The SteamSaunaBath glossary of terms has been assembled to aid homeowners, architects, and contractors in the selection, specification, purchasing, and service of steam bath generators, steam showers, steam rooms, sauna heaters, sauna rooms, infrared heat therapy saunas, showers, tubs and bathing environments.
The terms and images here are a result of your questions and our desire to keep you informed while designing and building your steam room, sauna, shower or bathing sanctuary.
ABS - A common thermoplastic polymer, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), results from the polymerization of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene monomers. Chemically, this thermoplastic family of plastics is called "terpolymers", in that they involve the combination of three different monomers to form a single material that draws from the properties of all three. ABS possesses outstanding impact strength and high mechanical strength, which makes it so suitable for tough consumer products. Additionally, ABS has good dimensional stability and electrical insulating properties. ABS can be used between −20 and 80 °C (-4 and 176 °F).
AC (Alternating current) - In alternating current, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. AC is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences. The usual waveform of an AC power circuit is a sine wave. Audio and radio signals carried on electrical wires are also examples of alternating current.
Acrylic - This may refer to Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is a lightweight transparent thermoplastic often used as a shatter-resistant alternative to silica-based glass. The term also refers a group of acrylate polymers which are noted for their transparency, resistance to breakage and elasticity, commonly known as acrylics or polyacrylics.
ADA - The acronym for the Americans with Disabilities Act, issued by the Department of Justice, as published in the Title III regulations (28 CRF Part 36, revised July 1, 1994) which, sets the standards for accessible design in Appendix A of the Title III. Regulations
ACF (Adjusted Cubic Feet) - The adjusted size (in cubic feet) of a steam shower enclosure determined by a calculation that considers many variables including construction materials, unique room features and actual cubic footage in order to determine the appropriate Kilowatt rating and model of steam shower generator.
Ambient Room Temperature - The naturally occurring air temperature of an enclosure when not heated or cooled.
Ampere (AMP) - An ampere is a measure of the amount of electric charge passing a point in an electric circuit per unit time, measuring the flow rate of electric charge.
Apodyterium - A room within an ancient Roman bath for undressing prior to entering the baths.
Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering one's mood, psychological, and cognitive wellbeing. The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes goes back to several ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in baths, cosmetics, perfumes and medications.
ASME - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or ASME, is a professional organization that promotes advancements in engineering safety. ASME has created hundreds of codes and standards which are meant to increase the safety of everything from boilers to boats. Over 600 standards are published by the ASME, and many of these standards have been adopted as legal codes in nations all over the world. The ASME also has a product safety and testing division, and extensive research labs to explore new developments in mechanical engineering. The organization's vision is to become “the premier organization” for mechanical engineering all over the world.
Avanto - A Finnish word meaning a hole in the ice of a frozen lake or sea.
Avantouinti - A Finnish word loosely meaning “ice hole swimming”, describing the process in which swimmers cut a large opening through the ice (avanto) and either take a quick plunge or swim for a few minutes.
Backdraft Dampers - Allow air to pass in one direction and restrict flow in the opposite direction.
Base Cubic Feet - The resulting cubic feet of an enclosure when calculating length, width and height only (see Adjusted Cubic Feet above).
Bather - A user of a steam bath or sauna.
Bather Load - The number of bathers combined with bathing duration and frequency.
Blind Fastened - A term used to describe an invisible method of joining or attaching two or more items. Where in woodworking, a fastener (screw, nail or other) is not visible.
Board Joints - The visible area or space created by the joining of two or more boards.
Brownout - A condition in which the supply voltage is insufficient to power the load.
BTU - Abbreviation for British thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Caldarium - A sweating room within a Roman Bath (Thermae) hotter than a tepidarium but not as hot as a laconicum, whose floor was heated by a furnace or hypocaust. The room typically contained a basin of cold water at one end for pouring on the bather’s head before leaving the room.
