Healing properties of baths have been known since ancient times. The development of advanced technologies has also affected this area. Now the heat in modern rooms made of solid wood is often created by infrared emitters for saunas. Consider the types of these devices, the criteria for their selection and installation features.
Pros and cons
IR equipment has a compact size and attractive design. It is easy to install, does not require constant monitoring of maintaining the required temperature. The purchase and installation of fixtures is an order of magnitude cheaper than the arrangement of a traditional stone or brick oven. In addition, the cost of infrared emitters for saunas in terms of energy is 80% less.
A standard steam room warms up to the optimum temperature for at least two hours, an infrared device takes twenty minutes to do this. The heater does not emit unpleasant odors, does not burn oxygen. The unit in question can be used in home mini-saunas. The case practically does not heat up during operation, which makes it possible to mount the device on a surface made of any material.
Cons:
- A large room will require several appliances, which is not cheap.
- If the interior of the bath is made in the traditional Russian style, the unit will not fit into it.
- Cheap low quality analogues quickly fail. Therefore, it is better to purchase equipment from authorized dealers who provide a guarantee.
Views
Infrared emitters for saunas are divided into three main types:
- Shortwave modifications are determined visually. When activated, they glow with a red light with a yellowish tinge. The wave length is 0.74-2.5 microns. The maximum heating of the working element is 1000 degrees. Such devices are usually installed in rooms with a ceiling height of at least eight meters. It is not recommended to stay in the halls where such equipment is located for a long period (with the heaters on).
- Models with medium waves have a working radiated length of 2.5-5.6 microns. They are designed for local heating, they create a heat flow more actively and denser than their long-wave counterparts. The heating limit of the plate is 600 degrees. The optimal mode is achieved in just one minute. Devices are mounted in rooms with a ceiling height of three to six meters. In rooms equipped with such a heater, you can stay up to 8 hours.
- Long-wave infrared heaters for saunas. Waves in the range of 50-2000 microns penetrate deeply into heated objects and people,beneficial effect on the body and well-being. The plate heats up to 300 degrees. The optimal operating mode for people is 5, 6-1400 microns.
Selection criteria
When choosing, it is worth considering the area of the room, the purpose of the emitter and its parameters:
- Outdoor equipment is equipped with an adjustable leg, serves as an additional heater.
- The option with an open heating element is designed for full or local heating of the room, the design is usually installed on the ceiling.
- Modifications with a closed heating element are suitable for any sauna interior. Models are mounted in halls where the ceiling height is from two to ten meters.
- Sometimes it is appropriate to install moldings over windows or a door, which will provide a barrier against drafts.
- In rooms with a ceiling height of less than 3 meters, cassette-type appliances are used, which are attached to a suspended structure.
- Some systems run on hot water, designed for concealed installation.
- For the convenience of adjusting the temperature, a thermostat can be connected to the equipment in question.
Working principle
Infrared emitters for saunas (photo above) resemble the structure of a fluorescent lamp, are made in the form of rectangles. The sheet metal body is covered with a special powder coating. Inside there is a heating panel with a carbon, ceramic or tubular working element. Top of heat reflectora reflector is provided to emit heat. The inside of the case is protected by a heat-insulating gasket that prevents the surface of the device from heating up.
Turning on the device in the network activates the effect of the heater on the aluminum plate, which begins to radiate waves. Energy with heat is transferred evenly, accumulating the bulk of the floor, not the ceiling.
Heating elements
If we compare infrared ceramic emitters for a sauna with analogues, it can be noted that these elements are a plate with a nichrome conductor. It can heat up to 1000 degrees. Alternatively, a transmitter made of fechral with an incandescent operating temperature of up to 800 °C can be used. The average operating period of the fixture is four years.
The tubular heating element is insulated with an aluminum profile. The result is a wide long plate, from the surface of which infrared rays depart. Several such modules are provided in one heater. The service life of the unit is at least seven years.
The infrared sauna with carbon emitters includes a quartz tube with a spiral carbon thread inside. The tube is completely sealed by vacuum. The operating temperature of the device is up to 3 thousand degrees. With proper maintenance, the device will last almost indefinitely.
