The Bradford White RE340S6-1NCWW stands as a flagship model in the residential upright electric water heater category, specifically designed for homeowners requiring a balance between compact dimensions and robust delivery capacity. This 40-gallon unit is part of the Energy Saver series, engineered to meet stringent Department of Energy (DOE) and ASHRAE efficiency standards. While many generic retail heaters focus on price point, this specific model prioritizes thermal retention and tank longevity through several proprietary technologies such as the Vitraglas lining and the Hydrojet Total Performance System.

Technical Specifications and Physical Dimensions

The RE340S6-1NCWW is categorized as an upright model, meaning its height-to-width ratio is optimized for vertical installations in basements, utility closets, or garages. Understanding its physical footprint is the first step for any replacement project.

Dimensions and Footprint

The unit features a jacket diameter of 22 inches (559 mm). For a 40-gallon tank, this is a standard width that allows it to fit through most 24-inch interior doors. The height, measured from the floor to the top of the heater jacket, is approximately 48.625 inches (1235 mm). However, when planning for installation, it is crucial to account for the water connections on top, which typically add another 1-2 inches of clearance requirement.

In our field experience, we often encounter tight installations where every half-inch counts. The RE340S6-1NCWW utilizes a 3/4-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread) for both cold water inlet and hot water outlet connections. These are factory-installed with true dielectric fittings, which are essential for preventing galvanic corrosion when connecting copper pipes to the steel tank—a detail often overlooked in lower-tier brands but integrated here to extend the life of the plumbing joints.

Electrical Configuration

This model is primarily designed for a 240V AC, single-phase power supply. It utilizes two 4500-watt heating elements. It is important to note that the RE340S6-1NCWW operates on a non-simultaneous basis. This means that while there are two elements, only one fires at a time—usually the upper element first to provide quick hot water to the top of the tank, followed by the lower element to heat the remaining volume.

For installations in commercial buildings or specific residential areas where 208V power is the standard, this unit remains compatible. However, the heating performance shifts: at 208V, the elements operate at 3500 watts. This 1000-watt reduction directly impacts the recovery rate, which is a critical factor for households with high consecutive hot water demands.

Advanced Proprietary Technologies

What distinguishes the Bradford White RE340S6-1NCWW from big-box store alternatives are the engineering features built into the tank's interior and its fluid dynamics.

The Vitraglas® Lining System

Corrosion is the primary enemy of any steel-tank water heater. Bradford White addresses this with Vitraglas, an exclusively engineered enamel formula. During manufacturing, this glass-like coating is fused to the internal steel surface by firing it at temperatures exceeding 1600°F.

Unlike standard porcelain linings, Vitraglas offers superior flexibility and resistance to the highly corrosive effects of hot water over long durations. In our tear-down assessments of older units, Vitraglas consistently shows fewer "holidays" or microscopic gaps in the coating compared to industry-standard linings. Furthermore, many versions of this model now incorporate Microban® antimicrobial product protection into the lining, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface of the tank lining—a significant plus for water hygiene.

Hydrojet® Total Performance System

Sediment buildup is the silent killer of electric water heaters. As minerals like calcium and magnesium precipitate out of the water, they settle at the bottom of the tank, burying the lower heating element and reducing efficiency while increasing noise (often heard as a "popping" sound).

The RE340S6-1NCWW features the Hydrojet system, which is essentially a specialized cold-water inlet dip tube. It is designed to create high-velocity turbulence inside the tank. This turbulent action keeps solids in suspension and prevents them from settling at the base. By maintaining a clean tank bottom, the Hydrojet system ensures that the lower heating element operates at peak efficiency and helps the tank achieve a higher "First Hour Delivery" rating.

Performance Metrics and Recovery Rates

For a household of 2 to 4 people, the performance of the RE340S6-1NCWW is generally more than sufficient. However, performance is defined by two metrics: the First Hour Rating and the Recovery Rate.

First Hour Rating (FHR)

The First Hour Rating for this model is typically listed between 49 and 55 gallons, depending on the specific manufacturing run and testing conditions. This number represents the total amount of hot water the heater can provide in the first hour of use, starting with a fully heated tank. It combines the 40-gallon storage capacity with the recovery capability of the elements during that hour.

In a real-world scenario, this means a family could potentially run two showers consecutively and a load of laundry without exhausting the hot water supply, provided the usage is spread across that 60-minute window.

Recovery Rate Analysis

The recovery rate refers to how quickly the heater can raise the temperature of the incoming cold water after the tank has been drained. For the RE340S6-1NCWW at 240V, the recovery rate is approximately 21 gallons per hour (GPH) at a 90°F (50°C) temperature rise.

If the incoming cold water is 50°F and your thermostat is set to 140°F, the unit will take roughly two hours to fully recover if the entire 40 gallons were exhausted. Understanding this cycle is vital for users who frequently use large soaking tubs or have high-flow showerheads.

Installation Considerations and Best Practices

Installing the RE340S6-1NCWW requires adherence to both electrical codes and plumbing standards. As a professional-grade unit, it is often preferred by contractors because of its "install-friendly" design.

Clearance and Ventilation

Although electric water heaters do not require venting like gas units, they still need space for maintenance. We recommend a minimum of 2 inches of clearance around the sides and at least 12 inches in front of the access panels where the thermostats and elements are located. Since the T&P (Temperature and Pressure) relief valve is factory-installed on the side of the unit, ensure there is a clear path for the discharge pipe to be routed to a floor drain or to the exterior, according to local codes.

