing in no time.

Installing a sauna at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Infrared saunas are as simple as plugging them in, while traditional and hybrid saunas may need a quick visit from an electrician to set up a 240V line. With modern plug-and-play options, you can be relaxing in your sauna on the same day it arrives.

Infrared saunas are perfect for first-time buyers because of their simplicity. Traditional and hybrid saunas offer more power and control, but with the help of a licensed electrician, you’ll have your sauna up and running in no time!

Ready to find the perfect sauna for your home? Browse our complete sauna collection and discover a variety of infrared, traditional, and hybrid saunas designed for every space and lifestyle.