Rating of Russian manufacturers of infrared sauna heaters. Sauna infrared heaters, radiators and other equipment

The healing effect of all types of saunas is based on thermal effects, the source of which can be various technical devices. A person is enveloped in wet steam or dry heated air in steam rooms of the Russian, Finnish or Turkish type.

Infrared sauna heaters work in a completely different way, heating bodies and other objects through the penetration of rays into the interior. In this case, the air temperature can increase due to the release of thermal energy not only from the source of waves, but also from the surrounding objects.

Advantages of IR heaters

When visiting ordinary baths, a person enters a space, the air of which is heated by the direct transfer of heat from the electric, gas equipment or from a pair obtained with participation.

In recent decades, popularity has increased, the principle of operation of which is based on the laws of not only thermodynamics, but also optics.

It turned out that radiation in the specified range has a beneficial effect on the body, warming it up from the inside, surrounded by ordinary air. The advantages of infrared sauna heaters over traditional heat sources are as follows:

the heat source is small;
installation is simple and fast;
power consumption is much less than that of other devices;
the initial oxygen concentration is maintained in the air;
bad odors and fuel oxidation products do not accumulate in the space;
if desired, you can direct the rays locally, into one zone;
the temperature in the sauna rises quickly;
due to the lack of convection, the formation of drafts is excluded;
the proportion of moisture in the air does not change in the room;
installation in high-rise apartments is possible.

Of course, it is worth remembering the possible disadvantages; it is better to think over all aspects in advance, so that later you will not experience disappointment.

It should be understood that such a bath is suitable for not the largest companies and not for every person, therefore, before visiting, you need to consult a doctor.

Installing IR heaters in a sauna entails the need to purchase additional equipment, so that the total investment will be noticeable for the budget.

The impressions of visiting are undoubtedly pleasant, but they are somewhat different from the memories of traditional steam rooms with their own charm.

Principle of operation

The work of an infrared heater is based on the fact that the emitter delivers waves of a strictly defined length to the surrounding space.

IR radiation is the region between the visible part of the spectrum (wavelength 0.74 µm) and microwave radio emission (wavelength 2000 µm). Infrared wave vibrations have a wide range of values, which is subdivided into three types of waves:

close (short);
medium;
distant (long).

The first group has a length from the value of the beginning of the region to 2.5 µm; the third group has a length from the value of the end of the region to 50 μm; the second group has a length, the values of which fit in the middle.

Differences in wavelength affect the properties appearance infrared emitters, flow rate, heating intensity of the actual working elements, dimensions of the room for which the equipment is intended.

Models with short-wave radiation flux during operation are slightly colored in yellow-red shades, the temperature of the heating element can reach 1000 ° C. Such equipment is recommended to be installed in high production halls, with a ceiling height of about 9 m.

Radiant heaters middle length, suitable for rapid temperature rise in rooms, the height of which does not exceed 6 m. The device has a heating element with a maximum temperature reached during operation of 600 ° C.

Longwave models deliver waves that penetrate deeply into objects, in particular into the human body. In this case, the working element itself is heated up to 300 ° C. Such infrared equipment is suitable for small spaces, saunas, office spaces with a ceiling height not exceeding 3 m.

Views

For saunas, infrared heaters powered by electricity are used; devices that use the energy of combustion of gas or diesel fuel, in such conditions it is inconvenient to operate.

Infrared heating elements are made from various materials that cause the formation of waves of a certain length; the design is executed in a variety of forms.

Note! Ceramic products are popular, in which the element is made in the form of a panel.

Inside the plane there is a radiator made of nichrome, capable of heating up to 1000 ℃, or fechral, the operating temperature of which is 800 ℃. Infrared heaters with a ceramic surface have been successfully operated in intensive mode for 4 years, after which it may be necessary to repair or replace an element.

The heater can be suspended from the ceiling or walls, while the temperature controller is located in a convenient place for users.

Carbon infrared lamps contain a quartz tube in which carbon nanofibers are placed. The cost of such equipment is higher than that of other models, but the efficiency and benefits for the body justify the costs, especially since it serves forever.

Film emitters of infrared waves have a peculiar look. These heaters can be placed on any surface of the sauna or living room. The devices have a unique design and are an original addition to the interior in a modern style.

