A home infrared sauna is one of the most exciting health and wellness solutions you can add to your home. But before you picture yourself relaxing in that warm, soothing glow, there’s one crucial detail to sort out: the electrical requirements. Getting this right from the start means avoiding costly mistakes, meeting Australian safety standards, and ensuring your household’s safety. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about power ratings, dedicated circuits, safety devices, and why working with a licensed electrician isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.
Before You Buy: Your Essential Checklist
Before you fall in love with a particular sauna model, take a few minutes to assess your home’s readiness:
- Measure your available space and check the nearest power points, as well as access to your meter box.
- Grab the sauna’s spec sheet and note the rated power (in watts) and required supply voltage and amperage.
- Decide on your setup type: will it be a “plug-and-play” model that uses a standard socket, or does it need hardwiring with a dedicated circuit?
- Budget for professional installation—this includes the cost of a licensed electrician and any permit or inspection fees your state requires.
- Verify the unit is certified to applicable appliance safety standards.
The most important action? Obtain the electrical specification sheet before purchase. It’s your roadmap for everything that follows.
Plug-and-Play vs Hardwired: What to Expect
Not all infrared saunas are created equal when it comes to installation, and understanding the difference can save you time and money.
Plug-and-Play Models
Many compact one- to two-person infrared cabins are designed to work with a standard 10–15 amp power point, such as our Evolve Mini 1-Person Infrared Sauna. If your sauna comes with a standard three-pin plug and draws 10–15 amps or less, you might be able to use an existing outlet. However—and this is crucial—you should never use extension leads or power boards, and the circuit shouldn’t be shared with other heavy-draw appliances such as heaters or air conditioners.
Dedicated Circuit and Hardwired Units
Larger cabins or multi-person models often need more grunt. These typically require a dedicated circuit, a specific outlet type (like a 15 or 20 amp three-pin socket), or even complete hardwiring. This means running new cabling from your meter board and installing the appropriate protection devices. It’s more involved, but it ensures your sauna operates safely and efficiently. The Sun Stream Ascent 4, for example, can plug into any standared 240 volt, 10 amp wall outlet, but may require a dedicated circuit if it would be sharing a circuit with other heavy applieances.
Essential Safety Devices You Need
Australian electrical safety isn’t something to compromise on, and there are specific protection devices your sauna circuit must have.
Residual Current Device (RCD/Safety Switch)
An RCD is mandatory for most household circuits, especially those near potentially wet areas. It protects you from earth leakage and electric shock by instantly cutting power if it detects a fault. Your sauna circuit should be protected by either an RCD or an RCBO (which combines an RCD with a circuit breaker in one unit). Safe Work Australia guidance makes this requirement crystal clear.
Appropriate Circuit Protection
Beyond RCD protection, you need properly sized overcurrent protection—either a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or fuse—matched to both your circuit capacity and your sauna’s rating. This prevents overheating and potential fire hazards.
Correct Earthing
Every metallic component and the appliance itself must be correctly earthed. This is fundamental to electrical safety and is mandated by Australian Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).
One More Critical Point
Never, ever use extension cords or multi-outlet boards with your sauna. Both manufacturer manuals and Australian electrical guidance expressly prohibit temporary leads for fixed heating loads. It’s simply not safe.
Outlets, Plugs, and Cable Routing
The type of outlet you’ll need depends on your sauna’s power draw. Smaller units might work with a standard three-pin 10–15 amp socket, while more powerful models need specialised 15 or 20 amp outlets. If your sauna comes with a 15 or 20 amp plug, you must have the matching outlet installed by a licensed electrician—you can’t simply adapt it to fit a standard socket.
Cable routing is equally important. Power cables must be kept well away from heat sources and any water. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance on where the cord exits the unit and maintain all required clearances. For hardwired installations, proper cable protection and placement per Australian Wiring Rules is non-negotiable.
Do Infrared Saunas Need Ventilation?
Yes. While infrared saunas don’t produce steam like traditional wet saunas, they still heat both you and the cabin air. Modest ventilation is recommended for comfort, maintaining air quality, and preventing excessive humidity build-up from perspiration. Many suppliers recommend installing small passive vents near the floor and ceiling, or simply leaving the door slightly ajar between sessions.
The key is to ensure any ventilation doesn’t compromise your electrical fittings or allow water ingress. Your manufacturer’s installation guide will specify the best approach for your particular model.
Australian Standards and Certifications
This is where things get official—and it matters.
Appliance Standards
Your infrared sauna should comply with AS/NZS 60335.2.53, which covers safety requirements for sauna heating appliances and infrared cabins. This standard ensures the unit has been tested for proper construction, overheating protection, earthing, and insulation. Look for SAA or RCM certification markings, and don’t hesitate to request test certificates if you’re importing equipment.
Installation Standards
All electrical installation work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) and your local jurisdiction’s specific requirements. These standards are adopted through state and territory regulations, and some state electrical safety offices may refuse to connect non-certified equipment.
Working With a Licensed Electrician
This isn’t a DIY job, and here’s what you should discuss with your sparkie:
- Ask for their licence number and ABN, then verify it through your state’s licensing registry.
- Provide them with the complete sauna spec sheet (power rating, cord length, plug type, cord exit position).
- Ask whether you’ll need a dedicated circuit, a new outlet, or hardwiring, and if any permits or inspections are required.
- Request a written quote covering RCD/RCBO requirements, cable sizing, conduit work, and circuit breaker rating.
- Keep all certification and compliance paperwork for your records.
A good electrician will appreciate your preparation and may even spot potential issues before installation begins.
Your Pre-Use Safety Checklist
Before you fire up your new sauna for the first time, tick off these essentials:
- Electrical work has been signed off by your licensed electrician and tested (including RCD trip test).
- No extension cords are in use; the correct outlet or hardwiring is in place.
- The sauna unit has visible certification labels.
- Ventilation is adequate, and floor clearance meets specifications.
- No water sources are near electrical controls or connections.
- You know how to switch off power at the main switchboard in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for my infrared sauna installation?
It varies by state. Generally, small plug-in appliances don’t require permits, but if you’re installing new circuits or making structural changes, you probably will. Check with your local electrical authority to be certain.
Can I run my sauna from an extension lead?
Absolutely not. Extension leads are unsuitable for fixed heating loads and present serious safety risks.
Who’s responsible for ensuring the installation is compliant?
Your electrician must perform work that meets all standards and regulations. You’re responsible for keeping the certification paperwork and any required approvals. Both parties have obligations under Australian electrical safety law.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Installing an infrared sauna at home is absolutely achievable with proper planning and professional help. The key is gathering your sauna’s specifications early, verifying the unit meets Australian certification standards, and engaging a licensed electrician to assess your home’s electrical capacity and any circuit upgrades needed.
Don’t let electrical requirements intimidate you—they’re simply ensuring you can enjoy your infrared sauna safely for years to come. Take the time to get it right from the start, and you’ll be relaxing in soothing infrared warmth before you know it.