Is the Ruud PROE36 S2 RU95 right for your installation?
The Ruud PROE36 S2 RU95 is a short electric tank with 36 gallons nominal capacity and 33 gallons rated storage. Its body is 31½ inches high by 24¼ inches in diameter, with the water connections at 33 inches. Ruud lists a 46-gallon first-hour rating and 0.92 UEF.
This model is worth comparing where low headroom matters but a broad tank can fit. The current sheet does not apply a required external-blanket footnote to this model. That makes it a useful comparison with the nearby 28 B and 38 B models, whose installed blanket dimensions must be added to the bare-tank measurements.
Image note: Ruud supplies one tall-tank photograph for this family. It is a representative manufacturer image; this short model has different proportions. Use the dimensions above to judge fit.
Ruud PROE36 S2 RU95 specifications
| Exact model | PROE36 S2 RU95 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer classification | Short electric storage tank; indoor installation |
| Nominal capacity | 36 gallons |
| Rated storage | 33 gallons |
| First-hour rating | 46 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 | 31½ inches |
| B — height to water connections | 33 inches |
| C — tank diameter | 24¼ 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 | 118 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
A 24¼-inch tank can create an access problem even when the installation area itself is wide enough. Measure the doorway and turns along the delivery route. The low profile also means that drain, element panels and shutoff arrangements need to remain reachable rather than becoming trapped behind other equipment.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROE36 S2 RU95 (short) | 36 / 33 | 46 | 31½ × 24¼ in. |
| PROE28 S2 RU95 B (short) | 28 / 26 | 45 | 30 × 19¾ in. before blanket |
| PROE38 S2 RU95 B (short) | 38 / 35 | 51 | 31½ × 23 in. before blanket |
| PROE47 S2 RU95 (short) | 47 / 43 | 54 | 32 × 26¼ in. |
The 28 B has 26 gallons rated storage and a 45-gallon first-hour rating. After its required blanket is included, its calculated body diameter is about 24¾ inches—slightly wider than this 36’s bare body. The 38 B increases rated storage to 35 gallons and first-hour delivery to 51 gallons, but reaches about 27 inches across with its blanket. The 47 short has 43 gallons rated storage and a 54-gallon first-hour rating in a 26¼-inch body. These differences show why nominal gallons alone are an incomplete guide to replacement fit.
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.
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 PROE36 S2 RU95 FAQs
How much water does the PROE36 S2 RU95 store?
It is a 36-gallon nominal model with 33 gallons of rated storage. The 46-gallon first-hour rating measures delivery during a standardized hour, including newly heated water; it is not the amount stored at once.
Does this 36-gallon model require the blanket used on the 38 B?
The current Ruud sheet applies the required-blanket footnotes to the 28 B and 38 B rows, not to PROE36 S2 RU95. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact heater and do not transfer another model’s blanket requirement.
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.