What electrical work does the Finnmark FD-5 Trinity XL need?
The Finnmark FD-5 needs two 240 V circuits. The infrared heaters, lights, controls and audio plug into a dedicated 15 A, 240 V circuit with a NEMA 6-15 outlet, and Finnmark's manual asks that no other devices share it. The power supply sits at the top front of the cabin and the cord is about 9 feet long, so the outlet has to be within that reach; the manual rules out extension cords.
The Harvia KIP heater is hard-wired on its own circuit. Harvia's manual gives 18.8 A at 240 V, single phase, on #10/2 copper wire rated 194°F (90°C), with a standard 2-pole breaker and no GFI breaker; Harvia says a GFI can cause nuisance tripping and voids the warranty on the heater's internal components. The connection must be made by a licensed electrician, and Finnmark's manual asks you to give Harvia's installation manual to the electrician; it is linked under Documents.
For the infrared outlet, Finnmark's manual says all wiring should be performed by a licensed electrician following local codes, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) in the US and the Canadian Electrical Code in Canada, calls for a grounded three-wire outlet, and strongly recommends a GFCI device in any location that could get wet. That recommendation is for the sauna's outlet; the Harvia heater's own feed must not use a GFI.
Where can the Finnmark FD-5 Trinity XL be installed?
The FD-5 is a freestanding indoor sauna. Finnmark's manual says it must not be built into any structure and needs a solid surface in a dry area, with at least 3" of clearance above it and on every side so the power cord stays accessible. The manual suggests a basement, attic, garage, playroom, spare bedroom or new extension. Allow 23.9" in front of the sauna for the door to swing open, and a ceiling at least 86.1" high: the 83.1" cabin plus the 3" clearance.
Using the FD-5 outdoors
The FD-5 is designed for indoor use, and Finnmark allows it outdoors only on its conditions. It must be covered with the Finnmark FD5 outdoor cover; placing it outside without a cover voids the warranty. It must also stand under an awning or overhang so rain does not fall directly on the roof, on sturdy, dry, level ground rather than grass, gravel or dirt, and never on a surface that gets wet from rain or snow. Finnmark notes that the cover protects against limited weather exposure but not extreme conditions, that its snap buttons should stay clipped and its zippers closed when the sauna is not in use, and that warm-up times vary with the outdoor temperature. Outdoors, Finnmark's warranty on the cabin is 5 years instead of 10.
How is the Finnmark FD-5 Trinity XL assembled?
The FD-5 arrives as prefabricated panels that screw together. The floor panel goes down first on its feet, leveled in the sauna's final position, followed by the back and side panels, the bench and its heater, the front panel and the roof panel, which takes two people to lift. The power-supply cables are then connected, the Harvia heater's back plate is mounted on the wall and the heater hung on it, the door handle fitted and the power cord plugged in; the electrician then connects the Harvia heater. Finnmark lists a screwdriver and a level as tools, but mounting the Harvia back plate also takes a drill. Finnmark's manual requires at least two able people and states that professional installation is required.
Before the first session, Finnmark recommends wiping the interior with a damp cloth and running the empty sauna at maximum temperature for an hour, a few times, to burn off factory dust.
