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Bradford White · Series

Bradford White Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2)

Bradford White's atmospheric-vent Defender Safety System tanks are the conventional residential gas storage water heaters sold in Canada in 30, 40, 50 and 60 US gallon sizes, with inputs from 27,000 to 50,000 BTU/h and no external electricity required.

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

Series facts

System type
Gas storage tank
Efficiency
UEF 0.64 (medium draw)
Energy
Natural gas models end in N; propane models end in X (e.g. RG240T6N / RG240T6X).
Venting
Atmospheric draft hood, 3" or 4" vent connection ("Snap Lock" draft diverter). Needs a properly sized chimney or B-vent and combustion air from the room.
Models documented
11
Warranty
Published terms

UEF for the 40 US gal RG240T6N per Canadian spec sheet C1101. Other capacities differ; check each model page.

About the Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2)

The Defender Safety System is Bradford White's flammable-vapour-ignition-resistant (FVIR) design, in production since 2003, with a flame-arrestor screen, resettable thermal switch and sight window. The RG2 series is the second-generation atmospheric-vent version: a draft hood on top, a chimney or B-vent flue, and a millivolt gas control that runs on the pilot's thermopile so the heater keeps working during a power outage.

Canadian models listed by Bradford White are RG130T6N, RG140T6N, RG150T6N, RG230T6N, RG230S6N, RG240T6N, RG240S6N, RG250T6N, RG250L6N, RG250S6N and RG260T6N; the letter after the capacity (T, S, L) indicates the tank height form, the 6 or 10 the warranty term, and N or X the fuel. Features across the series include the Vitraglas tank lining with Microban, the Hydrojet dip-tube system that reduces sediment and raises first-hour delivery, a factory-installed temperature-and-pressure relief valve and a magnesium anode rod.

Gas controls vary by region: the spec sheet lists the ICON System electronic gas control with an LED status light, while the installation manual also covers a White Rodgers mechanical control with a piezo igniter. Which control ships on a given Canadian unit is confirmed from the rating plate and the valve itself, which is why WaterHeating.ca ties LED status codes to the control platform rather than to the model number alone.

Highlights

  • FVIR Defender Safety System with resettable thermal switch and sight window
  • Atmospheric vent, 3" or 4" draft hood; works without external electricity
  • Vitraglas lining with Microban; Hydrojet sediment-reducing system
  • Factory-installed T&P relief valve and magnesium anode rod
  • 30–60 US gal; 27,000–50,000 BTU/h; natural gas or propane
  • 6-year tank and parts limited warranty (10-year variants available); no labour coverage

Bradford White's residential warranty document lists a 6-year limited tank warranty and 6-year limited parts warranty for the RG240T6N (10-year models change the suffix 6 to 10), for installations in the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. Labour is not covered; removal and reinstallation charges are excluded. Consumable anode rods are excluded.

Models

Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2) models

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

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG240T6N

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 RG240T6N is a 40 US gallon (151 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 75 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.64, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the like-for-like replacement for most 40-gallon gas tanks in older Metro Vancouver homes.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG230T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)
First-hour delivery
60 US gal (227 L)
Input
32,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG230T6N is a 30 US gallon (114 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 32,000 BTU/h input, 60 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.60, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is a compact choice for small houses, suites and laneway homes on a gas supply.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG240S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)
First-hour delivery
69 US gal (261 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG240S6N is a 40 US gallon (151 L) short-form atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 69 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.58, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It fits where ceiling height rules out a tall 40-gallon tank.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG250T6N

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 RG250T6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 81 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the most common size for four-person Metro Vancouver homes replacing an existing gas tank.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG250S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
75 US gal (284 L)
Input
50,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG250S6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a high 50,000 BTU/h input, 75 US gallon first-hour rating, 204 L/h recovery and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It recovers faster than any other Defender atmospheric tank.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG230S6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)
First-hour delivery
49 US gal (185 L)
Input
30,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG230S6N is a 30 US gallon (114 L) short-form atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 30,000 BTU/h input, 49 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.54, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It fits under low ceilings where even a tall 30-gallon tank will not.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG130T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)
First-hour delivery
46 US gal (174 L)
Input
27,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG130T6N is a 30 US gallon (114 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 27,000 BTU/h input, 46 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.54, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. Its 16 in (406 mm) jacket fits narrow utility spaces.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG140T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)
First-hour delivery
64 US gal (242 L)
Input
34,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG140T6N is a 40 US gallon (151 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 34,000 BTU/h input, 64 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.59, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the low-input 40-gallon alternative to the RG240T6N.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG150T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)
First-hour delivery
75 US gal (284 L)
Input
34,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG150T6N is a 50 US gallon (189 L) atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 34,000 BTU/h input, 75 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. It is the low-input 50-gallon alternative to the RG250T6N.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG250L6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
48 US gal (40 Imp. gal, 182 L)
First-hour delivery
77 US gal (291 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

The Bradford White RG250L6N is a 48 US gallon (182 L) lowboy atmospheric-vent natural gas storage water heater with a 40,000 BTU/h input, 77 US gallon first-hour rating and UEF 0.63, sold in Canada through wholesale channels. The low, wide form fits under basement stairs and low joists.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Bradford White · Gas storage tank

Bradford White RG260T6N

CurrentSold in Canada
Nominal capacity
60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L)
First-hour delivery
81 US gal (307 L)
Input
40,000 BTU/h

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.

