Independent Vitatech testing of Sun Home's sauna heating platform reported AC extremely-low-frequency (ELF) magnetic-field ranges of 0.6–4.0 mG RMS at 1 foot, 0.4–1.8 mG RMS at 2 feet, and 0.3–0.9 mG RMS at 3 feet (the representative seated-distance test point in the published summary), under the reported test conditions. Sun Home's published 0.5 mG headline figure falls within Vitatech's independently reported 0.3–0.9 mG range at the 3-foot test distance; actual user-to-heater distance varies by model and seating position. These figures summarize selected findings from Vitatech report VTE-3534 and do not replace the original model-specific reports. This article explains what EMF is, what exactly was measured, why measurement methodology matters, how to evaluate any brand's EMF claim, and how Sun Home's testing was conducted. View the Vitatech testing summary (PDF).

What did Vitatech measure?

Method: AC ELF magnetic field, RMS, 10–3,000 Hz, laboratory-grade fluxgate magnetometer with the heating element under load, across 120V and 230V configurations. Vitatech Electromagnetics (San Diego, CA), report ref VTE-3534, January 2025. The summary reflects the tested cabin heating platform; model-specific reports are available from Sun Home, and actual user-to-heater distance varies by model and seating position. Figures last verified against the published summary: July 2026.

What is a safe EMF level for an infrared sauna?

Direct answer: There is no sauna-specific scientific or regulatory threshold that defines “safe” or “low” EMF. Some manufacturers and wellness-focused buyers use “under 3 mG” as a purchasing preference, not as an established health cutoff. The more useful comparison is whether a brand publishes independently measured, distance-specific magnetic-field data from a named laboratory.

For context, the general-public reference level published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for power-frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields is 100 µT (1,000 mG) under its 1998 guidelines — the value cited in the WHO summary and still widely used — and 200 µT (2,000 mG) under ICNIRP's 2010 update. Either figure is far above the “3 mG” number often cited in sauna marketing. The World Health Organization states that, to date, no adverse health effects from low-level, long-term power-frequency exposure have been confirmed, while noting that research continues. This page reports Sun Home's measurements as product specifications; it does not claim that a 0.5 mG reading produces better health outcomes than 3, 5, or 10 mG.

What is EMF, and what exactly was measured?

Direct answer: “EMF” is a broad term covering both electric and magnetic fields. In this article, the figures reported in milligauss (mG) refer specifically to AC extremely-low-frequency magnetic flux density generated while the sauna heater is operating. They do not represent a measurement of every electric field or radiofrequency field.

Electric and magnetic fields are separate, separately measured quantities. Electric field strength is generally reported in volts per meter (V/m). Magnetic flux density is reported in tesla, microtesla (µT), or gauss/milligauss (1 µT = 10 mG). Vitatech's summary measures AC ELF magnetic fields (10–3,000 Hz) — the field type most relevant to someone seated near an operating heater — not radiofrequency output or electric-field strength.

Magnetic fields fall off with distance from the source, which is why the measurement distance is essential context for any published EMF number. Magnetic-field readings are generally higher close to the source and decrease with distance, although the exact pattern depends on the heater, wiring, and cabin geometry. A brand that publishes “low EMF” without stating the measurement distance, instrument, and testing lab is providing an incomplete number.

Why does EMF measurement methodology matter?

Direct answer: Two saunas can publish very different EMF numbers depending on where the measurement was taken, what instrument was used, and whether the reading was RMS or peak. Without matching conditions, published EMF numbers from different brands are not directly comparable.

Key variables include measurement distance (panel surface, 1 foot, 2 feet, or seated position), instrument type (laboratory testing can provide calibrated equipment, documented frequency response, and a reproducible protocol that consumer-meter readings often lack), and measurement type. RMS (root mean square) reports the effective magnitude of a varying magnetic field over the measurement interval — a representative measure of continuous exposure during a session. A peak reading reports the highest instantaneous value. Neither is inherently more truthful, so the measurement type must be disclosed when comparing results.

When comparing EMF across brands, look for four things: the testing lab name, the measurement distance, the instrument type, and whether the reading is RMS or peak. If any are missing, the published number is less reliable for comparison.

How was Sun Home's EMF tested?

Direct answer: Sun Home's heating platform was tested by Vitatech Electromagnetics, an independent electromagnetic-testing laboratory in San Diego, in January 2025 (report VTE-3534). Testing used a laboratory-grade fluxgate magnetometer measuring AC ELF magnetic fields (10–3,000 Hz), RMS, with the heating element under load, across 120V and 230V configurations, at 1-, 2-, and 3-foot distances.

The measured ranges are shown in the table above. Vitatech classifies 10 mG or less as “Ultra-Low,” and the summary places Sun Home within its lowest EMF tier of premium infrared sauna manufacturers. Sun Home's published 0.5 mG headline figure falls within the report's independently measured 0.3–0.9 mG range at the 3-foot test distance (the representative seated-distance test point; actual user-to-heater distance varies by model and seating position). The published summary reflects the tested cabin platform; buyers can request the model-specific reports. View the full Vitatech summary (PDF).

