Steamist SM-12, SM-15 Electrical Installation Instructions

Electrical Installation Instructions

®

®

C

US

Steambath Generators Models: SM-12 and SM-15

The Steamist “SM” Generator operates with one or two controls
appropriately located inside and/or outside the steamroom. It’s
small enough in size to be tucked away using very little space in
a vanity, closet, basement, or an insulated attic, but large enough
to provide steam for most residential baths.

The Steamist “SM” Steambath Generator comes factory
assembled, carefully wired and tested.

NOTE: The SMC-120, SMC-150, TC-125, TC-150, TC-110,
TC-135, DSC-425, and DSP Controls are designed to work with
all Steamist “SM” Generators.

1. Pre-Installation

a) Proper electrical supply (208 or 240 Volt): See rating label

on Steam Generator and Chart on back page. Determine
proper size of wire, voltage, amperage, and phase for the
Steam Generator. Only UL rated 90°C wire can be used.

b) Dedicated overcurrent protection device, such as an

in-line fuse/circuit breaker required: Fuse/circuit breaker
to be installed must be sized in accordance with chart
on back page. Do NOT install a GFI (Ground Fault
Interrupter) to this equipment (per article 210-8 in the
National Electric Code).

c) Route power supply cable to the location where the

Steam Generator will be installed (before walls are
closed).

2. Electrical Rough-in

a) At this time read through the installation instructions for

the selected control(s).
b) Route appropriate power cable to the location the
Steam Generator will be installed. If receptacle is
desired, mount the box for the receptacle near the
location of the Steam Generator (see Figure 3: Typical
Installation).

NOTE: The plug and receptacle require a rating of no

less than 250V and proper amperage. Refer to chart on
page 4 for amperage rating.

After the walls are complete, the Steam Generator and

Control can be wired.

3. Steam Generator Electrical Installation

WARNING: All power to the Steam Generator must be turned off.

a) Remove the two screws holding the electrical access

cover and remove cover.

b) Locate the supply line knockout. Mount proper

strain relief into knockout hole (see Figure 2:
Internal Electrical Connections).

c) Strip back power cable’s outer insulation jacket

eight inches and insert into Steam Generator.
Strip back insulation ½" from the three (3)
incoming wires (two power and one ground).

d) Connect incoming ground wire to floating green

pigtail labeled “GND.”

CAUTION: Be sure the ground wire does not

come in contact with a live electrical part.

e) Connect incoming power to floating black pigtail

leads labeled “L1” and “L2” (see Figure 2: Internal
Electrical Connections).

f) The Steam Generator is ready for operation once

the installation of the controls is completed (refer to
separate Installation and Operating Instructions).

4. Optional Auto Drain Valve Connection

a) Open knockout for Auto Drain Valve conduit

connection.

b) Route flexible conduit from valve to knockout

and secure.

c) Connect two wires from valve to the two place

terminal strip provided (see figure 2).

Figure 1 - Steam Generator

Knockouts for

Electrical

Panel Cover

Install Upright

and Level

Control Cable

Knockouts for

Electrical

Supply Line

Water Inlet

⅜" Compression

Fitting

¾" Safety

Relief Valve

¾" Steam

Outlet

Optional Auto
Drain Installed
Model SM-900

WARNING: Elderly persons, pregnant women, or those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or
who are otherwise not in good health, do not use this device unless directed to do so by a physician. Also, do not use
steambath while under the influence of alcohol. For additional Important Safety Information, please see a separate

!

instruction Pub. No. 199.

IMPORTANT: The warranty of this product is voided if it is used in a commercial application or for anything other than a residential
steambath installation. All electrical connections must be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with Local and National
Electric Codes. This product is not intended for use with Home Automation systems.

06/10

- 1 -

Pub. No. 323-L

Electrical Installation Instructions

Checklist Models: SM-12 and SM-15

Before starting, insure that the conditions of the following checklist have been met:

The proper size Steam Generator has been selected by
using the sizing page in the “Full Line Brochure,” “Pricing
Guide,” or “The Generator Sizing Guide” in the Residen­tial Systems/Steambath Product Information section of
the Steamist website - www.steamist.com.

