Skip to content
WaterHeating.caby CANRO Heating & Cooling

Comparison

Bradford White RG2PDV40S6N vs RG2PDV50S6N: Power Direct-Vent 40 or 50 Gallons?

Verdict in brief

Both are Bradford White power direct-vent tanks: twin-pipe 2 in or 3 in PVC-family venting for sealed combustion, with a 120 V blower. The RG2PDV40S6N holds 40 US gallons and rates 75 US gal first-hour at UEF 0.70; the RG2PDV50S6N holds 50 US gallons and rates 80 US gal at UEF 0.68. Both burn 40,000 BTU/h and recover 43 US gal/h, so the choice is capacity against a 2 in wider jacket and 31 lb.

Side by side

Published manufacturer figures with units. Storage and flow figures are different measures and are shown on their own rows; blanks mean not applicable or not published.

Comparison of Bradford White RG2PDV40S6N and Bradford White RG2PDV50S6N
SpecificationBradford White RG2PDV40S6NGas storage tankBradford White RG2PDV50S6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour rating75 US gal (284 L)80 US gal (303 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, natural gas43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)
Input, natural gas40,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.70.68
Vent connection2 in or 3 in (51 or 76 mm) twin pipe, PVC, ABS or CPVC2 in or 3 in (51 or 76 mm) twin pipe, PVC, ABS or CPVC
Maximum vent length35 ft (10.7 m) in 2 in; 85 ft (26.0 m) in 3 in; minimum 7 ft (2.1 m)35 ft (10.7 m) in 2 in; 85 ft (26.0 m) in 3 in; minimum 7 ft (2.1 m)
Water connections3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps3/4 in NPT with dielectric waterways and heat traps
Gas connection1/2 in (13 mm)1/2 in (13 mm)
Height to top of heater49 9/16 in (1259 mm)50 9/16 in (1284 mm)
Jacket diameter22 in (559 mm)24 in (610 mm)
Shipping weight161 lb (73 kg)192 lb (87 kg)
Electrical supply110 VAC, 60 Hz, 3.1 A110 VAC, 60 Hz, 3.1 A

“—” means not applicable to that system type or not published by the manufacturer. Flow figures are only comparable at the same temperature rise; UEF values are only comparable within the same draw pattern.

What actually separates them

Power direct vent combines sealed combustion with power venting: a twin-pipe arrangement pulls combustion air from outside and pushes exhaust out through 2 in or 3 in PVC, ABS or CPVC, with a maximum equivalent length of 35 ft in 2 in or 85 ft in 3 in and a 7 ft minimum. Because combustion air comes from outside, the tank does not consume room air and can sit in a tight or sealed space.

The burner and recovery are shared: 40,000 BTU/h and 43 US gal/h (163 L/h) at a 90 °F (50 °C) rise. The difference is stored volume and the first-hour rating it supports: 40 US gallons nominal and 75 US gal (284 L) first-hour for the RG2PDV40S6N, against 50 US gallons and 80 US gal (303 L) for the RG2PDV50S6N.

Efficiency is close and runs to the smaller tank, UEF 0.70 against 0.68 under the medium-draw test. Both are below ENERGY STAR's 0.81 threshold, both need a 110 VAC, 3.1 A supply for the blower and control, and neither produces hot water during a power outage.

The cabinet step is 2 in of width and about 31 lb: the RG2PDV50S6N uses a 24 in (610 mm) jacket and ships at 192 lb against 22 in and 161 lb for the 40, and stands 1 in taller (50 9/16 in against 49 9/16 in). For a sealed space with an existing twin-pipe run, either fits the same venting; the 50-gallon model is the step when the peak hour demands it. Whether CANRO supplies a given size is confirmed at consultation.

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG2PDV40S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)
First-hour delivery
75 US gal (284 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG2PDV40S6N is a 40 US gallon (151 L) power direct vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 75 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.70, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. Twin-pipe closed combustion suits tightly sealed rooms with no chimney.

Natural gasPropanePower direct vent
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG2PDV50S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
80 US gal (303 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG2PDV50S6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) power direct vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 80 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.68, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. Twin-pipe closed combustion suits tightly sealed rooms with no chimney.

Natural gasPropanePower direct vent
Specifications, manuals and service

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between power vent and power direct vent?

Power direct vent uses a twin-pipe system that draws combustion air from outside and exhausts outside, so it does not consume room air. Power vent exhausts through a side wall but draws combustion air from the room.

Do both need power?

Yes. Both use a 110 VAC, 3.1 A supply for the blower and control and do not produce hot water during a power outage.

Which recovers faster?

Neither: both burn 40,000 BTU/h and recover 43 US gal/h at a 90 °F rise. The 50-gallon model simply stores more, giving it a slightly higher first-hour rating of 80 US gal against 75.

Not sure which one fits your home?

A consultation includes a hot-water demand review so capacity is right for your winter, not the brochure's.

On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.

Call 604-359-1081Request a consultation

Related

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 21, 2026. Last updated September 21, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

Call 604-359-1081Get Estimate