Mitsubishi 5kW Electric Heat Strip for SVZ Medium-Cabinet Air Handlers, EH05-SVZ-M
Not every 2.5-ton or 3-ton heat pump needs a large electric heater behind it. The Mitsubishi EH05-SVZ-M is the entry-level kit for the medium-cabinet SVZ-KP30NA and SVZ-KP36NA multi-position air handlers and the R454B SVZ-AP36NL 36K BTU air handler. It delivers 5.0 kW at 240V (3.8 kW at 208V) in a single stage. Sized to the wider 21-inch cabinet, it gives efficient, well-insulated homes and mild-climate properties a modest layer of backup heat with the smallest electrical footprint of any medium SVZ kit.
Is a 5kW Heat Strip the Right Size for a Medium SVZ Cabinet?
The EH05-SVZ-M suits larger-capacity SVZ systems where the heat pump can carry nearly all of the winter load on its own: tighter newer construction, Southern and coastal climates, or homes where electric heat is mainly wanted for defrost tempering and emergency backup. Its 30A maximum breaker size at both 208V and 240V keeps the electrical requirement modest on a 3-ton air handler.
To decide whether 5kW is enough, look at how far below freezing your area typically drops, the heat pump's output at those temperatures, building insulation levels, window area, and whether ductwork passes through unconditioned space. If the heat loss calculation shows the heat pump falling well short on design days, a two-stage medium kit is the better match.
Ideal for: SVZ-KP30NA, SVZ-KP36NA and SVZ-AP36NL installations in energy-efficient homes, mild-winter regions, vacation properties, offices and light-commercial spaces that need only a modest amount of backup heat.
Need more capacity? Step up to the Mitsubishi 8kW Heat Strip, EH08-SVZ-M for two-stage supplemental heat on the same medium-cabinet air handlers.
Recommended heat kit applications are general guidelines only. Actual supplemental heat requirements depend on insulation, climate, heat pump capacity, duct design, and available electrical service. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Electric Heat Kit | EH05-SVZ-M — 5kW Single-Stage Heat Strip, Medium Cabinet |
|---|---|
| Compatible Air Handlers | SVZ-KP30NA, SVZ-KP36NA, SVZ-AP36NL |
| Application | Entry-Level Supplemental & Emergency Heat for Mitsubishi SVZ Medium-Cabinet Air Handlers |
| Heat Output | 5.0 kW at 240V / 3.8 kW at 208V |
| Staging | Single Stage |
| Factory Breaker | 30A (serves as disconnect switch) |
| Electrical | 208/240V, 60 Hz |
| MCA / MOP (Heater + Air Handler Motor) | 30.2A / 30A at 240V; 26.7A / 30A at 208V |
The EH05-SVZ-M has the same 5kW element rating as the small-cabinet EH05-SVZ-S, built into a wider 21-inch housing with an 18-13/16-inch duct opening that lines up with the 2.5-ton and 3-ton SVZ cabinet. A single-stage design and a 30A factory breaker keep installation simple, and the pre-bundled heater harness in the SVZ air handler makes this a quick add-on for any Mitsubishi air handler project.
Heat Strip & Air Handler Integration Features
EH05-SVZ-M 5kW Electric Heat Kit
- 5.0 kW at 240V, stepping down to 3.8 kW at 208V
- Single-stage heater for straightforward backup heat control
- 30A factory breaker that serves as the kit disconnect
- Heater-only amperage of 20.8A at 240V and 18.1A at 208V
- About 17,060 BTU/h at 240V and 12,970 BTU/h at 208V
- Supply air leaving the heater never exceeds 200°F
- Zero required clearance to combustibles
- Wider medium-cabinet housing: 21" W x 6" H x 21-1/4" D
- 18-13/16" duct opening for SVZ-KP30NA and KP36NA supply
- Accepts the optional ETC-211020-MIT outdoor-temperature lockout
SVZ Medium-Cabinet Installation
- Approved combinations: SVZ-KP30NA, SVZ-KP36NA and SVZ-AP36NL
- Not interchangeable with small-cabinet SVZ-KP12NA, KP18NA or KP24NA
- Mounts straight to the air handler's air outlet connection
- Installs in any of four positions: up, down, left or right
- Single-stage wiring uses only the CN24-1 connection
- Heater harness is factory-bundled inside the SVZ cabinet
- Needs its own power circuit, separate from the outdoor unit
- 30A maximum overcurrent protection at 208V or 240V
- Downflow setups must rest on a non-combustible floor
- 0.60 in. WG maximum external static with heater installed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a 5kW kit for a 3-ton SVZ air handler instead of 8kW or 10kW?
If the heat pump covers most of the heating load, as in many efficient homes and mild climates, the EH05-SVZ-M provides backup heat while keeping the circuit at a 30A maximum breaker. The 8kW and 10kW medium kits require 50A and 60A at 240V.
Will the EH05-SVZ-M fit a small-cabinet SVZ-KP24NA?
No. The "M" kits are 21" wide for the medium cabinet. For the SVZ-KP12NA, SVZ-KP18NA or SVZ-KP24NA, use the small-cabinet EH05-SVZ-S instead.
What is the difference between the EH05-SVZ-M and the EH05-SVZ-S?
Both deliver 5.0 kW at 240V in a single stage with a 30A breaker. The EH05-SVZ-M uses a wider 21" housing with an 18-13/16" duct opening for medium SVZ cabinets. Because it's paired with the larger blower motor, its combined MCA is slightly higher: 30.2A at 240V versus 29A.
What minimum circuit ampacity does the EH05-SVZ-M require?
Including the air handler motor, the MCA is 30.2A at 240V and 26.7A at 208V, with a 30A maximum overcurrent protection rating at both voltages. Size the wire per the NEC and local codes.
How does the EH05-SVZ-M connect to the air handler control board?
As a single-stage kit, the EH05-SVZ-M is controlled through the CN24-1 connection on the SVZ indoor control board. The connecting wiring comes pre-bundled inside the SVZ cabinet.
Does the EH05-SVZ-M need clearance from combustible materials?
No clearance is required. Mitsubishi rates the kit for zero clearance to combustibles. Downflow installations still require the air handler to sit on a non-combustible floor.
