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Sauna controls and Wi-Fi

A sauna control sets temperature and on-time; Wi-Fi versions add a phone app and schedules. Makers pair remote start with door sensors and overheat cut-offs, and US heaters and controls should be UL listed.

What a control does

HUUM says its UKU control system turns the heater on, sets temperature and timer, and can be connected to ventilation or a steamer.

HUUM says its UKU controllers let you choose a heating period of 1, 3, 6, 12 or 18 hours.

Almost Heaven lists its heater upgrades by control type: KIP with dials or digital, The Wall Heater with dials, Cilindro with dials or digital, and the digital Virta and Virta Combi. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Local or Wi-Fi

HUUM says the main difference between its models is that UKU Local is for on-the-spot use only, while UKU WiFi can also be controlled through the HUUM mobile app. HUUM says the UKU WiFi controller must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to communicate with the app, and suits places that already have Wi-Fi.

HUUM says its app sets heating start and end times and target temperature, shows current temperature, and sends a notification when the sauna is ready.

Finnleo says its SaunaLogic2 control has a glass touch screen for time, temperature, lighting and audio, and can extend control to a phone over Wi-Fi. Finnleo says the SaunaLogic mobile app can set a delay time of up to 24 hours, use a 60-minute timer, and create daily, weekly or monthly schedules.

Finnleo says the SaunaLogic2 app runs on iPhone and Android phones and tablets and works with Google Home, Alexa and Siri.

Safety features

HUUM lists overheating protection, a door sensor and a child safety lock as the safety features of its UKU controllers. HUUM says that, thanks to the door sensor, its remote control will not start heating if the sauna door is open.

Saunum's AirIQ manual says the heater will not start remotely if the control system detects an open circuit, such as an open door. Saunum says scheduled heating will not start if the sauna door is open at the scheduled time.

Saunum says the AirIQ sensor housing contains a temperature sensor and a thermal cutoff fuse that disconnects power to the heater if overheating occurs.

Saunum's manual tells users to always check that the heater has switched off after the on-time period has elapsed.

The North American Sauna Society says the UL safety standard UL 875 caps sauna temperature in the US at 195 F, and all UL-listed heaters follow it. The North American Sauna Society says the most important safety detail when buying a modular sauna is confirming the heater and control are UL listed. (North American Sauna Society)

Installation notes

Saunum's AirIQ manual says the control panel must be installed on a wall outside the sauna room, protected from water splashes. Saunum says the temperature sensor cannot be placed above the heater.

HUUM says UKU controllers work with any maker's electric heater that works with a controller, has a temperature control function and does not exceed 18 kW, with an extension box needed above 11 kW.

Examples on Saunakivi

HUUM DROP 6

HUUM · electric · 6 kW · rated for 5–9 m³ (about 177–318 ft³, our conversion)

HUUM DROP 9

HUUM · electric · 9 kW · rated for 8–13 m³ (about 283–459 ft³, our conversion)

Saunum Air 7

Saunum · electric · 7 kW · rated for 177–318 ft³ (about 5–9 m³, our conversion)

Questions

Can I start my sauna from my phone?

HUUM says the main difference between its models is that UKU Local is for on-the-spot use only, while UKU WiFi can also be controlled through the HUUM mobile app. HUUM says its app sets heating start and end times and target temperature, shows current temperature, and sends a notification when the sauna is ready.

Sources: UKU WiFi - HUUM; How to choose a sauna controller for an electric sauna heater?

Will a sauna start remotely with the door open?

HUUM says that, thanks to the door sensor, its remote control will not start heating if the sauna door is open. Saunum's AirIQ manual says the heater will not start remotely if the control system detects an open circuit, such as an open door.

Sources: How to choose a sauna controller for an electric sauna heater?; Saunum Sauna Control Unit Air IQ – Instructions for Use and Installation

Does a sauna heater need to be UL listed?

The North American Sauna Society says the most important safety detail when buying a modular sauna is confirming the heater and control are UL listed.

Source: Buy a Sauna

Sources

  1. How to choose a sauna controller for an electric sauna heater? — HUUM
  2. Almost Heaven Saunas | Frequently Asked Questions — Almost Heaven Saunas
  3. UKU WiFi - HUUM — HUUM
  4. SaunaLogic2® Control | Sauna Controls for Every Use — Finnleo
  5. Saunum Sauna Control Unit Air IQ – Instructions for Use and Installation — Saunum
  6. Build a Sauna — North American Sauna Society
  7. Buy a Sauna — North American Sauna Society