♨️ Harvia Vega BC80 8kW Electric Sauna Heater – 7-12 m³ Capacity

Powerful Finnish Engineering with Built-In Controls for Medium-Sized Home Saunas

🧖 Product Overview

The Harvia Vega BC80 is a robust 8kW electric sauna heater designed for medium-sized sauna rooms between 7-12 cubic metres. Manufactured by Harvia, the world’s largest sauna heater manufacturer, this wall-mounted unit combines powerful heating performance with convenient built-in controls.

Featuring a sleek stainless steel outer shell, the BC80 brings a modern aesthetic to any sauna while delivering authentic Finnish sauna experiences. The symmetrical design allows flexible installation with controls positioned on either side, and the heater can be mounted low on the wall to ensure even steam distribution to lower benches.

The integrated control panel eliminates the need for separate wiring runs to an external controller, making installation straightforward for qualified electricians. With a substantial 20kg stone capacity and efficient heating elements, the Vega BC80 creates rich, satisfying löyly (steam) that Finnish sauna enthusiasts expect.

Ideal for family homes, garden saunas, and barrel saunas requiring dependable heating power backed by Harvia’s renowned quality and 2-year domestic warranty.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ 8kW Heating Power – Delivers robust heat output for sauna rooms from 7 to 12 cubic metres, ensuring rapid warm-up and consistent temperatures
• ✅ Built-In Control Unit – Integrated timer and thermostat eliminate the need for separate external controls, simplifying installation and reducing costs
• ✅ 20kg Stone Capacity – Generous stone load produces abundant, soft steam for authentic Finnish sauna bathing experiences
• ✅ Stainless Steel Construction – Durable, corrosion-resistant outer shell provides modern aesthetics and long-lasting performance
• ✅ Symmetrical Design – Operating switches can be positioned on either side during installation to suit your sauna layout
• ✅ Low-Mount Capability – Can be installed lower on the wall than conventional heaters, delivering better steam coverage to lower benches
• ✅ Flexible Timer Functions – Instant operation (0-4 hours) plus delay start (1-8 hours pre-set) for convenient scheduling
• ✅ Safety Protection – Built-in thermal cut-out and overheat protection with resettable safety device
• ✅ CE Certified – Meets all European safety standards for electrical equipment
• ✅ 2-Year Domestic Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer warranty for family/home use applications

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	HCB800400S
Power Rating	8.0 kW
Voltage	400V 3-phase (3N~)
Fuse Size	3 × 16A
Cable Requirement	5 × 2.5 mm² (H07RN-F or equivalent)
Room Capacity	7–12 m³
Dimensions (W × D × H)	480 × 310 × 540 mm
Net Weight	11.4 kg
Stone Capacity	20 kg (maximum)
Stone Size	5–10 cm diameter
Timer Range	0–4 hours (instant) / 1–8 hours (pre-set delay)
Mounting Type	Wall-mounted (rack included)
Minimum Room Height	1,900 mm
Certifications	CE Marked
Warranty	2 years (domestic use)

📏 Room Sizing Guide

Basic Sizing Principle: A general rule for electric sauna heaters is 1 kW per 1–1.5 m³ of sauna room volume. The Harvia Vega BC80 at 8kW is rated for rooms between 7 and 12 cubic metres.

Adjustment Factors:

Condition	Adjustment
Glass door/windows	+1.5 m³ per m² of glass
Uninsulated or log walls	+25–50% to calculated volume
Outdoor/barrel sauna	+25–30% to calculated volume
High ceiling (above 2.3m)	Add additional volume
Poor insulation	Consider a more powerful heater

Worked Example:

📍 Example Room: 2.2m × 2.0m × 2.2m (height)

• Base volume: 2.2 × 2.0 × 2.2 = 9.68 m³
• Glass door (0.7m × 1.9m = 1.33 m²): +2.0 m³
• Total calculated volume: 11.68 m³
• Harvia Vega BC80 (7–12 m³): ✅ Suitable

💡 Tip: For rooms at the upper end of the capacity range or with multiple glass panels, consider the 9kW model for optimal performance.

