BRADFORD WHITE 50 gal. Tall 4.5kW 2-Element Residential Electric Water Heater BRE250T61NCWW
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Product Details
- Vitraglas® Lining Exclusively Engineered Enamel Formula That Provides Superior Tank Protection From The Highly Corrosive Effects Of Hot Water
- Hydro Jet® Total Performance System Is A Cold Water Inlet Sediment Reducing Device Helps Prevent Sediment Build Up In Tank
- For Professional Installation Only - To Ensure The Safety Of Its Customers And The Quality And Performance Of Its Products, Bradford White Corporation Products Should Only Be Purchased Through And Installed By Qualified Plumbing And Heating Professionals. The Contractor Or Specifying Engineer Is Responsible For Ensuring The Product Meets Local And State Codes, Standards, And Regulations
- Protective Magnesium Anode Rod That Provides Added Protection Against Corrosion For Long-Term, Trouble-Free Service
- Simultaneous And Non-Simultaneous Operation Available
- Direct Heat Transfer With Immersed Elements
- Low Restrictive Brass Drain Valve
- Fully Automatic Temperature Control
- Single Phase Or Three Phase Operation Available
- Voltages Available In 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, 480V
Specifications
- ASME: No
- Antimicrobial: Yes
- Application: Residential
- CARB OTC LEED Compliant: No
- apacity: 50 gal
- Diameter: 20 in
- Drain Valve Material: Brass
- ETL Listed: Yes
- End Connection 1: NPT
- End Connection 2: NPT
- End Connections: NPT
- Energy Star Compliant: No
- First Hour Rating: 64
- Fitting Size 1: 3/4 in
- Fitting Size 2: 3/4 in
- Fitting Sizes: 3/4 in
- Flow Rate: 21 gph
- GSA Approved: No
- Height: 60-1/4 in
- IAPMO Listed -: No
- Indoor Outdoor: Indoor
- Installation Type: Floor Mount
- Length: 20-3/8 in
- Lining of Tank: Vitraglas®
- Material: Fiberglass, Magnesium, Steel
- Media: Water
- NSF: NSF 372
- NSF Certified: Yes
- Number of Elements: 2
- Number of Pieces: 1 Piece
- Origin: Domestic
- Phase: Single Phase
- Power Source: Electric
- Pressure - High: 150
- Pressure - Maximum 300 psi
- Pressure Class: 150#
- Product Type: Water Heating System
- UL Listed: UL 174
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.92
- Volts: 240V
- Water Connections: Top
- Water Heater Capacity Range: 41 - 50 gal
- Water Heater Type: Tall
- Water Inlet Connection Size: 3/4 in
- Watts: 4.5 kW
- Weight: 125 lb
Comparing This Model Against the Rest of the Electric Lineup
40 vs. 50 Gallon Electric: Understanding the Recovery Trade-Off
Interestingly, this 50-gallon Tall model's First Hour Rating of 64 gallons is actually lower than the [40-gallon Short model's 49 gallons... wait, let's check that properly] — comparing correctly: the 40-gallon Short delivers 49 gallons FHR, while this 50-gallon Tall delivers 64 gallons FHR, reflecting the larger stored capacity translating directly into more available hot water during peak demand, even though both units share the same 4.5kW element rating and 21 GPH recovery flow rate.
| 40-Gal Short | 50-Gal Tall (this model) | |
|---|---|---|
| First Hour Rating | 49 gal | 64 gal |
| Height | 49-7/16" | 60-1/4" |
| Diameter | 22" | 20" |
| Weight | 114 lbs | 125 lbs |
| UEF | 0.91 | 0.92 |
| Capacity Range Fit | 30-40 gal households | 41-50 gal households |
Why This Model's Narrower Diameter Matters
At 20" diameter (narrower than the 40-gallon Short's 22"), this 50-gallon Tall model achieves its larger capacity primarily through greater height (60-1/4") rather than width — meaning it's a good fit for installations with adequate ceiling clearance but a more constrained footprint, similar to the reasoning behind the 40-gallon Tall model.
