The 6-EORS series is the volume Reliance electric line — entry-tier electric water heaters with a 6-year tank warranty. 240V dedicated circuit, 4500W upper + lower elements (5500W on 80-gallon), AO Smith manufacturing.
The lineup
- 6-30-EORS 30-gallon — compact for 1-2 person, apartments, mobile homes
- 6-40-EORS 40-gallon — 2-3 person households
- 6-50-EORS 50-gallon — volume electric pick for 3-4 person households
- 6-66-EORS 66-gallon — between-size pick for 3-4 person households needing more reserve
- 6-80-EORS 80-gallon — largest residential electric; for 4-5+ households when gas isn\'t available and heat pump install space isn\'t feasible
Specs at a glance
| Model | Gallons | FHR | UEF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-30-EORS | 30 | 45 | 0.93 |
| 6-40-EORS | 40 | 61 | 0.93 |
| 6-50-EORS | 50 | 78 | 0.93 |
| 6-66-EORS | 66 | 78 | 0.93 |
| 6-80-EORS | 80 | 92 | 0.93 |
Install requirements
- 240V dedicated 30A double-pole breaker; 10/2 NM cable
- Service disconnect within sight of unit (NEC 422.31(B))
- Drain pan required indoor or above living space
- T&P relief valve discharge tube ¾" copper/CPVC, terminate within 6" of floor
- 0" rear and side clearances on most installs; 24" front for service
Operating cost vs gas
Electric resistance is the highest-operating-cost residential water heating choice. A 50-gallon electric in a 3-person home runs $400-600/year electricity vs $250-400/year for the gas equivalent. If gas is available, gas wins on operating cost. If gas isn\'t available, consider the HPHE Hybrid Heat Pump — same install conditions, 1/3 the operating cost of resistance electric.
When 80-gallon vs 66-gallon
- 80-gal: 4-5+ household, large soaking tub, two simultaneous showers expected, lots of laundry
- 66-gal: 3-4 household, moderate demand
- If considering 80-gal electric: strongly consider HPHE-66 Hybrid instead — fits the same footprint with 3× the efficiency and IRA $2,000 tax credit
Bottom line
6-EORS is the budget electric line — same as State ProLine electric and AO Smith Signature 6-year electric. Picks: 30 for studio, 40 for couple, 50 for family of 3-4, 66 for high-demand families, 80 only if hybrid isn\'t feasible. If gas is plumbed and you can afford the upcharge, gas equivalent operates dramatically cheaper.