Outdoor Sauna Foundation and Electrical: What You Need
A level pad that drains, a 240-volt circuit for the heater and a line for the lights. What each takes, and how much current each heater draws.
A level pad that drains
An Urban Sauna arrives built, so it needs a level spot that won't hold water. Any of these works:
- Poured concrete
- Compacted gravel
- Piers
- Pavers
The size of the pad
Plan the pad around the sauna's overall footprint, porch included:
Power for the heater and the lights
An electric heater needs its own 240-volt circuit. The lights need a separate 120-volt, 15-amp line. A licensed electrician runs both to the sauna and makes the final connection after delivery, and the work is inspected. An electrical permit is needed even where the building itself needs none.
A wood-burning stove needs no heater circuit, only the light line, but it does need a mechanical permit.
How much current each heater draws
A heater's current is its power divided by the voltage: a 6 kW heater draws 25 amps at 240 volts, a 9 kW heater 37.5 amps. Your electrician sizes the breaker and the wire from the heater maker's instructions. For the heaters Urban Sauna offers:
- The One: Homecraft Apex Mini 6 kW Electric, 25 amps at 240 volts
- Oasis 2: Homecraft Apex Mini 6 kW Electric, 25 amps at 240 volts
- Oasis 3: HUUM Drop 6 kW Electric, 25 amps at 240 volts
- Oasis 3: IKI Pillar 6.6 kW Electric, 27.5 amps at 240 volts
- Oasis 5: HUUM Drop 9 kW Electric, 37.5 amps at 240 volts
- Oasis 5: IKI Pillar 9 kW Electric, 37.5 amps at 240 volts
Before anyone digs
If the pad or the power line means digging with machines, Minnesota law requires a call to Gopher State One Call (811) at least 48 hours ahead, so the buried lines get marked.
The way in
The sauna arrives whole, so it has to reach the pad. Tony visits the yard first to see whether it can be wheeled in or needs a crane, and where it will sit. Keep the path clear on delivery day.
Or have it all handled
Urban Sauna can line up the pad and the electrician for you and quote them with your build. Each city's permits are on its page under Where We Deliver.