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Bradford White · Series

Bradford White Damper atmospheric vent Defender (RG2D)

Bradford White's damper Defender tanks are atmospheric-vent gas storage heaters with an automatic flue damper that closes when the burner is off: RG2D40S6N and RG2D50S6N (40 and 50 US gal, 38,000 to 40,000 BTU/h), sold in Canada with UEF 0.64 to 0.68 and a 120 VAC damper motor.

Current seriesSold in CanadaGas storage tankNatural gasPropaneresidential
Request service for this seriesReplacement estimate

Series facts

System type
Gas storage tank
Efficiency
UEF 0.68 (medium draw)
Energy
Natural gas models end in N; propane models end in X. Inputs are 38,000 to 40,000 BTU/h on both fuels per the Canadian sheet.
Venting
Atmospheric venting through a 3 in or 4 in "Snap Lock" draft diverter into a chimney or B-vent, with an automatic flue damper that closes during standby. A 10 ft (3 m) 120 VAC power cord is included for the damper and control.
Models documented
2
Warranty
Published terms

UEF 0.64 for the 40 US gal RG2D40S6N and 0.68 for the RG2D50S6N per Canadian spec sheet C1120.

About the Damper atmospheric vent Defender (RG2D)

The damper line is the atmospheric tank for a chimney that works but leaks heat: an automatic flue damper closes the vent path when the burner is off, which the Canadian sheet credits with reduced standby heat loss and lower gas consumption. The tank still vents by natural draft through a 3 in or 4 in draft diverter when firing, so no blower is involved.

Both models are Defender Safety System flammable-vapour-ignition-resistant tanks with the ICON System electronic control and no standing pilot. The damper and control run on 120 VAC from the included 10 ft power cord, so the unit needs a receptacle and stops heating during an outage. Inputs are 38,000 BTU/h (40 gal) and 40,000 BTU/h (50 gal) on both fuels; the 40-gallon model rates UEF 0.64 and the 50-gallon 0.68.

A damper unit is not a like-for-like swap for a plain atmospheric tank: the venting and electrical requirements differ, and the automatic damper must be part of the installation assessment. Whether CANRO stocks a given model for a job is confirmed at consultation.

Highlights

  • Atmospheric venting through a 3 or 4 in draft diverter with an automatic flue damper
  • Defender FVIR flammable-vapour resistance on both models
  • Electronic ignition and damper closed during standby reduce standby loss
  • 38,000–40,000 BTU/h on natural gas and propane; UEF 0.64–0.68
  • Included 10 ft (3 m) 120 VAC power cord
  • 6 or 10-year tank warranty, 6-year parts warranty, no labour

The Canadian damper sheet lists 6 or 10-year limited tank warranties with a 6-year limited warranty on component parts (10-year models change the suffix 6 to 10). Labour is not covered; removal and reinstallation charges are excluded.

Models

Damper atmospheric vent Defender (RG2D) models

One canonical page per model. Capacity and fuel variants stay on that page.

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG2D40S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
40 US gal (151 L)
First-hour delivery
62 US gal (235 L)
Input
38,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG2D40S6N is a 40 US gallon (151 L) damper atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 38,000 BTU/h input, 62 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.64, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. An automatic flue damper closes during standby to cut heat loss up the chimney.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG2D50S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
81 US gal (307 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG2D50S6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) damper atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 81 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.68, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. An automatic flue damper closes during standby to cut heat loss up the chimney.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Compare models in this series

Comparison of Bradford White RG2D40S6N and Bradford White RG2D50S6N
SpecificationBradford White RG2D40S6NGas storage tankBradford White RG2D50S6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume40 US gal (151 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour rating62 US gal (235 L)81 US gal (307 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise41 US gal/h (155 L/h)43 US gal/h (163 L/h)
Input, natural gas38,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.640.68
Height to top of heater47 11/16 in (1211 mm)56 9/16 in (1437 mm)
Jacket diameter22 in (559 mm)22 in (559 mm)
Shipping weight155 lb (70 kg)174 lb (79 kg)

“—” 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.

Fault codes

Damper atmospheric vent Defender (RG2D) codes and status lights

No codes documented for this series yet.

Manuals

Official documents

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.

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Services for Bradford White gas storage tank units

Frequently asked questions

What does the automatic flue damper do?

It closes the vent passage while the burner is off, so warm air from the tank area stops escaping up the chimney in standby. The damper opens before the burner fires and needs 120 VAC power.

Can a damper model replace a plain atmospheric tank?

Physically yes, but the electrical supply and the damper's venting requirements make it a different installation from a like-for-like swap; the assessment covers that before any estimate.

Talk to a water heater technician

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.

Call 604-359-1081Request service

Related

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

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