Many sauna heaters have a built-in aluminum plate, which contributes to an even distribution of the radiant flux. As a result thermal energy spreads over the entire space from floor to ceiling with the same intensity. The term of safe operation is 7 years, which is quite enough, given the degree of load of the infrared emitter.

Bath and sauna models

The room of a bath or sauna has a specific character, special purpose and dimensions, therefore, when choosing, this circumstance must be taken into account.

Heating a summer cottage in winter is one task, but a year-round steam room or a cottage is completely different, differing in the intensity of the process, in the size and shape of the heaters.

In saunas, you need to evenly warm up the entire space, usually several heaters are used for this. Fix them on the back wall, side planes or in the corners under the ceiling, in the lower plane for heating the legs.

The sufficient power value should be discussed with consultants, telling them the size of the area of the room, its height and the maximum possible number of visitors.

Note! Infrared film heaters are very convenient to install and use in a sauna; they can be fixed under any decorative trim ceiling, floor or walls.

In addition to film devices, a thermostat should be purchased, the total cost of funds will increase, but the term of use, subject to installation by professionals, is a couple of decades.

Visitors like the flat heaters placed on the walls; devices are sold in beautiful frames, they are painted in different colors or made in the form of mirrors.

Advice! If the sauna cabin is small, then it makes sense to purchase infrared reflectors that can scatter the rays evenly over the entire space or into a strictly designated area.

The shape of the reflectors determines the peculiarities of warming up a person in the steam room, therefore, when buying, you need to describe the type of room, its design and express your wishes regarding the direction of the heat flow.

After making a fundamental decision to buy an infrared sauna heater, you need to consider which model to choose. The credibility of the manufacturer is of great importance. It is pleasant to note that such devices are perfectly made at domestic enterprises.

It is necessary to determine what type of control, form, power, type of heater will fully meet the wishes and needs of future users. It is clear that for a relaxing visit to all family members, from grandchildren to great-grandmothers, it is important to buy the safest models, even if they cost more. Infrared heaters have been installed in the sauna for many years, so excessive savings are inappropriate.

The healing properties of the bath have been known since ancient times. The development of advanced technologies has also affected this area. Now heat in modern rooms made of solid wood is more often created by infrared radiators for saunas. Consider the types of these devices, the criteria for their selection and installation features.

Advantages and disadvantages

The infrared equipment is compact in size and attractive in design. It is easy to install and 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 energy costs of infrared radiators for saunas are 80% lower.

A standard steam room warms up to the optimum temperature for at least two hours; an infrared device will take twenty minutes for this. The heater does not emit unpleasant odors, does not burn oxygen. The unit in question can be operated in the case. During operation, it practically does not heat up, which makes it possible to mount the device on a surface made of any material.

For large room several devices are required, which is not so cheap.
If it is made in a traditionally Russian style, the unit will not fit into it.
Cheap counterparts of low quality quickly fail. Therefore, it is better to purchase equipment from authorized dealers who provide a guarantee.

Views

Sauna infrared radiators are classified into three main types:

Shortwave modifications are determined visually. When activated, they shine with a red light with a yellowish tint. The wavelength 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 running).
Models with medium wavelengths have a working radiated length of 2.5-5.6 microns. They are intended for local heating, create a heat flow more actively and denser than their long-wave counterparts. The plate heating limit is 600 degrees. The optimal regime is achieved in literally one minute. The devices are installed in rooms with a ceiling height of three to six meters. You can stay in rooms equipped with such a heater for up to 8 hours.
Long-wave infrared radiators for saunas. Waves in the range of 50-2000 microns penetrate deeply into heated objects and a person, having a beneficial effect on the body and well-being. The plate heats up to 300 degrees. The optimal working mode for people is 5.6-1400 microns.

Criterias of choice

When choosing, it is worth considering the area of the room, the purpose of the emitter and its parameters:

The floor equipment is equipped with an adjustable foot and serves as an additional heater.
The version with an open heating element is designed for full or local heating of a room; the structure is usually installed on the ceiling.
Closed versions 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 doors to provide a draft shield.
In rooms with a ceiling height of less than 3 meters, cassette-type devices are used, which are attached to the suspended structure.
Some systems run on hot water, are intended for concealed installation.
For the convenience of adjusting the temperature, a thermostat can be connected to the equipment in question.

