Predictika · Commercial water heater configuration: model, venting, country rules, options and gas supply

An AI sales agent's Bradford White eF Series water heater order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for commercial gas water heaters for a building project: eF Series models, the venting design (mode, pipe size, material and run lengths), country, options, gas supply and the hot water demand to be met. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published specification data and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Bradford White eF Series (EF-60T and EF-100T) commercial gas water heater orders: vent run limits, pipe size and material, Canada rules, options, gas supply, altitude and recovery against demand. See everything this validator covers

This validator models orders for one product line, the Bradford White eF Series ultra high efficiency commercial gas water heaters, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Models and stated figures — the EF-60T-125, EF-60T-150, EF-60T-199, EF-100T-150, EF-100T-199, EF-100T-250 and EF-100T-300, each with its published gas input and recovery at a 100°F rise; the figures an order states are compared with them, and the total recovery of the heaters ordered is compared with the hot water demand.
  • Venting — direct vent or power vent, 2, 3, 4 or 6 inch pipe, the maximum exhaust and air intake lengths published for each model, pipe size and mode, the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow, and the rule that the air intake cannot exceed the exhaust by more than 30 ft.
  • Country and material — ABS vent pipe is not approved for Canada, and Canadian installations need plastic vent pipe that meets ULC S636.
  • Options and supply — the low inlet gas pressure option (not on the EF-100T-300 or on propane models), the matching condensate neutralizer kit, concentric vent kits (2, 3 and 4 inch pipe), the ENERGY STAR models, inlet gas pressure limits, and an altitude above 10,000 ft that goes to a person for confirmation.

Any eF Series order that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (Bradford White publishes no price list, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), other Bradford White product lines, common vent kits, BMS and BACnet options, tank warranty and ASME choices, installation and regional terms.

The AI sales agentBuilds the water heater order from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Vent limits that depend on model, pipe size and venting modeOnly with workarounds
The maximum run comes from a table keyed by three choices, so the rules multiply and have to be kept in step with the specification sheet.		All the choices arrive together and the limit is looked up from them on every call.
A length allowance for elbowsOnly with care
The usable run shrinks by 5 ft for each additional elbow, so the limit depends on a count the rep enters, not a fixed number.		The limit is computed from the elbow count and compared with both the exhaust and the air intake run.
Rules that depend on the countryOnly with care
A material that is fine in the United States is not approved in Canada, and Canada adds a certification requirement for plastic pipe.		Country and vent material are checked together, with the certification as its own finding.
Options that fit some models onlyOnly with care
The low inlet gas pressure option is missing on one model and on all propane models, and the neutralizer kit depends on the heater input, so each option needs its own dependency.		Each option is checked against the model and fuel it is ordered with.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the order is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The exhaust run is 51 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 50 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
2The air intake run is 51 ft, but this model and vent pipe size allow 50 ft in direct vent after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
3The exhaust run is 101 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 100 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
4The exhaust run is 36 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 35 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
5The exhaust run is 16 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 15 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
6The selected vent pipe size is not listed for this eF model; the 2 inch vent pipe is listed for the EF-60T-125, EF-60T-150, EF-60T-199, EF-100T-150 and EF-100T-199 only.
7The exhaust run is 56 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 55 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
8The air intake run of 51 ft is more than 30 ft longer than the exhaust run of 20 ft; the air intake cannot exceed the exhaust by more than 30 ft.
9ABS vent pipe is not approved for installations in Canada.
10Installations in Canada must use plastic vent pipe that meets ULC S636; the order does not state that the vent material does.
11The running inlet gas pressure is 3.4 inches of water column, but the minimum for this configuration is 3.5 inches.
12The running inlet gas pressure is 4.4 inches of water column, but the minimum for this configuration is 4.5 inches.
13The low inlet gas pressure option is not available on the EF-100T-300 or on any propane model.
14The static inlet gas pressure is 14.1 inches of water column; the maximum is 14.0 inches.
15The condensate neutralizer kit does not match the heater input; A2,123,601 is for 125,000 to 250,000 BTU/hr models and A2,123,602 is for the 300,000 BTU/hr model.
16Concentric vent termination kits are listed for 2, 3 and 4 inch vent pipe only.
17The order requires an ENERGY STAR model; only the EF-60T-125, EF-100T-150, EF-100T-199 and EF-100T-250 are listed as ENERGY STAR.
18The heaters give 235 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise, below the stated demand of 236 gallons an hour.
19The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr per heater, but the selected model is rated 199,999 BTU/hr.
20The order states a recovery of 200 gallons an hour per heater at a 100 degree rise, but the selected model is rated 235 gallons an hour.
21The site is at 10,001 ft; the burner is documented to adjust automatically up to 10,000 ft, so a person should confirm the installation with the manufacturer.
22The order states a gas input of 150,000 BTU/hr per heater, but the selected model is rated 199,999 BTU/hr.
23The site is at 10,500 ft; the burner is documented to adjust automatically up to 10,000 ft, so a person should confirm the installation with the manufacturer.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Long vent run: Two EF-100T-199 with a 62 ft run in 3 inch direct vent pipe and a stated input of 250,000 BTU/hr