CAUTION: An improperly sized Steam Generator will
NOT produce the amount of steam necessary to reach
selected temperature.

The proper voltage Steam Generator has been selected
(i.e., 208V or 240V). A 208V Generator operating on
240V will damage the heating element, and a 240V
Generator operating on 208V will result in a 25%
loss of power.

Figure 2 - Internal Electrical Connections

Optional Steamist Splitter

for Two Controls

Protective Covering

Plug

“Remove Before

Installation”

The Steam Generator is installed in an upright position.
The proper sized 90°C wire and circuit breaker have

been used.
The circuit breaker is NOT a GFI (Ground Fault

Interrupter) type.
The Steam Generator is properly grounded.
The circuit breaker or disconnect switch is on.
Water supply is open to the Steam Generator.

Power Supply

L1 and L2

Water

Level

Probe

Printed

Circuit
Board

Modular Jack

Test Switch

Ground

Contactor/Relay

Single Phase

Connections Shown

Water Inlet

⅜" Compression

Fitting

¾" Steam

Outlet

Safety

Relief
Valve

Knockout

for Auto Drain

Terminal Strip

for Auto Drain

Connection

06/10

Optional Auto

Drain Connection

- 2 -

½" Outlet

When not equipped

with Auto Drain leave

drain line capped

and closed

Pub. No. 323-L

®

Electrical Installation Instructions

Figure 3 - Typical Installation Models: SM-12 and SM-15

The Electrical Instructions must be given to the homeowner for future use.

NOTE: Unit must be wired with 90°C wire

in a suitable raceway, or, if local codes
allow, provide twist lock plug on a 90°C
wire cord from generator to a 250V
2-pole, 3-wire grounding receptacle
(amperage rating as required).

Inside Installation

Control should be mounted four

feet from the floor. Select a

location convenient to the

bather but not in a direct line of

SMC-120 or TC-125

Auxilary Outside

Control

Shower or Body Sprays and not

directly above the Steamhead.

START
STOP

Appropriately
fuse protected
208/240V field

wiring to Steam

Generator.

Control Cable

Route from

Control to Steam

Generator in a

¾" conduit.

WARNING

HOLD THIS FITTING SECURELY WITH A PIPE
WRENCH WHILE MAKING A PLUMBING
CONNECTION TO THE WATER INLET IN ORDER
TO PREVENT INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE WATER
SOLENOID VALVE.

009-1054

STEAMBATH GENERATOR

MODEL NO.

®

US

C

SERIAL NO.

LISTED 995C

HEATER LOAD

VOLTS PH MAX AMPS kW

CONTROL CIRCUIT

50/60 HZ

VOLTS AMPS

SERVICE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

A PRODUCT OF STEAMIST CO., RUTHERFORD, NJ

SMC-150 or TC-150

Control MUST be

installed inside the

steam room.

TEMPERATURE

START
STOP

IMPORTANT: Run the Control Cable through a ¾" conduit. Remove protective cap when making the
final connection to Control.

06/10

- 3 -

Pub. No. 323-L

®

®

Electrical Installation Instructions

SM-12/15 Single Phase Schematic Models: SM-12 and SM-15

GND

Field

L1

Connections**

L2

TEMPERATURE

START
STOP

Typical Steamist

Control

Water

Level

Probe

(Low Voltage)

Multi-Conductor

Cable*

TANK

LLC-1300-3 Circuit Board

P13

P4

L

P3
P5

YEL

H
XL

P6

P8

RED

WHT
GREY

Elements

P1

P2

RED

Heating

DS1

DS2

P7

YEL

DS3

See
Chart

DS4

Fuse 0.15 AMP

P9

Test

P18

P17

GND

P14

P11

P12

NOTES: *Supplied with Controller.

GRN

P10

GND

BRN

RED

BLU

BLU

GRN

**Field Connections, use 90ºC wire, gauge no. See Chart Copper.

P16

Switch

P15

Fuse Block

ORG

Water

Solenoid

Valve

Terminal

Block

RED

ORG

Auto Drain

Thermostat

Contactor/Relay

L1
L2

COIL

L3
L4

Noise
Filter

BLK

BLK

Optional

Auto Drain

Valve

T1
T2
T3
T4

SM-12/15 Three Phase Schematic

TEMPERATURE

START
STOP

Typical Steamist

Control

Specification Chart

Model

No.