Principle of operation

Infrared emitters for saunas (photo above) resemble in structure a fluorescent lamp, they are made in the form of rectangles. The sheet metal body is coated with a special powder coating. Inside there is a heating panel with carbon, ceramic or tubular working element. A reflector is provided on top of the heat reflector, which serves to generate heat. Inner part the housing is protected by a heat-insulating gasket that prevents the surface of the device from heating.

Plugging in the device to the network activates the effect of the heater on the aluminum plate, which begins to emit waves. Energy with heat is transferred evenly, accumulating the bulk in the area of the floor, not the ceiling.

Heating elements

If we compare infrared ceramic heaters for a sauna with analogs, it can be noted that these elements are a plate with a nichrome conductor. It is capable of heating up to 1000 degrees. Alternatively, a Fechral transmitter with an operating temperature of up to 800 ° C can be used. The average operational period of the device 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 radiate. Several such modules are provided in one heater. The service life of the unit is at least seven years.

Infrared sauna with carbon radiators includes a quartz tube with a spiral carbon thread located inside. The tube is completely sealed due to the vacuum. The working temperature of the device is up to 3 thousand degrees. With proper maintenance, the shelf life of the device is practically unlimited.

Equipment

Depending on the wavelengths, the infrared heater plates for saunas can be heated from 260 to 600 ° C. At the same time, the body does not exceed 60 degrees in this indicator. The weight of the devices varies from 3.5 to 5 kilograms, the panel length 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.

type of instalation

The best infrared radiators for saunas have different way installation:

The floor-standing version is easy to install, but requires the allocation of a special place. It can be knocked over if handled roughly. For 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 the family has small children.
More complex installation for wall-mounted versions, but they do not take up useful space and decorate the overall interior, fitting into it as harmoniously as possible.
Ceiling units are distinguished by a uniform direction of rays and heat, and have a laborious and complex installation method.

Infrared heaters for saunas are often fitted with a cut-in in the corners of the room. The opening range in this case is 90-120 degrees. Save specific temperature regime over a long period of time will allow the use of a thermostat. The best option would be a model with a swivel mechanism.

What should you pay attention to?

When purchasing an infrared radiator for saunas of the RS350K type, pay attention to a number of nuances so as not to be disappointed in your purchase:

The packaging should be free of deformation and damage, it is better if foam inserts are present.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the device for serviceability.
The unit must operate absolutely silently, any extraneous sound indicates poor assembly quality or a malfunction.
The seller is obliged to issue a receipt and a warranty card.
Check the data in the passport of the heater with the certificate.

Irrespective of the type, infrared heaters for saunas must be placed in such a way that a uniform thermal field is provided, which guarantees uniform heating of people. The standard installation scheme consists of 6 units: two heaters are installed on the rear wall, one on the side walls or in the corners plus a radiator for heating the legs.

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 intended for heating the air, but for objects and people in the room. The higher the emissivity, the more efficient the device is. One of the main criteria when choosing is the height of the ceiling. Devices with low power are impractical to install in rooms with a ceiling height of more than four meters, since the rays will be scattered without reaching the floor. Also, a powerful analog is not recommended for use in rooms with low ceilings (less than three meters). This can lead to excessive heat build-up.

Film analogs

If we compare infrared ceramic heaters for a sauna with their film counterparts, it can be noted that the second option is used as additional heating. The film is treated with a special carbon paste and equipped with the finest. The surface of the equipment is laminated with a special polyester. Heating of such a device is from 30 to 110 degrees with a beam length of 5-20 microns.

The film with a thickness of 0.4 mm is suitable for any topcoat in terms of its characteristics. 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 cable with a plug. Service life - at least twenty years with proper operation.

Panels

Flat emitters are used for rear walls... They are cut on the sides of the canopy or mounted in the lower part of the bench. The panels are distinguished by their intensity of work at a maximum operating 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 different interior... There are instances with a mirrored surface. Such options combine a mirror and a heater. Additionally, the device can be equipped with LED backlighting.

Reflectors

A ceramic infrared emitter for a sauna in St. Petersburg and other regions can replace a reflector. It is a curved metal plate with a reflector. This solution makes it possible to accumulate more than 90% of the radiated energy at the facility. Modifications of reflective elements correspond to the parameters of ceramic analogs such as ECS-2, FCH-2.

