Grandaire 15kW Breakered Heat Strip for WCVL Air Handlers, WEAH15EAA
When winters are long or the home is large, the Grandaire WEAH15EAA brings the most backup heat of any WCVL heat strip we carry. This 15kW breakered electric heater produces about 51,180 BTU/h, enough to carry a big share of the heating load on its own if the heat pump falls short in deep cold or the outdoor unit needs service. It installs in Grandaire WCVL R-454B air handlers from 2 through 5 tons and includes built-in circuit breaker protection at the cabinet. Contractors in colder markets, owners of larger homes, and anyone who wants solid emergency heat should start here.
Is a 15kW Heat Strip the Right Size?
A 15kW strip is made for homes where the electric heat has to do serious work: larger floor plans, older or leakier construction, and regions where the temperature often drops well below a heat pump's balance point. It's also the safer choice when the household wants emergency heat strong enough to stay comfortable if the outdoor unit is down for days. Grandaire approves 15kW for the 2, 3, 4, and 5 ton WCVL air handlers.
Bigger isn't automatically better. A 15kW heater needs a larger dedicated circuit and heavier wire, and an oversized strip on a small, tight home can raise utility bills without adding comfort. Weigh your winter design temperature, the home's heat loss, the panel's available capacity, and 208V vs. 230V service before you choose.
Ideal for: 4 and 5 ton Grandaire WCVL systems, larger homes in colder or mixed climates, and installs where strong emergency heat matters as much as everyday comfort.
Need less capacity? Consider the Grandaire 10kW Breakered Heat Strip, WEAH10EAA for mid-size homes and milder winters with a lower electrical load.
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 | WEAH15EAA — 15kW Breakered Electric Heat Strip |
|---|---|
| Heating Output | 15 kW nominal (approx. 51,180 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 | High-Capacity Backup 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 WEAH15EAA turns a Grandaire WCVL air handler into a full electric-heat backup system. It installs in the cabinet's heater section, wires to the unit's electric heat connections, and relies on the ECM blower's adjustable heater airflow setting for safe operation. Its built-in breaker supplies overcurrent protection right at the air handler. The photo shown is a stock image; the actual heat strip may vary.
Heat Strip & Air Handler Features
WEAH15EAA 15kW Breakered Heat Strip
- Highest-capacity WCVL heat strip we offer, 15kW (about 51,180 BTU/h)
- Circuit breaker built into the heater for protection and service shutoff
- Approved for Grandaire WCVL air handlers from 2 to 5 tons
- Carries heavy heating loads when heat pump output drops in deep cold
- Strong emergency heat if the outdoor unit goes down
- Well matched to 4 and 5 ton WCVL systems
- Needs a dedicated 208/230V single-phase circuit
- Field-installs in the WCVL's heater compartment
Grandaire WCVL Multi-Position Air Handler
- Vertical or horizontal installation in attics, closets, and crawlspaces
- Supports optional electric heat kits up to 25kW
- Constant-airflow ECM 2.0 motor with adjustable electric heat CFM
- EEV metering for accurate refrigerant control
- All-aluminum coil construction
- Uses next-generation R-454B refrigerant
- Controlled by a 24V thermostat or the WKJR120NX6W communicating controller
- 7-year limited parts warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Which WCVL tonnages can carry the 15kW WEAH15EAA?
Grandaire's heater compatibility data approves 15kW for the 2 ton WCVL245CB, the 3 ton WCVL365CC, the 4 ton WCVL, and the 5 ton WCVL605CD.
When does 15kW make more sense than 10kW?
Choose 15kW for larger homes, colder climates, or 4 and 5 ton systems where the heat pump falls well short on design days, or when you want emergency heat that can hold the house on its own.
Does the WEAH15EAA produce its full 15kW on 208V power?
No. A resistance heater's output depends on voltage, so it delivers noticeably less than its nameplate rating on 208V. Factor this in when you size backup heat for 208V buildings.
Can this heat strip heat the house if the heat pump fails?
Yes. Switch the thermostat to emergency heat and the WCVL blower and the 15kW strip will heat the home without the outdoor unit, at higher operating cost than heat pump mode.
What electrical service does the WEAH15EAA require?
It needs a 208/230V single-phase supply, because Grandaire does not allow the heater on 115V. Size the circuit, breaker, and wire to the minimum circuit ampacity and maximum overcurrent values on the nameplate and in the installation literature.
Can a WCVL with this heat strip be installed in a garage?
Yes, with care. For garage installs, Grandaire calls for placing the air handler so the heating elements are at least 18 inches (460 mm) above the floor. Always follow local codes.
