♨️ Harvia Vega BC45 4.5kW Electric Sauna Heater – 3-6 m³ Room Capacity
Finnish-Engineered Excellence with Built-In Controls for the Perfect Home Sauna Experience
📋 Product Overview
The Harvia Vega BC45 is a premium electric sauna heater from the world’s largest sauna manufacturer, designed to deliver authentic Finnish sauna experiences in compact domestic settings. With its sleek stainless steel construction and built-in control system, this 4.5kW heater combines modern aesthetics with straightforward operation.
Engineered at Harvia’s manufacturing facility in Muurame, Finland, the Vega series represents decades of sauna expertise. The symmetric design allows flexible installation with controls positioned on either side, while the innovative low-mounting capability ensures even heat distribution from floor to ceiling. The integrated timer and thermostat eliminate the need for separate control panels, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for home saunas, garden cabins, and compact wellness spaces up to 6 m³.
✨ Key Features
✅ Stainless Steel Construction – Premium-grade stainless steel outer shell provides exceptional durability and a contemporary aesthetic that complements modern sauna interiors
✅ Built-In Control System – Integrated timer (up to 8 hours) and thermostat (40-90°C) eliminate the need for separate external controls, simplifying installation and operation
✅ Flexible Mounting Options – Symmetric heater design allows controls to be positioned on either side, accommodating both left and right-handed installations
✅ Low-Mount Installation – Unique structural design permits mounting closer to the floor, ensuring heat reaches lower benches and provides even temperature distribution throughout the sauna
✅ 20kg Stone Capacity – Generous stone chamber delivers authentic löyly steam production and excellent heat retention between sessions
✅ Dual Voltage Compatibility – Operates on both single-phase 230V and three-phase 400V electrical supplies, offering installation flexibility for different properties
✅ Overheat Protection – Built-in thermal cut-out automatically disables the heater if safe temperature limits are exceeded
✅ CE & EAC Certified – Compliant with European safety standards for peace of mind and regulatory approval
✅ 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty – Comprehensive residential warranty coverage backed by Harvia’s global service network
⚙️ Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 4.5 kW |
| Voltage Options | 230V 1-phase / 400V 3-phase |
| Amperage (1-phase) | 20 A |
| Amperage (3-phase) | 3 × 10 A |
| Fuse Size (1-phase) | 1 × 20 A |
| Fuse Size (3-phase) | 3 × 10 A |
| Cable Size (1-phase) | 3 × 2.5 mm² |
| Cable Size (3-phase) | 5 × 1.5 mm² |
| Room Capacity | 3 – 6 m³ |
| Maximum Room Height | 1.9 m |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 540 × 480 × 310 mm |
| Weight (Net) | 11 kg |
| Stone Capacity | 20 kg |
| Recommended Stone Size | 5 – 10 cm diameter |
| Timer Range | 1 – 8 hours (with delay start) |
| Thermostat Range | 40 – 90 °C |
| Mounting Type | Wall-mounted |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Certifications | CE, EAC |
| Warranty | 2 years (residential) / 1 year (commercial) |
📏 Room Sizing Guide
Basic Formula: 1 kW of heater power typically heats 1 – 1.5 m³ of sauna room volume.
Adjustment Factors:
| Condition | Volume Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Glass door or windows | +1.5 m³ per m² of glass |
| Uninsulated or log walls | +25% to 50% of base volume |
| Outdoor or barrel sauna | +25% to 30% of base volume |
| High ceiling (above 2.1 m) | Calculate additional volume |
Worked Example:
📍 Example Room: 1.8 m × 1.5 m × 1.9 m
- Base volume: 5.13 m³
- Glass door (0.7 m × 1.9 m = 1.33 m²): +2.0 m³
- Total calculated: 7.13 m³
- This 4.5 kW heater: ✅ Suitable up to 6 m³ (well-insulated room without glass)
💡 Tip: For rooms with glass doors or partial glass walls, consider the 6kW Harvia Vega BC60 model for optimal performance.
💷 Running Costs
Energy Rate Used: £0.2635/kWh (UK Ofgem price cap Q4 2025)
Annual Cost Estimates:
| Usage Level | Sessions per Week | Hours per Year | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Light Use | 2 | 150 | £178 |
| 🏠 Regular Use | 4 | 300 | £356 |
| 🧖 Heavy Use | 6 | 450 | £534 |
Calculation Formula:
Annual Cost = kW × Hours/Year × £0.2635
Example (4.5 kW heater, Regular Use):
4.5 kW × 300 hours × £0.2635 = £355.73
Per session cost: Approximately £1.78 per 1.5-hour session
⚠️ Actual costs depend on usage patterns, session length, room insulation, and current energy rates. Rates shown reflect Ofgem default tariff cap for October-December 2025.
🔌 Installation Requirements
Electrical Requirements:
| Requirement | Single-Phase | Three-Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 230V AC | 400V AC |
| Amperage | 20 A | 3 × 10 A |
| Circuit Breaker | 20 A | 3 × 10 A |
| Cable Size | 3 × 2.5 mm² H07RN-F | 5 × 1.5 mm² H07RN-F |
| Dedicated Circuit | Required | Required |
Minimum Clearances:
| Position | Distance |
|---|---|
| Ceiling | 1100 mm |
| Side walls | 35 mm |
| Back wall | Mounted on bracket |
| Front to bench/guard rail | 35 mm |
| Floor to heater base | 100 – 200 mm (recommended) |
Ventilation Requirements:
- Fresh air intake: Position near floor level, beneath or beside the heater
- Exhaust vent: Locate on opposite wall, at or above bench height
- Air change rate: 6 air changes per hour recommended
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and local building codes. The heater requires a permanent, semi-fixed connection with an all-pole disconnection switch.
