N.Y.C. Admin. Code § MC 914: Section MC 914: Sauna Heaters

914.1 Location and protection.

Sauna heaters shall be located so as to minimize the possibility of accidental contact by a person in the room.

914.1.1 Guards.

Sauna heaters shall be protected from accidental contact by an approved guard or barrier of material having a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. The guard shall not substantially affect the transfer of heat from the heater to the room.

914.2 Installation.

Sauna heaters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 875 and shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's instructions.

914.3 Access.

Panels, grilles and access doors that are required to be removed for normal servicing operations shall not be attached to the building.

914.4 Heat and time controls.

Sauna heaters shall be equipped with a thermostat that will limit room temperature to 194°F (90°C). If the thermostat is not an integral part of the sauna heater, the heat-sensing element shall be located within 6 inches (152.4 mm) of the ceiling. If the heat-sensing element is a capillary tube and bulb, the assembly shall be attached to the wall or other support, and shall be protected against physical damage.

914.4.1 Timers.

A timer, if provided to control main burner operation, shall have a maximum operating time of 1 hour. The control for the timer shall be located outside the sauna room.

914.5 Sauna room.

A ventilation opening into the sauna room shall be provided. The opening shall be not less than 4 inches by 8 inches (101.6 mm by 203.2 mm) located near the top of the door into the sauna room.

914.5.1 Warning notice.

The following permanent notice, constructed of approved material, shall be mechanically attached to the sauna room on the outside:

WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED 30 MINUTES IN SAUNA. EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE CAN BE HARMFUL TO HEALTH. ANY PERSON WITH POOR HEALTH SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING SAUNA.

The words shall contrast with the background and the wording shall be in letters not less than 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) high.

Exception: This section shall not apply to one- and two-family dwellings.