When building a bath or sauna, you need to think not only about the comfort of future visitors, but also about their safety. The heat-resistant wire for the sauna must be resistant to the conditions of high humidity and temperature that prevail in these rooms.
For electrical wiring, depending on the coverage area, they lay wires of various materials and are excellent in their properties. One thing unites them - they are all heat-resistant. It makes no sense to use a heat-resistant wire for the sauna in the dressing room, which is resistant to hot atmosphere and damp. A large selection of wires by type is associated with this. Some allow you to save money, so that others are acquired - expensive, but durable.
Types of heat-resistant wires
There are several types of heat-resistant wires. Among the most popular are:
- Copper PVA - multicore cable coated with a polyvinyl sheath. The temperature maximum at which its operation is allowed is +40 degrees. Therefore, you can not use it directly in the steam room.
- RKGM is a heat-resistant cable for a sauna that can withstand extremely high temperatures (up to 180 degrees) at one hundred percent humidity. The copper wires are insulated with silicone and the braid is made of fiberglass.
- PVCV. The cable sheath contains silicon, so it can easily withstand mechanical stress even in conditions of high humidity and temperature. Absolutely not susceptible to oxidative processes, resistant to ignition. This is an excellent heat-resistant wire for a sauna and a bath.
- PRKA is a copper heat-resistant wire with an increased hardness index. One of the most ideal options for steam rooms and dryers. It has one big minus - it is sensitive to multiple bends.
- PNBS. Suitable for use at temperatures up to 150 degrees.
- PAL - varnished asbestos cable. It remains operational at temperatures up to 200 degrees. In the range from 200 to 300 it does not break down, but emits toxic fumes.
- PMTK - a cable brand for a sauna and a bath. This is a heat-resistant product, perfect for connecting powerful equipment.
- PRKS. Functionally similar to previous products. Flexible, moisture resistant.
Depending on the goal to be achieved, the specialist makes his choice.
Electrical installation
The choice of cable depends on the types and conditions of the upcoming work: is it necessary to connect only lighting devices or heating and other equipment. Laying is carried out in a closed way, only in a plastic box. The use of metal is excluded due to the fact that it is subject to destruction under the influence of moisture and high temperature, which can lead to damage to the wiring and unpleasant consequences.
Without appropriate qualifications, do not install on your own. As a rule, non-professionals make the most common mistake - connecting all equipment with ordinary wires using PVC insulation. It is necessary to consult a specialist with the appropriate approval.
Nevertheless, it is useful to present an algorithm of simple basic actions of the process in order to be able to control it:
- Before starting work, it is necessary to draw up a competent electrical diagram of all the main and auxiliary rooms of the bath.
- Cable routing is only possible in the vertical or horizontal direction. Do not allow their excesses and twisting.
- We must not forget about the aesthetic component and spoil the interior. To do this, the cable is laid in inconspicuous routes. At the same time, communication elements should not be placed in the corners, opposite the doors and too close to the heating elements and pipes (at least 500 mm).
- The most dangerous thing in wiring is the joints, the junction of the wires. These places require reinforced insulation.
To supply electricity to the building from the distribution panel, one of two possible options is selected - air or underground. It all depends on the distance to the energy source and the nature of the area. If the distance is over 25 meters, then an additional support is installed. For an overhead line, a self-supporting insulated cable (SIP) is used that is resistant to overloads. Minus - bends badly. This nuance is taken into account at the design stage.
Underground laying is carried out using copper armored wire VBBSH. It is more expensive than SIP, but is better protected by a steel sheath, which protects against damage by moles and small rodents.
Only a specialized store with a qualified sales assistant can give a guarantee of product quality. Since not only comfort but also safety is at stake, it is not worth buying accessories for future wiring in dubious retail outlets.
Additional components
Switches, sockets are not installed in the washing room and steam room. For this, a relaxation room, a waiting room is suitable. Recommended height from the floor - 1 meter. In addition, they must be equipped with protective covers. They are connected with a cable with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm. Lighting fixtures throughout should be sealed to prevent short circuits. Optimal placements are corners on the ceiling. Aesthetic and practical - in these places the lowest temperature.
Specialist conclusion
Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer a wide range of heat-resistant cables RKGM for the bath. Many samples are similar, but differ in price. Models brought from abroad are much more expensive. But, according to sellers, they have additional enhanced characteristics.
This does not always correspond to reality or does not greatly affect the achieved effect. When purchasing accessories for the electric circuit of baths, saunas and other rooms, it is necessary to rely primarily on the minimum requirements of the approved project.
Note to buyer
The quality of heat-resistant wires for saunas made in Russia can even surpass analogues. Everything else is a matter of taste and ability of the buyer’s wallet and the talent of the marketer.
What you need to know about baths and saunas?
As you know, in construction, along with natural wood, such an equally common material as brick is widely used. As for the baths themselves, they can be erected using not only a beam, but also a frame structure or logs. However, it is the beam that has such characteristics that allow it to be most often used for the construction of such structures. Moreover, baths from it turn out to be very cheap and economical.
To improve the basic characteristics of wooden structures, it is now customary to use such building materials as profiled timber. It does not require any caulking or exterior decoration, which is one of its main advantages. A profiled beam has a whole set of excellent properties, thanks to which it acquires extremely high reliability and strength. This is explained by the fact that the middle of the log, which is the basis of the beam, is impregnated with resins during operation and thus becomes much more dense and durable. The material also acquires resistance to decay, deformation and many other negative external influences. Due to all these advantages and positive qualities, the beam is the best material for the construction of baths.
The main advantage of a bath from a bar
Baths made of timber, despite the relatively high cost of the material used, in any case are much cheaper than many other similar structures. For many, this is very important.
Main advantage
Another advantage of such structures is the short deadlines for the construction of them. This is possible due to the complete absence of such a phenomenon as shrinkage of walls. This usually requires at least several months, which is most typical for houses made of natural wood. Due to the complete absence of shrinkage, baths from timber can be built in the shortest possible time. The RKGM heat-resistant wire for a bath and a sauna is best suited.