RXBH-1724A15J-B – Rheem 15 kW Electric Heat Kit with Smart Plug

RXBH-1724A15J-B Rheem 15 kW Electric Heat Kit

RXBH-1724A15J-B is a 15 kW electric heat kit designed to add electric heating capability to compatible Rheem and Ruud air handlers. It features a Rheem Smart Plug connection, built-in circuit-breaker protection, and 208–240-volt, single-phase, 60 Hz electrical operation.

This accessory is installed inside an approved air handler, where its resistance heating elements warm the air moved through the HVAC system. It may provide primary electric heat in a straight-cool system or auxiliary and emergency heat in a compatible heat-pump system.

RXBH-1724A15J-B Heating Capacity

The RXBH-1724A15J-B offers a nominal electric heating capacity of 15 kW. At 240 volts, this equals approximately 51,180 BTU per hour of heating output. Its output will be lower when the equipment operates on a 208-volt electrical supply.

The required heating capacity should be determined using a professional load calculation. Building size, climate, insulation, windows, air leakage, ductwork, outdoor temperature, and heat-pump performance can all affect the appropriate heat-kit size.

Rheem Smart Plug Connection

Rheem’s Smart Plug design provides a purpose-built connection between the electric heater and an approved indoor air handler. This feature can help simplify the electrical and control connection when the kit is paired with compatible Rheem or Ruud equipment.

The Smart Plug name does not mean that the RXBH-1724A15J-B connects to a standard household outlet. This is a high-voltage HVAC accessory that requires dedicated electrical circuits and professional installation.

Built-In Circuit-Breaker Protection

This heat kit includes circuit-breaker protection as part of its electrical configuration. The breaker provides a convenient means of disconnecting and protecting the heating assembly when the kit is installed according to current manufacturer instructions.

The included breaker does not replace every electrical protection requirement. A qualified installer must verify the necessary supply circuits, conductor sizes, grounding, disconnects, panel capacity, and upstream overcurrent protection required by the unit nameplate and local codes.

Auxiliary Heat for Heat Pump Systems

When used with an approved heat-pump air handler, the RXBH-1724A15J-B can provide supplemental electric heat during cold weather. This auxiliary heat supports the heat pump when the outdoor unit alone cannot satisfy the building’s heating demand.

The kit may also provide emergency heat when the thermostat and complete HVAC system are properly configured. Emergency heat operation allows the electric elements to produce heat without relying on the outdoor heat-pump compressor. Available operating modes depend on the equipment match, thermostat, wiring, and control settings.

208–240V Single-Phase Operation

The RXBH-1724A15J-B is rated for 208–240V, single-phase, 60 Hz electrical service. Because a 15 kW heater creates a substantial electrical load, the property’s service panel and available circuit capacity must be evaluated before installation.

Electrical requirements must be taken from the current air-handler and heat-kit nameplates. The installer must determine the correct wire gauge, circuit configuration, disconnecting means, grounding, breaker sizes, and installation method. Local requirements may differ depending on the building and jurisdiction.

Air Handler Compatibility

This Rheem heat kit is not a universal accessory. It must be installed only in Rheem or Ruud air-handler models specifically approved for this kit. Matching the brand or cabinet width alone does not guarantee proper fit or electrical compatibility.

Before ordering, confirm the complete indoor-unit model number and review the manufacturer’s accessory compatibility information. Cabinet design, electrical rating, control board, blower capacity, system size, airflow requirements, and approved heater options must all be considered.

Proper Airflow Is Essential

The air handler must provide adequate airflow across the electric heating elements. Restricted airflow can cause excessive temperature rise, activate safety limits, reduce comfort, and potentially damage the equipment.

A professional installer should verify the blower-speed setting, air filter, return-air opening, supply ductwork, external static pressure, and temperature rise. These checks help the RXBH-1724A15J-B provide safe, balanced, and reliable heating performance.

Professional Installation Required

Installation should be completed by a licensed HVAC technician or qualified electrician. The installer must disconnect electrical power, follow the supplied instructions, secure the heater assembly, complete the Smart Plug connection, and verify all high-voltage and control wiring.

After installation, the technician should test every available heating stage and confirm proper blower operation, amperage, thermostat control, temperature rise, circuit-breaker operation, safety-limit performance, and electrical connections.

Key Product Features

• Genuine Rheem electric heat-kit accessory
• 15 kW nominal electric heating capacity
• Approximately 51,180 BTU/h at 240V
• 208–240V electrical operation
• Single-phase, 60 Hz configuration
• Built-in circuit-breaker protection
• Rheem Smart Plug connection
• Designed for approved Rheem and Ruud air handlers
• Suitable for compatible all-electric HVAC systems
• May provide auxiliary or emergency heat with a heat pump

Explore more electric heat kits from Xpress Supply or view the RXBH-1724A15J-B product page for current pricing and availability.

Important: Confirm air-handler compatibility, available electrical service, voltage, required airflow, breaker configuration, wiring, and local code requirements before ordering or installing the RXBH-1724A15J-B.