MONDEX Tahko M User manual

INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Tahko M and E Types
12/2017

Installation and Operating Instructions Tahko
2
Contents
1 General safety instructions 3
2 Tahko heater M and E types 4
3 Heater assembly and installation 5
Stacking the stones 5
4 Technical specifications 6
Heater power and voltage 6
Heater dimensions 6
Required amount of stones 6
Minimum distances to inflammable material 7
5 General instructions for users of Tahko heaters 8
Note 8
Installation cable 8
Additional connection options 8
6 Things to keep in mind when using the heater 8
First heating 8
Sauna room 8
Temperature control 8
Heating time 8
Water thrown on heater 8
Sauna room structure 9
7 Wiring diagram M type 9
8 Time switch and thermostat operation M type 10
Additional connection options 10
9 Installation instructions E type 11
Installation of external control and sensor 12
10 Wiring diagram E type 13
Controller card wiring, heater 13
Controller card wiring, controller 13
11 Heater control and operation E type 14
First time use of the heater/calibration 14
Resetting the heater 14
Error codes 14
Overheating protector 14
12 Troubleshooting 15
Heater does not heat up 15
Warnings 15
Warranty 15
Maintenance; spare parts 15
Natural stone as material 15
Changing the heater stones 15
13 Service history 16

Installation and Operating Instructions Tahko
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1. General safety information
This device is not intended for use by children or persons whose physical, sensory or mental
abilities or lack of experience and knowledge prevent them from using the device safely, without the
supervision of a person responsible for their safety or before they have been instructed on how to use
the device.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the device.
This device complies with the requirements of:
Mondex pursues an active policy of product development and continuous improvement. For this
reason, Mondex reserves the right to make changes relating to the design and technical specifications
of their products without prior notice.
Electrical connections may only be carried out by an electrician with valid installation
authorization according to the current regulations.
The Mondex electric heater is suitable for use in a family sauna, one (1) heater per sauna
room. Retain the installation and operating instructions for further reference.
Always check the adequacy of the fire protection distances!
Failure to observe the wiring instructions may result in a risk of fire!
Always check the sauna room before switching the heater on!
Always check that the controller has switched the heater off after the set time period!
Due to the risk of fire, do not use the sauna to dry clothes or laundry.
Exercise caution with a hot heater, since the heater stones and metal parts become very hot
and can cause burns.
Steam from the heater is burning hot and may cause severe burns.
Children, disabled and ill persons who are using the sauna should be supervised.
Benches and floors may be slippery, therefore move in the sauna with caution.
Do not go to a hot sauna under the influence of narcotic substances (alcohol, drugs,
narcotics, etc.).
A stone compartment without stones or filled improperly will present a risk of fire!
Covering the heater will present a risk of fire.
To ensure safe use of the sauna, please read these safety instructions first!

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2. Tahko heater models
M type heater E type heater
+

Installation and Operating Instructions Tahko
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Stacking the stones
Note! Use regular olivine diabase granite heater stones with a diameter of less than 10 cm. Wear
protective gloves when stacking the stones. Stack the heater stones so that the resistors do not make
contact with each other. Do not bend the resistors so that they are in contact with the metal structures
of the heater.
Stack the stones in layers starting from the bottom. Stack stones loosely to the centre of the heater
and fit them more tightly against the metal net frame. Continue stacking the stones in this way until all
of them have been placed.
Note! Do not remove the bands around the resistors. If there are two bands, one of them is located at
approximately 20 cm from the bottom and another approximately 10–15 cm from the top. These keep
the resistors apart from each other and prevent premature deterioration.
When stacking the stones, be careful to avoid damaging or denting the heater’s metal or painted
surfaces. Dents caused by the user are not covered by Mondex’s warranty or other product liability.
1) The package contains the heater (a controller in the E type) and
operating instructions. Heater stones are not included.
2) Inspect the heater visually. If you notice any discrepancies or
deficiencies, please contact the store where you purchased the
heater or e-mail info@mondex.fi.
3) The sauna floor should be properly protected before you begin the
installation.
4) An electrician should connect the wires before the heater is
installed. Observe the safety distances between the heater and
any inflammable material in accordance with Table 4.4 (on page 7).
Also ensure the heater power matches the size of the sauna in
accordance with Table 4.1 (on page 6).
5) Install the heater on the floor and adjust the feet so that the heater
stands upright.
3. Heater assembly and installation

