Steam generators for hammam: types and installation rules

Steam generators for a hammam are an indispensable element that allows you to achieve the required level of humidity in the environment at a relatively low temperature. It is this device that is among the first to be purchased in a Turkish bath; the comfort of receiving spa procedures depends on its power and performance. It is not surprising that the problem of choosing such a device turns out to be a very serious problem. Gas and electric, Harvia, Eos, Tylo and other models - there are dozens of product options on the market in this segment, so it can be quite difficult to make a final decision.

Installing a steam generator for a Turkish bath also has its own characteristics. This appliance always has an electronic control unit, which must be installed outside the steam room. In addition, fuel and electric models have different fire safety requirements, they must be taken into account during installation. Only in this case, a private hammam will bring extremely positive emotions during its operation.

A steam generator for a hammam is a device necessary to maintain the required level of humidity. For a Turkish bath, its presence is mandatory. For this type of recreation facilities normal air temperature varies in the range of + 35-50 degrees, but the humidity of the environment reaches 100%... The artificially created atmosphere recreates the unique conditions for relaxation, rejuvenation, saturation of the skin with moisture. A visit to the hammam is recommended in the presence of colds and bronchopulmonary diseases, it helps to increase immunity, with regular procedures, the healing effect becomes especially pronounced.

At the end of the work, the unused liquid is discharged into the sewer. Usually a cold water outlet is sufficient to install the equipment, but if hot water is available, it can be used. Steam is supplied through special nozzles, evenly distributed inside the room.

All types of steam generators for use in Turkish saunas operate at a predetermined temperature level. It is detected by a sensor located on the instrument panel. The steam room is additionally heated with electric mats - the same ones that are installed in floor heating systems. In this case, insulation is also carried out in the area of ​​seats and walls. The room itself heats up to 30-35 degrees, the rest is added by the hot steam generated by the device.

All existing types of steam generators can be divided into 2 large groups. The first uses various types of liquid or gaseous fuels as a source of energy, the second uses electrical energy. Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The most famous type of fuel steam generators is the gas type of appliances. They are connected to a main power supply or a cylinder, a gas holder, and significantly reduce the cost of maintaining a Turkish bath. Such models are most often fully automated; replenishment of the water tank also occurs without additional intervention from the operator.

Diesel devices run on liquid fuel, which heats the liquid chamber during combustion. Diesel fuel is used where there is no stable power supply, there is no way to connect to the gas main. Diesel steam generators can hardly be called very popular, but they can be considered as an alternative solution for organizing a hammam in a country house.

The simplest solution is electric wired steam generators. They do not require complex connection, are easy to put into operation, and can be mounted without preliminary preparation. In addition to standard devices, supplemented by heating elements, there are also induction models that achieve boiling water using a magnetic field. They are considered less fire hazardous, energy efficient.

Electric steam generators for Turkish baths are more compact than typical models with liquid or gaseous fuels.

Among the models of steam generators for the Turkish bath, there are both Russian-made products and products of foreign manufacturers. The main market leaders are companies from Finland and Germany. The most popular are the following models.

• Steamtec Tolo Ultimate. An innovative model from a leading German manufacturer. The power range varies from 3 to 24 kW. The water tank is small, only 10 liters, there is a solenoid valve for water supply. The model provides a touch control panel with an original interface, programmable operating modes.

• Harvia Helix HGX 60. The steam generator model with a power of 5.7 kW is considered universal, suitable for use in rooms with a volume of 2.5 to 11 m3. The Finnish manufacturer has provided a reliable automation system, the model has the ability to connect to the water supply network.

• Steamtec Tolo PS. A budget model with an electric type of power supply. It is equipped with a 10-15 liter water tank, the power range of the devices varies from 3 to 18 kW. The German manufacturer has equipped its products with a full-fledged protection system, an electromagnetic valve used in the water supply system.

• Savo STN-45. Finnish model of a steam generator with an outlet for a pipeline with a cross section of 1/2 inch. This device is designed for a room with a volume of no more than 5 m3. The model has a water supply connection, ventilation, lighting, aromatization system control.