How should buyers evaluate any brand's EMF claim?

Direct answer: Ask four questions: (1) What lab conducted the testing? (2) At what distance was the measurement taken? (3) Was the reading RMS or peak? (4) Can you see the report? If a brand cannot answer all four, the published EMF number is less reliable for comparison.

Sun Home's answers: (1) Vitatech Electromagnetics, an independent third-party lab. (2) 1, 2, and 3 feet (3 feet is the representative seated-distance test point). (3) RMS, via fluxgate magnetometer. (4) Yes — the summary is published (linked above), and model-specific reports are available on request. These same four questions apply to every brand; the answers, not the headline number alone, are what make an EMF claim comparable.

How does sauna EMF compare with everyday appliances?

Direct answer: At about one foot (≈30 cm), Sun Home's measured 0.6–4.0 mG RMS overlaps with or falls below the power-frequency magnetic-field levels the World Health Organization publishes for several common household appliances at approximately the same distance. The figures below are power-frequency (50/60 Hz) magnetic fields; they are not equivalent to radiofrequency exposure from wireless devices, which is a different measurement.

Appliance values: World Health Organization, “Radiation: Electromagnetic fields,” typical magnetic field strength of household appliances at 30 cm (measured at 50 Hz; actual levels vary by model and distance). Conversion: 1 µT = 10 mG. The ICNIRP general-public reference level shown is the 1998 value (100 µT); ICNIRP's 2010 update sets it at 200 µT. The comparison is provided for context, not as a health-safety determination.

How does Sun Home's EMF disclosure compare with other brands?

Direct answer: Among the brands in this comparison, Sun Home is the one that publishes a named independent laboratory (Vitatech), distance-specific readings, and an accessible report. The others publish qualitative “ultra-low EMF” claims or manufacturer-stated figures measured at or near the panel surface — useful context, but measured differently, so the headline numbers are not directly comparable. Sun Home did not independently test competitor saunas; each entry reflects what that brand publishes on the linked page. The comparison includes selected residential infrared-sauna brands with publicly accessible EMF claims or specifications identified during a July 2026 review; it is not an exhaustive survey of every sauna manufacturer.

Competitor pages accessed July 2026; “not stated” means the detail was not found on the linked page. Sun Home did not independently measure competitor saunas; each entry reflects what that brand publishes. Because measurement locations differ (for example, Dynamic and Maxxus report figures measured 2–8 inches from the panel surface, while Sun Home's figures are at 1–3 foot seated distances), the headline numbers are not directly comparable — which is exactly why distance and method must be checked before comparing.

How does Sun Home achieve low EMF at seated distance?

Direct answer: According to Sun Home's engineering specifications, the heating system is designed to reduce seated-position magnetic fields through heater construction, wiring layout, and component placement. Vitatech's testing independently documents the resulting magnetic-field ranges, not the contribution of each individual design feature.

Sun Home describes heater panels built to limit magnetic-field propagation toward the user and wiring routed away from the seated position. The independently measured result is 0.3–0.9 mG RMS at the 3-foot seated-distance test point while still delivering the thermal output needed to reach 170°F. Low EMF and high temperature are not mutually exclusive; the available testing shows that the system can produce the reported magnetic-field ranges while operating at full heating load.

Does low EMF come at the expense of other performance specs?

Direct answer: Based on Sun Home's published specifications and available independent testing, its measured magnetic-field performance does not appear to prevent the system from reaching its stated temperature or offering its other listed features. Sun Home publishes its Vitatech-tested EMF alongside a 170°F maximum temperature (independently measured in-cabin by Garage Gym Reviews), 0.99 published panel emissivity, full-spectrum infrared (halogen + carbon), and integrated red and near-infrared light at 660 nm and 850 nm on Eclipse models. For the full technology breakdown, see the companion article: EMF and Emissivity Explained.

The bottom line

Magnetic-field output is one technical specification many infrared-sauna buyers consider, particularly when comparing products intended for frequent use — and a published number is only as reliable as the testing behind it. The most useful EMF claims name the lab, state the measurement distance, describe the method, and make the report accessible.

Sun Home's heating platform was independently tested by Vitatech Electromagnetics (January 2025, report VTE-3534): 0.6–4.0 mG RMS at 1 foot, 0.4–1.8 mG at 2 feet, and 0.3–0.9 mG at 3 feet (the representative seated-distance test point, within which Sun Home's published 0.5 mG headline figure falls), using a fluxgate magnetometer with RMS measurement. The summary is published and linkable. Some competitors publish EMF figures too, but as qualitative “ultra-low” claims or manufacturer-stated surface readings measured differently, so the numbers are not directly comparable. What buyers can compare is which brands publish distance-specific, named-lab data with an accessible report.