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4. Technical specifications
Heater Tahko 6.6 Tahko 9.0 Tahko 10.5
Power kW 6.6 9.0 10.5
Voltage 400 V 3N 400 V 3N 400 V 3N
Connecting cable 5 x 1,5 mm² 5 x 2.5 mm² 5 x 2.5 mm²
Fuse 3 x 10 A 3 x 16 A 3 x 16 A
Sauna size 6–9 m38–15 m312–22 m3
Table 4.1
Amount of stones
Type Stone amount (kg)
Tahko 6.6 80
Tahko 9.0 80
Tahko 10.5 140
Table 4.3
Heater dimensions (mm)
Type Diameter Height
Tahko 6.6 320 850
Tahko 9.0 320 850
Tahko 10.5 370 1,100
Table 4.2

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Minimum distances to inflammable material (mm)
D
Table 4.4 Minimum distances to inflammable material (mm)
Type A B C D Volume
Tahko 6.6 100 100 770 1900 6–9 m³
Tahko 9.0 120 120 770 1900 8–15 m³
Tahko 10.5 120 120 900 2000 12–22 m³
AA B B
C

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5. General instructions for users of Tahko heaters
6. Things to keep in mind when using the heater
First heating
During the first heating, the resistors may emit fumes. Therefore, ensure that the room is properly
ventilated. NOTE! Also see the first time use of E type on p. 14!
Sauna room
Always check the sauna room before switching the heater on! Always make sure that the timer has
switched the power off after the set time period!
Temperature control
The temperature is adjusted by means of either a mechanical thermostat (see page 10: M types) or the
control panel (see page 14: E types). The actual heating time depends on the dimensions, structure
and thermal insulation of the sauna. The temperature in the sauna room can be maintained at the
desired level with the thermostat. If the temperature of the sauna room becomes dangerously high for
any reason, the overheating protector will switch the heater’s power off. The cause of overheating must
always be investigated. The power can be switched on again by pressing the overheating protector
reset button (see page 10: M types and page 14: E types).
Heating time
An excessive heating time consumes energy and does not improve the steaming properties. The best
steam is achieved by keeping the sauna’s heating time relatively short, at about 30–60 min., according
to the size of the sauna and the heater’s power. The size of the sauna, the glass door, windows, or
materials used may require a longer heating time.
Water thrown onto the heater
We recommend using hand warm water. The water should be fresh household water. Throwing the
water onto the heater sides / lower stones generates softer steam. If you want steam that feels hotter
and more intense, pour plenty of warm water on top of the heater all at once.
Note
Electrical connections may only be carried out by an electrician with valid installation authorization
according to the current regulations. The Tahko electric heater is suitable for use in a family sauna,
one (1) heater per sauna room. Retain the installation and operating instructions for further reference.
Installation cable
Use rubber cable H07RN-F as a connection cable.
Additional connection options
Control of electric heating with the heater: The electric heating control cable is brought directly
to the heater’s junction box and further to the heater’s terminal block with a rubber cable that is
dimensionally identical to the incoming cable.
NOTE! Failure to observe the connection instructions may result in a risk of fire!
NOTE! Remove all plastic film before using the heater!

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Heating control
Indicator “Heater on”
7. Wiring diagram M type
Sauna room structure
The sauna and its ceiling, in particular, should have good thermal insulation, as heat tends to escape
through the ceiling. Due to the moisture, we recommend that you use aluminium paper. The size of the
heater should be selected according to the size of the sauna (in cubic metres). In addition to calculating
the power need for the regular sauna structure (glass wool–foil–wood), the following should be taken
into consideration. If the sauna has any uninsulated wood, tile or concrete surfaces or the walls are
made of logs, the heater power needs to be increased. For every uninsulated square metre, the heater
power need increases by the same amount as if increasing the space volume by 1.2 m3 and on timber
surfaces by 1.5 m3. The factor for glass surfaces (glass walls, doors and uninsulated stone surfaces) is
also 1.2 m3 per square metre. In borderline cases, you should choose a heater with higher power.
The sauna needs efficient ventilation for a good oxygen level and a sufficient amount of fresh air.
The air in the sauna needs to change at least 6 times per hour. For a sauna with an electric heater,
mechanical ventilation is the most convenient ventilation method. The supply air should be provided
through an inlet located 500 mm, at a minimum, above the heater, either on the wall or in the ceiling.
The exhaust valve should be placed on the opposite wall, as far away from the heater and as close to
the floor level as possible. It is highly recommendable to install an exhaust air valve in the ceiling as
well for an easier removal of moisture after sauna sessions.
For more information, refer to the construction instructions and building regulations.

