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 from a wooden array 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
The infrared equipment is compact and attractive in design. It is easy to install, does not require constant monitoring of maintaining the required temperature. The purchase and installation of appliances is much cheaper than the arrangement of a traditional stone or brick furnace. In addition, the cost of infrared emitters for saunas in energy terms is 80% less.
A standard steam room warms up to an optimal temperature for at least two hours, an infrared device lasts twenty minutes. The heater does not emit unpleasant odors, does not burn oxygen. The unit in question can be operated in home mini-saunas. The case practically does not heat up during operation, which makes it possible to mount the device on the surface of any material.
Minuses:
- For a large room you will need several appliances, which is not so cheap.
- If the interior of the bath is made in the traditional Russian style, the unit will not fit into it.
- Cheap low-quality counterparts quickly fail. Therefore, it is better to purchase equipment from authorized dealers that provide a guarantee.
Kinds
Infrared emitters for saunas are divided into three main types:
- Short-wave modifications are determined visually. When activated, they glow red 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. In the halls where such equipment is located, it is not recommended to stay for a long period (with working heaters).
- Models with medium waves have a working radiated length of 2.5-5.6 microns. They are designed for local heating; they create a more active and denser heat flux than long-wave counterparts. The limit of plate heating is 600 degrees. The optimum mode is achieved in just one minute. Devices are mounted in rooms with ceiling heights from three to six meters. In rooms equipped with such a heater, you can stay up to 8 hours.
- Long-wave infrared emitters for saunas. Waves in the range of 50-2000 microns penetrate deep into heated objects and the person, beneficially affecting the body and well-being. The plate heats up to 300 degrees. The optimal operating 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, 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 interior of the sauna. Mounted models in rooms where the height of the ceilings is from two to ten meters.
- Sometimes it is appropriate to install moldings over windows or doors, which will provide a barrier against drafts.
- In rooms with a ceiling height of less than 3 meters, cassette-type devices are used that are attached to a suspended structure.
- Some systems operate on hot water, designed for flush mounting.
- For the convenience of temperature control, a thermostat can be connected to the equipment in question.
Principle of operation
Infrared emitters for saunas (photo above) resemble a fluorescent lamp in structure, are made in the form of rectangles. The sheet metal housing is coated with a special powder coating. Inside there is a heating panel with a carbon, ceramic or tubular working element. A reflector is provided on top of the heat reflector, which serves to generate heat. The inner part of the body is protected by a heat-insulating gasket, which prevents the heating of the surface of the device.
The inclusion of the device in the network activates the effect of the heater on the aluminum plate, which begins to emit waves. Energy is transferred evenly with heat, accumulating the bulk in the area of the floor, not the ceiling.
Heating elements
If we compare infrared ceramic radiators for a sauna with analogues, it can be noted that these elements are a plate with a nichrome conductor. It is able to heat up to 1000 degrees. Alternatively, a fechral transmitter with an operating incandescent 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 extend. In one heater, several such modules are provided. 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 located inside. The tube is completely sealed thanks to the vacuum. The operating temperature of the device is up to 3 thousand degrees. With proper maintenance, the shelf life of the device is virtually unlimited.
Equipment
Depending on the wavelength, the infrared emitter plates for saunas can heat up from 260 to 600 ° C. At the same time, the case 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 heater itself, mounting brackets and hardware, instructions are included in the standard package. In addition, you will need to buy a wire with a plug (the section is selected for the working load), a temperature regulator, automatic fuses, magnetic starters.
type of instalation
The best infrared emitters for saunas have a different installation method:
- The floor version is easy to install, but requires the allocation of a special place. If handled carelessly, it can be knocked over. For this, the model should be equipped with a special option that turns off the device in case of a fall. Especially pay attention to this if the family has small children.
- Wall-mounted versions have more complicated installation, but they do not occupy useful space and decorate the general interior, blending into it as harmoniously as possible.
- Ceiling units are characterized by a uniform direction of rays and heat, have a laborious and complicated installation method.
Equipment for infrared emitters for saunas is often made by inserting in the corners of the room. The disclosure range in this case is 90-120 degrees. The use of a thermostat allows you to maintain a certain temperature regime for a long period of time. The best option would be a model with a rotary mechanism.
What to look for?
When purchasing an infrared emitter for saunas of the RS350K type, pay attention to a number of nuances so as not to be disappointed with the purchase:
- 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 function absolutely silently, any extraneous sound indicates a poor build quality or malfunction.
- The seller must issue a check and a warranty card.
- Verify the data in the passport of the heater with a certificate.
Recommendations
Regardless of the type, infrared emitters for saunas should be placed in such a way as to provide a uniform thermal field, guaranteeing 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 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 air, but objects and people in the room. The higher the emissivity, the more efficient the instrument. One of the main criteria when choosing is considered the height of the ceiling. It is not practical to install devices with low power in rooms with a ceiling height of more than four meters, since the rays will be scattered before reaching the floor. Also, a powerful analogue is not recommended for use in rooms with low ceilings (less than three meters). This can lead to excessive heat exposure.
Film analogues
If we compare infrared ceramic radiators for a sauna with film analogues, 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 carbon fibers. 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 with a thickness of 0.4 mm in its characteristics is suitable for any finish coating. 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 emitters are used for the rear walls. They cut into the sides of the canopy or are mounted in the lower part of the bench. The panels are characterized by the 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 a different interior. There are specimens with a mirror surface. Such options combine a mirror and a heater. Additionally, the device can be equipped with LED backlight.
Reflectors
Ceramic infrared emitter for sauna in St. Petersburg and other regions can replace the 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 analogues like ECS-2, FCH-2.
The wide configuration of the reflector allows you to soften and disperse the radiation at an angle of about 120 degrees. Such 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 person is completely relaxed by the silent operation of the unit, the absence of vibrations and the provision of uniform heating of the room. Low energy consumption and long working life make this device optimal in its class in terms of price / quality ratio.