SM-12

Max. Cu. Ft.

For Area Up To KW Volt Phase

(Low Voltage)

Multi-Conductor

Cable*

Water

Level

Probe

TANK

450 12

LLC-1300-3 Circuit Board

P13

P4

L

P3

WHT

GREY

H

P5

XL

P6

P8

YEL

Heating

Elements

240
208
240
208

240
208

15550SM-15

240
208

RED

P2

RED

DS1

DS2

P1

1
1
3
3

1
1
3
3

DS3

DS4

Fuse 0.15 AMP

P7

P9

YEL

Amps

50
58

29
33

63
72
36
42

GND

P10

P14

BLU

BLU
GRN

GND

BRN
RED

GRN

Line

Fuse

70
80
40
45

80
90
45
60

Test

P18 P17

Switch

See
Chart

P11

P15

P12

P16

BLK
BLK
BLK

NOTES: *Supplied with Controller.

**Field Connections, use 90ºC wire, gauge no. See Chart Copper.

*Wire Size 90ºC

Copper AWG

6
4

8
8
4
4
8
6

BLK

L1

BLK

L2

BLK

L3

Contactor/Relay

L3

COIL

L2
L1

Terminal

RED

Block

Noise
Filter

Auto Drain

ORG

Sensor

ORG

Water

Solenoid

Valve

BLK

BLK

Optional

Auto Drain

Valve

* NM-B type cable does not
follow the 90ºC wire guideline.
The NEC requires NM-B type
cable max current to be
de-rated. Always follow local
and national electrical codes.

GND

L1

Field

L2

Connections**

L3

T3

T2
T1

LED Color Chart

GRN

DS1

YEL

DS2

AMB

DS3

RED

DS4

TIMER ON
HEAT ON
WATER FILL ON
POWER ON

East Coast Office: 25 E. Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ 07073 • Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
West Coast Office: Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

06/10

- 4 -

Pub. No. 323-L

Plumbing Installation Instructions

®

®

C

US

Steambath Generators Models: SM-12 and SM-15

The Steamist “SM” Generator comes factory assembled,
carefully wired and tested.

WARNING: All electrical power should be turned OFF when

working with Steam Generator.

IMPORTANT: The Plumbing Installation must conform to local

and national codes.

1. Pre-Installation

a) Be sure that the proper size Steam Generator has been

selected by using the sizing page in the “Full Line
Brochure,” “Pricing Guide,” “The Generator Sizing
Guide,” “Architectural Guidelines,” or in the Residential
Systems/Steambath Product Information section of the
Steamist website - www.steamist.com.

CAUTION: An improperly sized Steam Generator may

NOT produce the amount of steam necessary to reach
selected temperature.

IMPORTANT: Refer to page 4 for model required for

cubic foot rating.

b) The Steam Generator should be located as close as

possible to the Steamroom/Shower or tub enclosure.
Steam pipe should NOT exceed twenty-five feet in length.
If the steam pipe exceeds ten feet, use an appropriate
pipe insulation rated for a minimum of 212°F. Possible
locations include Vanity, Closets, Attic (insulated), or
Basement near bath area. The serial number plate should
be visible and the Steam Generator should be accessible
for service. Refer to Installation Suggestions on page 4.
Do NOT install Generator outdoors, in a moist, humid
area, or in an area where parts may freeze or corrode.
Also, do NOT install near flammable materials such as
paints, thinners, gasoline, etc.

c) The steam line and safety valve reach a temperature of

212°F during operation and should be appropriately
protected to prevent personal injury by accidental
contact.

2. Plumbing Rough-in

Plumbing rough-in is required for the water supply and

steam line; this should be completed before the walls
are closed. For operation, the “SM” Steam Generator
requires a ⅜" O.D. copper tubing to the fitting on the
generator for water inlet and a ¾" copper or brass pipe
for steam outlet.

