Cooper&Hunter R454B 5kW Auxiliary Heater / Heat Strip for Multi-Position Air Handler (CH-NREH05KW)
5kW electric auxiliary heat kit for compatible Cooper&Hunter R454B Multi-Position air handlers. Designed to add backup heat for cold weather or emergency heating when primary heat pump output is limited.
Compatibility is strictly for the Multi-Position Air Handler that uses R454B refrigerant. Verify the air handler model before ordering.
Custom quotes & questions
Overview
- 5kW supplemental electric heat for compatible Cooper&Hunter R454B Multi-Position air handlers.
- Supports cold-weather comfort as backup heat when outdoor temperatures reduce heat pump capacity.
- Designed for ducted installations in upflow, downflow, or horizontal configurations (air handler dependent).
- Built-in safety features including thermal overload protection.
- Professional installation recommended (line-voltage wiring and breaker/fuse sizing required).
Model
CH-NREH05KW
Auxiliary heater / heat strip kit
Electrical
208–230V, 1Ph, 60Hz
Line-voltage accessory
Use case
Backup / emergency heat
Heater or Heater + Heat Pump operation (system dependent)
This is not a universal heat strip. It is intended for the specific R454B Multi-Position AHU platform and control logic.
Highlights
- Up to 5kW of auxiliary heat to supplement heating performance in colder conditions.
- Designed for seamless integration with compatible Cooper&Hunter Multi-Position air handlers.
- Cold climate support for homes and light commercial spaces needing reliable backup heat.
- Safety focused with thermal overload protection.
- Installation-ready design intended for licensed HVAC technicians.
Compatibility
Air handler (AHU) capacity compatibility
CH-NREH05KW (5kW) is approved for the following R454B Multi-Position AHU sizes:
| AHU Capacity | 18K | 24K | 30K | 36K | 48K | 60K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW Heater (CH-NREH05KW) | Y | Y | Y | Y | - | - |
If your air handler is 48K or 60K, use the compatible heater size (typically 10kW/15kW/20kW) per the AHU compatibility chart.
System tonnage reference (electric heat availability)
For the listed R454B Multi-Position AHU models below, 5kW auxiliary heat is available on 1.5–4 ton configurations.
| Electric Heater | 1.5 ton (18,000 BTU/h) |
2 ton (24,000 BTU/h) |
3 ton (30,000 BTU/h) |
4 ton (36,000 BTU/h) |
5 ton (48,000 BTU/h) |
6 ton (60,000 BTU/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHU Model | CH-RS18MAHU | CH-RS24MAHU | CH-RS30MAHU | CH-RS36LCAHU | CH-RS48LCAHU | CH-RS60LCAHU |
| 5kW (CH-NREH05KW) | Y | Y | Y | Y | - | - |
Always confirm the exact indoor air handler model and the heater-kit part number prior to installation.
Technical details
Power source
208–230V, 1Ph, 60Hz
Normal operational voltage
Rated current (heating)
18A
Reference value
MCA
27A
Minimum circuit ampacity
Electrical performance (by voltage)
| Parameter | 208V | 230V |
|---|---|---|
| Heat power | 3.75 kW | 4.6 kW |
| Current | 18 A | 20 A |
| MCA | 23 A | 27 A |
| Max fuse | 25 A | 30 A |
Use the equipment nameplate and local electrical code as the authority for breaker/fuse sizing. If any values above differ from your unit label, follow the label.
Dimensions & weights
| Item | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Unit size | 535 × 258 × 204 mm | 21.06 × 10.16 × 8.03 in |
| Shipping size | 610 × 365 × 260 mm | 24.02 × 14.37 × 10.24 in |
| Net weight | 2.6 kg | 5.3 lb |
| Shipping weight | 5.1 kg | 11.24 lb |
Documents & downloads
Important
- R454B AHU only: This heater kit is only compatible with the Multi-Position Air Handler platform using R454B refrigerant.
- Not universal: Do not assume compatibility across other refrigerants, air handler generations, or brands.
- Electrical safety: Installation requires correct circuit sizing, grounding, and adherence to local codes.
- System operation: Auxiliary heat can be used as backup or staged heat depending on controls/thermostat configuration.
FAQs
What does the CH-NREH05KW do?
Will this work with my air handler?
Can I use this as primary heat?
Does it require a licensed installer?
What breaker/fuse size do I need?
Questions or a project quote?















































