🔒 Safety Features & Certifications
Built-in Safety Systems:
✅ Thermal Cut-Out Protection – Automatically disconnects power if internal temperature exceeds safe limits
✅ Overheat Protection – Resettable safety switch prevents operation until heater has cooled and manual reset is performed
✅ Auto-Shutoff Timer – Maximum 8-hour operation limit prevents accidental extended running
✅ Splash-Resistant Design – IPX4 rated for protection against water splashes during löyly
Certifications:
✅ CE Marked – European Conformity
✅ EAC Certified – Eurasian Conformity
✅ Manufactured to ISO standards at Harvia’s certified facility in Finland
🏠 Ideal Applications
| Application | Room Size | Capacity | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Home Sauna | 3 – 5 m³ | 2 – 3 people | Excellent – designed for domestic use |
| 🛖 Garden Cabin | 4 – 6 m³ | 2 – 4 people | Very Good – allows for heat loss |
| 🪵 Compact Barrel | 3 – 5 m³ | 2 – 3 people | Good – curved walls retain heat well |
| 🧖 En-Suite Sauna | 3 – 4 m³ | 1 – 2 people | Ideal – space-efficient design |
🪨 Sauna Stones
Stone Specifications:
- Capacity: 20 kg maximum
- Recommended Size: 5 – 10 cm diameter
- Stones Included: No – sold separately
- Recommended Type: Olivine diabase, vulcanite, or Harvia branded sauna stones
Stone Care:
- Inspect stones annually for cracks or deterioration
- Replace stones every 1 – 2 years with regular use
- Stack loosely to allow airflow between heating elements
- Avoid packing stones too tightly, which restricts heat circulation
View compatible sauna stones on Parts4Tubs
🎛️ Control Options & Accessories
Built-In Control System:
- Timer: 1 – 8 hours with delay start function
- Thermostat: Adjustable 40 – 90°C
- Controls: Ergonomically positioned switches on upper side panel
- External Controls: Not required, but compatible with Harvia external panels
Compatible Optional Upgrades:
- Harvia Griffin CG170 (external control panel)
- Harvia C150 (external control panel)
- Harvia Xenio CX170 (WiFi-enabled control)
- Harvia safety rail/guard (recommended for families)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size sauna room will this heater work for? A: The Harvia Vega BC45 is designed for well-insulated sauna rooms between 3 and 6 m³. For rooms with glass doors, uninsulated walls, or outdoor installations, allow for 25-50% additional capacity or consider the larger 6kW model.
Q: How long does it take to heat up? A: Typically 20 – 40 minutes to reach bathing temperature (70-80°C), depending on room size, insulation quality, and starting temperature. Well-insulated rooms heat faster.
Q: What electrical supply do I need? A: This heater operates on either single-phase 230V (requiring a 20A dedicated circuit with 3 × 2.5mm² cable) or three-phase 400V (requiring 3 × 10A with 5 × 1.5mm² cable). Professional installation by a qualified electrician is mandatory.
Q: Are sauna stones included? A: No, sauna stones are sold separately. This heater requires 20kg of stones with 5-10cm diameter. High-quality olivine diabase or vulcanite stones are recommended for best performance.
Q: What is the warranty? A: Harvia provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty for residential use and 1-year for commercial applications. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and support.
Q: Can I install this outdoors? A: This heater is designed primarily for indoor use in properly constructed sauna rooms. While it can be used in enclosed garden sauna cabins, the installation must be weatherproof and protected from direct moisture exposure.
Q: Do I need a separate control panel? A: No, the BC45 model features built-in controls with integrated timer and thermostat. The “E” version (BC45E) requires an external control panel for heaters without built-in controls.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Installation Manual (EN/DE) – Complete installation guide with wiring diagrams
📄 Electric Heaters Brochure (EN) – Full Harvia electric heater range specifications
📄 Harvia Support Portal – Additional documentation and FAQs
🏆 Why Choose the Harvia Vega BC45
✅ Finnish Heritage – Designed and manufactured by the world’s largest sauna heater company with 75+ years of expertise
✅ All-In-One Design – Built-in controls eliminate extra equipment costs and simplify installation
✅ Premium Construction – Durable stainless steel build quality for long service life
✅ Flexible Installation – Symmetric design and dual voltage options suit various installation scenarios
✅ Optimal Heat Distribution – Low-mounting capability ensures even warmth throughout the sauna
✅ Proven Reliability – CE and EAC certified with 2-year residential warranty
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Company – Local expertise and support from sauna specialists
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your sauna project moving
✅ Expert Advice – Technical guidance on sizing, installation, and accessories
✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Harvia products
✅ Full Warranty Support – Direct assistance with any warranty claims
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day return policy for your peace of mind
✨ Summary
The Harvia Vega BC45 4.5kW electric sauna heater delivers reliable, authentic Finnish sauna experiences for compact rooms up to 6 m³. Featuring premium stainless steel construction, built-in timer and thermostat controls, and flexible mounting options, it’s the ideal choice for home saunas, garden cabins, and en-suite wellness spaces. Backed by Harvia’s 75-year heritage, CE certification, and a 2-year residential warranty, this heater combines proven performance with straightforward installation. Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert support.



