Bradford White · Atmospheric vent high input (RG250H / RG255H / RG275H / RG2100H) · Gas storage tank
Bradford White RG255H6N
The Bradford White RG255H6N is a 55 US gallon (208 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 78,000 BTU/h input, 117 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.61, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. An ASSE-approved mixing valve ships with the model.
Key figures
- Nominal capacity
- 55 US gal (46 Imp. gal, 208 L)
- First-hour delivery
- 117 US gal (443 L)
- Input
- 78,000 BTU/h
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw
- 0.61
Nominal volume, rated volume and first-hour delivery are different figures; size by first-hour delivery.
Bradford White RG255H6N in practice
The RG255H6N is the highest-input member of the high-input atmospheric family: 78,000 BTU/h on a 55 US gallon tank for a 117 US gallon (443 L) first-hour rating, the largest delivery per nominal gallon in the line. The Canadian sheet notes that an ASSE-approved thermostatic mixing valve is included with this model only, and that the 10-year warranty suffix is not available on it.
Like the other high-input models it carries 3/4 in side space-heating connections, is certified to ANSI Z21.10.3 rather than the potable-water Z21.10.1, and vents by natural draft through a 4 in draft hood with no external electricity. It does not carry the Defender FVIR system. UEF 0.61 is a medium-draw rating below ENERGY STAR. Whether CANRO stocks this model for a given job is confirmed at consultation.
Best suited to
- Potable plus space-heating applications needing the fastest recovery of the family
- Households with heavy peak-hour demand where a 55 US gal tank and 78,000 BTU/h input fit the chimney
- Buyers who want a factory-fitted ASSE thermostatic mixing valve
Limitations to know
- No 10-year warranty variant: only the 6-year suffix is offered
- Does not carry the Defender FVIR flammable-vapour-resistant system
- 4 in vent connection only; 78,000 BTU/h input needs a gas supply sized for it
- Warranty excludes labour and anode consumption; anode inspection every 2 years is required
Applicability and support
- Model number
- RG255H6N
- Variants on this page
- RG255H6X (Propane)
- Canadian availability
- available
- Production status
- current
- CANRO supplies
- Confirmed at consultation
- CANRO services
- Confirmed at consultation
- Recirculation
- Not published
- Warranty
- Series terms
Storage tanks can serve a recirculation loop with an external pump and return connection; Bradford White does not publish recirculation guidance for this model, so any loop is designed at consultation.
Where CANRO provides on-site service
On-site service is currently offered across Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Tsawwassen; plus Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island, Abbotsford with travel or ferry arrangements confirmed by phone. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.
Specifications
Published specifications
Values as published by Bradford White. Manufacturer gallon and BTU/h figures are preserved with metric alongside; notes flag conflicting documents and missing figures. Groups expand for detail.
Storage capacity 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rated nominal volume | 55 US gal (46 Imp. gal, 208 L) | Canadian sheet C1108. Nominal, not the tested storage volume. |
| Rated (DOE) storage volume | 49 US gal (185 L) | Published on the US sheet 1108 only; not on the Canadian sheet. |
Delivery and recovery 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First-hour rating | 117 US gal (443 L) | Single column on C1108, not fuel-specific. Based on AHRI directory listing. |
| Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise | 84 US gal/h (318 L/h) | Natural gas and propane inputs are equal on this model. Recovery efficiency up to 80% per Bradford White. |
Input 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Input, natural gas | 78,000 BTU/h | 22.9 kW. Highest input in the high-input family. |
| Input, propane (RG255H6X) | 78,000 BTU/h | The sheet prints 78,000 BTU/h with a 22.3 kW figure that does not convert from it; the BTU figure is used. |
Efficiency 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw | 0.61 | Per AHRI listing cited on C1108. Not ENERGY STAR. |
Venting and air 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vent connection | 4 in (102 mm) draft hood | "Snap Lock" 4 in draft diverter; atmospheric venting into a suitable chimney or B-vent. |
Connections 4
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water connections | 3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps | |
| Space-heating connections | 3/4 in NPT side tappings (inlet and outlet) | The model is listed for potable water and space heating. |
| Gas connection | 1/2 in (13 mm) | |
| T&P relief valve | Factory installed |
Electrical 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | None required (ICON System control powered by the pilot thermopile) |
Physical 3
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Height to top of heater | 54 3/4 in (1391 mm) | 58 1/2 in (1486 mm) to the flue connection. |
| Jacket diameter | 24 in (607 mm) | Depth 27 1/4 in (692 mm) including fittings. |
| Shipping weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
Operating limits 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Working pressure | 150 psi (1034 kPa); tested at 300 psi (2068 kPa) | |
| Certification | CSA International, ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3 |
Other 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostatic mixing valve | ASSE-approved valve included with the model | The Canadian sheet lists the mixing valve as included with the RG255H6N only. |
| Anode rod | Magnesium, combined with the hot-water outlet nipple |
Manuals
Maintenance the manufacturer specifies
- Inspect the anode rod every 2 years and replace when depleted; more often with softened water (manual, Maintenance item 9).
- Operate the T&P relief valve at least once a year to check it lifts and reseats without leaking (item 6).
- Drain about a gallon monthly to remove sediment (item 7); annual inspection by a qualified technician.
- Inspect the vent system at least once a year; check burner flames twice a year (items 10 and 4).
Fault codes documented for this model
None documented yet.
Services
Hot water and scalding
- Water above 49 °C at a tap can scald in seconds, and children and older adults are at most risk. BC's plumbing code limits shower and bathtub water to 49 °C.
- Storage tanks are normally kept hotter (Health Canada advises 60 °C) to limit Legionella growth, with a thermostatic mixing valve tempering the water to the fixtures.
- Never bypass or remove a mixing valve, thermostat or high-limit control to get hotter water.
Official guidance: Government of Canada on water temperature and scalds and HealthLinkBC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RG255H6N sold in Canada?
Yes. It is listed on Bradford White's Canadian residential gas page and on Canadian spec sheet C1108. Bradford White sells only through wholesalers, so it is supplied and installed by contractors such as CANRO.
Does the RG255H6N include a mixing valve?
Yes. The Canadian sheet lists an ASSE-approved thermostatic mixing valve as included with the RG255H6N only, which matters in BC because fixtures are limited to 49 °C while storage is commonly kept at 60 °C.
Is the RG255H6N a Defender FVIR tank?
No. Within the high-input family only the RG250H6N carries the Defender Safety System; the RG255H, RG275H and RG2100H models are certified to ANSI Z21.10.3 without it.
Questions about the Bradford White RG255H6N?
Describe what the water heater is doing and get a straight answer about the next step.
On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.
Sources and verification
- Canadian spec sheet C1108-0826 · C1108-0826 · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
- US spec sheet 1108 (rated storage volume) · 1108 · accessed September 7, 2026
- Installation and Operation Manual · 238-51008-00 · accessed September 7, 2026
- Bradford White — Residential Gas Water Heaters Canada · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.