Bradford White 264-33460-00 Immersion Thermostat

The Bradford White 264-33460-00 Commercial Electric Immersion Thermostat is the factory-original immersion thermostat for Bradford White’s commercial electric Energy Saver water heaters, sold under the EA5H designation. Bradford White’s 238-53682-00 commercial electric replacement parts list shows it as item 11, one per heater, on the CEA6-kW-3, CEA12-kW-3, CEA20-kW-3, CEA30-kW-3, CEA40-kW-3, CEA50-kW-3, CEA80-kW-3 and CEA120-kW-3 models, as well as the 6A-kW-3, 12A-kW-3, 20A-kW-3 and 30A-kW-3 models.

This is a capillary-and-bulb thermostat. A sealed copper sensing bulb sits in a brass externally threaded immersion bushing that screws into the tank, so the control reads actual water temperature instead of jacket or air temperature. As the water heats, the fill inside the bulb and the copper capillary tube expands and works the snap-action switch in the control body, opening and closing the circuit that calls for heat. The body carries a metal mounting bracket, a central dial shaft and two brass line terminals. The matching thermostat dial is a separate part, 264-33459-00 (item 12), and the safety high limit switch, 264-33461-00 (item 17, with two 264-34190-00 high limit spacers), is a separate circuit and is not interchangeable with this thermostat.

Reach for this part when stored water runs hotter or colder than the dial setting, when the elements stay on past setpoint, when they never call at all, or when the heater keeps tripping the high limit because the operating thermostat is no longer cycling it off. Shut off and lock out power, close the supply, and drain the tank below the bushing before you pull the old bulb, and make sure the bulb seats fully into the immersion fitting so it reads water temperature, not tank-wall heat.

Key Benefits

• Exact Parts-Book Match: Specified by Bradford White for the CEA and A-series commercial electric models listed above, not a universal replacement thermostat.
• True Immersion Sensing: The copper bulb and brass threaded bushing put the sensing element in the water, which gives a much more accurate read than a surface-mounted control.
• Pairs With the Right Companions: Order the 264-33459-00 dial and, if the safety circuit is suspect, the 264-33461-00 high limit alongside it — each is a documented, separate part.
• Genuine OEM Component: A Bradford White factory part built for this commercial electric platform, so the switch action and dial fit match the original.

Common Questions

• Which water heaters does this fit? The Bradford White commercial electric Energy Saver models CEA6-kW-3 through CEA120-kW-3 and 6A-kW-3 through 30A-kW-3 per parts list 238-53682-00. Confirm the model and serial number on the rating plate before ordering.
• Does it come with the dial? No. The 264-33459-00 thermostat dial is listed as its own item, so order it separately if yours is cracked or missing.
• Is this the same as the high limit switch? No. The operating thermostat 264-33460-00 controls normal water temperature; the high limit 264-33461-00 is the independent over-temperature safety and has its own spacers, 264-34190-00.

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.