Sauna Electrical Woes? Here's What's Up and How to Fix you sauna!

Hey there, sauna enthusiasts! There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to relax in the sauna after a busy day at work, only to find that the sauna won't start, only to be met with issues like it not powering on, a control panel acting wonky, or a lack of that glorious heat. But don't sweat it ! We're here to break down the most common electrical glitches and get your relaxation haven back in work.

1.  "No Power"

Problem Symptoms: Your sauna isn't working at all. There are no lights on the control panel, and it doesn't start heating up as it used to. It could be that it doesn't heat up at all, or it might be heating up very slowly. Also, there could be no signs of the control panel functioning properly, such as no display of error codes if applicable.

Possible Culprits Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker: Think of these as the gatekeepers of your sauna's power. If they detect a power surge or an overload, they'll cut the power to protect your sauna. Fuses can blow over time, and circuit breakers might trip if, say, your sauna's power draw is a bit too much for the circuit to handle. Loose, Damaged, or Uncooperative Wiring: Over the years, the constant heat and humidity in your sauna can take a toll on the wiring. Cords can get loose, fray, or even develop exposed wires, which is a major no - no. Worn - Out Power Supply Components: The power supply unit in your sauna is like its heart. Inside, components like capacitors and relays can age and fail. A dying capacitor might not be able to store and release the right amount of electrical energy, and a faulty relay could prevent the power from flowing where it needs to go.

A Defunct Heating Element:

If the heating element is shot, it's not going to do its job of turning that electrical energy into the toasty warmth you crave. Sometimes,Make your sauna completely inoperable or even cause a fire!! 

Malfunctioning Sauna Control Panel:

Modern saunas rely on control panels to manage everything from temperature to timer settings. If the panel has gone haywire, it might not be sending the right signals to power up the sauna. Old or Broken Thermostat: The thermostat is the brain that tells the heater when to turn on and off. If it's not working correctly, it can't regulate the temperature, and you might end up with a sauna that's either too hot, too cold, or not heating at all.

Fix - It Steps

Safety First! Before attempting to inspect the interior of your sauna, unplug it from the wall outlet.

You definitely don't want to risk getting electrocuted while making repairs. Check the Fuse or Circuit Breaker: Locate your home's fuse box or circuit breaker panel.

It's typically found in a utility room, basement, or garage. Identify the fuse or breaker that controls the power supply to your sauna. If it's a fuse, check whether the wire inside is broken. If so, you'll need to replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage. For circuit breakers, check if it's in the "off" position. If it is, switch it back to "on." However, if it trips again immediately, there's likely a more significant issue, and you may need to call in a professional. If you're unsure which fuse or breaker controls your sauna, or if you're uncomfortable working with them, don't worry. Reach out to your sauna manufacturer for guidance, or send us an email at support@saunapartsworld.com. We're always happy to assist!

If you've confirmed that your home's circuit breaker is functioning properly but the sauna still won't start, there's a high chance that the problem lies within the sauna's power supply box. These boxes are usually installed at the top of the sauna. 

After opening the power supply box, you need to check for loose wiring and ensure that the sauna's leakage and overload protection devices are working properly. If any signs of burning or damage are detected, replace the entire power supply box to prevent future malfunctions. Inspect the Wiring: Take a good look at the power cord. If it's frayed, cracked, or has exposed wires, it's time for a new one. Don't try to patch it up with electrical tape—that's a temporary fix at best and could be dangerous. Check all the connections, from the power cord plug to the wires inside the sauna. Make sure everything is nice and tight. If you find a loose connection, you can try tightening it with a screwdriver or pliers. But if the wires look damaged or corroded, it's better to have a professional electrician take a look.

Diagnose the Power Supply: If you're feeling brave and have some basic electrical know - how, you can open up the power supply unit (again, with the power unplugged!) and look for obvious signs of damage. A swollen or leaking capacitor is a dead giveaway that it needs to be replaced. If you're not sure what you're looking at, or if you don't feel comfortable working on the power supply, consider swapping it out for a saunapartsworld high - quality universal kit. These kits are designed to be more reliable and often come with better - quality components.

Test the Heating Element: To check if the heating element is working, you need to use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting. Disconnect the heating element from the power source and touch the probes of the multimeter to the two terminals of the heating element. If the reading on the multimeter is within the range specified in the sauna's user manual, the heating element is likely to be in good condition. If it shows infinite resistance (displayed as "OL" on the screen), it indicates that the heating element is damaged and needs to be replaced.

If you have no experience in using a multimeter or handling electrical components, the simplest way to test is to check if it can generate heat normally. If other heating elements in your far-infrared sauna can heat up properly, but a certain part can't, and the wiring is all in good condition, then the problem is simple: the non-heating heating element is broken, and the cause of the damage may be an internal short circuit.

Troubleshoot the Sauna Control Panel:

First, try unplugging the control panel from the power source and then plugging it back in. This can sometimes fix minor glitches. Check the wiring connected to the control panel. Make sure all the connections are secure. If you find any loose wires, reconnect them. If the control panel still doesn't work, it may be necessary to replace it. Contact your sauna manufacturer to see if they have replacement panels available. If your sauna is an older model or the manufacturer is out of business, you can visit our website at www.saunapatsworld.com. We may provide high-quality universal sauna repair kits.

Evaluate the Thermostat:

If the temperature display on your sauna control panel is not working properly, for example, it shows a negative temperature or the temperature remains unchanged, you can try recalibrating it. It is usually installed at the top of the sauna, similar to the picture I provided. You can try wiping it with a towel, unplugging the connected cables, and reconnecting them after 5 to 10 minutes. If this doesn't work, the thermostat is completely broken. Please contact your sauna supplier for parts. If you can't reach your supplier, please contact us at support@saunapatsworld.com. We may be able to help you.

Warranty and Replacement Parts If your sauna is still under warranty, you're in luck! Contact the manufacturer immediately once you notice any issues. They will typically send a technician for free repairs or send you replacement parts. But what if your warranty has expired, or you can't locate the manufacturer? That's where we come in. You can send an email to support@saunapatsworld.com, and we'll provide assistance. We can help you find the appropriate replacement parts for your sauna, whether it's a new power supply unit, control panel, or heating element. We'll guide you through the entire process to ensure you get the parts that are suitable for your specific sauna model, and we'll also offer professional repair guidance! Remember, electrical repair work can be dangerous. So, if you're unsure about what to do or how to solve the problem, it's always better to err on the side of caution and hire a professional electrician. With some troubleshooting and the right replacement parts, your sauna will quickly return to its warm and relaxing state! 

Disclaimer

1. The content related to sauna repair provided in this article serves only as general guidance information and does not constitute professional repair advice. The repair operations mentioned in the article involve dangerous tasks such as electrical work, and minors are strictly prohibited from performing any related operations.
2. Adult readers who choose to refer to the content of this article and repair the sauna on their own need to fully understand and be aware of the risks involved. All operating behaviors are determined by the individual themselves. For all consequences arising from personal actions during the operation, including but not limited to personal injury and property damage, the operator shall bear all responsibilities.
3. For any direct or indirect losses or damages, including but not limited to equipment damage, fire, electric shock accidents, etc., caused by readers who repair the sauna on their own by referring to the content of this article, the publisher of the article and related entities shall not assume any legal liability or compensation liability.
4. If there are any doubts or uncertainties about sauna repair, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of professional repair personnel or institutions. Always prioritize safety and approach electrical and equipment repair work with caution.