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8. Time switch and thermostat operation M type
Time switch
Overheat protector reset
switch
Thermostat
The time switch (4+8 h) is also the heater’s main switch. After a set time, the time switch automatically
switches the heater off. With the timer function, the heater can be set to switch on in 1–8 hours. The
maximum warm-up time is 4 hours.
For example:
If you want the sauna to be ready as soon as possible, set the time switch between 1 and 4. The
heater switches on immediately and begins to warm up. Set the desired temperature by turning the
thermostat.
If you want the sauna to be ready in three hours, turn the timer to 2 on the time switch scale of 1–8.
The timer starts and the power will be switched on and the heater will start warming up after two
hours. When the power has been switched on, the heater will remain on for a maximum of 4 hours.
After that, the power will be switched off automatically. You can switch the power off sooner by turning
the time switch to zero (0).
Always make sure that the time switch has switched the power off after the set time period!
Additional connection options
Connecting a signal light outside the sauna room
The connection cable used should be, for example, the H07RN-F cable with a cross-sectional area the
same as that of the connection cable.
Control of electric heating with the heater
The electric heating control cable is brought directly to the heater’s junction box and further to the
heater’s terminal block with a rubber cable that is dimensionally identical to the incoming cable.

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9. Installation instructions E type
Supply cable 5 x 1.5 mm2 / 5 x 2.5 mm2
Sensor
Switch-
board
Controller
Sauna
Changing room
Utility room
Controller
ca. 250 mm
ca. 250 mm
Sensor
max. 99 cm

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The most suitable location for installing the wall sensor is on
the wall where the benches are mounted. Its distance to the
ventilation duct should be at least 50 mm.
Drill a 3.5 mm hole in the wall panel and route the wire under
the panel to the heater. Ensure that approximately 10 mm of the
sensor remains visible. If needed, the sensor can be attached to
the hole with a small drop of silicone adhesive. The length of the
sensor cable is 6 m. Cut the excess wire and connect the other end
to the heater. Ensure that a minimum of 7 mm of the end of the
wire is stripped to ensure a proper contact.
The wall mounting plate is either mounted to the wall using three
screws or affixed to the bottom of the mounting box. The mounting
plate is covered first with a cover plate and finally with the control
panel. The length of the sensor cable is 8 m. Cut the excess wire
and connect the other end to the heater. When installing the
control panel, make sure that the cables do not become detached
or bend.
NOTE!
Remove the plastic protection film of the control panel before
using the heater.
Installation of external control and sensor
The type E heater package includes:
Controller Sensor

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10. Wiring diagram E type
Quick connector
Controller card wiring, heater Controller card wiring, controller
To the controller
To the overheating protector
To the temperature sensor
White
Grey
Green
Blue
Red
White
White
Black
Black
OVERHEATING PROTECTION