• Paromax 6 kW. Russian-made steam generator with connection to the water supply network. The model is suitable for use in rooms with a volume of 6 to 12 m3, it is connected to a regular household and industrial network. The products of this brand are considered quite reliable, they are sold in the middle price category.

When selecting a steam generator to create a hammam in an apartment or a country house it is worth considering the following important points.

1. Object type. In a country house, apartment, you can use the most low-power, budget equipment, suitable for connecting to a household power supply. Steam generators Tylo, Harvia, Helo have no competition in this segment. For large complexes with swimming pools, fitness clubs, spas, automated complexes from Eos, Hygromatic are used.
2. Heating method. Electric models can be used in almost any room without restrictions. They are versatile, but quite expensive to operate and maintain. Gas - the cheapest, but their installation is not always possible, requires a complex and lengthy coordination. When choosing, it is worth considering that the most environmentally friendly steam is obtained precisely when using steam generators with an electric heater.
3. Boiler design type. Steam generators can be autonomous - the simplest, with water supply to the tank using a mechanical flow switch. Automated options are immediately connected to the centralized water supply system. They maintain the set level of the liquid in the reservoir, if necessary, activate its filling themselves.
4. Tank material. The best option is stainless steel. It is he who withstands constant contact even with hard water without the appearance of corrosion. Ordinary steel quickly deteriorates, and the device needs to be replaced.
5. Equipment power. This parameter determines whether the humidity level in the steam room is sufficient. On average, 1 m3 requires about 1 kW of power. That is, for a room of no more than 6 m3, a 6 kW device is needed. Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the device specification indicated by the manufacturer.
6. Availability of protection systems. Steam generators for a Turkish bath must have insurance against mains voltage drops, moisture inside the case, and equipment overheating. It is important that the equipment does not require reconfiguration after a malfunction, shutdown in emergency mode. In expensive models, additional programming systems may be presented.
7. Availability of additional functions. Among the current options, one can note the automatic drainage of water, which helps to avoid its stagnation in the tank when the equipment is rarely used. In addition, the quick steam option is useful to ensure that the steam room is set up as quickly as possible. Some models support dimming in the hammam room, they are controlled remotely.
8. Ease of maintenance and repair. When choosing, you should give preference to models from well-known manufacturers with an extensive network of service centers. The built-in options for cleaning the tank, a replaceable heating element in the kit, will also be useful.

Each model of such equipment has a connection diagram for a steam generator for a hammam, it largely depends on the type of device, its dimensions. For gas options, you additionally need to make a calculation, go through an agreement to connect the equipment to the mains. There are general recommendations that are relevant for the installation of any steam generators.

1. Installation is carried out in a specially designated technical room. The steam generator is mounted on a wall surface at a height of about 120-130 cm or as close to the floor as possible. It is important that the appliance is not level with the steam dispensing spout. Otherwise, air or water locks may form inside the system.
2. The temperature sensor is located in the steam room. It is mounted at a height of about 1.7-1.9 m in the line of sight. It is important that a distance of at least 40-50 cm remains to the heat-insulating walls of the electric mats.
3. The button that provides steam is attached in the steam room. It is optimal if you can reach it without getting up from the lounger.
4. The steam line is laid with a minimum number of turns, direction changes. It is a 1/2 "or 3/4" diameter copper tube. It is imperative to remember the correct slope so that when condensation forms, it does not fall into the nozzles. The correct choice of the length of the pipeline - within 5 m - helps to prevent the formation of water vapor in the form of sediment.
5. The section for draining the liquid of the steam generator is equipped with a siphon. It provides protection against the spread of the smell of the sewer, locks it in the pipes.
6. If there is a control panel, it is installed in a technical room. This structural element is external, it serves to switch the operating modes of the equipment, to use its additional functions.

By following these tips, you can easily install a steam generator for your hammam and follow all the necessary safety precautions.

An overview of the steam generator for the Grandis hammam, see below.