CAN-Bus - The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a serial communications protocol, originally developed by Bosch for automotive applications such as anti-lock braking and other high-reliability uses, which efficiently supports distributed realtime control with a very high level of security. Its domain of application ranges from high speed networks to low cost multiplex wiring. It is cost effective to build into electronics, etc. to replace the wiring harness otherwise required.
CE (Conformité Européenne - Existing in its present form since 1993, the CE marking is a key indicator of a product's compliance with European Union (EU) legislation and enables the free movement of products within the European market. By affixing the CE marking on a product, a manufacturer is declaring, at their sole responsibility, conformity with all of the legal requirements to achieve CE marking and therefore ensuring validity for that product to be sold throughout the European Economic Area. This also applies to products made in third countries which are sold in the EEA. The CE marking does not indicate that a product was made in the EEA but states only that the product has been assessed before being placed on the market and thus satisfies the legislative requirements (e.g. a harmonized level of safety) to be sold there. It means that the manufacturer has verified that the product complies with all relevant essential requirements (such as safety, health, environmental protection requirements) of the applicable directive(s) or, if stipulated in the directive(s), has had it examined by a notified conformity assessment body.
Chromatherapy - Chromatherapy is defined as a treatment that uses the effect of colored light to bring about physical and other changes. A scientifically proven technique, chromatherapy is not merely a decorative element, but rather has a direct effect on one’s physical, psychological condition and mood.
Circuit - A closed path followed or capable of being followed by an electric current.
Circuit Breaker - An automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit.
Combustible material - A substance that can be burned.
Contact Chatter (Contact Bounce) - Occurs when an electromechanical switch is in the process of making connection in a circuit; for a brief time period, the contacts will bounce together until they are fully seated.
Contacts - Electromechanical components that make or break a connection between two conductors that permit a flow of current.
Contactor - A switch that interprets complex instructions sent from a digital sauna heater control unit to provide the appropriate power to a sauna heater.
Coupler - A device used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another.
CSA - Canadian Standards Association. (Testing Laboratory for products sold in Canada.).
Cubic Feet - The three-dimensional (cubed) volume measurement of a lineal foot.
cULus - The UL Listing Mark is one of the most common UL Marks. If a product carries this Mark, it means UL found that representative product samples met UL's safety requirements. These requirements are primarily based on UL's own published standards for safety. The optional C-UL-US Mark indicates compliance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements. UL encourages those manufacturers with products certified for both countries to use this combined Mark, but they may continue using separate UL Marks for the United States and Canada.
Current - The amount of electric charge moving in a conductor past a specified circuit point within a given time. The basic unit is the Ampere.
Cycle - A single complete execution of a periodically repeated event or a periodically repeated sequence of events.
Delay On Break (Off Delay) - A particular type of timing function whereby the OFF event is delayed after a start circuit is opened.
Delay On Make (Delay on Energize, On Delay) - A particular type of timing function, which delays the ON event upon initial application of power to the timing device.
Direct Current (DC) - An electric flowing in one direction (constant polarity) as opposed to Altering Current (AC).
DMX - DMX is the abbreviation for DMX512-A and is a standard for digital communication networks that are commonly used to control stage lighting and effects. It was originally intended as a standardized method for controlling light dimmers, which, prior to DMX512-A, had employed various incompatible proprietary protocols. However, it soon became the primary method for linking controllers and dimmers, and also more advanced fixtures and special effects devices such as fog machines and moving lights, and has also expanded to uses in non-theatrical interior and architectural lighting; DMX512-A has been used at scales ranging from strings of Christmas lights to electronic billboards.
Doorjamb - The material and/or area a door is hung or hinged to (see diagram below).
Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT, 2 form C Contact) - A type of contact configuration that consists of two isolated sets of contacts opening simultaneously. Each contact set consists of a: common contact, normally open contact and a normally closed contact. In relay nomenclature, the states of the contacts are given with the relay coil unenergized.
