Sauna problems

[gselectrical]

Good evening all.

Attended a job earlier today following reports of an infrared sauna tripping the main 30mA RCD.

First of all I tested the RCD trip times & ramp tested (all fine)

Now powered up Sauna, trips once power is sent to the IR elements/lamps.

Located the control box. Each pair of IR elements/lamps is supplied via an IEC lead from the control box. (4 leads)

Removed all but one lead. Powered up, all fine. Connected 2nd IEC lead...all fine. Connected third, RCD trips. Removed lead, powered back up connected 4th lead and RCD trips. Powered back up, removed 1st & 2nd lead and connected 3rd then 4th lead....all fine untill I connect another lead.

So basically it looks like the accumilative earth leakage from the IR lamps/elements is causing the RCD to trip.

After having a look at the ceramic elements I can't see how the current is leaking to earth. It is only the reflector casing that is connected to earth.

Am I missing something here?

Cheers.

GS

 

[kme]

What are the ins. readings from the elements?

Or are there any form of interference suppressors in the control box? They may provide a leakage path?

 

[gselectrical]

What are the ins. readings from the elements?Or are there any form of interference suppressors in the control box? They may provide a leakage path?

I have not removed the elements yet as I was only there for half an hour. Not sure about the supressors KME.

Image of ceramic IR element below (300w 240v)

 

[septiclecky]

A normal sauna has a steamy atmosphere by putting water on hot coals how do you do this with IR heaters?

 

[gselectrical]

A normal sauna has a steamy atmosphere by putting water on hot coals how do you do this with IR heaters?

True. There are different types of saunas. One of them been Infra red.

I'll be honest, I don't know much about them. Only what I've Googled.

Does anybody know where I can get a 300w IR ceramic tubular heating element as shown in the picture. Cant seem to find anywhere that sells them!

GS