Is the A.O. Smith ENLB-40 110 right for your replacement?
The A.O. Smith ENLB-40 110 is a short, wide electric storage water heater designed for installations with limited height. Its top water connections can work well where a standard tall heater is not practical. For homes in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby communities, Water Heating Experts checks the actual space, plumbing, electrical supply and hot-water needs before recommending it.
A.O. Smith markets this as a 38-gallon lowboy. Its published rated storage volume is 34.7 gallons, and its first-hour rating is 51 gallons. Those numbers describe different things: stored water versus a standardized measure of hot-water delivery. If your household frequently runs out of hot water, we should compare demand and recovery rather than choose a replacement from the gallon label alone.
Low-clearance installations require careful measurements
The cabinet is approximately 32 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter. The top connections need additional room for properly supported piping, valves and service access. We also verify how the old heater can be removed, where drainage and the temperature-and-pressure relief discharge will run, and whether a larger-capacity option would fit. A shorter tank is not automatically easier to install.
This is a 240-volt electric resistance water heater with two 4,500-watt elements and a maximum input of 4,500 watts. We check the nameplate and existing branch circuit rather than assuming an old installation is compatible. If lower ongoing electric use is a priority and there is sufficient room for it, we can also discuss a hybrid heat-pump water heater.
Tank protection, maintenance and warranty
The ENLB-40 110 includes a CoreGard anode rod with a stainless steel core, Blue Diamond glass lining and a brass drain valve. Those features help protect the tank, but they do not replace routine maintenance or address every water-quality problem. A.O. Smith lists a six-year limited tank warranty and six-year limited parts warranty, subject to its written terms. Installation labor coverage is separate.
ENLB-40 110 questions
Is this a 40-gallon or a 38-gallon heater?
The model number contains 40, and some manufacturer description text calls it a 40-gallon nominal tank. The product’s current technical specification identifies its nominal capacity as 38 gallons and its rated storage as 34.7 gallons. We use those specification values for comparisons.
Will it fit under my counter or in a low cabinet?
Possibly, but the height of the tank alone is not enough to determine fit. The heater is 32 inches high, with water connections on top. We must allow room for connections, removal and service and check the installation instructions before making a recommendation.
Does it require a new electrical circuit?
Not necessarily. A qualified installer needs to confirm the existing voltage, circuit, wiring and breaker against the exact unit’s label and applicable code requirements. The specified model is 240 volts with 4,500-watt maximum input.
Does requesting an estimate reserve this model?
No. A free installation estimate lets WHE review your needs, the installation conditions and the availability of the exact unit. Equipment and scheduling are confirmed separately.
Discuss your replacement with WHE
Send us a photo of your current heater’s data label and a wider photo of the installation area. We can determine whether the lowboy layout makes sense or whether another A.O. Smith option would serve your household better.
Technical references: A.O. Smith ENLB-40 110 product specifications, A.O. Smith ProLine Lowboy specification sheet and manufacturer limited warranty. Verify the supplied unit and applicable warranty terms before installation.