Sun Home has been recognized by Forbes, Fortune, Rolling Stone, and Garage Gym Reviews, ranked No. 20 on the 2025 Inc. 5000, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that includes in-home tech visits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a safe EMF level for an infrared sauna?

There is no sauna-specific scientific or regulatory threshold defining “safe” or “low” EMF. Some manufacturers and buyers use “under 3 mG” as a preference, not a health cutoff; for reference, the ICNIRP general-public reference level for 50 Hz magnetic fields is 100 µT (1,000 mG) under its 1998 guidelines and 200 µT under its 2010 update. The more useful test is whether a brand publishes distance-specific, named-lab data with an accessible report.

What EMF level does Sun Home produce?

Vitatech measured 0.6–4.0 mG RMS at 1 foot, 0.4–1.8 mG at 2 feet, and 0.3–0.9 mG at 3 feet (the representative seated-distance test point). Sun Home's published 0.5 mG headline figure falls within the 0.3–0.9 mG range measured at 3 feet. Testing used a fluxgate magnetometer, RMS, 10–3,000 Hz (report VTE-3534, January 2025).

What exactly does the milligauss figure measure?

AC extremely-low-frequency (ELF) magnetic flux density (10–3,000 Hz) generated while the heater operates — not electric-field strength and not radiofrequency output. Magnetic flux density is reported in milligauss (1 µT = 10 mG).

What is RMS, and why does it matter?

RMS (root mean square) reports the effective magnitude of a varying magnetic field over the measurement interval — representative of continuous exposure during a session. A peak reading reports the highest instantaneous value. Neither is inherently more accurate, so the measurement type should be disclosed when comparing brands.

Why does measurement distance matter for EMF?

Magnetic-field readings are generally higher close to the source and decrease with distance, though the exact pattern depends on the heater, wiring, and cabin geometry. Without knowing the measurement distance, published EMF numbers from different brands are not comparable. Sun Home publishes readings at 1, 2, and 3 feet.

Who is Vitatech Electromagnetics?

Vitatech is an independent electromagnetic-testing laboratory in San Diego, CA, specializing in EMF measurement. It is not affiliated with Sun Home. Its Sun Home testing is summarized in report VTE-3534.

Do other sauna brands publish third-party EMF data?

Some do, in different forms. Among the brands in this comparison (accessed July 2026): SaunaBox describes the Solara as “ultra-low EMF” and publishes a Prop 65 materials report, but no numeric EMF figure, named EMF lab, or measurement distance; Health Mate states its Tecoloy heaters are third-party tested for ultra-low EMF/ELF without naming the lab or distance on its page; and Dynamic and Maxxus publish manufacturer-stated figures (from under 2 mG to 6–10 mG) measured 2–8 inches from the panel, without a named independent lab. Because those are measured at or near the panel surface rather than at seated distance, they are not directly comparable to Sun Home's 1–3 foot readings.

How does sauna EMF compare with household appliances?

At ~1 foot (≈30 cm), Sun Home's 0.6–4.0 mG RMS overlaps with or falls below WHO's published power-frequency magnetic-field figures for common appliances at approximately the same distance — for example, a microwave oven at 40–80 mG or a hair dryer at 0.1–70 mG. These are power-frequency magnetic fields, not radiofrequency exposure, and vary by model.

Can I see Sun Home's EMF test report?

Yes. The Vitatech testing summary is published on Sun Home's safety-testing page and linked as a PDF. Model-specific reports are available by contacting Sun Home at 1-844-728-6200.

What does the Vitatech summary show?

The public summary reports distance-based AC ELF magnetic-field ranges measured with the heating element under load: 0.6–4.0 mG RMS at 1 foot, 0.4–1.8 mG RMS at 2 feet, and 0.3–0.9 mG RMS at 3 feet. It is a summary of selected findings from report VTE-3534 rather than the complete original report. View the Vitatech testing summary.

References

• Vitatech Electromagnetics. AC ELF magnetic-field testing summary, Sun Home Saunas heating platform, report ref VTE-3534 (January 2025). Published summary (PDF); see also the Sun Home EMF, VOC & materials testing page.
• World Health Organization. Radiation: Electromagnetic fields (appliance magnetic-field table; ICNIRP 50 Hz public reference level of 100 µT; health-effects summary). who.int.
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric and magnetic fields (1 Hz–100 kHz), 2010 — 50 Hz general-public reference level 200 µT; 1998 guidelines set it at 100 µT. icnirp.org.
• Garage Gym Reviews. Independent in-cabin temperature testing of Sun Home models (supports the 170°F figure). garagegymreviews.com.
• Competitor EMF disclosures (accessed July 2026): SaunaBox Solara, Health Mate, Dynamic (Golden Designs), and Maxxus (Golden Designs) manufacturer pages.