Element - See Heating Element
Escutcheon - A protective ornamental plate or flange
FDA - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory agency in the United States which is responsible for ensuring the safety of an array of consumer products. The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring that foods are safe, wholesome, sanitary and properly labeled; assuring that human and veterinary drugs, and vaccines and other biological products and medical devices intended for human use are safe and effective; protecting the public from electronic product radiation; assuring cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe and properly labeled; regulating tobacco products; and advancing the public health.
Finished Opening - A final or completed opening resulting when the finishing steam shower wall materials such as ceramic tile or natural stone have been applied.
FIP - National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size).
FNPT - National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size).
FPT - A closed path followed or capable of being followed by an electric currentNational Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size).
Framed Room Dimensions - Measurements of interior sauna room wall framing material (rough dimensions) used for the purpose of ordering a custom-cut sauna room (e.g., measured from stud to stud, furring strip to furring strip, etc.).
Frequency - The number of replications within a given time of a complete waveform, as a common Line Voltage with typical frequencies of 50 or 60 cycles per second. See Hertz.
Frigidarium - A room within a Thermae (Roman bath) with a cold-plunge pool. It would be entered after the caldarium and the tepidarium, which were used to open the pores of the skin. The cold water would close the pores. It may be a small pool of cold water or sometimes a large swimming pool often kept cold with snow.
Furring Strips - Strips of wood applied to wall studs to provide a level mounting surface to attach sauna boards to.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - A device that interrupts the electrical circuit whenever it detects the presence of excess electrical current going to ground.
Handrail - A tubular steel or plastic device that can be gripped by bathers for the purpose of steadying themselves.
Heat Loss Factor - The propensity of a material’s presence in a steam shower to affect the heat loss associated with the environment.
Heat Sink - A device that possesses low thermal resistance which is intended to dissipate heat to the ambient temperature.
Heat Sink Compound - A compound which is used to assure a good thermal connection between a heat dissipating device and a heat sink.
Heating Element - A heating element converts electricity into heat through the process of resistive heating. Electric current passing through the element encounters resistance, resulting in the heating of the element. The hot element converts water into steam in the steam generator reservoir and is the source of heat within a sauna heater.
Hertz - A unit of frequency (typically a sine wave) measured in cycles named after Heinrich R. Hertz (1857-1894). One hertz is equal to one cycle per second.
Horizontal Wall Board Direction - Parallel or in the same plane as the sauna room ceiling (see diagram below).
Infrared Sauna - An infrared sauna uses infrared heater panels to emit infrared light in close proximity to the bather and is experienced as radiant heat which is absorbed by the surface of the skin.
Inikagapi - A Navajo word which means to make alive.
Inipi - A Lakota word which means for their life.
Inrush Current - The peak value of current, which a load requires when first being energized. Certain types of loads (i.e. lamps, motors) will draw a larger initial current because their impedance is lower at startup than during steady state operation.
Insulating Factor - A value assigned, and used in a steam room sizing calculation, for a materials capacity to lessen or prevent the leakage of heat from a steam shower environment.
Insulator - A material that insulates, particularly a nonconductor or electricity, heat, or sound.
Joule - A unit of energy in passing an electric current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm for one second.
Kauha (kippo) - A Finnish word that refers to a ladle used to throw water on the hot sauna rocks.
Kiln Dried - Drying by means of an oven or kiln. The process reduces the moisture existing in wood.
kW (Kilowatt) - Equal to 1,000 watts. This unit is typically used to express the output power (equal to 1.34 horsepower) of engines and the power of electric motors, tools, machines, and heaters, and is the universal power measure of the electric steam generator and electric sauna heater.
Kiua - A Finnish word that refers to a sauna stove or heater.
Kiuaskivet - A Finnish word that refers to the stones in the sauna stove.
Kiulu - A Finnish word that refers to a small pail or bucket that contains the löyly water. It is usually made of wooden boards secured with wooden hoops.
Kiulu - Small pail or bucket to contain the löyly water. Usually made of wood: boards tied together with wooden hoops.