The wide reflector configuration allows the radiation to be softened and diffused at an angle of about 120 degrees. Similar variations are used in small booths where a person sits in the immediate vicinity of the device. Corner counterparts concentrate rays in the range of 90 degrees, are mounted in spacious saunas, concentrating heat on the bench.

In conclusion

Infrared emitters are ideal for heating saunas. They meet all fire safety requirements. The silent operation of the unit, the absence of vibrations and the provision of uniform heating of the room allows a person to completely relax. Low power consumption and long working life make this device the best in its class in terms of price / quality ratio.

On one respected resource, on the vastness of the World Wide Web, in the article "Infrared heaters for a sauna" for a long time and skillfully described a model, which, in particular, says the following: "the effective heat flux of the emitter is maintained at a distance of 9000 mm from the heated object, which will allow him to work perfectly in the conditions of production halls with high ceilings. " A curtain.

Comrades "experts", "heating engineers" and other "analysts", have pity on the unfortunate users. Your wonderful recommendations for using infrared systems will heal them to grilled chicken condition, guaranteed in a few minutes. You can not do it this way. And now, about something serious.

Have the most low temperature surface. Wave radiation lies in the so-called "far" infrared range, which is as close as possible to the natural thermal background human body... The manufacturers promise that these products have the most significant therapeutic effect in the entire range, which includes infrared sauna heaters.

Film emitters

In terms of the totality of heat engineering characteristics, they should be attributed to the most ineffective. The time for a booth equipped with such elements to operate is about 25 minutes, and in conditions of a substandard, "squandered" electrical network, and more. The undoubted advantages include very low weight, with a large radiated surface and ease of installation, due to the extreme flexibility and ductility of the element itself.

What to look for when choosing items

Infrared sauna heaters have a number of consumer qualities that you should pay attention to when purchasing them:

The wavelength should be on the order of 9.8 microns. This is the closest match to the natural heat background of the human body. According to experts, it is this infrared emitter for a sauna that has the most pronounced therapeutic and restorative effect.
Due to the fact that a number of elements of the emitter heats up to high temperatures, they must be fenced with a special buffer grid.
Since 1998, famous European brands have almost completely stopped producing elements of the first and second generation.
U-shaped heaters, in addition to being compact, have an extremely low probability of current leakage, even in humid air environments.
You should definitely inquire about the section of the heating element spiral. The higher it is and the better the ligature of its alloy, the more chances that the element will last longer.
The same can be said for the case design. A high-quality product is assembled in an evacuated chamber and sealed hermetically, which makes it possible to operate the spirals in an oxygen-free environment, minimizing the phenomenon of temperature corrosion.
Reflectors must not be galvanized. This is unsafe from a sanitary point of view and obviously will not add health to the user of such a design. Most the best way- polished aluminum with heat-resistant alloy.
The effective radiation angle of the front and rear reflectors should be within 120 degrees. This will avoid the appearance of so-called "blind spots" in the volume of the booth. For corner baffles, a 90 degree flow angle is sufficient.

And the last thing. If the distance to the heated object is 450 - 650 mm, then the power of the emitter for effective heating must be at least 500 W. When the distance of the source from the object is less than 450 mm, the power of 320 - 370 W can be taken as sufficient.

Conclusion

IR heaters for a sauna are an important, if not a key component of this type of system, and not only the service life of the product depends on their quality, but also the comfort and safety of the procedures performed, their therapeutic and general strengthening preventive effect. Don't make quick purchasing decisions. There is always both time and opportunity to think, and our material, we hope, will be of significant help in this matter.

An infrared sauna equipment set consists of only two main elements: an infrared sauna heater and a temperature control device.

The main difference between this type of saunas and ordinary ones is that the human body, being exposed to infrared rays, warms up from the inside in contrast to the steam room, in which first the skin, and then the muscles and organs. Warming up "from the inside" in an infrared sauna is achieved due to the fact that the human skin transmits rays through itself, which are very effectively absorbed by the liquid in a person.

At the moment on the market of infrared saunas there is a wide range of configurations, as well as a large selection of models of IR heaters. In addition to ceramic emitters, there are: carbon, film, quartz and others. All of them are good in their own way and the only difference is in which heating element the sauna manufacturer uses.

