WATTCO™ duct heaters come in various sizes and dimensions to fit any compartment. Three types of duct heaters are available: open coil, tubular or finned tubular heating elements that are either flanged or inserted in the duct.

Air duct heaters primarily use in air-flowing ventilation systems and comfort-heating applications. Process duct heaters mainly serve industrial process heating applications (ovens that require re-circulated air or forced circulation).

Wattco™ duct heater features

WATTCO™ designs and configures your electric heating element according to your specifications. Our team is dedicated to research and development, using the latest technologies while striving to meet every customer’s needs by manufacturing high-quality industrial heating products.

Since 1969, WATTCO™ has earned a reputation for expertise in developing and manufacturing electrical heating elements that make Wattco duct heaters the most easily adaptable industrial heating solution for most non-pressurized, air-heating systems

Duct heaters control temperature in HVAC systems.

  • Energy Efficiency: Precise temperature regulation reduces the energy waste. Integrated with advanced controls for optimized energy usage.
  • Versatility: Heat air in ventilation systems in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing. Available in custom sizes and wattages and fit to industrial needs.
  • Process Heating: Heat air streams for drying, curing, or sterilization in industrial processes.
  • Durability: Highly durable in high moisture and corrosive conditions.
  • Safety: Offers thermal cutoffs and temperature and temperature controls.
  • Wattco duct heater Usage:

Duct heaters are electric heating devices installed within air ducts to provide localized heating in HVAC systems. Its applications include:

1. Commercial Spaces

Duct heaters are mostly used in commercial buildings to maintain indoor temperatures, particularly in large open areas where standard heating is insufficient.

Example: In a shopping mall, duct heaters are installed in the HVAC system to produce warm heat to areas such as food courts or atriums, regardless of outdoor temperatures. It provides a pleasant shopping experience and longer visits.

2. Industrial Applications

Many industries require a temperature control to offer smooth equipment’s operation and maintain safety hazards.

Example: In a manufacturing plant like chemical or plastics, duct heaters are necessary to maintain the air temperature within a specific range and to avoid product damage or defects due to cold elements.

3. Ventilation Systems

During colder climates, the duct heaters are effective in preheating the incoming air in ventilation systems.

Example: In an office building, the duct heater can be fixed in the fresh air intake line to heat the incoming air before it enters the occupied spaces. This improves indoor comfort and energy savings by reducing the load on the main heating system.

4. Zone Heating

Duct heaters enable target heating at specific zones of larger spaces and also help for better energy management.

Example: In a warehouse with different usage levels, a duct heater can be installed in an area where the meetings and gatherings are hosted. It makes that area get heated independently and saves energy when the space is not in use.

5. Dehumidification

Duct heaters can control humidity levels by heating the air to reduce the moisture.

Example: In a swimming pool, a duct heater can be used to heat the indoor pool air. The warm air can reduce moisture and offer a comfortable environment by preventing mold growth and condensation on surfaces.

Wattco™ duct heater voltages

A broad range of custom-built electric duct industrial heaters with capacities up to 1000kW is available upon request. WATTCO™ heaters are ideal for applications with the following voltages

  • 347 volts/1 phase
  • 600 volts/1 phase
  • 600 volts/3 phases
  • 208/240 volts/1 phase
  • 208 volts/3 phases

WATTCO™ duct heaters have the international, American recognized Canadian Standards Association (CSA us) label, which sets the standards for the electric heating industry. Duct heaters can include proper built-in safety devices to extend the heater’s service life. Get a quote on a duct heater today.

WATTCO also manufactures other industrial heating products such as infrared heaters, control panels, immersion heaters, and more.

HAVE A QUESTION?

At Wattco, we have a dedicated team of experts ready to provide you with the answers and assistance you need. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for technical specifications or in maintenance inquiring about our products, our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to help. 

TERMINAL HOUSINGS
Coiled duct heater
Coiled duct heater
duct heater finned
duct heater finned
Duct Heater Slip into Duct
Duct Heater Flanged
Tubular duct heater
X section tubular duct heater

Finned Tubular Elements vs. Unfinned tubular elements

Finned tubular elements

Unfinned Tubular elements

The most common design Available for approved special orders only
Include the highest wattage/cross section duct area
  • Increase corrosion resistance
  • High humidity environments
  • Corrosive chemical contaminants in the air stream
Energy saver Protect from electrical shock
Made of a steel tube with a corrugated steel fin wrapped around it and brazed together Made of steel or stainless steel tube
Maximize the heat transfer surface of the element Can be installed close to a register or grill
Provide lower operating temperature N/A
Designed for low maintenance Designed for low maintenance

Duct Heater Applications

  • Heat treating
  • Air drying operations
  • Air handling equipment
  • Forced air comfort heating
  • Core drying
  • Fan coils
  • Booster air heater
  • Air pre-heating
  • Terminal reheating
  • Multizone reheating
  • Heat pump auxiliary systems
  • Return air heating
  • Resistor load banks
  • Annealing
KEY FEATURES BENEFITS
  • 16-gauge satin coat steel.
  • Exclusive modular construction with stock frame components used with 2” verticaland horizontal dimensional increments for faster delivery;
  • Single and three-phase tensions;
  • Stainless steel supports;
  • Field replaceable heating elements, if required;
  • ¼” (6 mm) inside diameter thermophile;
  • 3 ½ ” (90 mm) thick insulation;
  • General purpose terminal enclosure;
  • Primary linear cutout: 
    • 160ºF (71ºC)
    • 277/600 VAC
    • 25/10 AMP non-inductive
  • Secondary linear cutout:
    • Manual reset with back-up magnetic contactor on units of 300V, 30 kW and less.
    • 225ºF (107ºC)
    • 277/600 VAC
    • 25/10 AMP non-inductive
  • Special sizes, wattages, and materials available upon request; 
  • Built stainless steel frames available upon request;
  • American and Canadian Standards Associations (CSA, CSA us & UL) certified.

 

  • Versatile
  • Corrosion and oxidation resistant
  • Easy to maintain
  • Easy to install
  • Durable
  • Compatible with local power supplies
  • Built for safety
  • Maximal dielectric strength and heat transfer
  • Minimal heat loss
  • Maintained wiring cooler
  • Clean heat
  • Easy service
  • Minimal downtime