Sauna Timers-Mechanical or Digital?

Typically, a built in sauna timer or also called a mechanical timer will cost slightly less as it is included with the sauna heater. However, its simplicity is also a benefit for those Do-It-Yourselfers as you will have much less wiring work to prepare for before your sauna is complete. Simply connect the main power supply to the sauna heater through the wall and that is it, your sauna room is complete. The timers/controller are typically 1 hour in duration but sometimes they come in 90 or 120 minute settings. Starting the timer is as simple as turning the dial to the appropriate heater time. The heater will turn on and run for that amount of time. The temperature is set by a similar dial found beside the mechanical timer. During the ON period of the heater the heater will cycle on/off to maintain the set temperature. When using a mechanical sauna controller, you may need to run a separate exterior timer for the sauna light as it never recommended to have just an on/off switch for any sauna component.

As mentioned, the digital timer resides outside the sauna room. This means you will need to run the power wire to the controller and then to the sauna heater. You will also need to run a set of wires including the temperature sensor wire into the sauna room from the controller. This will require an electrician to properly set up the controller. However a digital timer can often be more accurate and can display the exact time remaining in minutes. Most digital controllers also have an Aux 110 VAC output that is primarily designed to turn on the sauna light, however, it can also be used for other 110 VAC options such as a stereo etc.