💷 Running Costs

Energy Rate Used: £0.2769/kWh (UK Ofgem price cap, January–March 2026)

Estimated Annual Running Costs:

Usage Level	Sessions/Week	Hours/Year	Annual Cost
🏠 Light Use	2	150	£332
🏠 Regular Use	4	300	£664
🧖 Heavy Use	6	450	£997

Calculation Method:

Annual Cost = Power (kW) × Hours per Year × Rate per kWh

Example (Regular Use):
8 kW × 300 hours × £0.2769 = £664.56 per year

Per Session Cost (1.5 hour session):
8 kW × 1.5 hours × £0.2769 = £3.32 per session

⚠️ Actual costs depend on usage patterns, session duration, room size, insulation quality, and current energy tariffs. Costs shown are estimates based on full-power operation; actual consumption may be lower once operating temperature is reached.

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🔌 Installation Requirements

Electrical Specifications:

Requirement	Specification
Voltage	400V 3-phase (3N~)
Fuse Rating	3 × 16A
Cable Size	5 × 2.5 mm²
Cable Type	H07RN-F rubber cable or equivalent heat-resistant type
Junction Box	Splash-proof, maximum 500mm from heater, maximum 500mm above floor
Dedicated Circuit	Required

⚠️ Important: PVC-insulated cables are forbidden in sauna installations due to thermal embrittlement risk.

Minimum Safety Clearances (from combustible materials):

Position	Distance
Side walls	100 mm
Back wall	80 mm
Front clearance	30 mm
Ceiling	1,100 mm
Above floor	80 mm

Ventilation Requirements:

• Fresh air supply vent: 50–100mm diameter, positioned minimum 500mm above heater
• Exhaust vent: Cross-section twice that of supply vent, near floor level, positioned away from heater
• Air exchange rate: Minimum 6 times per hour

Sauna Room Construction:

• Minimum 100mm insulation (mineral wool)
• Vapour barrier (aluminium foil, reflective side inward)
• 10mm ventilation gap between barrier and panelling
• 12–16mm timber panelling

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician 
in accordance with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and local building codes. 
The electrical supply must be protected by an appropriate RCD device.

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🔒 Safety Features & Certifications

Built-in Safety Systems:

• ✅ Thermal cut-out protection – Automatically shuts down if overheating detected
• ✅ Overheat protector – Resettable safety device located in electrical box
• ✅ Auto-shutoff timer – Maximum 4-hour continuous operation prevents accidental extended use
• ✅ Stainless steel construction – Corrosion-resistant for humid sauna environments

Certifications:

• ✅ CE Marked – Full compliance with European safety directives
• ✅ Manufactured to EN 60335-2-53 standard for sauna heaters

Safety Warnings:

• Hot surfaces cause burns – keep children away from heater
• Never leave children, elderly, or vulnerable persons unattended in heated sauna
• Do not use sauna under influence of alcohol, drugs, or sedating medications
• Consult physician regarding health limitations before sauna use
• Maximum water per steam throw: 0.2 litres (excessive water causes dangerous splash-back)

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🏠 Ideal Applications

Application	Room Size	Typical Capacity	Suitability
🏠 Home Sauna	7–10 m³	3–4 people	✅ Excellent
🛖 Garden Sauna	8–12 m³	4–5 people	✅ Excellent
🪵 Barrel Sauna	7–10 m³	3–4 people	✅ Excellent
🏋️ Small Gym Sauna	9–12 m³	4–6 people	✅ Good
🧖 Spa Treatment Room	8–11 m³	2–3 people	✅ Good

Best Suited For:

• Family homes with dedicated sauna rooms
• Garden buildings and outdoor sauna cabins
• Barrel saunas requiring powerful, compact heating
• Renovation projects upgrading from older heaters
• New-build saunas in the 7–12 m³ range

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🪨 Sauna Stones

Stone Requirements:

Specification	Value
Maximum Capacity	20 kg
Recommended Size	5–10 cm diameter
Recommended Type	Olivine diabase, peridotite, or olivine
Stones Included	No – sold separately

Stone Care Guidelines:

• Arrange stones loosely between heating elements – stones should support each other without being wedged tight
• Do not pack stones too densely – air circulation is essential for efficient heating
• Rearrange stones at least annually (more frequently with heavy use)
• Replace crumbled or broken stones promptly
• Remove stone debris from heater base periodically

⚠️ Forbidden Stone Types: Ceramic stones and soft potstones must never be used as they cause overheating and can damage the heater.

