The Koch Multi-Pleat XL11 Insert is the media and pleat pack only — no frame — designed to drop into existing metal or other reusable holding frames. It carries a MERV 11 efficiency rating using the same dual-layered synthetic media Koch developed for the standard Multi-Pleat XL11 line. Sold by the case: 100 inserts per case for 1″ and 2″ depths, 50 inserts per case for 4″ depths.
This insert is not a complete drop-in pleated panel filter. It is the replacement element for installations that already have a permanent or reusable frame in place. If you currently swap full filters with their own beverage board frames, you want the standard Multi-Pleat XL11 (102-091/102-499 series) or one of Koch’s other complete pleated panel lines — not this insert.
The XL11 dual-layer media advantage
The XL11 uses a highly specialized dual-layered 100% synthetic media engineered specifically for extended-surface air filtration. The upstream layer (E-Layer) is electrostatically enhanced for high initial particle capture; the downstream layer (M-Layer) is purely mechanical. This two-layer construction solves a known weakness of single-layer electrostatic media: as a filter dirties over time, the static charge dissipates and capture efficiency drops. The M-Layer’s mechanical second stage maintains MERV 11 performance across the full service life regardless of charge state — the filter performs the same on day 90 as it does on day 1.
Two capacity options
Available in two media-area configurations sharing the same MERV 11 rating and the same dual-layer media composition:
-
Standard Capacity (102-806-XXX): Balanced media area for systems where filter changes are scheduled on a regular calendar interval. The economical baseline option for preventive-maintenance changeouts.
-
High Capacity (102-807-XXX): Approximately 30% more media area in the same nominal size. The right pick for systems where filters are changed by pressure-drop trigger rather than calendar — the extra media extends time-to-final-pressure-drop and stretches each insert across more service hours.
When this insert is specified
-
You have an existing reusable metal holding frame — common in commercial AHUs and built-in housing assemblies built around a permanent frame
-
You need MERV 11 efficiency in an insert form factor — offices, schools, hotels, healthcare environments, and light industrial systems requiring better-than-MERV-8 capture without a complete framed filter
-
You want to reduce per-changeout cost — insert-only replacement is significantly cheaper than buying complete framed filters because you reuse the frame across many service intervals
-
Your facility prefers media-only disposal — less material to discard at each changeout
-
You need a MERV 11 element matched to the standard Multi-Pleat XL11 — the inserts use the same Koch-engineered dual-layer synthetic media as the framed XL11 line
Design and construction
-
Media: Dual-layered 100% synthetic (upstream E-Layer electrostatically enhanced + downstream M-Layer mechanical; same media as the standard Multi-Pleat XL11)
-
Frame: NONE — this is the media and pleat pack only, designed to seat in an existing reusable frame
-
Configuration: Extended-surface pleated insert, available in 1″, 2″, and 4″ depths
-
Efficiency rating: MERV 11 per ASHRAE Test Standard 52.2
-
Listings: UL Classified (matches the parent XL11 product)
-
Available capacities: Standard and High Capacity (~30% more media)
What MERV 11 captures
Captures fine dust, smoke, auto fumes, and most airborne particles down to 1 micron. A strong general-purpose efficiency for offices, schools, hotels, and light industrial.
Standard vs. High Capacity
Both options share the same MERV 11 rating, the same Koch-engineered dual-layer synthetic media, and the same nominal sizes. The choice depends on how your facility schedules changeouts. Standard Capacity is the right pick when filters are changed on a regular calendar interval (every 30, 60, or 90 days, for example) and predictable cost per cycle matters most. High Capacity packs approximately 30% more media into the same nominal size — the right pick when changeouts are triggered by pressure-drop thresholds, since the extra media extends the time-to-final-pressure-drop and lowers your total cost of ownership across the full service cycle.
XL11 vs. XL8 inserts: which to choose
Both insert lines drop into the same metal holding frames and share the same form factor. The difference is efficiency: the XL8 Insert (MERV 8) is the right choice for standard residential and commercial HVAC where dust, pollen, and pet dander are the primary capture targets. The XL11 Insert (this product, MERV 11) steps up to capture fine dust, smoke, auto fumes, and most particles down to 1 micron — the better choice for offices, schools, hotels, healthcare, and light industrial environments where indoor air quality requirements are higher. Confirm your system can handle the slightly higher pressure drop of MERV 11 before specifying.
Important: this is an insert, not a complete filter
The XL11 Insert is intended for use in a reusable holding frame that you already own. It will not function as a stand-alone filter without a frame. If your filter slot expects a complete disposable filter (the typical setup for most residential and commercial HVAC cabinets), you want one of the complete framed Koch pleated panels — the standard Multi-Pleat XL11 (MERV 11 framed filter) or one of the lower-MERV options like the Multi-Pleat XL8 or Multi-Pleat Elite. If you’re unsure which form factor your installation uses, measure your filter slot and check whether your existing filter has its own frame or relies on a separate holding frame.
Sizing and ordering notes
-
Match the insert to your existing frame. Confirm both the nominal size and the depth your frame accepts before ordering.
-
Sizes listed are nominal. Actual insert dimensions are slightly under nominal — standard for the industry.
-
Sold by the case. 1″ and 2″ depths ship in cases of 100 inserts; 4″ depths ship in cases of 50 inserts. The variant price is the case price. Need a different volume? Request a quote for facility-scale orders.