Heater safety distances - these things you need to know

Heater safety distances are one of the most important things to consider when planning to install a new heater in your sauna. The safety distances are heater-specific, so you should always check the heater installation instructions.

Heater safety distances - these things you need to know

What are the safety distances for the heater?

Safety distances refer to the distance between the heater and other sauna structures. This includes walls, roof, ceilings, ceilings and other fixed structures. The safety distances ensure that the heater does not overheat surrounding materials, which could lead to a fire or damage to the structures. You will also sometimes hear the term 'heater safety distances' used.

Some heaters require smaller safety distances than others. Wood heater's safety distances are usually greater than an electric heater. Therefore, always read the required safety distances in the heater’s instruction manual carefully before installing the heater. Please also note that when replacing an existing heater with a new one, the required safety distances of the new heater may differ from those of the old unit. Safety distances must be observed on the sides of the heater, as well as at the front, back, and above the heater. In addition, the minimum required height of the sauna must also be taken into account.

Small heater safety distances make sauna design easier

When the sauna heater does not require much free space around it, you have more flexibility when designing your sauna. Small safety clearances mean there is more room for the benches, and wasted space is kept to a minimum when the clearances to surrounding walls are small. If you want to make the most efficient use of a sauna corner, corner heater Aura may be an appropriate choice.

If you want to integrate the sauna heater into the bench structure, we recommend using an embedding collar. The embedding collar reduces the required safety clearance between the heater and the bench. When you choose an embedding collar that is compatible with your heater, integrating the heater into the bench is easy. Please note that the required safety clearances to the sauna walls, ceiling, and other combustible materials above and below the bench must also be observed even when an embedding collar is used.

The exception is the Mondex Kaira heater, whose unique design, the heater can be easily integrated into the sauna bench structure without the need for an embedding collar. Because of this unique construction, the safety clearance on the sides of the heater is only 4 mm. You can find the safety clearances for Mondex sauna heaters on each heater’s product page under “Technical specifications.”

The Mondex Kaira has a discreet 4 mm clearance from the ceiling. Photo.

Safety distances of a wood-burning heater

The safety distances of a wood heater to combustible structures are always determined by the instructions of the heater manufacturer. According to an article in Rakentaja.fi typically, the required clearance is approximately 1000 mm in front of the heater, 500 mm behind it, and 500 mm on the sides. If light protective shielding is installed around the heater, these distances can be reduced. A single protective layer reduces the clearances by about 50%, while double protection can reduce them by up to 75%. The required safety clearances above and below the heater vary by model. A typical clearance above the heater is between 800 and 1200 mm, and the clearance below is at least 250 mm unless the heater is installed on a separate base. These distances can also be reduced by approximately 25–50% when approved fire protection is used.

Mondex Klapi heater's safety distances are shorter than the typical standard requirements: 500 mm to the front, 250 mm to the sides, and 250 mm to the rear. The required clearance above the heater is 1250 mm.