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 Bradford White eF Series EF-100T-199 natural gas water heaters for a site in the United States at 600 ft, with direct venting through 3 inch PVC vent pipe with an exhaust run of 62 ft and an air intake run of 62 ft, and 2 additional 90 degree elbows. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 450 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for the condensate neutralizer kit A2123601 and ENERGY STAR models only. The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 235 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Exhaust run too long. The exhaust run is 62 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 40 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
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  • Air intake run too long. The air intake run is 62 ft, but this model and vent pipe size allow 40 ft in direct vent after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow.
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  • Stated input rating does not match. The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr per heater, but the selected model is rated 199,999 BTU/hr.
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2. Long vent run: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 Bradford White eF Series EF-100T-199 natural gas water heaters for a site in the United States at 600 ft, with direct venting through 4 inch PVC vent pipe with an exhaust run of 62 ft and an air intake run of 62 ft, and 2 additional 90 degree elbows. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 450 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for the condensate neutralizer kit A2123601 and ENERGY STAR models only. The order states a gas input of 199,999 BTU/hr and a recovery of 235 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 2 heaters with a total gas input of 399,998 BTU/hr and a recovery of 470 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise, against a demand of 450 gallons an hour.
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3. Canada, ABS pipe and ENERGY STAR: Three EF-60T-150 for a Canadian site on ABS vent pipe, with ENERGY STAR models required

    
The agent's request. Please quote 3 Bradford White eF Series EF-60T-150 natural gas water heaters for a site in Canada at 800 ft, with direct venting through 3 inch ABS vent pipe with an exhaust run of 30 ft and an air intake run of 30 ft, and 1 additional 90 degree elbow. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 400 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for ENERGY STAR models only. The order states a gas input of 150,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 169 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • ABS vent pipe in Canada. ABS vent pipe is not approved for installations in Canada.
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  • Model is not ENERGY STAR listed. The order requires an ENERGY STAR model; only the EF-60T-125, EF-100T-150, EF-100T-199 and EF-100T-250 are listed as ENERGY STAR.
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4. Canada, ABS pipe and ENERGY STAR: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 3 Bradford White eF Series EF-60T-125 natural gas water heaters for a site in Canada at 800 ft, with direct venting through 3 inch PVC vent pipe with an exhaust run of 30 ft and an air intake run of 30 ft, and 1 additional 90 degree elbow. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 400 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for ENERGY STAR models only. The order states a gas input of 125,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 145 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Canadian vent material not certified. Installations in Canada must use plastic vent pipe that meets ULC S636; the order does not state that the vent material does.
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5. Canada, ABS pipe and ENERGY STAR: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 3 Bradford White eF Series EF-60T-125 natural gas water heaters for a site in Canada at 800 ft, with direct venting through 3 inch PVC vent pipe with an exhaust run of 30 ft and an air intake run of 30 ft, and 1 additional 90 degree elbow, the vent pipe meeting ULC S636. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 400 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for ENERGY STAR models only. The order states a gas input of 125,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 145 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 3 heaters with a total gas input of 375,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 435 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise, against a demand of 400 gallons an hour.
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6. High altitude and low gas pressure: An EF-100T-300 at 10,500 ft with the low inlet gas pressure option

    
The agent's request. Please quote 1 Bradford White eF Series EF-100T-300 natural gas water heater for a site in the United States at 10,500 ft, with direct venting through 4 inch stainless steel vent pipe with an exhaust run of 50 ft and an air intake run of 50 ft. The gas supply runs at 4.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 280 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for the low inlet gas pressure option. The order states a gas input of 300,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 335 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Low inlet gas pressure option not available. The low inlet gas pressure option is not available on the EF-100T-300 or on any propane model.
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  • Altitude above the documented range. The site is at 10,500 ft; the burner is documented to adjust automatically up to 10,000 ft, so a person should confirm the installation with the manufacturer.
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7. High altitude and low gas pressure: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 1 Bradford White eF Series EF-100T-250 natural gas water heater for a site in the United States at 10,500 ft, with direct venting through 4 inch stainless steel vent pipe with an exhaust run of 50 ft and an air intake run of 50 ft. The gas supply runs at 4.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 280 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The order also asks for the low inlet gas pressure option. The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 291 gallons an hour per heater. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Altitude above the documented range. The site is at 10,500 ft; the burner is documented to adjust automatically up to 10,000 ft, so a person should confirm the installation with the manufacturer.
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  • Order summary. 1 heater with a total gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 291 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise, against a demand of 280 gallons an hour.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for commercial gas water heaters for a building project: eF Series models, the venting design (mode, pipe size, material and run lengths), country, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published specification data and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote 2 Bradford White eF Series EF-100T-199 natural gas water heaters for a site in the United States at 600 ft. The gas supply runs at 7.0 inches with a static pressure of 10.0 inches and the hot water demand is 450 gallons an hour at a 100 degree rise. The rest of the request is on screen. The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr and a recovery of 235 gallons an hour per heater.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with three findings, all in one answer. The exhaust run is 62 ft, but this model, vent pipe size and venting mode allow 40 ft after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow. The air intake run is 62 ft, but this model and vent pipe size allow 40 ft in direct vent after the allowance of 5 ft for each additional 90 degree elbow. The order states a gas input of 250,000 BTU/hr per heater, but the selected model is rated 199,999 BTU/hr.
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  6. The validator returned three blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a length allowance for elbows, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the vent pipe size to 4 inch and the stated gas input per heater to 199,999.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. This time the validator clears it.
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  12. All three earlier findings are cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  13. Three problems caught in one call, fixed in one pass, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    14.