Is the A.O. Smith ENS-50 110 right for your replacement?
The A.O. Smith ENS-50 110 is a short, 50-gallon-class electric storage water heater intended for indoor residential use. For homeowners who have room for a wider tank but not a conventional tall one, its shorter cabinet can be worth comparing. Water Heating Experts evaluates your current unit, available space and hot-water use before recommending equipment for homes in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby communities.
A.O. Smith lists 50 gallons of nominal capacity and 46 gallons of rated storage, with a 57-gallon first-hour rating. That first-hour figure is a standardized measure of how much hot water the heater can deliver over the first hour; it is not the amount stored inside the tank or a promise of unlimited showers. If multiple fixtures or appliances run close together, we review your demand and recovery needs before selecting a model.
How the short design affects installation
The ENS-50 110 is 49¼ inches high and 23 inches in diameter, with ¾-inch top water connections. These are heater dimensions, not the full installation clearance. Connections above the tank, electrical access, the temperature-and-pressure relief discharge, drainage and room for future service and removal all matter. We verify the actual space and any required piping changes before confirming replacement work.
Compared with the A.O. Smith ENT-50 130 tall electric heater, which measures 59 inches high by 20½ inches in diameter, the ENS-50 110 saves height but takes more floor space. Both models list 46 gallons of rated storage; their first-hour ratings differ (57 gallons for the ENS-50 110 versus 62 gallons for the ENT-50 130). If the installation is especially height-restricted, the ENLB-50W 110 lowboy has a different, much lower profile, but its reduced-wattage configuration also changes hot-water delivery and electrical requirements.
Electrical requirements, recovery and efficiency
In the standard configuration, this heater uses 240-volt power and two 4,500-watt heating elements. A.O. Smith lists 4,500 watts maximum input; the two elements in the standard non-simultaneous arrangement should not be added together as a 9,000-watt load. The published recovery rate is approximately 21 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise. The supplied unit’s data plate and the existing circuit, breaker and wiring must be checked before installation.
The manufacturer’s technical specifications list 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). That differs from the 0.95 UEF claim in the product page’s general marketing paragraph; we use the model’s technical specification and current ProLine data sheet. This is a conventional electric resistance water heater rather than a heat-pump model. If lower operating-energy use is important, we can discuss the space, airflow and drainage needs of a hybrid heat-pump water heater.
Tank features, maintenance and warranty
A.O. Smith lists Blue Diamond glass tank lining, a CoreGard anode rod with a stainless-steel core, a DynaClean sediment-reduction diffuser, an Incoloy lower heating element and a brass drain valve. These features support the tank’s design but do not replace maintenance or resolve every water-quality concern. We can discuss servicing needs and any necessary changes to valves, piping or drainage as part of the replacement estimate.
The ENS-50 110 includes a six-year limited tank and parts warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s written terms. Manufacturer parts coverage is separate from installation labor, removal and other expenses. WHE confirms the exact model’s availability, installation requirements and applicable labor coverage before scheduling work.
ENS-50 110 frequently asked questions
Does the ENS-50 110 store 50 gallons?
A.O. Smith advertises 50 gallons nominal capacity and lists 46 gallons rated storage. Its separate 57-gallon first-hour rating measures hot-water delivery under standardized test conditions.
How much room does this 50-gallon short tank need?
The heater is 49¼ inches high and 23 inches in diameter. Allow additional clearance for top water connections, plumbing, electrical components, service and eventual removal. WHE checks the entire installation space before recommending a replacement.
What is the difference between the ENS-50 110 and ENT-50 130?
Both have 46 gallons of rated storage. The ENS-50 110 is shorter and wider, at 49¼ by 23 inches, with a 57-gallon first-hour rating. The ENT-50 130 tall model is 59 by 20½ inches, with a 62-gallon first-hour rating. Your space and hot-water needs determine which is more suitable.
Does this model use two 4,500-watt elements at once?
The standard model has two 4,500-watt elements but is listed with 4,500 watts maximum input in a non-simultaneous arrangement. We verify the actual unit’s electrical rating and your existing circuit rather than assuming every replacement configuration is identical.
Can WHE install this model in Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter?
Water Heating Experts serves Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and neighboring Palm Beach County communities. Mention ENS-50 110 when requesting a free estimate so we can confirm service area, equipment suitability, availability and installation scheduling.
Plan your water heater replacement with WHE
For a useful starting point, text a clear photo of the current water heater’s model label and a wider photo showing the tank, connections and surrounding space. WHE can compare this heater with other A.O. Smith water heater options and explain what the installation would involve before confirming price.
Technical references: A.O. Smith ENS-50 110 model page, ProLine Standard Electric specification sheet (March 2025), installation and use-care guide, and manufacturer limited warranty. The product’s marketing description and technical table do not agree on efficiency; this listing uses the technical 0.92 UEF figure. Confirm the supplied unit’s data plate and current installation instructions before work begins.