Replacing the Dimmer Switch – Sauna Mini – Plunge Repairs

Objective

To safely and successfully replace the dimmer switch that controls the fan and/or light in the Sauna Mini model.

Tools & Materials Needed

Power drill
3/8" drill bit
Phillips screwdriver
Replacement dimmer switch (with included capacitor)
Wood glue (for reattaching wood dimmer knobs)
Safety glasses (recommended)

Safety Precautions

⚠️ Before starting this repair, unplug the sauna from power.
Even though the system is low voltage, the capacitor being installed can still hold an electrical charge and must be handled with care. Always disconnect power before opening or working on the unit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Faceplate and Identify the Dimmer Switches

Carefully remove the wooden faceplate covering the control panel.
Behind the faceplate, you'll see two dimmer switches:
- The top dimmer switch controls the light
- The bottom dimmer switch controls the fan

Step 2: Drill Access Holes to Reach Mounting Screws

To remove the dimmer switch, you'll need to drill two small access holes directly over the screws that mount the dimmer switch to the sauna wall.

For the light dimmer switch (top):
- Drill two holes along the top edge of the control panel area—these should line up with the two screws securing the top dimmer to the sauna.
For the fan dimmer switch (bottom):
- Drill two holes along the bottom edge of the control panel area—aligned with the screws holding the lower dimmer in place.

Use a 3/8" drill bit and make shallow holes just deep enough to gain screwdriver access to the screw heads.

📌 Be sure to drill only where the screws are located, not randomly along the panel.
📺 Reference the video to see exactly where to drill for clean access and to avoid damaging visible parts of the sauna.

Once the holes are drilled, look through them to locate the screws.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove both screws and carefully pull out the dimmer switch.

Step 3: Disconnect the Existing Dimmer Switch

Each dimmer has four forked terminal connectors attached to it.
Carefully disconnect all four connectors from the old dimmer.
⚠️ Important: Take note of where each wire is connected. You must reinstall each connector to the new dimmer in the exact same order to maintain correct function.

Step 4: Prepare and Install the New Dimmer Switch

Take the new dimmer switch and included capacitor.
The capacitor has two sides:
- One side has a white stripe and longer prong → this is the V− (negative) side
- The other side has no stripe and a shorter prong → this is the V+ (positive) side
Insert the capacitor into the new dimmer:
- White stripe/long prong → V− terminal
- No stripe/short prong → V+ terminal

📺 Reference the provided video to ensure the capacitor is installed correctly. Incorrect installation may damage the component or result in malfunction.

Step 5: Reconnect the Forked Terminal Wires

Install the four forked terminal wires in the exact same way and order they were on the original switch.
Place each forked terminal underneath the capacitor prongs and tighten the terminal screws down evenly.
Apply even pressure when tightening to keep the capacitor level and prevent bending or pinching the prongs.

Step 6: Mount the New Dimmer Switch

Before mounting, confirm that the knob/dial aligns with the faceplate opening.
You may need to adjust the position of the dimmer switch slightly from how the original was mounted.
Once aligned, secure the new dimmer switch with the four screws and a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 7: Reinstall the Faceplate and Wood Knobs

Reinstall the wooden faceplate onto the control panel.
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the inside of each wooden knob/dial.
Gently press the knobs onto the dimmer switch shafts and allow glue to dry per manufacturer instructions.

Step 8: Plug in the Sauna and Test

Plug the sauna back into power.
Test the function of the fan and/or light using the newly installed dimmer.
Ensure smooth operation and that the knobs turn freely.