Where the Ruud PROG50-36P RU62 fits
This standard tall propane model combines a nominal 50-gallon capacity with 48 gallons of rated storage. Its 36,000-BTU/h input and 21½-inch diameter distinguish it from the narrower 40-gallon propane options. Use the complete RU62 suffix when requesting equipment or comparing an estimate.
The photograph is Ruud’s representative tall Atmospheric family image. It shows the standard side-T&P arrangement; the exact dimensions and burner rating come from the model row below.
PROG50-36P RU62 specifications
| Exact model | PROG50-36P RU62 |
|---|---|
| Fuel and venting | Propane; atmospheric natural draft |
| Nominal capacity / rated storage | 50 gallons / 48 gallons |
| Gas input | 36,000 BTU/h |
| First-hour rating | 76 gallons |
| Recovery | 36.4 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.65 |
| A — height to vent | 62½ inches |
| B — tank height | 59¼ inches |
| C — tank diameter | 21½ inches |
| D — height to gas connection | 14½ inches |
| E — listed vent size | 3 or 4 inches; final vent sizing requires installation review |
| F — water-connection centers | 8 inches |
| G — height to side T&P valve | 52½ inches |
| H — water-connection size | ¾ inch |
| Shipping weight | 165 lb; not filled operating weight |
| Base limited warranty | 6-year tank and parts; eligibility and exclusions apply |
Hot-water demand and comparable models
The 40-gallon PROG40-36P RU62 has an 84-gallon first-hour rating, compared with 76 for this 50-gallon model. This heater adds 10 gallons of rated storage and has a 21½-inch diameter instead of 19½ inches. The PROG40-32P RU62 is narrower again at 18½ inches, with a 67-gallon first-hour rating. Storage, delivery and installation footprint need to be considered together.
First-hour rating combines stored hot water and recovery under a standardized test. It is not a promise of continuous delivery at that rate. Tell us about back-to-back showers, tub filling and appliances used at the same time so we can compare the heater with your actual peak demand. Incoming water temperature and fixture flow also affect the result.
Fit, gas supply and atmospheric venting
The 21½-inch body may require a different pan or piping layout when replacing a narrower propane heater. Allow space for the side relief-valve discharge and service access, not just the tank. We also confirm the propane supply serving the heater and the other appliances before treating an existing connection as suitable.
Order this factory propane model for an LP supply. A similar-looking natural gas unit is a different configuration; the manual prohibits changing the heater to another fuel. WHE reviews the propane supply, regulator arrangement and connected appliance demand as part of the installation assessment.
This atmospheric heater uses natural draft through a suitable vent system. WHE checks the draft hood, connector, complete vent route, combustion-air supply and any shared appliances. The sheet’s “3 or 4 inches” entry is not a stand-alone instruction to pick either pipe size. A power-vent or direct-vent installation needs a separate suitability review.
This guide covers the standard side-T&P model with top water connections. It does not specify the separate TT top-relief-valve or AX side-water-connection version. We plan the relief discharge, shutoffs, thermal-expansion provisions and any pan or drainage work around the actual installation.
Care, features and warranty
The family includes Ruud’s Guardian combustion shut-off system, a low-NOx burner, an anode rod and a brass drain valve. “Low NOx” does not mean ultra-low NOx, and the combustion shut-off feature is not a water-leak shutoff. Keep the air openings and service areas accessible and follow the supplied maintenance instructions. Sediment-control features do not eliminate maintenance.
Ruud lists a six-year limited tank and parts warranty. The linked residential certificate distinguishes eligible single-family use from other installations and excludes labor and reinstallation costs. Keep the purchase record, model and serial number. ProtectionPlus is an optional tank-warranty extension; it is not included base coverage or an automatic extension of parts and labor. Confirm the certificate supplied with the unit.
Which manufacturer figures this guide uses
Specifications here follow Ruud’s October 2025 sheet, RU-PROA-ATM-SS-10.25. The family web table still uses an older Energy Factor column. Those EF figures are not interchangeable with the UEF values in the current sheet. The older web table also includes PROG50-36P RU60. The current linked sheet verifies RU62 for this standard tall propane selection; its ratings should not be assigned to an RU60-labeled unit. Confirm the delivered rating plate, EnergyGuide and supplied instructions before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Why does this guide use RU62 when the website also mentions RU60 propane?
Ruud’s older web table includes PROG50-36P RU60, but the currently linked October 2025 specification sheet lists PROG50-36P RU62 as the standard tall 50-gallon propane model. This guide covers the verified RU62 row; do not transfer its specifications to an RU60-labeled heater.
Is PROG50-36P RU62 natural gas or propane?
This exact model is propane, with 36,000 BTU/h input. For the other fuel, compare Ruud PROG50-40N RU62 as a separate selection. Do not assume equal dimensions or performance, and do not convert this heater to another fuel.
Does a 50-gallon label mean 50 gallons of rated storage?
No. Ruud lists 50 gallons nominal and 48 gallons rated storage for this model. Its 76-gallon first-hour rating is a separate performance measure that includes recovery during testing.
How much height does this tall model need?
The tank itself is 59¼ inches high; the drawing lists 62½ inches to the vent. The installation also needs space for venting, water piping and service. Those dimensions alone do not establish the required enclosure height or clearances.
Can WHE quote a replacement from photos?
Clear photos of the data plate, entire heater, vent, gas connection and surrounding space help us start. We confirm the fuel, fit, demand and installation scope before finalizing equipment and pricing. An existing 50-gallon tank alone does not establish compatibility.
Plan a Ruud replacement with WHE
Water Heating Experts helps homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities compare equipment and installation needs. See our gas water heater installation service, Ruud model guides and complete model catalog. Include the full model number when requesting an estimate so the proposed fuel, burner and connection arrangement are clear.
Official Ruud documents
- Professional Achiever Atmospheric family page
- Specification sheet RU-PROA-ATM-SS-10.25, October 2025 (model table on page 2)
- Residential gas FVIR use and care manual AP14328-5, May 2017
- Residential six-year limited warranty certificate AP16826-2
Specifications checked October 17, 2026. Use the instructions and warranty supplied with the delivered heater.