NOTE: Safety Valve should be connected to a minimum ¾"

indirect waste or as required by local plumbing codes. In
the unlikely event this valve should open, the discharge
must be directed to prevent damage to the home. Do NOT
connect the Safety Valve output to the steam line.

a) Water Inlet - Rough in a water line to the hot or

cold supply. A shut off valve with a 3/8” connection
to the steam generator is to be provided at the
generator location (see Figure 4 on page 3).

b) Steam Outlet - Rough in the steam line using a

minimum of a ¾" copper or brass pipe; do NOT
use black iron or galvanized pipe, it will rust and
discolor the wall of the steambath. The steamhead
location should be 18" above the shower floor or 6"
above the rim of the bathtub, as far from the
seating area as possible. Also, do NOT use plastic
type water lines as a steam line.

CAUTION: No shutoff valve can be installed in the steam

line. Do NOT create traps or valleys in this line which would
trap condensation and block the flow of steam. The steam
pipe should be pitched toward the Steam Generator
allowing condensation to run back toward the Steam
Generator (preferred), or toward the steamhead. If the
steam generator is equipped with a drain valve, do NOT
connect the drain pipe to the steam line.

Figure 1- Steam Generator

Knockouts for

Electrical

Panel Cover

Install Upright

and Level

Control Cable

Knockouts for

Electrical

Supply Line

Water Inlet

⅜" Compression

Fitting

¾" Safety

Relief Valve

¾" Steam

Outlet

Optional Auto
Drain Installed
Model SM-900

WARNING: Elderly persons, pregnant women, or those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or

who are otherwise not in good health, do not use this device unless directed to do so by a physician. Also, do not use
steambath while under the influence of alcohol. For additional Important Safety Information, please see a separate

!

instruction Pub. No. 199.

IMPORTANT: The warranty of this product is voided if it is used in a commercial application or for anything other than a residential

steambath installation. This product is not intended for use with Home Automation systems.

06/10

- 1 -

Pub. No. 324-K

Plumbing Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions Models: SM-12 nad SM-15

3. Steam Generator Installation

The Steam Generator should be mounted in a location convenient
for hook-up and service by the plumber and electrician.

CAUTION: The Steam Generator is designed to be used ONLY

in an upright and level position; to do otherwise would damage
the unit and void the warranty.

a) The Steam Generator can be mounted to a wall or set

on the floor. However, the unit must be secured. To
secure the unit to a vertical wall, loosen the two screws
holding the electrical access cover, remove cover (see
Figure 1). Located inside the cabinet near the top left
and right corners are mounting holes. Place top cover
back and secure.

b) Connect the ⅜" water inlet to a shut off valve as

described in Section 2.a. The valve must be kept in an
open position during normal operation. In an area where
water hammer is a problem install a water hammer
arrestor in the line. Refer to Figure 2.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a “saddle valve” or piercing

type valve for water connection.

c) Connect the steam line from rough-in location described

in Section 2 to the ¾" nipple on the Steam Generator
using a union.

Figure 2 - Plumbing Diagram

Steam

Generator

Water

Level
Probe

Tank

Optional Auto Drain Valve
Connect to Indirect Waste

or As Required by Local Codes.

Electric Water

Solenoid Valve

Steam Line

Cold Incoming

Water Supply

(Required)

Connect to Indirect Waste

or As Required by Local Codes.

Shutoff Valve

Union

IMPORTANT: Install

steamhead 18" above

the shower floor or 6"

above the rim of the

bathtub.

Pressure Safety Valve

3199 Series Steamhead Installation Instructions

1. Make sure the ¾" nipple protrudes beyond the tile

approximately ½". (See Figure 3)

2. Wrap the nipple with pipe sealant tape.

3. Put a bead of silicone around the outer edge of the Back

Plate (see Figure 3) and center the Back Plate over the pipe
in an upright position. While holding it in place, screw the
Center Hub onto the nipple, using a ⅜" hex key to tighten.

4. The Center Hub MUST be aligned with the four walls in the

vertical and horizontal position (See Figure 3a). Make sure
the steamhead O-ring is fully seated into the Back Plate.

