home about finsteam sauna gas heaters sauna tents finnish sauna culture distributors contact Youtube Instagram Facebook FinSteam AURORA FinSteam BOTNIA finsteam installation

FinSteam Sauna Gas Heater – Installation Requirements

When installing and using a FinSteam gas sauna heater, all installation requirements must be strictly followed. These requirements are mandatory and relate especially to ventilation, safety distances, and gas installation.

FinSteam Sauna Gas Heater – Installation Requirements

When installing and using a FinSteam gas sauna heater, all installation requirements must be strictly followed. These requirements are mandatory and relate especially to ventilation, safety distances, and gas installation..

The heater must not be used in saunas where the ventilation requirements are not met.

The heater must not be used in saunas where the ventilation requirements are not met.

Before installation

Ensure that the heater is being installed in a sauna room or tent with ventilation that meets the required specifications.

Ensure that you have the correct gas type and low-pressure regulator suitable for the heater model. The heater must not be used with any gas type or pressure other than those for which it is designed

Before installation, verify whether national gas appliance regulations require installation by an authorized professional.

Ensure that the heater is not being installed in a completely airtight space.

Ensure that the heater and its components are in good condition and show no visible damage. Verify that no structural or other modifications have been made without authorization from FinSteam Oy.

Ensure that the heater is used only for its intended purpose and not as a space heater in residential areas or for any other purpose.

Introducing
FINSTEAM AURORA

AURORA combines modern design with improved adaptability for a wide range of sauna types.

1. Ventilation requirements

The ventilation must be natural (gravity) ventilation.
a gas heater must not be used in mechanically ventilated saunas.

There must be an unobstructed fresh air intake opening located near the heater.

Minimum air intake opening: 350 cm²
Examples: Rectangular openings: 200 × 175 mm or 250 × 140 mm. Circular opening: diameter Ø 210 mm

An exhaust air opening must be installed in the opposite upper corner of the sauna, either on the wall or in the ceiling.

Minimum exhaust air opening: 250 cm²
Examples: Rectangular openings: 200 × 125 mm or 160 x 160 mm. Circular opening: diameter Ø 180 mm

In permanent sauna buildings, we recommend using ventilation vents with an unobstructed airflow opening.

The air intake opening must be positioned so that the fresh air is always taken directly from outside air.
Sufficient fresh air supply can be achieved with one or two air intake vents.
The air intake vent should be adjustable and closable.

The exhaust air must be discharged directly to the outside air, not into the interior of the building or dwelling.
The exhaust air should preferably be implemented with a single exhaust air vent.
The exhaust air vent should be adjustable and closable.

Why proper ventilation is essential

A gas heater uses a significant amount of oxygen during combustion, which makes correct ventilation a critical part of both safety and performance.

Why proper ventilation is essential

A gas heater uses a significant amount of oxygen during combustion, which makes correct ventilation a critical part of both safety and performance.

Without proper ventilation:

Combustion becomes unstable
When combustion weakens too much, the ODS safety mechanism will automatically shut down the heater.
Unstable combustion can cause carbon monoxide (CO) levels to rise before the ODS safety mechanism shuts down the heater.
Adequate ventilation also ensures a comfortable, oxygen-rich sauna experience.

Proper airflow is not just recommended.
It is essential for safe and reliable operation.

Without proper ventilation:

Combustion becomes unstable
When combustion weakens too much, the ODS safety mechanism will automatically shut down the heater.
Unstable combustion can cause carbon monoxide (CO) levels to rise before the ODS safety mechanism shuts down the heater.
Adequate ventilation also ensures a comfortable, oxygen-rich sauna experience.

Proper airflow is not just recommended.
It is essential for safe and reliable operation.

IMPORTANT:
The ODS system is a safety feature and does not replace proper installation, adequate ventilation, or compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations.

2. Safety Distances

Minimum safety distances must always be observed

Required safety distances to combustible materials:

Distance to the sides: 500 mm
Distance to the ceiling: 1200 mm


Clearance distances to combustible materials are essential for sauna safety. When properly maintained, these distances allow heat to circulate freely and prevent surrounding surfaces from overheating.

Reduce safety distances with heat protection

Safety distances can be significantly reduced by using proper heat protection. Installing a heat shield, such as the FinSteam NJORD, allows distances to be cut by up to half. Additionally, using a fire protection board (e.g. stone board or equivalent) as a protective layer on surfaces like paneled walls can reduce the required minimum distance to one quarter.

A non-combustible base at least 30 mm thick must always be installed beneath the heater. The base must measure a minimum of 300 × 300 mm. Suitable materials include a concrete slab or stone tile.

Base
Requirement

Gas Installation

Gas Hose Requirements & Safety

Use only CE-marked gas hoses, fittings, and connections in all gas installations.

Min. internal diameter 9 mm. Length must comply with local regulations (typically 1.2–1.5 m), securely fixed at both ends, kink-free, tension-free, and fully visible for inspection.

Protect the first 300 mm from the heater connection (e.g. with a 25 mm aluminium sleeve). Do not route under the heater, over sharp edges, or in contact with hot surfaces. Protect from mechanical damage and avoid placing in walkways without proper protection.

Place the gas cylinder outside the sauna in an upright position on a stable, level surface. Keep it away from heat sources and open flames, and always follow national regulations and local safety requirements.

Gas Cylinder Installation

Gas Regulator

Use only certified low-pressure regulators and ensure the pressure matches the heater category:

I3B/P: 30 mbar (butane/propane or mix)
I3P: 37 mbar (propane)

Incorrect pressure can cause excessive gas flow, incomplete combustion, CO emissions, and unstable performance. Always close the regulator valve after use.

First Ignition & Safety Check Before first sauna use, run the heater outdoors or in a well-ventilated space until fully heated. This burns off protective oils and impurities from metal surfaces and may produce a noticeable odor. Remember to always wash new sauna stones before first use. Checklist before heating the gas heater: Gas connections leak-tested
Correct gas and low-pressure regulator installed
Ventilation openings confirmed
Required safety clearances met
Sauna stones properly placed inside the stone cage
Reminder: The FinSteam gas heater includes an integrated ODS (Oxygen Depletion System) that monitors oxygen levels during operation. If oxygen drops too low (e.g. due to poor ventilation), it automatically shuts off the gas supply and the heater.

This is an additional safety feature.
Not a substitute for proper ventilation, correct clearances, and full compliance with installation instructions.
Never operate the gas heater with any gas type or pressure other than the one it is designed and certified for.

FinSteam Oy / Saunística Distributor – Europe / Distributor networks
Myynti Suomi
toni@finsteam.fi +358 40 737 31 27 +34 656 87 49 38 Product Development & Manufacturing info@finsteam.fi Benny +358 50 563 3432 Toni Anders +358 50 345 2747 Penviksvägen 4
FI-68600 Pietarsaari, Finland
FinSteam Oy Calle Miguel Hernández 3
ES-29120 Alhaurin el Grande, Spain
stephan@finsteam.se Product Development / Gas Specialist Per per@finsteam.se +46 70 304 2228 FinSteam Ab Product Development Stephan Lingonvägen 11
SE-44242 Kungälv, Sweden
Bathing Brands Inc Distributor – North America (800) 957-2862 bathingbrands.com 511 Glenn Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090, USA Lastvägen44
SE-98138 Kiruna, Sweden
© 2026 FinSteam Oy

European Distributors Find your local distributor