Where the Bradford White SLE265T6-1 fits
The SLE265T6-1 is the smallest-capacity model in Bradford White’s current Large Volume Light-Service commercial electric family. Its 22-inch jacket is narrower than the 80- and 119-gallon siblings, while all three share the published 12.2 kW input and recovery rating.
This is a useful model to compare when the installation has a compatible electrical supply and needs stored hot water without the width of a larger tank. The choice still depends on the busiest period of use: how much water is drawn at once, the duration of those draws and the time available to recover between them. A smaller tank with the same heating input has less stored reserve, even though its published gallons-per-hour recovery matches the larger models.
Current model listing and electrical specification
The current manufacturer family page lists SLE265T6-1, while specification sheet 1415-0526 uses the base designation SLE265T6. This guide follows that current listing and its corresponding model row. The difference in how the suffix is displayed is not evidence of a separate generation or a different voltage. Confirm the complete model and rating plate of the unit supplied.
The sheet specifies 277V, single-phase operation only, with two 6,100W elements operating simultaneously for 12.2 kW total input. A capacity match alone does not establish electrical compatibility. The combined LE/SLE installation manual includes several wiring arrangements for different products; those examples do not establish an alternative configuration for this exact SLE model. A proposed conversion needs explicit manufacturer documentation for the supplied equipment.
Capacity, recovery and efficiency information
The current row lists 65 U.S. gallons rated nominal capacity and 50 U.S. gallons per hour recovery at a 100°F rise. At a 90°F rise, the same sheet’s 12,200W recovery table lists 56 GPH. These figures describe reheating at different temperature rises. They are not gallons stored at once, a first-hour rating or a promise of continuous fixture output.
The sheet does not publish a model-specific UEF, residential first-hour rating or separate DOE rated-storage figure for this family. WHE does not fill those gaps using numbers from the residential RE series. For a useful comparison, match the input, supply, demand pattern and temperature-rise basis, then assess the storage reserve needed between periods of use.
Dimensions, connections and installation access
- A — floor to top of heater: 60 inches.
- B — jacket diameter: 22 inches.
- C — floor to water connections: 61 inches.
- D — water-connection center spacing: 8 inches.
- E — floor to T&P connection: 61 9/16 inches.
- G — water connections: 3/4-inch NPT.
- Approximate shipping weight: 156 pounds.
Where the 65- and 80-gallon options both meet the electrical requirements, compare whether the extra stored volume justifies the wider tank and the installation work. Do not choose a larger capacity solely to cure a heater that has developed a fault. If the present system previously met demand, diagnosis may identify a repair or plumbing issue that should be considered first.
The installation plan includes more than the bare dimensions: pan and drain routing, overhead fittings, electrical access and space to reach the element covers, drain and anode. A replacement that fits through the door can still be awkward to service. Send both the full installation photo and the old rating plate so those details can be reviewed together.
Compare the other large-volume models
The SLE280T6-1 80-gallon guide covers a heater with the same 60-inch top height and 61-inch water-connection height, but a 24-inch jacket. The SLE2120T6-1 increases rated nominal capacity to 119 gallons, uses a 28-inch jacket and stands 63 inches to the heater top. It also changes to 1-inch water connections. All three list 50 GPH recovery at a 100°F rise.
The smaller and larger siblings therefore change stored reserve and fit more than published heating power. WHE asks whether the demand is a short concentrated draw or a sustained load. That distinction helps avoid selecting more tank volume when the underlying concern is recovery, a failed component or a plumbing problem.
Equipment features and ongoing care
Bradford White lists INCOLOY immersion elements, foam insulation, dielectric waterways with heat traps, a protective anode and a top-mounted T&P relief valve. These features do not remove the need for maintenance. Follow the supplied instructions for inspection and sediment care, and use the full model and serial number when identifying service parts. A family photograph cannot establish an optional accessory or the precise layout of every capacity.
This family is intended for an indoor location. WHE reviews water connections, leak management, relief discharge, the supporting location and thermal-expansion provisions where required by the installation. Electrical supply and protection are checked for the actual nameplate. Service procedures and internal electrical work belong with qualified professionals following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Warranty and estimate scope
The specified six-year models carry six-year limited tank coverage and one-year limited component-parts coverage. The applicable commercial certificate excludes various replacement and repair costs, including removal and installation, subject to its terms and applicable law. Keep the original installation records, complete equipment identification and supplied warranty; the manufacturer determines claim eligibility.
An installation estimate considers equipment availability, removal access, the plumbing changes, supporting location and any electrical work needed. A manufacturer warranty is separate from the scope and coverage of the installation service. We confirm the proposed work and equipment before discussing a final installation date.
Manufacturer references and image
Sources checked October 17, 2026: Large Volume Light-Service Upright Electric family, 1415-0526 specification sheet (May 2026), 238-54649-00F installation manual (August 2026), and 238-36612-00AB commercial warranty (December 2025). The official manufacturer image is representative of the family; proportions and connections vary by model.
Discuss a replacement with Water Heating Experts
WHE is family owned and master plumber owned, serving Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities under Florida license CFC1426133. Review our Bradford White installation page, electric water heater service and model catalog. For a home replacing an older large electric tank, we can also compare heat-pump alternatives after checking the site.
Call 561-602-9062 or request a free installation estimate. Include your current model, property type, installation photos and hot-water concerns. Booking starts the estimate process; availability and scheduling are confirmed afterward.
Bradford White SLE265T6-1 FAQs
Is SLE265T6-1 a residential 240V water heater?
The current SLE specification is for a light-service commercial heater wired at 277V, single-phase, with 12.2 kW simultaneous input. Do not infer a 240V configuration from tank size or from wiring examples for other models in a shared manual.
Does the 80-gallon model recover faster?
The current sheet lists the same 50 GPH recovery at a 100°F rise for the 65-, 80- and 119-gallon models. The larger tanks provide more rated nominal capacity; they do not have a higher published input in this family.
Does this model heat both elements at once?
Yes. The current SLE sheet specifies two 6,100W elements operating simultaneously for 12.2 kW total input at 277V, single phase. This differs from a typical non-simultaneous arrangement. The supplied rating plate and approved instructions must match the proposed installation.
Is this a heat-pump water heater?
No. It heats stored water using electric resistance elements. A heat-pump alternative requires a separate review of the equipment, airflow, condensate drainage, electrical supply and available space.
What warranty applies to this six-year model?
The current family specification lists six-year limited tank coverage and one-year limited component-parts coverage. The commercial certificate sets the conditions and exclusions; removal, installation and related replacement or repair costs are excluded, subject to applicable law. Keep the supplied certificate and installation records.