Laconicum - The hottest sweating room of the Roman bath (Thermae), contiguous to the caldarium. The laconicum was usually a circular room covered by a conical roof with a circular opening at the top from which a shield is suspended by chains, capable of being so lowered and raised as to regulate the temperature.
Lakeinen - A Finnish word that refers to the opening in the ceiling of a smoke sauna through which the smoke escapes during heating.
Lautee - A Finnish word that refers the elevated platform or benches in the sauna.
Lauteet - Elevated platform or bench to sit on in a sauna designed to take advantage of the rising heat.
Lexan - Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. Polycarbonate polymer is commonly used for space and sports helmets, clear high-performance windshields and aircraft canopies, motor vehicle headlight lenses, and bullet-resistant windows. Polycarbonate Sheet offers an alternative to glass that permits light transmission while maintaining glass-like clarity. It is coated to protect against UV rays. The sheet is strong and shatter resistant.
Line Frequency - Frequency of electrical service provided by local utility, typically 50 or 60 Hertz.
Line Voltage - Nominal voltage of electrical service provided by local utility, typically 120 or 240 volts AC.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) - A light-emitting diode is a two-lead semiconductor light source which emits light when activated. When a suitable voltage is applied to the leads, electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the device, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence, and the color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photon) is determined by the energy band gap of the semiconductor. Recent developments in LEDs permit them to be used in environmental and task lighting. LEDs have many advantages over incandescent light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching.
Load - An electrical load is an electrical component or portion of a circuit that consumes electric power. This is opposed to a power source, such as a battery or generator, which produces power. In electric power circuits examples of loads are appliances and lights. The term may also refer to the power consumed by a circuit.
Load Rating - A specification of the output capability of a particular controller. Typical parameters for load rating are: controllable current range, maximum AC and/or DC voltage, Horsepower or Power Factor and maximum inrush current.
Low Voltage - A relative term, typically voltage less than 30 Vrms.
Löyly - A Finnish word for the act of creating a wave of humidity by throwing water onto heated stones in a sauna heater or sauna stove. It may also refer to the heat, humidity and temperature in the sauna in general.
Löylyhuone - A Finnish word for the hot room.
Make - A term used to denote the action of completing an electrical circuit.
Mass - The extent of a material's bulk, size and weight.
Microprocessor - A multipurpose programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output.
MIP - National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size)
MNPT - National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size)
Momentary Switch - A spring loaded set of contacts which, when the actuator is pressed, either close or open depending on contact configuration. When the actuator is released the contacts will resume their normal state.
Natural Stone - A surface material that forms naturally and is not man made.
Noise - An undesirable electrical phenomenon, which is generated by various means (i.e. switching large loads, light dimmers, electrical storms). The phenomenon consists of random voltages and currents induced into electrical circuits which, if severe enough, erratic operation of these circuits can result.
Nominal Voltage - The middle point of two extremes of voltage as defined by the tolerance.
N.C. (Normally Closed Contact) - The condition or position of a particular contact with respect to a common contact in its normal or quiescent (unenergized) state. The normally closed contact represents a closed circuit.
N.O. (Normally Opened Contact) - The condition or position of a particular contact with respect to a common contact in its normal or quiescent (unenergized) state. A normally open contact represents an open circuit.
NPT - National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT) is a U.S. standard for tapered threads used on threaded pipes and fittings. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1⁄16" (3⁄4" per foot) measured by the change of diameter (of the pipe thread) over distance. Commonly-used sizes are 1⁄8", 1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", 1-1⁄4", 1-1⁄2", and 2", appearing on pipes and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8" are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 2" are uncommon, due to the use of alternative methods of joining that are used with these larger sizes. NPT is defined by ANSI/ASME standard B1.20.1.[1]. Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT ('Male Pipe Thread'), MNPT, or NPT(M) for male (external) threads; and FPT ('Female Pipe Thread'), FNPT, or NPT(F) for female (internal) threads. An equivalent designation is MIP (Male iron pipe) and FIP (Female iron pipe). Also the terms NPS and NPSM are sometimes used to designate a straight, not tapered, thread. (this should not be confused with NPS meaning Nominal Pipe Size).
