Outdoor Sauna Electrical and Installation Requirements in Australia

Nova Saunas · Updated 19 October 2026 · 3 min read

Nova Sauna Lite installed on a level paved base beside a pool
In short

An outdoor sauna heater must be hardwired to your switchboard on a dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician. The sauna needs a flat, level and stable base such as a concrete slab, tiles or a reinforced deck.

An outdoor sauna is simple to assemble but it needs the right base and the right power supply. This guide covers the electrical and installation requirements for an outdoor sauna in Australia so you can plan ahead and be ready to use your sauna as soon as it is built.

Outdoor sauna heaters are hardwired

An electric sauna heater can't be plugged into a standard power point. A licensed electrician needs to hardwire it to your switchboard with a dedicated cable. It is wired in a similar way to an oven or cooktop. Electrical installation is not included with a Nova Sauna, so book your electrician before delivery day.

Know your heater before you get a quote

Give your electrician the exact heater model and its power rating. Nova Saunas use these heaters.

  • Sauna Lite (2 person): Harvia The Wall SW 6kW, Harvia The Wall SWE 6kW with WiFi or HUUM Drop 4.5kW with WiFi
  • Sauna Cabin, Cube and Lodge (4, 6 and 8 person): 9kW Harvia or HUUM heaters

As a guide, the 6kW heater draws approximately 32A and the 9kW heater approximately 40A on a dedicated hardwired 230 to 240V circuit. Your electrician will confirm the circuit and cable size for your home.

Single phase or three phase power

Nova heaters work with single phase (230V) or three phase (400V) power, based on the heater's specifications. Most Australian homes have single phase power. If your home has three phase power, tell your electrician so the heater can be connected to suit.

Plan the cable route when you choose the spot

The further the sauna sits from your switchboard, the longer the cable run. Trenching, conduit and long runs all add to the cost of installation. Show your electrician the exact spot before you finalise it. A position that is close to the house can save time and money.

Controls and WiFi

The Harvia The Wall SW has manual dials on the heater for temperature and timer. The Harvia The Wall SWE and HUUM Drop use a separate control panel with WiFi so you can set the temperature and schedule sessions from your phone. Ask your electrician to plan the control panel position along with the heater. If you want to use the WiFi controls, check that your home network reaches the sauna.

Prepare a level base

Your sauna must sit on a flat, level and stable surface that can support its full weight. Suitable foundations include a concrete slab, a tiled area or a reinforced deck. Prepare the base before delivery day so assembly can start straight away.

Delivery and assembly

Your Nova Sauna arrives flat packed in a sturdy timber crate on a truck with a tail lift. On delivery day the team confirms you are home, gives you a two-hour delivery window and calls about 30 minutes before arrival. The crate is usually placed in your driveway or wherever access allows.

Assembly is designed for DIY. Every sauna arrives with pre-cut interlocking panels, clearly labelled parts and detailed instructions. No sawing or cutting is needed. If you would rather have it installed for you, our team can recommend installers and electricians across Australia.

Your installation checklist

  • Choose a spot with a short cable route to the switchboard
  • Prepare a flat, level and stable base
  • Book a licensed electrician with the exact heater model
  • Confirm single phase or three phase power
  • Plan the control panel position and WiFi coverage
  • Clear access for the delivery crate

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an electrician to install a sauna?

Yes. The heater must be hardwired directly to your switchboard by a licensed electrician. It cannot be plugged into a power point.

Can a sauna run on single phase power?

Yes. Nova heaters work with single phase (230V) or three phase (400V) power, based on the heater's specifications.

How many amps does a sauna heater need?

As a guide, Nova's 6kW heater draws approximately 32A and the 9kW heater approximately 40A on a dedicated hardwired circuit. Your electrician will confirm the circuit size for your home.

What base does an outdoor sauna need?

A flat, level and stable surface that can support the full weight of the sauna. Suitable foundations include a concrete slab, a tiled area or a reinforced deck.