Figure 3 - Steamhead Installation

¾" NPT

(Brass Pipe)

Must use sealant

tape.

Apply silicone

around the steam

pipe to form a

water-tight seal.

½"

Aromatherapy

Reservoir

Apply silicone around

the back edge of the

Back Plate to seal and

prevent movement.

O-Ring MUST

seal to inside of

the Back Plate.

⅜" Hex Key

Hole

If the nipple is sticking out too far the O-ring will not make
a proper seal and the nipple must be adjusted.

5. Apply a small amount of silicone at the back center point

of the Cover Plate.This will aid in preventing movement
of this plate. (See Figure 3a)

6. Place the Cover Plate over the Center Hub. This is

accomplished by first hooking the top and then snapping
the bottom into place.

7. Adjust the Back Plate and Cover Plate to line up

squarely, and clean excess silicone with rubbing alcohol.

Figure 3a - Center Hub Installation

IMPORTANT:

Install top first

MUST be vertical

Back Plate

Center

Hub

06/10

Cover

Plate

- 2 -

Apply a small

amount of
silicone to

prevent

movement.

After inserting the top,

snap in the bottom.

Pub. No. 324-K

®

Plumbing Installation Instructions

Figure 4 - Typical Installation Models: SM-12 and SM-15

The Plumbing Instructions must be given to the homeowner for future use.

Slope ceiling 2" per foot

SMC-120 or TC-125

Auxilary Outside

Control

Safety Valve

Connect ¾" pipe to an

indirect waste or as

required by local codes.

SMC-150 or TC-150

Control MUST be installed

inside the steam room.

START
STOP

TEMPERATURE

START
STOP

⅜" Shutoff Valve

Keep in open

position during

normal operation.

Connect to Hot or
Cold water supply

Auto Drain Ready

½" Capped Line

Steam Outlet Pipe - Use a minimum of a ¾" Copper or Brass pipe.

NOTE: The SM Series steam generators will also work with the following controls: TC-110, TC-135, DSC-425, and

DSP .

CAUTION: Do NOT install a shutoff valve on the steam outlet pipe. Do NOT create traps or valleys in this line which
would prevent the flow of steam. The steam outlet pipe should be pitched toward the Steam Generator (preferred),
allowing condensation to run back into the Steam Generator or toward the steamhead. If the steam pipe exceeds ten
feet, use an appropriate pipe insulation rated for a minimum of 212°F.

06/10

Union

Required

- 3 -

Steamhead Installation

Steamhead should be mounted

18" above the finished floor or

6" above the rim of the tub as

far from the bather as possible.

Pub. No. 324-K

Plumbing Installation Instructions

Access Requirements Models: SM-12 and SM-15

Select a location for mounting the Steam Generator that is
accessible for installation and service. The access requirement
indicates the minimum space for convenient access to Steam
Generator.

CAUTION: All models must be installed INDOORS, in a DRY,
NON-FREEZING location away from flammable materials such
as: Gasoline, Paints, Thinners, Etc.

NOTE: This steam generator is NOT intended to be used for
space heating purposes.

IMPORTANT: Steam Generator must be installed upright and level.

Specication Chart

Model

SM-12

SM-15

No.

For Area Up To

*Max. Cu. Ft.

450

550

KW Volt Phase

240
208

12

240
208

240
208

15

240
208

1
1

3
3

1
1

3
3

Amps

50
58

29
33

63
72

36
42

Wire Size 90ºC

Copper AWG

6
4

8
8

4
4

8
6

*Refer to the Steamist Sizing Guide for actual Cu. Ft. capacity.

Installation Suggestions

Line

Fuse

70
80

40
45

80
90

45
60

Figure 5

Use 35" with
Optional Auto Drain

35"

28"

22"

18"

Steam

Generator

in Vanity

Alternate Attic Location

(Insulate to Prevent Freezing)

TIME

IM

1

STOP

1

2

2

TEMP

STOP

Alternate

Closet

Location

Alternate Basement Location

(Insulated and Dry)

East Coast Office: 25 E. Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ 07073 • Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

®

West Coast Office: Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

06/10

- 4 -

Pub. No. 324-K