Natural gasPropaneAtmospheric (draft hood)
Specifications, manuals and service

Compare models in this series

Comparison of Bradford White RG240T6N and Bradford White RG230T6N and Bradford White RG240S6N and Bradford White RG250T6N and Bradford White RG250S6N and Bradford White RG230S6N and Bradford White RG130T6N and Bradford White RG140T6N and Bradford White RG150T6N and Bradford White RG250L6N and Bradford White RG260T6N
SpecificationBradford White RG240T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG230T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG240S6NGas storage tankBradford White RG250T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG250S6NGas storage tankBradford White RG230S6NGas storage tankBradford White RG130T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG140T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG150T6NGas storage tankBradford White RG250L6NGas storage tankBradford White RG260T6NGas storage tank
Rated nominal volume40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)30 US gal (25 Imp. gal, 114 L)40 US gal (33 Imp. gal, 151 L)50 US gal (42 Imp. gal, 189 L)48 US gal (40 Imp. gal, 182 L)60 US gal (50 Imp. gal, 227 L)
First-hour rating75 US gal (284 L)60 US gal (227 L)69 US gal (261 L)81 US gal (307 L)75 US gal (284 L)49 US gal (185 L)46 US gal (174 L)64 US gal (242 L)75 US gal (284 L)77 US gal (291 L)81 US gal (307 L)
Recovery at 90 °F (50 °C) rise, natural gas43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)34 US gal/h (28 Imp. gal/h, 129 L/h)43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)43 US gal/h (36 Imp. gal/h, 163 L/h)54 US gal/h (45 Imp. gal/h, 204 L/h)32 US gal/h (27 Imp. gal/h, 121 L/h)29 US gal/h (24 Imp. gal/h, 110 L/h)37 US gal/h (31 Imp. gal/h, 139 L/h)37 US gal/h (31 Imp. gal/h, 139 L/h)43 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/h32,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h50,000 BTU/h30,000 BTU/h27,000 BTU/h34,000 BTU/h34,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h40,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), medium draw0.640.60.580.630.630.540.540.590.630.63—
Height to top of heater56 5/8 in (1438 mm)56 1/4 in (1429 mm)48 1/16 in (1221 mm)56 5/8 in (1438 mm)56 5/8 in (1438 mm)45 3/4 in (1162 mm)56 1/4 in (1429 mm)57 13/16 in (1468 mm)56 5/8 in (1438 mm)48 1/16 in (1221 mm)57 3/16 in (1453 mm)
Jacket diameter20 in (508 mm)18 in (457 mm)22 in (559 mm)22 in (559 mm)22 in (559 mm)20 in (508 mm)16 in (406 mm)18 in (457 mm)20 in (508 mm)24 in (610 mm)24 in (610 mm)
Shipping weight134 lb (61 kg)116 lb (53 kg)139 lb (63 kg)154 lb (70 kg)167 lb (76 kg)113 lb (51 kg)106 lb (48 kg)132 lb (60 kg)148 lb (67 kg)170 lb (77 kg)192 lb (87 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

Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2) codes and status lights

  • 4 flashes, 3-second pause Temperature cut-out reached, shutdown (ICON System)Bradford White ICON System electronic gas control (V1 single-colour or V2 coloured LED status light); the current Canadian parts list 238-53513-00F lists the ICON gas control as the replacement control for the RG2 atmospheric family
  • 2 flashes, 3-second pause Weak pilot signal or low thermopile voltage (ICON System)Bradford White ICON System electronic gas control (V1 single-colour or V2 coloured LED status light)
  • 3 flashes, 3-second pause Insufficient water heating (ICON System V1)Bradford White ICON System V1 electronic gas control (green LED status light)
  • 5 flashes, 3-second pause Electronics, sensor or gas valve fault (ICON System)Bradford White ICON System electronic gas control (V1 single-colour or V2 coloured LED status light)
  • 6 flashes, 3-second pause Water leak detected by the accessory module (ICON System V1)Bradford White ICON System V1 electronic gas control (green LED status light) with the optional leak-detection accessory module
  • 7 flashes, 3-second pause Gas control electronic fault detected (ICON System V1)Bradford White ICON System V1 electronic gas control (green LED status light)
  • 8 flashes, 3-second pause Standing pilot remains on with the control in OFF (ICON System V1)Bradford White ICON System V1 electronic gas control (green LED status light)

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.

See all service areas

Services for Bradford White gas storage tank units

Frequently asked questions

Does an atmospheric-vent tank need electricity?

No. The pilot's thermopile powers the gas control, so an RG2 tank keeps heating during a power outage. Power-vent and direct-vent models with blowers do need a 120 V supply.

Can an atmospheric tank be replaced by a tankless unit?

Often, but not as a swap. A condensing tankless unit needs PVC or polypropylene venting to an exterior wall, usually a larger gas line, a condensate drain and a 120 V outlet. The tank-to-tankless conversion service page explains what changes.

What efficiency does this series have?

The 40 US gal RG240T6N is rated UEF 0.64 on its Canadian spec sheet. That is a medium-draw UEF under the current test; it cannot be compared with a legacy EF number or with a tankless unit's UEF measured under a different draw pattern.

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

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Related

Sources and verification

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

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