Bradford White · Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2) · Gas storage tank
Bradford White RG260T6N
The Bradford White RG260T6N is a 60 US gallon (227 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 81 US gallon first-hour rating and a legacy Energy Factor of 0.62, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the largest tank in the Defender atmospheric line.
Key figures
- Nominal capacity
- 60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L)
- First-hour delivery
- 81 US gal (307 L)
- Input
- 40,000 BTU/h
- Energy Factor (EF, legacy test)
- 0.62
Nominal volume, rated volume and first-hour delivery are different figures; size by first-hour delivery.
Bradford White RG260T6N in practice
The RG260T6N is the 60-gallon member of the Defender atmospheric family and the only model on the Canadian sheet certified under CSA P.3-04, the Canadian performance standard for large storage tanks. It pairs a 40,000 BTU/h input with an 81 US gallon (307 L) first-hour rating, the same delivery figure as the 50-gallon RG250T6N, because at this size the burner output, not the stored volume, sets the first-hour figure.
Its 24 in (610 mm) jacket is the widest in the line, so the floor space and door openings must be checked before specifying it. It vents by natural draft through a 3" or 4" draft hood, draws combustion air from the room and needs no electricity. It is rated by a legacy Energy Factor of 0.62 rather than a UEF; the two measures are different tests and are not compared on this site. Whether CANRO stocks this model for a given job is confirmed at consultation.
Best suited to
- Large households and homes with soaking tubs or frequent simultaneous draws
- Like-for-like replacement of an existing 60 US gal atmospheric tank under a working chimney
- Homes that want outage resilience and the largest atmospheric storage available
Limitations to know
- 24 in (610 mm) jacket and 192 lb (87 kg) shipping weight need space and access
- No UEF published: CSA P.3-04 Energy Factor 0.62 is the rating, which limits direct comparison with UEF-rated tanks
- First-hour rating matches the 50-gallon RG250T6N at 81 US gal despite the extra storage
- Warranty excludes labour and anode consumption; anode inspection every 2 years is required
Applicability and support
- Model number
- RG260T6N
- Variants on this page
- RG260T6X (Propane); RG260T10N (10-year warranty version)
- 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 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rated nominal volume | 60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L) | Canadian sheet C1101. Nominal, not the tested storage volume. |
Delivery and recovery 3
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First-hour rating | 81 US gal (307 L) | Single column on C1101, not fuel-specific. Based on AHRI directory listing. |
| Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, natural gas | 43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h) | Recovery efficiency up to 80% per Bradford White. |
| Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, propane (RG260T6X) | 43 US gal/h (163 L/h) | Same input on propane; the Canadian sheet's Imperial-gallon figure for the propane row is not legibly aligned, so the litre figure is shown. |
Input 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Input, natural gas | 40,000 BTU/h | 11.7 kW. |
| Input, propane (RG260T6X) | 40,000 BTU/h | 11.7 kW. |
Efficiency 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Factor (EF, legacy test) | 0.62 | CSA P.3-04 rating on C1101. Not a UEF; the two measures are not comparable. |
Venting and air 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vent connection | 3 in or 4 in (76 or 102 mm) draft hood | "Snap Lock" 3x4 draft diverter; atmospheric venting into a suitable chimney or B-vent. |
Connections 3
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water connections | 3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps | |
| Gas connection | 1/2 in (13 mm) | |
| T&P relief valve | Factory installed; optional top location | Top T&P location must be specified when ordering. |
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 | 57 3/16 in (1453 mm) | 60 3/4 in (1543 mm) to the exhaust connection. |
| Jacket diameter | 24 in (610 mm) | Depth 28 1/2 in (724 mm) including fittings. Widest tank in the Defender atmospheric line. |
| Shipping weight | 192 lb (87 kg) |
Operating limits 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Working pressure | 150 psi (1034 kPa); tested at 300 psi (2068 kPa) | |
| Certification | CSA International, ANSI Z21.10.1 / CSA 4.1; CSA P.3-04 performance certified | The Canadian sheet marks the 60 US gal model as certified under CSA P.3-04. |
Other 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anode rod | Magnesium, combined with the hot-water outlet nipple | Aluminum options listed in the Canadian parts list. |
Manuals
- Canadian specification sheet C1101 — Atmospheric Vent Residential Gas Water HeaterC1101-1125 · 2025 · Canadian
- Installation and Operation Manual 238-51012-00238-51012-00V · REV 08/26
- Service Manual — Defender Safety System FVIR water heaters238-51542-00E · REV 08/22
- Canadian Residential Gas Replacement Parts List238-53513-00F · October 2024 · Canadian
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
- 4 flashes, 3-second pause Temperature cut-out reached, shutdown (ICON System)
- 2 flashes, 3-second pause Weak pilot signal or low thermopile voltage (ICON System)
- 3 flashes, 3-second pause Insufficient water heating (ICON System V1)
- 5 flashes, 3-second pause Electronics, sensor or gas valve fault (ICON System)
- 6 flashes, 3-second pause Water leak detected by the accessory module (ICON System V1)
- 7 flashes, 3-second pause Gas control electronic fault detected (ICON System V1)
- 8 flashes, 3-second pause Standing pilot remains on with the control in OFF (ICON System V1)
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 RG260T6N sold in Canada?
Yes. It is listed on Bradford White's Canadian residential gas page and on Canadian spec sheet C1101, which is where the CSA P.3-04 note appears. Bradford White sells only through wholesalers, so it is supplied and installed by contractors such as CANRO.
Why does the 60 gallon tank show an Energy Factor instead of a UEF?
The Canadian sheet rates this model under CSA P.3-04 and lists a legacy Energy Factor of 0.62 with no UEF. EF and UEF come from different tests and are not comparable, so the two are never mixed on this site.
Can the RG260T6N run on propane?
The propane version is the RG260T6X with the same 40,000 BTU/h input per the Canadian sheet. Order the correct fuel version; fuel conversion is not a field procedure.
Will a 60 gallon tank fit where my 50 gallon tank is?
The RG260T6N is 2 in wider than the tall 50-gallon models and about 60 lb heavier. Check the opening, floor area and chimney before specifying; a demand assessment covers this.
Questions about the Bradford White RG260T6N?
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.
Compare and explore
- Bradford White RG240T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG230T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG240S6NSame series
- Bradford White RG250T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG250S6NSame series
- Bradford White RG230S6NSame series
- Bradford White RG130T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG140T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG150T6NSame series
- Bradford White RG250L6NSame series
- Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2) series hub
- Gas storage tank water heatersSystem type
- Tank vs tankless guide
Sources and verification
- Canadian spec sheet C1101-1125 · C1101-1125 · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
- Canadian Residential Gas Replacement Parts List (RG260T listed) · 238-53513-00F · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
- Installation and Operation Manual · 238-51012-00V · 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.