Ofuro - The Japanese word for steam bath.
Ohm - A unit of electrical resistance (symbol Ω) and impedance named after Georg S. Ohm. A conductor has a resistance of one ohm when a current of one ampere flows through it with a potential on one volt across its terminals.
Operating Temperature - The range of ambient temperature in which a controller is designed to operate within its specifications. May be stated in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Operating Voltage - The range of input voltage in which a controller is designed to operate within its specifications. Usually, it is stated as a nominal value with a maximum and minimum tolerance (i.e. 120 VAC + 10%).
Organic Waste (bather waste) - All of the soap, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, cologne, body oils, sweat, urine, etc. brought into the water by bathers.
Parallel - A type of circuit connection in which loads are connected side by side across a common voltage source
Pesuhuone - A Finnish word for the washing room.
Phase - The instantaneous angular position which a sine wave occupies in its cycle. The position is usually measured in degrees as referenced to zero and referred to as a phase angle.
Polarity - The positive and negative orientation of a source of power or signal.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - PVC may be rigid (sometimes called RPVC) or flexible. The rigid form of PVC is used in construction for pipe and applications such as doors and windows. It is also used for bottles, packaging, and credit cards. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers. In this form, it is also used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather, signage, inflatable products, and many applications where it replaces rubber.
PVC Potentiometer (Pot) - A three terminal device which consists of a fixed resistor with terminations on each end and a moveable contact (wiper) that can travel between the two terminations. Also called a variable resistor. A volume control on a stereo is a common potentiometer.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) - A PCB mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Advanced PCBs may contain components - capacitors, resistors or active devices - embedded in the substrate.
Pukuhuone - The Finnish word for dressing room.
Quick Connect Terminals (Faston) - A solderless friction type termination used in industrial controls to facilitate easy field wiring of electrical control systems.
Radio Frequency - A frequency in the range within which radio waves may be transmitted (10 kilocycles/second to 300,000 megacycles/second).
Resistance - The opposition to electric current flow. All conductors off some resistance and the basic unit of resistance is the ohm.
Rheostat - A variable resistor having one movable contact (wiper), and one terminal fixed at one end of the resistance. A potentiometer can be connected as a rheostat by connecting the wiper to either one of its other terminals.
Rough Opening - 1. The opening provided for the installation of a pre-hung sauna door consisting of wood framing and located in the exact area where the door is to be installed. Commonly referred to by the construction industry and in print as R.O. 2. The overall width of a door including its jamb material.
RTV Silicone - RTV Silicone (Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone) is a type of silicone rubber made from a two-component system (base plus curative; A+B) available in a hardness range of very soft to medium. Silicones are easy to apply and have a low shrinkage factor. Silicones also exhibit very good high temperature resistance (400°F / 205°C and higher), chemical resistance, acid and alkali-resistance and ageing resistance.
Räppänä - A Finnish word that refers to the duct or vent on the sauna wall close to the ceiling. The size of the opening is usually adjusted with a simple slideboard.
S4S - An Industry acronym for Smooth four sides, which is commonly used when referring to wood characteristics. If a piece of wood is referred to as S4S, it will have four, finely sanded sides.
Sauna (sow nah) - A Finnish-style sweat bath or the room where the bath occurs.
Savusauna - A Finnish word for a smoke sauna, which is the original form of sauna, with no chimney. While being heated the smoke from the burning wood under the stove fills the sauna and escapes through a hole in the ceiling (lakeinen) and through the door which is usually kept slightly open during heating.
Sento - The Japanese word for public bath.
Series Circuit - Loads connected end to end across a voltage source.
Serviceable Area - An acceptable and appropriate steam generator installation location which considers convenient access to the front and two adjacent sides including the plumbing, electrical and steam generator's service access panel.
Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) - A type of contact configuration, which consists of a Common contact, Normally Open contact, and a Normally Closed contact. In relay nomenclature, the states of the contacts are given wit the relay coil unenergized.
