Underseat LED Lighting for Barrel Saunas: Technical Installation Guide

Barrel Sauna UK
6 days ago
3 min read

Adding underseat LED lighting to your barrel sauna is one of the most requested upgrades we get from customers. Not only does it enhance the look and feel of the sauna, but it also improves safety, usability, and ambiance.

In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about barrel sauna LED lighting installation, explain the technical requirements, and outline why electrical work must always be handled by a qualified electrician.

Why Add Under-Bench Sauna Lighting?

Modern sauna owners increasingly want more than just heat—they want a complete wellness experience. That’s why under-bench LED lighting in barrel saunas has become so popular.

Key Benefits of Sauna LED Lights:

Ambience & Relaxation – Creates a soft glow that highlights the natural wood of your barrel sauna.
Safety – Floor-level lighting helps prevent trips and falls in low light.
Energy Efficient – Sauna-rated LEDs consume very little power compared to traditional lighting.
Long-Lasting – Designed to withstand heat and humidity for years of use.

Technical Considerations for Barrel Sauna LED Lighting

Installing LED lights in a sauna is very different from installing them in a home or garden. The high heat and moisturemean you must use the correct equipment.

1. Choosing Sauna-Rated LED Strips

Must be heat-resistant and waterproof (IP-rated, silicone sealed).
Should be low-voltage for safety and durability.
Warm white, RGB color-changing, or dimmable options available depending on preference.

2. Placement in Barrel Saunas

Mount LEDs under benches or behind trims for indirect glow.
Avoid placing LEDs near the heater or stones (temperature extremes).
Route cables discreetly through bench framing for a clean look.

3. Power Supply & Transformer Location

Transformer/driver must be outside the sauna room.
Use heat-resistant cabling (silicone or Teflon insulated).
All cable penetrations through the sauna wall should be sealed.

4. Controls & Switches

Install switches or dimmers outside the sauna door.
Smart controllers available for RGB mood lighting.

Step-by-Step Barrel Sauna LED Installation (For Electricians)

For reference only—always hire a professional electrician:

Fit LED strips beneath benches or trims.
Route cables through conduits hidden in bench frames.
Install transformer in a dry, ventilated location outside sauna.
Connect wiring to sauna-rated power supply.
Test system to ensure even illumination and safe operation.

Common Customer Questions

Q: Can I install sauna LED lights myself?👉 You can mount LEDs under benches, but all electrical connections must be done by an electrician.

Q: Can I use normal LED lights in my sauna?👉 No—only sauna-rated LED lights will survive the heat and moisture.

Q: Will LED lights reduce energy efficiency?👉 No—LEDs are extremely low-power and barely affect running costs.

Why Choose Our Sauna LED Lighting Kits?

We supply barrel sauna lighting systems that are:

Specially engineered for sauna environments
Designed to integrate seamlessly into barrel sauna benching
Easy for electricians to connect safely
Backed by our team of barrel sauna carpenters and builders

When you order a barrel sauna with LED lighting from us, we pre-fit the carpentry so the electrician’s job is simple, safe, and efficient.

How Do You Install LED Lights in a Sauna?

Installing LED lights in a sauna requires sauna-rated lighting products and must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Here’s a safe process:

Choose sauna-rated LED strips – Heat- and moisture-resistant (IP-rated) lighting is essential.
Mount under benches – Fix the LED strips under seating or behind wooden trims to diffuse light.
Route cables safely – Run sauna-rated wiring through protective conduits hidden within the bench frame.
Place transformer outside – The LED driver/transformer must always be installed in a dry, ventilated area outside the sauna cabin.
Install controls externally – Switches, dimmers, or RGB controllers should be placed outside the sauna door.
Have an electrician connect the system – Only a qualified electrician should make the electrical connections.

👉 While sauna builders like us prepare the carpentry for LED integration, all electrical work must be done by a professional electrician

Important Disclaimer

We are carpenters and barrel sauna builders, not electricians. We supply sauna-rated underseat LED lighting kitsand prepare the benches for integration because our customers request them.

However: