Bradford White 243-55242-00 Control Box

The Bradford White 243-55242-00 is the ICON Control Box and Wiring (Magnesium Anodes) assembly for Bradford White eF Series gas water heaters. Bradford White's parts list calls it out for the EF60T125(E), EF60T150(E), EF60T199(E), EF100T150(E), EF100T199(E), EF100T250(E) and EF100T300(E), and restricts it to -897 models only. It is supplied as a complete factory assembly — the control box with its wiring already put together — so you replace one part instead of tracing individual leads inside a box that has been through years of heat, condensate, and service calls.

The magnesium anode distinction is the one that trips people up. Bradford White builds ICON control boxes in more than one configuration: the 243-55242-00 is the version for units with magnesium anodes, while 243-54158-00 is the ICON Control Box and Wiring (Powered Anodes only) version, and 243-54443-00 is the Integrated Control Box and Wiring for XL-series units from November 2021 on. They look alike on the shelf, but the wiring is built around the anode system the heater was shipped with, so a mismatch means a callback. Read the model and serial number off the heater's data plate — including the -897 designation — before you order.

Replacement is usually driven by damaged wiring insulation, corroded connectors from moisture, or a control box that was cracked or burned during an earlier repair. Before you swap the assembly, confirm gas and electrical power are off, photograph every connection, and transfer components to the new box one connector at a time so nothing is cross-wired. After installation, run the heater through a full heating cycle and check for fault codes before leaving the job.

Key Benefits

• Complete Control Box Assembly: The control box and wiring arrive as one factory-built 243-55242-00 unit, which cuts install time and wiring mistakes.
• Specified for eF Series: Listed by Bradford White for the EF60T and EF100T models above, not a universal fit-anything enclosure.
• Magnesium Anode Configuration: Built for heaters with magnesium anodes; the powered anode version is a separate part, 243-54158-00.
• Genuine Bradford White: An OEM assembly, so connectors, routing, and layout match the original build.

Common Questions

• Which water heaters does this fit? The Bradford White EF60T125(E), EF60T150(E), EF60T199(E), EF100T150(E), EF100T199(E), EF100T250(E) and EF100T300(E), -897 models only.
• How do I know whether I need this or the powered anode version? If the heater has magnesium anodes, you need the 243-55242-00. If it uses powered anodes, you need 243-54158-00. The data plate and the heater's anode type settle it.
• Does this include the anodes? No. The 243-55242-00 is the control box and wiring assembly only; the anodes are a separate item.

Disclaimer: While we strive for 100% accuracy, product data and specifications are subject to change. Please contact our team to confirm compatibility or technical details before purchasing.