Description
Rheem RXBH-1724A18J-B 18 kW Electric Heat Strip
The Rheem RXBH-1724A18J-B is a field-installed RXBH series electric heater kit that adds 17.0 kW of auxiliary or emergency heat at 240 volts (12.8 kW at 208 volts) to a compatible Rheem Endeavor Line air handler. It slides into the air handler's heater compartment and wires to the unit's control board, so the blower that already moves your cooling air also carries the heat.
In a heat pump system, the strip covers the coldest hours when the outdoor unit can't keep up on its own and supplies emergency heat if the outdoor unit is down. Paired with an air conditioner, it turns the air handler into a complete electric furnace for winter.
Built-in circuit breaker
This kit ships with a factory circuit breaker that protects the heater circuit and serves as the service disconnect at the air handler, meeting UL and cUL requirements. It also includes Rheem's Smart Plug wiring connector used by current Endeavor Line air handlers.
Specifications
- Model: RXBH-1724A18J-B
- Heating output: 17.0 kW at 240V / 12.8 kW at 208V
- Heating output (BTU/h): 58,004 BTU/h at 240V
- Power supply: 208/240V, 1-phase, 60 Hz
- Heater amps: 70.8 A at 240V / 61.6 A at 208V
- Disconnect: Factory circuit breaker
- Fits cabinet width: 17.5 in., 21 in. and 24.5 in.
- Compatible air handlers: RH2TY, RH2VY, RHMVY and WH2TY multi-position air handlers, plus RH1AY models except the RH1AY4821
Sizing and compatibility
Heater size is set by the air handler model, not by preference. Rheem lists which kits are approved for each air handler, along with the minimum circuit ampacity and maximum breaker size for the combined heater and blower load. Check the air handler's specification sheet or installation instructions to confirm this kit is approved for your model and that your electrical service can carry it. Larger kits can require a second supply circuit.
When you buy a Rheem split system on HVAC365, the heat strip dropdown on the system page shows only the kits Rheem approves for that air handler.
Installation
Electric heat kits operate at line voltage and must be installed by a qualified HVAC or electrical professional in line with the manufacturer's instructions and local codes. Wire size and overcurrent protection must match the values on the air handler's rating plate.
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