Slightly Higher UEF Than the 40-Gallon Model
At 0.92 UEF versus the 40-gallon Short model's 0.91, this larger unit is marginally more efficient — a reminder that bigger electric tanks don't necessarily sacrifice efficiency the way larger gas tanks sometimes trade recovery speed for slightly lower recovery efficiency ratings.
Is 50 Gallons the Right Capacity for Your Household?
The listed 41-50 gallon capacity range suggests this model suits households one tier up from the 40-gallon options — generally households of 3-4 people, or smaller households with higher simultaneous hot water demand (larger soaking tubs, back-to-back showers). If your household regularly runs short on hot water with a smaller electric tank, this model's added 15 gallons of First Hour Delivery capacity is a meaningful upgrade.
Domestic Manufacturing Note
Unlike the smaller models' spec sheets, this listing specifically notes "Origin: Domestic," confirming U.S. manufacture — worth highlighting for customers who prioritize domestically-produced equipment.
Professional Installation Matters
Because this larger, taller electric unit still requires the same dedicated 240V circuit as smaller models but with a heavier overall weight (125 lbs) to account for structurally, professional installation ensures both safety and proper setup. Our licensed electricians and plumbers will:
- Confirm your electrical panel supports the required 240V, 4.5kW circuit
- Verify the installation space accommodates the Tall configuration's 60-1/4" height
- Complete water connections and electrical wiring per code
- Configure element operation (simultaneous/non-simultaneous) based on your household's needs
- Test both elements and confirm proper temperature control and recovery performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a significant upgrade from the 40-gallon model in practice?
Yes — the First Hour Rating jumps from 49 to 64 gallons, a meaningful difference for households with higher simultaneous hot water demand, such as back-to-back showers or a larger soaking tub.
the taller height require special installation considerations?
Primarily just confirming adequate ceiling clearance (60-1/4" plus space for water/electrical connections above); our technicians will verify this during a pre-installation assessment.
Is the 50-gallon electric more expensive to run than the 40-gallon model?
Operating cost depends more on actual hot water usage than tank size alone, though the larger tank does have marginally more standby surface area; the UEF ratings (0.91 vs 0.92) suggest negligible efficiency difference between the two sizes.
High-Capacity Electric Performance: Abundant, Energy-Efficient Hot Water for Larger Homes
When your busy household requires a high-capacity 50-gallon electric hot water supply but relies entirely on electric utility service, the Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater (RE250T6 / Equivalent) delivers commercial-grade residential reliability, rapid thermal recovery, and elite energy efficiency. Designed for homes with 3 to 6 residents and multiple bathrooms, this robust unit provides a steady stream of hot water without requiring a gas line, chimney, or sidewall flue venting. Built in the USA with Bradford White's exclusive Vitraglas® enamel tank lining, dual heavy-duty direct-immersion heating elements, and a robust sacrificial anode rod, it offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and thermal stress. Call our certified plumbing specialists at (224) 754-1984 for expert 24/7 emergency installation, tank replacement, or routine maintenance:
Exclusive Vitraglas® Tank Lining: High-purity porcelain enamel coating fused directly to the heavy-gauge steel tank for superior protection against aggressive water corrosion.
High-Capacity 50-Gallon Storage: Delivers abundant hot water volume for larger families, multi-bath homes, and simultaneous appliance usage.
Dual Heavy-Duty Heating Elements: Direct-immersion copper or Incoloy heating elements provide rapid thermal recovery and efficient electricity utilization.
Advanced Thermostat Control: Factory-installed surface-mounted thermostats offer accurate, reliable water temperature management with built-in high-limit safety cutoffs.
Zero Emission / Chimney-Free Design: Operates cleanly on 240V electricity without needing gas piping, combustion air intake, or exhaust venting pipes.
Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater Technical Specifications
Engineered for professional installation in standard residential basements, utility rooms, or closets:
Technical Parameter Feature & Specification Details Operational Advantage Manufacturer & Model Bradford White Residential Electric Tall (RE250T6) Premier trade-exclusive high-capacity standard electric water heater. Storage Capacity 50 Gallons (Standard Tall Footprint) Ideal high-volume hot water storage for larger 3+ bath homes. Heating Elements Dual 4500W / 240V (Standard configurable wattage) Provides efficient simultaneous or non-simultaneous water heating. First Hour Delivery (FHD) Up to 65 - 72 Gallons Supplies abundant hot water during peak morning usage hours. Venting Requirements None Required (Zero emissions / Electric operation) Allows flexible indoor placement without chimneys or flues. Electrical Requirement 240V AC, Dedicated 30A Circuit with armored conduit Standard residential electric water heater electrical hookup.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to a Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater
Integrating a pro-grade 50-gallon Bradford White electric water heater into your home infrastructure delivers immediate practical benefits:
Eliminates Hot Water Shortages: Provides significantly higher First Hour Delivery ratings than 40-gallon units, easily supporting back-to-back showers, laundry, and dishwasher cycles.
Trade-Quality Heavy-Duty Build: Unlike retail big-box tanks with plastic drain components, Bradford White utilizes robust brass drain valves and commercial-grade steel construction.
100% Energy Efficient Operation: Converts electrical energy directly into stored heat without standby combustion losses or venting heat escape.
Proven Long-Term Durability: Engineered to withstand harsh water chemistry and heavy daily usage, lasting 8 to 12+ years with proper professional maintenance.
Our Step-by-Step Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall Electric Installation Process
Site & Electrical Assessment: Evaluating vertical ceiling clearance in your utility room and verifying dedicated 240V circuit amperage, breaker size, and wire gauge.
Old Water Heater Draining & Removal: Safely shutting off electrical breaker power, draining the legacy tank, disconnecting wiring/plumbing, and hauling away the old unit.
Tank Placement & Leveling: Positioning the new Bradford White 50-gallon tall tank on a level surface with a secure drain pan and a thermal expansion tank.
Electrical & Water Line Hookup: Connecting 240V wiring inside the junction box using armored conduit and hooking up copper/PEX water supply lines with isolation valves.
Commissioning & Element Testing: Filling the tank completely with water before turning on power (to prevent dry-fire burnout), checking for leaks, and setting thermostats.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bradford White 50 Gallon Tall Electric Water Heater
Q: How do I know if my home needs a 40-gallon or a 50-gallon electric water heater?
A: A 50-gallon electric water heater is generally recommended for homes with 3 or more bathrooms or households consisting of 4 to 6 residents. If your family frequently runs out of hot water during peak morning hours, upgrading to a 50-gallon model provides the necessary capacity buffer.
Q: Why is it critical to fill an electric water heater with water before turning on the power?
A: Electric heating elements generate intense heat instantly. If the tank is empty when power is applied, the upper element will "dry fire" and burn out within seconds. Our licensed plumbers always ensure the tank is fully pressurized and bled of air before energizing.
Q: Does a 50-gallon electric water heater require a special electrical circuit?
A: Yes. Standard residential electric water heaters require a dedicated 240V electrical circuit protected by a 30-amp breaker and connected with heavy-gauge wiring.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a Bradford White 50-gallon tall electric water heater?
A: With professional installation, proper thermal expansion control, and routine annual maintenance (such as flushing sediment and inspecting the anode rod), a Bradford White electric water heater typically lasts 8 to 12+ years.
Bradford White Corporation, headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, is an American-owned and employee owned, full-line manufacturer of residential and commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications. The corporation's manufacturing facilities are in Middleville, Michigan and Niles, MI, and Rochester, NH. The water heaters were patented by Gerald E White from the years 1933–1938. The company is among the largest American manufacturers of water heaters, competing with companies such as Rheem and A. O. Smith. Bradford White Corporation is made up of Bradford White Water Heaters, Bradford White – Canada, Laars Heating Systems, and Niles Steel Tank
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