Grandaire 10kW Breakered Heat Strip for WCVL Air Handlers, WEAH10EAA
For most Grandaire WCVL heat pump installs, the WEAH10EAA 10kW breakered heat strip is the balanced middle choice. It delivers about 34,120 BTU/h of electric heat to back up the heat pump in cold weather, cover defrost cycles, and keep the house warm as emergency heat. Grandaire's heater data approves 10kW for every WCVL size from 2 through 5 tons, so one part number covers the whole air handler line. A built-in circuit breaker protects the heater and gives you a service disconnect at the cabinet. It's built for contractors and homeowners in regions with real winters who want backup heat they can count on.
Is a 10kW Heat Strip the Right Size?
Ten kilowatts is enough to cover a meaningful part of a home's heating load when the outdoor temperature drops below the heat pump's balance point. That makes it a common pick for 3 to 5 ton systems in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, and for 2 ton systems in cooler areas. It works with every Grandaire WCVL cabinet: the 2 ton WCVL245CB, the 3 ton WCVL365CC, the 4 ton model, and the 5 ton WCVL605CD.
Before you choose, consider the home's square footage and insulation, duct losses in attics or crawlspaces, how many hours a year the temperature stays below freezing, and whether the house runs on 208V or 230V service. A Manual J load calculation is the most reliable way to match strip size to the heat pump.
Ideal for: Mid-size homes with a Grandaire WCVL heat pump system, mixed-climate regions with regular cold snaps, and contractors who want one heat strip that fits any WCVL tonnage.
Need more capacity? Step up to the Grandaire 15kW Breakered Heat Strip, WEAH15EAA for larger homes and colder climates that need more emergency heat.
Heat strip sizing recommendations are general guidelines only. Actual requirements depend on home heat loss, insulation, climate, supply voltage, and heat pump balance point. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Heat Strip | WEAH10EAA — 10kW Breakered Electric Heat Strip |
|---|---|
| Heating Output | 10 kW nominal (approx. 34,120 BTU/h) |
| Circuit Protection | Breakered — built-in circuit breaker |
| Compatible Air Handlers | Grandaire WCVL 2 Ton (WCVL245CB), 3 Ton (WCVL365CC), 4 Ton, and 5 Ton (WCVL605CD) |
| Application | Supplemental, Defrost, and Emergency Electric Heat |
| Air Handler Refrigerant | R-454B WCVL Series |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz (not for 115V supply) |
| Installation | Field-installed in the WCVL heater compartment |
The WEAH10EAA mounts in the WCVL's dedicated heater compartment and connects to the air handler's electric heat wiring. The ECM blower can then be set for the airflow that electric heat requires. Because it's breakered, the strip carries its own overcurrent protection inside the cabinet. Please note: the product image is a stock photo, and the heat strip you receive may vary in appearance.
Heat Strip & Air Handler Features
WEAH10EAA 10kW Breakered Heat Strip
- 10kW nominal output, about 34,120 BTU/h of electric heat
- Built-in breaker protects the heater circuit and allows a quick shutoff at the air handler
- Fits every Grandaire WCVL size from 2 to 5 tons
- Strong supplemental heat when the heat pump is below its balance point
- Keeps supply air warm during defrost cycles
- Steps in as emergency heat during outdoor unit repairs
- For 208/230V single-phase power only
- Drops into the WCVL's factory heater compartment
Grandaire WCVL Multi-Position Air Handler
- Multi-position cabinet for vertical or horizontal installs
- ECM 2.0 motor keeps airflow constant across a range of static pressures
- DIP switch adjustment for electric heat airflow (CFM)
- Precise refrigerant control with an electronic expansion valve
- Corrosion-resistant all-aluminum coil
- Rated for R-454B low-GWP refrigerant
- Pairs with a standard 24V thermostat or the WKJR120NX6W communicating controller
- Backed by a 7-year limited parts warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the WEAH10EAA fit my 4 or 5 ton WCVL air handler?
Yes. Grandaire's heater compatibility data approves 10kW for every WCVL size, including the 4 ton and the 5 ton WCVL605CD, as well as the 2 and 3 ton models.
How does the WEAH10EAA compare with the 5kW WEAH05EAA?
It doubles the output to about 34,120 BTU/h and fits all WCVL tonnages, while the 5kW is limited to the 2 and 3 ton units. The trade-off is a higher amp draw, so the circuit and wire must be sized to match.
How is auxiliary heat controlled on a WCVL system?
The WCVL works with a conventional 24V heat pump thermostat that has an auxiliary/emergency heat stage, or with Grandaire's optional WKJR120NX6W communicating controller. Follow the wiring diagram in the installation instructions.
Do I need to change airflow after installing the heat strip?
Yes. The WCVL service manual has an electric heat nominal CFM adjustment on DIP switches SW4-1 through SW4-3. Set it for the installed heater so the elements get proper airflow.
What does "breakered" mean on this heat strip?
The strip has a built-in circuit breaker. It provides overcurrent protection for the heating elements and works as a convenient disconnect at the air handler during service.
Who should install the WEAH10EAA?
Grandaire specifies that heater installation be done by a licensed contractor, following local electrical code for circuit sizing, wire gauge, and grounding.