Package
Depending on the wavelength, the infrared sauna plates mayheat up from 260 to 600 °C. In this case, the body does not exceed 60 degrees in this indicator. The weight of the devices varies from 3.5 to 5 kilograms, the length of the panel is 1000-1500 mm, the width and thickness are 160/40 mm.
The standard package includes the heater itself, mounting brackets and hardware, instructions. Additionally, you will need to buy a wire with a plug (the cross section is selected for the working load), a thermostat, automatic fuses, magnetic starters.
Installation type
The best infrared heaters for saunas have a different mounting method:
- The floor version is easy to mount, but requires a dedicated space. If handled carelessly, it can be knocked over. To do this, the model must be equipped with a special option that turns off the device in the event of a fall. Pay special attention to this if there are small children in the family.
- More complicated installation for wall versions, but they do not take up usable space and decorate the overall interior, fitting into it as harmoniously as possible.
- Ceiling units are characterized by a uniform direction of rays and heat, have a laborious and complex installation method.
Equipment for infrared emitters for saunas is often made inset at the corners of the room. The opening range in this case is 90-120 degrees. To maintain a certain temperature regime for a long period of time will allow the use of a thermostat. The best option would be a model with a swivel mechanism.
Whatpay attention?
When purchasing an infrared emitter for saunas type RS350K, pay attention to a number of nuances so as not to be disappointed in the purchase:
- Packaging should be free from deformation and damage, preferably with foam inserts.
- Before purchasing, be sure to check the device for serviceability.
- The unit must operate absolutely silently, any extraneous sound indicates poor build quality or malfunction.
- The seller must issue a receipt and warranty card.
- Check the data in the heater's passport with the certificate.
Recommendations
Regardless of the type, infrared emitters for saunas should be placed in such a way that a single thermal field is provided that guarantees uniform heating of people. The standard installation scheme consists of 6 units: two heaters are installed on the rear wall, one each on the side walls or in the corners plus a foot warmer.
The power of the device is selected depending on the area of the room. This is due to the fact that this type of heater is not designed to heat the air, but objects and people in the room. The higher the emissivity, the more efficient the device. One of the main criteria when choosing is the height of the ceiling. It is not advisable to install devices with low power in rooms with a ceiling height of more than four meters, since the rays will scatter before reaching the floor. Also, a powerful analogue is not recommended for use in rooms with low ceilings (less than threemeters). This may result in excessive heat exposure.
Film analogues
If we compare infrared ceramic emitters for a sauna with film analogs, it can be noted that the second option is used as an additional heating. The film is treated with a special carbon paste and equipped with the finest carbon threads. The surface of the equipment is laminated with special polyester. The heating of such a device is from 30 to 110 degrees with a beam length of 5-20 microns.
The film thickness of 0.4 mm, according to its characteristics, is suitable for any topcoat. The material in question is decorated on the front side, which allows it to be mounted on the ceiling and walls. Heaters of this type are equipped with a thermostat and a wire with a plug. Service life - at least twenty years with proper operation.
Panels
Flat radiators are used for rear walls. They cut into the sides of the canopy or are mounted in the lower part of the bench. Panels differ in intensity of work at the maximum working temperature of 70 degrees.
The decorative frame of flat heaters is usually made in "silver" or "gold", which allows you to choose a model for a different interior. There are instances with a mirror surface. Such options combine a mirror and a heater. Additionally, the device can be equipped with LED backlight.
Reflectors
An infrared emitter made of ceramics for a sauna in St. Petersburg and other regions can replace a reflector. Heis a curved metal plate with a reflector. This solution makes it possible to accumulate more than 90% of the emitted energy on the object. Modifications of reflective elements correspond to the parameters of ceramic analogues such as ECS-2, FCH-2.
Wide reflector configuration softens and spreads radiation at an angle of about 120 degrees. Similar variations are used in small booths where a person sits in close proximity to the device. Corner analogues concentrate rays in the range of 90 degrees, mounted in spacious saunas, concentrating heat on the bench.
Finally
Infrared emitters are ideal for heating saunas. They meet all fire safety requirements. The quiet operation of the unit, the absence of vibrations and the provision of uniform heating of the room completely allow a person to relax completely. Low energy consumption and long working life make this device the best in its class in terms of price / quality ratio.