💡 Browse our range of quality sauna stones to complement your Harvia Vega BC80.

🎛️ Control Options & Accessories

Built-In Control System:

The BC80 features an integrated control panel with:

• Timer Function: 0–4 hours instant operation
• Delay Start: 1–8 hour pre-set timer (heater runs for 4 hours after delay)
• Thermostat: Adjustable temperature control
• Position: Controls located at top of heater for easy access
• Flexibility: Switches can be configured for left or right-hand operation

Included Accessories:

• Wall mounting rack
• Installation hardware
• User manual

Compatible Accessories (sold separately):

• Sauna stones (20kg required)
• Safety rail/guard
• Sauna lighting
• Thermometer and hygrometer sets

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size room will this heater work for?

A: The Harvia Vega BC80 is rated for sauna rooms between 7 and 12 cubic metres. For rooms with glass doors or poorly insulated walls, add 25–50% to your volume calculation. Use our room sizing guide above to determine suitability.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?

A: In a properly insulated sauna room, expect approximately 45–60 minutes to reach bathing temperature (65–80°C). Actual time depends on room size, insulation quality, ambient temperature, and target temperature.

Q: What electrical supply do I need?

A: This heater requires a 400V three-phase supply with a dedicated circuit protected by 3 × 16A fuses. A qualified electrician must install the heater using 5 × 2.5mm² heat-resistant cable (H07RN-F or equivalent). Standard UK single-phase domestic supply (230V) is not suitable.

Q: Are sauna stones included?

A: No, sauna stones are sold separately. You will need approximately 20kg of olivine diabase or similar sauna stones with 5–10cm diameter. Browse our sauna stone selection for compatible options.

Q: What is the warranty?

A: Harvia provides a 2-year warranty for domestic/family use, 1-year warranty for communal residential use, and 3-month warranty for commercial/institutional installations. Warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use conditions.

Q: Can I install this in an outdoor sauna?

A: Yes, the BC80 is suitable for outdoor installations including garden saunas and barrel saunas, provided the sauna structure is properly weatherproofed and the electrical installation meets outdoor wiring regulations. Add 25–30% to your room volume calculation for outdoor saunas.

Q: Is single-phase (230V) connection possible?

A: No, this model requires 400V three-phase supply only. If you only have single-phase supply available, consider the Harvia Vega BC45 (4.5kW) or BC60 (6kW) models which offer single-phase connection options for smaller rooms.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Installation Manual – Complete installation guide with wiring diagrams

📄 Product Brochure – Harvia electric heater range overview

🏆 Why Choose the Harvia Vega BC80

• ✅ Finnish Heritage – Manufactured by Harvia, the world’s largest sauna heater producer with decades of expertise
• ✅ Powerful Performance – 8kW output delivers rapid heating and abundant steam for satisfying sauna sessions
• ✅ Convenient Controls – Built-in timer and thermostat eliminate separate control unit costs and wiring complexity
• ✅ Quality Construction – Stainless steel outer shell ensures durability and modern aesthetics
• ✅ Generous Stone Capacity – 20kg of stones provides excellent thermal mass for soft, comfortable steam
• ✅ Flexible Installation – Symmetrical design and low-mount capability suit various sauna layouts
• ✅ Reliable Warranty – 2-year domestic warranty backed by established manufacturer support

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from our Northamptonshire headquarters
• ✅ Expert Advice – Specialist knowledge from the team behind buildahottub.com
• ✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your sauna project moving
• ✅ Competitive Pricing – £530.76 inc VAT with no hidden charges
• ✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims on your behalf
• ✅ Personal Service – Buy from Andi, not just the internet!

⭐ Summary

The Harvia Vega BC80 delivers dependable 8kW heating performance for sauna rooms between 7 and 12 cubic metres. With built-in controls, robust stainless steel construction, and generous 20kg stone capacity, it’s the ideal choice for home saunas, garden buildings, and barrel saunas requiring powerful, efficient heating. Backed by Finnish engineering excellence and a 2-year domestic warranty, order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery.