Can you use this 3 phase device on single phase

[Huejones]

Hi there

I purchased goods to build a sauna back before Christmas and only now am I getting around to doing it.

I was just looking at the heater controller and noticed they they’ve sold me a unit that says it is for a 3 phase/400v supply. I did make clear I only had single phase as many heaters are 3 phase but here we are!

Anyway, just a quick question to ask would an electrician be able make this work with a single phase supply or do I need to get on and buy something else?

This is the item, thanks for looking and any advice. Senlog - Harvia - https://harvia.fi/en/product/senlog/

 

[Lucien Nunes]

There is no explicit support for single-phase operation. It might possibly work if the heater elements can be configured as three separate blocks of 3kW or less with separate line terminals and a common neutral, as the relay / SSR in the controller would be working within its ratings on each line pole (although the heater neutral would have to bypass the controller as the current would be 3x too high). Whether the controller itself would accept single-phase input (i.e. all phases linked) is another factor. You would need to consult the manufacturer.

 

[Huejones]

There is no explicit support for single-phase operation. It might possibly work if the heater elements can be configured as three separate blocks of 3kW or less with separate line terminals and a common neutral, as the relay / SSR in the controller would be working within its ratings on each line pole (although the heater neutral would have to bypass the controller as the current would be 3x too high). Whether the controller itself would accept single-phase input (i.e. all phases linked) is another factor. You would need to consult the manufacturer.

Thank you. It sounds like I need an alternative. I don’t know much about 3 phase. I suppose if it would support single phase, they’d mention it but good to have it confirmed that there probably isn’t an easy solution. Thanks again.