Is the Ruud PROE55 T2 RU94 right for your installation?
The Ruud PROE55 T2 RU94 has the largest rated storage in this Professional Achiever Standard Electric family: 55 gallons. Ruud also lists a 72-gallon first-hour rating. Its body measures 57 inches high by 22¼ inches in diameter, with the water connections at 59¾ inches. It deserves a direct comparison with the 50-gallon models when more stored reserve is the goal.
The complete model number matters here. Ruud’s family webpage still shows PROE55 T2 RU95, but the specification sheet currently linked from that page identifies this 55-gallon model as PROE55 T2 RU94. This guide follows that sheet. WHE checks the supplier’s complete model and the delivered nameplate before confirming a replacement.
Image note: Ruud supplies one tall-tank photograph for this family. It is a representative manufacturer image; individual tall models differ in proportions. Use the dimensions above to judge fit.
Ruud PROE55 T2 RU94 specifications
| Exact model | PROE55 T2 RU94 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer classification | Tall electric storage tank; indoor installation |
| Nominal capacity | 55 gallons |
| Rated storage | 55 gallons |
| First-hour rating | 72 gallons |
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) | 0.92 |
| Standard supply / elements | 240V AC, single phase; two 4,500W elements, non-simultaneous operation |
| Recovery at a 90°F temperature rise | 21 gallons per hour with the standard 4,500W configuration |
| A — tank body height | 57 inches |
| B — height to water connections | 59¾ inches |
| C — tank diameter | 22¼ inches |
| Water connections | Top; ¾-inch NPT, shown on 8-inch centers in the series drawing |
| Required supplied external blanket | No required-blanket footnote on this model’s specification row |
| Approximate shipping weight | 128 lb; not the filled operating weight |
| Base limited warranty | Six years tank and parts for eligible single-family residential use; written terms apply |
Rated storage, first-hour delivery and UEF measure different things. They do not by themselves establish a number of showers or a household’s energy bill.
Dimensions, connections and replacement fit
Although classified as tall, the 55’s body is lower than the tall 40 and tall 50. The tradeoff is width: 22¼ inches before allowing for the pan and service access. Its 55 gallons of rated storage also mean the installation support must be evaluated for the filled tank, not just its 128-pound approximate shipping weight.
Ruud does not attach a required external-blanket footnote to this model’s row. Do not add another model’s blanket dimensions or assume an optional accessory is included. The exact supplied equipment and instructions govern the finished installation.
WHE checks the full delivery route, supporting surface, drain pan, nearby pipes and access to the front panels, drain valve and anode. The tank dimensions are not minimum installation clearances. We also review water pressure, thermal expansion and temperature-and-pressure relief discharge as part of the scope.
Compare nearby Ruud models
| Model | Nominal / rated gallons | First-hour gallons | Body height × diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROE55 T2 RU94 (tall) | 55 / 55 | 72 | 57 × 22¼ in. |
| PROE50 T2 RU95 (tall) | 50 / 45 | 63 | 58⅝ × 20¼ in. |
| PROE50 M2 RU95 (medium) | 50 / 45 | 62 | 48 × 23 in. |
Compared with the tall 50, this model adds ten gallons of rated storage and nine gallons in the standardized first-hour test. It is 1⅝ inches lower at the body and two inches wider. Compared with the medium 50, it is nine inches taller but ¾ inch narrower. All three list the same standard 21 GPH recovery at a 90°F rise; the larger reserve does not mean the heating elements replenish water faster.
WHE sizes around peak use, including shower flow, tub volume and overlapping appliances. These standard configurations share 21 GPH recovery at a 90°F rise; a larger tank does not automatically reheat faster.
Electrical configuration and installation planning
Standard power is 240V AC, single phase, with two 4,500W elements operating one at a time. Ruud notes special-order electrical options; the ratings here are for the standard configuration.
WHE checks the delivered nameplate and wiring diagram against the available circuit. These conventional tanks have no combustion flue or heat-pump condensate system. If considering relocation from an attic to a garage, send photos of both locations for an estimate.
Maintenance and warranty
The series sheet lists stainless steel elements, an anode, Ruudglas tank lining, an EverKleen diffuser and a brass drain valve. Follow the supplied manual for sediment maintenance and anode inspection; the diffuser does not make the heater maintenance-free.
The linked AP16826-2 certificate (September 2014) provides six-year limited tank and parts coverage for eligible single-family use by the original owner, and lists one year for other locations. Labor, removal and reinstallation are excluded. Confirm the supplied certificate and retain your records. ProtectionPlus is a separate extension.
Manufacturer documentation and product-image notes
The specifications above come from Ruud’s May 2024 PROE RU N Rev. 16 specification sheet, linked from its Professional Achiever Standard Electric family page. Sources checked October 17, 2026.
The webpage’s model table uses the older Energy Factor label and shows 0.95 on many rows. EF and UEF are different measures; this guide uses the linked sheet’s model-specific UEF values. The webpage also describes a copper upper element while the sheet says stainless steel upper and lower elements. The sheet is the basis here, with the supplied nameplate and parts documentation checked for the actual heater.
55-gallon model-number discrepancy: the webpage’s older table says PROE55 T2 RU95, while the linked May 2024 sheet says PROE55 T2 RU94. This guide uses the latter and does not silently substitute a different suffix.
Ruud also links the general AP9029-12 use-and-care manual (January 2015) and six-year limited warranty certificate. Use these references alongside the exact instructions delivered with the unit. A family photo or optional feature mentioned elsewhere on the page does not establish an included accessory.
Local installation help
Water Heating Experts helps homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities compare fit and hot-water demand. Send photos of the existing label, full installation and surrounding space. Start with our Ruud installation page, review our electric water heater service, or compare the full model catalog. Availability and the complete installation price are confirmed with your estimate.
Ruud PROE55 T2 RU94 FAQs
How much water does the PROE55 T2 RU94 store?
It is a 55-gallon nominal model with 55 gallons of rated storage. The 72-gallon first-hour rating measures delivery during a standardized hour, including newly heated water; it is not the amount stored at once.
Is the correct model suffix RU94 or RU95?
Ruud’s linked May 2024 PROE RU N Rev. 16 specification sheet lists PROE55 T2 RU94. The webpage’s older table says RU95. This guide uses RU94 and requires confirmation of the exact supplied unit before installation.
Do both 4,500W elements run at the same time?
Not in Ruud’s standard configuration. The sheet specifies non-simultaneous operation, meaning the controls operate one element at a time. This is not a standard 9,000W simultaneous heater. WHE verifies the nameplate and circuit before installation.
Does the series name guarantee smart controls or automatic leak shutoff?
No. The documents used for this guide do not establish Wi-Fi or automatic leak shutoff as included features of this exact standard model. The webpage mentions System Sentinel only for selected configurations; it is not assumed included here.
Does the six-year warranty include labor?
No. Ruud’s linked certificate excludes labor, removal and reinstallation costs. The six-year tank and parts term is for eligible single-family use; the certificate sets different terms for other installations. ProtectionPlus is a separate extension, not the base warranty.