Steam Generator Reservoir - The assembly inside the steam generator that houses the heating element and necessary water to make steam.
Temazcalli - The Aztec word for steam bath.
Thermal Conductivity - The ability of a material or substance to transmit or diffuse heat.
Tiku (kisu, kitku) - A Finnish term for unpleasant fumes in a smoke sauna right after heating. These disappear in an hour or two after which time the sauna is ready.
Tongue & Groove - A term used to describe a wall materials type interlocking/mounting system. Board Tongue slips into adjoining board's groove upon installation.
UL - (Underwriters Laboratories) is a premier global safety science company with more than a century of proven experience, from the public adoption of electricity to new breakthroughs in sustainability, renewable energy and nanotechnology. Established in 1894, the company is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and has offices in 46 countries. UL certifies, validates, tests, inspects, audits, advises and trains for a range of diverse stakeholders including manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, regulators, service companies, consumers and built environment professionals.
Ulykiuas - A Finnish word that refers to an electric sauna stove or heater.
USP - The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. USP's drug standards are enforceable in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, and these standards are developed and relied upon in more than 140 countries. USP standards are developed and revised by more than 800 volunteer experts, including international participants, who work with USP under strict conflict-of-interest rules. Since its founding in 1820, USP has helped secure the quality of the American drug supply. Building on that legacy, USP today works with scientists, practitioners, and regulators of many nations to help protect public health worldwide.
Vapor Proof - Impervious to the vapor associated with a steam shower environment.
Vasta (vihta) - A Finnish word for a thick bunch of birch twigs used to swat oneself to promote blood circulation and cleanse the skin. A whisk, made of birch (or similar) twigs. Used for beating the body in the hot room to stimulate the feel of the löyly.
Vertical Wall Board Direction - Upright or perpendicular to the sauna room ceiling (see diagram below) .
Voltage - The difference in electrical potential, or electromotive force between the terminals of a source of electricity. It is usually measured in volts.
Volume - The three-dimensional measure of the size of a space.
Wall Framing Materials - Material used and arranged for the purpose of rough construction of a room (e.g., studs, furring strips, etc.)
Water Feed System - The system by which water is metered into a steam generator reservoir.
Water Level System - The system by which the water level inside the steam generator reservoir is maintained.
Water Proof - Impervious to the direct spray of water and vapor associated with a seam shower environment.
Watt - A unit of power equal to one joule per second or about 1/746 horse power
Door Hinge (Left/Right)
All sauna doors must open out. Facing the door from the outside of your sauna room, note the side (right or left) the hinges should be installed on to achieve your desired door swing direction.
Interior Ceiling Board Direction
You have a choice of ceiling board direction when building your custom sauna room. The SteamSaunaBath Team recommends installing ceiling boards the same direction of the most commonly used sauna bathing bench - this will minimize the view of board joints (grooves) while you're bathing. In the figure to the left, boards are installed parallel to the front, or door wall.
Interior Wall Board Direction
You can also choose to install your wall boards vertically or horizontally. We recommend installing wallboards vertically because in our experience most people simply prefer this appearance. Note: when installing wall boards vertically, you'll first need to install horizontal 1” x 4” pine furring strips on 21” centers to nail the wall boards (not provided with custom cut room).
Measuring Door Jamb Width
An exact door jamb width is not necessary, but it is recommended and makes for very simple installation. Provide us the actual thickness of your exterior sauna door wall material, sauna wall framing (studs) and firing strips (only when interior sauna wood is to be installed vertically) and we will custom cut a door jamb for your exact application).
Selecting Board Width
Your choice…3-1/2” or 5-1/2” wide Cedar ceiling and wall boards. The SteamSaunaBath Team recommends selecting 5-1/2” boards for any sauna room larger than 4’ x 5’. We suggest this size board for no other reason than we unanimously agree wider wall boards look better in medium to larger rooms! For smaller rooms, select 3-1/2” boards. (5-1/2" boards shown in sauna cut-away diagram to the left)