Custom Infrared Sauna Buyer's Checklist
The documentation to demand before a deposit — and what a good answer looks like
A custom infrared sauna is only as good as the documentation behind it. Marketing terms like “low EMF,” “medical-grade” and “therapeutic” are unregulated; what separates a documented build from an unverified one is whether the manufacturer will put numbers, drawings and warranty terms in writing before you pay. This page is the checklist this wiki uses when evaluating makers — the same questions work for any brand.[1]
Manufacturers that publish their figures up front make comparison easy. SaunaCloud, for example, publishes a complete-system seated-position average (~0.20 mG), ships heater layout with 3D/electrical drawings, and states its warranty split (7-year heaters / 3-year power-controls / 1-year accessories) on the record.[1] Whatever brand you are considering, ask for the equivalent — the table below is exactly what to request.
Before you sign: the verification table
| Ask for | What a documented answer looks like | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Seated-position EMF readings | mG values taken at the seated torso across bench positions, all heaters on, with the measurement protocol named (SaunaCloud publishes ~0.20 mG average this way) | “Low EMF” with no numbers, or a reading “at the heater” |
| Heater layout + drawings | 3D renderings and electrical drawings to your room measurements before deposit | Fixed cabinet sizes offered as “custom” |
| Red-light irradiance data | mW/cm² at the seated position (bench/backrest distance), wavelengths 660nm/850nm, independent control | Wall-mounted strips with no distance figure |
| Certification scope | ETL/UL/CSA listing for the complete product, with listing number; component approval alone does not cover the assembled unit | “Uses UL-listed components” |
| Warranty in writing | Heaters / power / accessories split, plus who pays labor and freight (SaunaCloud states 7/3/1 years with wood, labor and freight excluded) | “Lifetime warranty” without terms |
| Wood specification | Named species and grade (e.g. clear Western Red Cedar), no plywood or particle board inside, interior left unfinished | “Wood sauna” with veneer or composite interior |
| Electrical package | Named circuit requirements (e.g. 120V/20A small; 240V/30–60A multi-person), load calculations, wiring diagrams for your electrician | “Standard outlet” for a multi-person unit |
| Install responsibility | Who assembles, who hooks up, timeline from drawings to first session (SaunaCloud states ~7–8 week build, 1–3 day assembly) | No written timeline or split of responsibilities |
| Recent references | Verifiable recent installs — commercial or residential — you can confirm | Only logo strips and testimonials |
Questions for your electrician
Custom builds are governed as fixed electric space heating under NEC Article 424, not the appliance article — confirm how your jurisdiction classifies the unit and whether a permit is required.[2] Ask: (1) what dedicated circuit does the panel schedule require, (2) does the main panel have capacity or is a service upgrade needed, (3) who signs off the final hookup, and (4) does the inspector need the manufacturer's wiring diagrams on site. Manufacturers with code-experienced staff (SaunaCloud states its staff will speak with inspectors directly) reduce the risk of a misclassified kit stalling the project.[1]
See also
- EMF and ELF safety
- Installation and electrical
- Heater comparison
- Manufacturer comparison
- SaunaCloud reviews + verification
References
- SaunaCloud custom page (specs, warranty, process). Retrieved 25 Sep 2026. https://saunacloud.com/custom-infrared-sauna/
- Article 424: Fixed Electric Space Heating. ECM World / National Electrical Code. Retrieved 25 Sep 2026. https://www.ecmweb.com/national-electrical-code/code-basics/article/20888653/article-424-fixed-electric-space-heating
Topics: Buying guideVerificationEMFWarrantyNEC 424