When it comes to delivering consistent hot water in high-demand situations, few products stand out like the Bradford White 80-Gallon Light Commercial Water Heater. Designed with both performance and reliability in mind, this unit is a go-to solution for large homes, multi-family setups, and small commercial spaces that demand more than what a standard residential water heater can offer.
What Does “Light Commercial” Mean?
In plumbing, “light commercial” refers to water heaters that bridge the gap between residential and full-scale commercial models. These units are ideal for places that require higher hot water output than the average home—think large households, salons, daycare centers, small restaurants, churches, and offices—but don’t need the massive capacity of an industrial boiler.
Bradford White’s light commercial units are built tougher than residential models, with upgraded components and extended performance ratings, while still being compact enough for common installation spaces like utility closets or basements.
Why Choose an 80-Gallon Unit?
An 80-gallon tank is perfect when:
Your home or business has high water usage
You have a whirlpool tub or multiple showers
You experience hot water shortages during peak times
You need reliability for customer-facing operations like grooming salons or medical offices
An 80-gallon light commercial water heater ensures you’re not running out of hot water when it matters most.
Features of Bradford White’s Light Commercial 80-Gallon Water Heater
Bradford White offers several models in this category. Below are some of the standout features you’ll find in their LC Series (Light Commercial) water heaters:
🔹 Model Options
LC80R-10E-3NCWW (Electric)
LC80S-65FB-3N (Gas-fired)
LC80R-10E-3N (Shorter profile option)
Always check your gas vs. electric needs before selecting a model.
🔹 Top Performance
Recovery Rate: Higher recovery rates (in gallons per hour) compared to residential tanks
Commercial-grade anode rods: For superior tank protection against corrosion
Factory-installed T&P valve and optional leak detection features
Optional ASME-rated models for code compliance in commercial installs
🔹 Durability
Vitraglas® Lining: Bradford White’s proprietary enamel coating resists corrosion better than standard glass linings
Heavy-duty insulation: Reduces standby heat loss
Built-in automatic controls: Ensure consistent water temperature
🔹 Serviceability
Easily accessible components for plumbers
Standardized replacement parts
Compatible with common venting systems (for gas models)
Ideal Applications
Homes with 5+ people
Small commercial businesses
High-usage rental properties
Offices and clinics
Boutique salons or gyms
Church kitchens or community buildings
Our Installation Approach
At Applause Plumbing and Heating, we recently installed a Bradford White 80-gallon light commercial water heater in a tight utility closet. Our installation included:
A new main shutoff valve for added safety
A drain pan under the heater for leak protection
Proper venting and code compliance for peace of mind
We specialize in clean, efficient installations—no shortcuts. When you choose us, you're not just getting a water heater, you're getting professional service you can count on.
Final Thoughts
Bradford White’s 80-gallon light commercial water heaters offer the ideal balance of capacity, durability, and performance. Whether you’re upgrading from a standard unit or building out a new space with higher hot water needs, this option provides long-lasting value with American-made quality.
Need help deciding if a light commercial water heater is right for you? We’re happy to evaluate your setup and recommend the best solution.
📞 Call Applause Plumbing and Heating today or request an estimate through our website.