Abstract: Disclosed is an electric sauna heater which includes control and safety apparatus which can include one or more relays (either temperature or current controlled) for switching power to the heating elements of the heater, a thermostat (mechanical or electronic) for controlling the relay(s), a temperature limiter to disconnect power from the heating elements in the event of excessive temperature, sensor elements for the thermostat and temperature limiter and operating controls. The operating controls can include a potentiometer for setting the thermostat, a potentiometer for setting the timer, light-limiting diodes as power indicators, and push buttons for manually energizing and de-energizing the sauna heater. According to the invention, the operating controls are disposed as a separate unit from heater unit and from the remainder of the control and safety apparatus either inside or outside of the sauna room.