Thermal Expansion

The RE340S6-1NCWW is a sealed system. In many modern plumbing setups with backflow preventers or pressure-reducing valves, there is no place for water to expand as it heats up. This can cause the T&P valve to drip or, worse, stress the Vitraglas lining. We always recommend installing a thermal expansion tank on the cold water line to absorb this pressure, even if the unit is a direct replacement for an older heater that didn't have one.

The Role of Heat Traps

One subtle feature of this model is the factory-installed heat traps. These are small internal devices in the inlet and outlet connections that prevent "thermosiphoning"—the process where hot water rises into the cold pipes by convection when no water is being used. By stopping this heat migration, the RE340S6-1NCWW significantly reduces standby heat loss, saving the homeowner money on their monthly utility bill.

Long-term Maintenance and Longevity

The RE340S6-1NCWW comes with a 6-year limited warranty on the tank and component parts. However, with proper maintenance, these units frequently last 10 to 15 years.

Anode Rod Inspection

The most critical maintenance task is the inspection of the magnesium anode rod. The anode rod is a sacrificial component; it corrodes so that the steel tank doesn't. In areas with "aggressive" or softened water, the anode rod can be consumed in as little as 2-3 years. If the rod is depleted and not replaced, the tank will begin to corrode internally, leading to a leak that cannot be repaired.

Because the RE340S6-1NCWW is an upright model, the anode rod is accessible from the top. We suggest checking it every 3 years. If the core wire is visible, it is time for a replacement.

Flushing the Tank

Despite the effectiveness of the Hydrojet system, a manual flush once a year is still a best practice. Opening the brass drain valve at the bottom and allowing a few gallons of water to flow out can remove any heavy debris that the turbulence couldn't keep in suspension. The brass drain valve on this model is far superior to the plastic valves found on cheaper units, as it is less likely to crack or leak after its first use.

Comparison: Why Choose the RE340S6-1NCWW?

When comparing this model to competitors like AO Smith's ProLine or Rheem's Professional series, several factors stand out.

  1. Build Quality: The use of copper screw-in elements rather than stainless steel or zinc-plated elements provides better thermal transfer and easier removal if they ever burn out.
  2. Insulation: The non-CFC foam insulation is injected into the space between the tank and the outer jacket, creating a rigid structure that minimizes heat loss. This isn't just a blanket wrapped around the tank; it's a structural component that improves the unit's "Uniform Energy Factor" (UEF).
  3. Safety Features: The fast-acting surface-mount thermostats include a manual reset energy cutoff (high-limit switch). If the water temperature exceeds safe levels, the power is cut completely, preventing a dangerous over-pressurization event.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the RE340S6-1NCWW is highly reliable, users may occasionally encounter issues.

No Hot Water

The first thing to check is the circuit breaker in the home's electrical panel. If the breaker hasn't tripped, the issue is often the "ECO" (Emergency Cut Off) button on the upper thermostat. If the water got too hot, this safety switch will pop. Resetting it might restore power, but it usually indicates that either the thermostat or an element has failed and needs testing with a multimeter.

Noise During Heating

If you hear a sizzling or hissing sound, it usually indicates scale buildup on the heating elements. This is common in hard water areas. While the Hydrojet keeps the tank floor clean, it can't always prevent scale from baking onto the elements themselves. In such cases, removing the elements and cleaning them with white vinegar or replacing them is the standard fix.

Slow Hot Water Recovery

If the heater takes significantly longer than two hours to recover, one of the two heating elements may have burned out. Since the unit operates non-simultaneously, if the lower element fails, you will still have hot water (heated by the top element), but the total volume will be limited, and the recovery will be extremely slow.

Environmental and Efficiency Impact

In the context of the global shift toward electrification, the RE340S6-1NCWW remains a relevant choice. While it does not have the ultra-high efficiency of a heat pump water heater (HPWH), it has a much lower initial cost and a smaller physical footprint. For homes where a heat pump unit isn't feasible due to space constraints or ambient temperature requirements, the high-quality insulation and heat traps of this Bradford White model make it one of the most efficient "standard" electric options available.

The insulation used is also environmentally conscious. By using non-CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) foam, Bradford White ensures that the manufacturing process and the eventual disposal of the unit have a reduced impact on the ozone layer.

Summary

The Bradford White RE340S6-1NCWW 40-gallon electric water heater is a robust, professionally engineered appliance that prioritizes durability and consistent performance. Through its Vitraglas lining and Hydrojet sediment reduction system, it addresses the two most common causes of water heater failure: corrosion and mineral buildup. Whether you are a homeowner looking for a reliable long-term investment or a contractor seeking a unit with a low callback rate, the technical specifications and build quality of the RE340S6-1NCWW make it a standout choice in the residential market.

FAQ

What is the life expectancy of the Bradford White RE340S6-1NCWW? With regular anode rod inspections and annual flushing, this model typically lasts between 10 and 15 years.

Can I install 4500W elements if my current breaker is only 20 amps? No. A 4500W element at 240V draws approximately 18.75 amps. Electrical code requires a circuit to be sized at 125% of the continuous load, meaning you need a 25-amp or 30-amp breaker and 10-gauge wire for this unit.

Does the RE340S6-1NCWW come with a power cord? No. Like most residential electric water heaters, it is designed to be hard-wired through a flexible conduit (whip) to a junction box.

Is it normal for the T&P valve to drip occasionally? While common, it is not "normal." It usually indicates high water pressure in the home or the need for a thermal expansion tank. If the valve drips constantly, it may have debris stuck in the seat or have failed and should be replaced immediately.

What is the difference between 208V and 240V performance on this model? The unit is compatible with both. However, at 208V, the wattage drops to 3500W, which results in a slower recovery rate compared to the 4500W output achieved at 240V.