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11. Heater control and operation E type
Normal start: Select the operating
time with the control buttons.
The operating time is displayed in light bars.
One bar equals 30 min. The maximum
operating time is 4h.
Quick start: Press the quick start button.
The heater will remain on for two hours.
Temperature control: Set the desired
temperature with the control buttons.
One light bar affects the temperature
by approximately 5°C.
Heater start-up: When the operating time
and temperature have been set, switch on the
heater from the power switch. NOTE! If the
power switch is not pressed, the controller lights will
keep blinking. NOTE! The heater will remember the
previous temperature setting.
Timer function: You can set the heater to switch on in
30 min. – 8 hours. After that, the heater will remain
on for 4 hours.
• Keep the operating time controller depressed
until the red lights turn off.
• After this, the light bars will turn blue and each
bar represents a period of 30 min.
• Select the desired temperature for the sauna with
the temperature control buttons.
• You can switch off the heater at any time
by pressing the power switch.
First time use of the heater (heater
calibration)
Ensure that the main switch on the side of the heater
is in the “I” position. Set the temperature to two LED
lights from the bottom. Press the quick start button
(2h). Switch the heater on by pressing the power
switch in the upper left-hand corner. When 2 hours
have elapsed or the blue LED light at the lower right-
The heater is operated by
adjusting its operating time
and temperature, and then by
switching the heater on from the
power switch.
Overheating protector
The overheating protector reset button is located
above the heater’s main power switch under a
protective cap. Twist the cap to open. The red reset
button located under the cap is 3.5 mm thick.
hand corner has turned off, the heater calibration
is complete. Do not open the sauna door during
the calibration. During the calibration, the heater
“teaches itself” to heat up optimally according to the
size of the sauna. The heater can be used normally
after the calibration. NOTE! The heater must be filled
with heater stones before the first use (calibration).
Resetting the heater
Switch off the heater from the main switch located
on the lower right-hand side of the heater. Keep
the temperature control + and – buttons depressed.
Switch the main switch of the heater on again
while keeping the + and – buttons depressed. The
heater is now ready for calibration. For calibration
instructions, see “First-time use of the heater
(heater calibration)”.
Error codes
If the heater encounters an error, the electronics
will turn off the resistors and indicate the controller
faults with blue lights as follows:
4th light from bottom:
Relay fault
3rd light from bottom:
Short circuit of the
thermal sensor
2nd light from bottom:
Contact failure of the
thermal sensor
1st light from bottom:
Calibration status
Operating time
adjustment
Power switch
Operating time
Temperature
Temperature
control
Quick start

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12. Troubleshooting
Heater does not warm up
Is the power on?
Has the overheating protector tripped?
> M type: This is reset by pressing the overheating protector reset switch powerfully with a sharp
object until a click is heard.
> E type: Reset is performed by opening the black twistable protective cap next to the main switch on
the left side of the heater and pressing the button under the cap.
The cause of overheating must always be determined before the heater is switched on again! If
necessary, contact the dealer or manufacturer.
Warnings
- Due to a risk of fire, do not use the sauna to dry clothes or laundry.
- Exercise caution with a hot heater, since the heater stones and metal parts become very hot and can
cause burns.
- The water steam rising from the heater is hot and can cause burns.
- Children, disabled and ill persons who are using the sauna should be supervised.
- Benches and floors may be slippery, therefore move in the sauna with caution.
- Do not go to a hot sauna under the influence of narcotic substances (alcohol, drugs, narcotics, etc.)
Warranty
For heaters and control units in private use, the warranty is two (2) years. In commercial/professional
use, the warranty is three (3) months. Commercial use refers to facilities in which the heater is in
use on a continuous basis, such as fitness centres, swimming pools, housing companies etc. It is not
recommended that the heater is on for longer than six (6) hours at a time. Retain the sales receipt or
warranty card. The warranty does not cover external or internal mechanical damage caused by, for
example, the impacts of stones or the heater falling over. The warranty also does not cover defects
caused by acts of nature, such as lighting or damage caused by overvoltage. Please also see chapter
“Changing the heater stones”. Removing or re-stacking of heater stones are not covered by the
warranty in a potential warranty maintenance.
Maintenance and spare parts
In case of a fault that cannot be solved, please contact the store where you purchased the heater or
email info@mondex.fi. Spare parts can be purchased from Mondex distributors and the manufacturer.
When purchasing spare parts, please refer to the name, power, serial number and manufacturing date
of the heater to ensure you receive the correct parts.
Natural stone as material
Small pebbles or pieces may come off the natural stone used in the heater. As this is not a failure of
the organic material but a natural feature that cannot be predicted at the time of manufacturing the
product, the manufacturer is not responsible for any damage.
Changing the heater stones
Re-stack the heater stones and replace any eroded stones annually (every three months in
commercial/professional use). The good condition and proper, spacious stacking of the stones around
the resistors inside the heater ensure a sufficient air flow between the resistors. If this is not carried
out annually, a proper air flow may be obstructed and the resistors may break prematurely, which is
not covered by the warranty.

Heater maintenance history
We recommend changing the heater stones at one-year intervals.
Date Procedure
Technical support: info@mondex.fi
Premec Oy
Kettukallionkatu 4
84100 Ylivieska, Finland
info@mondex.fi
www.mondex.fi