Using a ceramic IR heater, you can assemble a sauna, roughly speaking, even at home from an old cabinet. The power of such a sauna will be about 2 kW. This is nothing more than a regular boiler or electric stove.

Specifications

Example of a schematic layout infrared heaters in infrared sauna.

To buy infrared emitters for a sauna, you need to call or write to the e-mail indicated in the contacts section. Our staff will advise you on the selection of power and installation of ceramic infrared emitters.

Proponents of infrared heaters for saunas always highlight the main advantage of infrared devices - the ability to heat objects, and not the air, where the latter is already heated from the interior. If you also wanted to equip the room with such heaters, then you will have to take into account some nuances - from the location to the power of the reflector and at the same time avoid counterfeit products.

Now we will try to tell you how to do this, and also, as an addition, we will watch the thematic video in this article.

IR heaters

General characteristics

Such devices, due to their performance characteristics, do not burn oxygen., which allows you to maintain an atmosphere of freshness even after prolonged inclusion and use. Also, various unpleasant odors that arise when other devices are heated are impossible, since the reflector itself does not heat up. Energy savings in such cases reach 60% -80% compared to boilers, which means that the total cost of using the sauna is reduced.
It is noteworthy that infrared heaters allow you to regulate not only the overall temperature in the sauna room, but also to do it by sector, adding-lowering power or even turning off certain devices. Also, infrared devices do not dry the air when heating the room, that is, oxygen does not burn out and the humidity in the sauna does not change.

Advice. If you want to buy a private infrared sauna heater, then avoid buying industrial equipment unsuitable for small spaces.
The maximum power of infrared reflectors for saunas should not exceed 400it.
Also, choose certified products.

Installation work - distribution of devices

Each device has instructions for its installation and operation, but it is important for you to choose the right dimensions and install them in the right place so that their use is most effective. Do not forget that the reflector heats in a directional way, so the temperature in the sauna will be different in certain places.

Such requirements also apply to its size - the larger the area of the infrared heater, the more evenly the bather's body warms up, and small appliances will warm you in a dotted manner.

The optimal power for infrared heaters in a sauna is considered to be 330-360W - if they are correctly positioned, the effect will be similar to that of a steam bath heated to a temperature of 100⁰C-110⁰C.

Only there is no steam, which means that when breathing you do not burn your lungs, and the body itself reacts to high fever completely differently - "dry" steam is tolerated much easier than usual.

The number of IR emitters will directly depend on the size of the sauna, but in any case, the optimal distance to the body will remain 10-20 cm, that is, you just sit on and position yourself as needed.

When installing infrared heaters with your own hands, your main goal will be to arrange the devices in such a way that there are no "empty spaces" left when the body warms up, that is, the radiation should be evenly distributed. Therefore, the devices must be positioned so that they are at the level of the end of the body, and also, for greater comfort, one reflector can be installed at the level of the legs, as shown in the picture above.

Electrical Compliance and Safety

Note. An asterisk in the table indicates the parameters of infrared reflectors that are undesirable to use in a sauna.

It is very important that you choose the right wiring cables when connecting infrared emitters, because there are usually from three to eight pieces of them, and if you connect them in parallel, a large load is formed, at which the wiring can simply burn out.

For example, you want to install 5 devices with a power of 360W, which means, in general, you get 360 * 5 = 1800W or 1.8kW, which means that you need copper wiring with a cross section of 1.5 mm2 or aluminum, with a cross section of 2.5 mm2 - a selection can be done using the table above.

Also, without fail, you need to install an RCD in case of emergency situations, which turns off all the wires at the same time. This suggests that with a short circuit or accidental exposure of the wire, the line is completely blocked, and the possibility of electric shock to a person is reduced to zero.

The protective device is usually installed in the dressing room or near the electric meter, but in no case should it be installed in the sauna room due to high humidity.

A warning. Do not replace RCDs with conventional circuit breakers, as in this case only one of them can trip, leaving the line under partial voltage.
In a humid environment, this can be hazardous to health and even life.

Conclusion

If an oak or birch broom is not a necessary attribute of a bathhouse for you, then you can successfully use an infrared heater for a sauna. The body will warm up in any case and the healing effect will not diminish.

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