Ideal Boiler F7 Fault Code
The Ideal fault code F7 mains electric voltage Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair and as it's related to the electric mains, you could use one of our 24 hour emergency electricians by visiting emergency electrician.
The Ideal Boiler Fault Code F7 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F7 fault code on the Ideal boiler.
- What does the F7 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler?
- Can I reset my boiler to fix the F7 fault code on my Ideal boiler?
- What can cause a mains voltage problem?
- An emergency electrician has fixed the mains voltage problem, but my boiler still doesn’t work, now what?
- After a mains voltage issue, what components are most likely to fail?
- How will my engineer be able to test the PCB on my Ideal boiler?
- Can loose connections simply be re-secured?
- What can cause damage to connections and wiring in my Ideal boiler?
- How will boiler vibrations contribute to boiler problems?
- How would water damage have occurred in my Ideal boiler?
- If my pump is leaking, will I need a new one?
- Will I need a new PCB if it has water damage?
- If I need a new PCB for my Ideal boiler, how much is it likely to cost?
What does the F7 fault code mean on my Ideal boiler
If you’ve been seeing the F7 fault code displayed on your Ideal boiler, the issue relates to a voltage problem with the mains electricity.
When your boiler notices a problem like this, it locks out (ceases to work). On some occasions, it does this as a safety precaution. If the boiler continued to operate, there’s a chance it could be unsafe.
In this instance, it’s more likely that the mains voltage issue would cause damage to electrical components before it becomes dangerous. So, the boiler is locking out in order to protect the boiler and save you expensive repair bills.
Can I reset my boiler to fix the F7 fault code on my Ideal boiler
You should not try and reset your boiler.
As we’ve mentioned above, the lock out process is built in to boilers as a safety precaution. If you were to reset the boiler and temporarily “trick” the boiler into thinking the problem has been fixed, it might operate for a few minutes and be dangerous.
All gas appliances (including boilers), should only be worked on by qualified Gas Safe engineers.
A boiler engineer will be able to fault find to figure out what the problem it. Once they’ve fixed the problem, they’ll reset the boiler on your behalf.
What can cause a mains voltage problem
Whilst fixing the fault code on the boiler can be completed by a boiler engineer, the F7 fault code relates to mains electricity coming into your property.
Besides the problem being a potential issue with the supply from your utility supplier, the most probable cause is faulty or damaged wiring in your property.
For that reason, we’d suggest calling an emergency electrician to fix the problem. They’ll be able to test your circuit to determine what’s causing the mains voltage problem and fix it.
Once an electrician has fixed the mains voltage problem, a boiler engineer will be able to test the boiler. Incorrect mains voltage can cause damage to electrical components if the boiler doesn’t lock out in time.
So, the engineer will need to test electrical components before resetting the boiler to clear the F7 fault code on your Ideal boiler.
An emergency electrician has fixed the mains voltage problem, but my boiler still doesn’t work, now what
If a boiler engineer can’t clear the fault code with a reset, there’s a good chance that the issue has caused electrical components to fail.
After a mains voltage issue, what components are most likely to fail
Your boiler engineer will need to test all the components in your boiler. But, a good place to start is the printed circuit board (PCB).
The PCB is the component that controls all the other electrical components in your boiler. This includes the likes of the air pressure switch, gas valve, fan and boiler pump.
Without knowing that the PCB works, it’s going to be hard to determine the exact fault with other components.
How will my engineer be able to test the PCB on my Ideal boiler
The PCB on your boiler can be tested by a Gas Safe engineer. If you don’t have Gas Safe accreditation, you shouldn’t work on a boiler.
Your boiler engineer will be able to use a multi-meter to test all electrical connections to and from the PCB.
But, some connections and wiring issues might become obvious straight away. For instance, a connection that’s not secured, or wiring that is frayed or burnt out due to water damage.
Can loose connections simply be re-secured
If loose connections are causing the F7 fault code to be displayed after an electrician has fixed the mains voltage problem, they can be re-secured.
Loose connections will lead to the boiler’s PCB giving and receiving inconsistent signals.
In turn, that’s going to lead to a boiler that works inconsistently. That could mean that your shower doesn’t get hot, or that radiators stay on even when there’s no demand for heating from the thermostat.
What can cause damage to connections and wiring in my Ideal boiler
Besides old age, boiler vibrations and water damage are common killers of important electrical components.
How will boiler vibrations contribute to boiler problems
Boilers will vibrate, naturally.
However, if you’ve noticed excessive vibrations recently, this could have led to tiny amounts of damage, as well as the F7 fault code being displayed.
The question is, where have these additional vibrations been coming from? Your boiler engineer will need to check important components such as the boiler’s pump and fan.
If either of these components have a damaged shaft or bearings, that could be the cause of the additional vibrations you’ve been hearing.
And, that’s not going to just lead to a noisy boiler, it’s going to increase the chance of damage being caused to other fragile electrical components in the boiler.
How would water damage have occurred in my Ideal boiler
Although the pump isn’t the most important part of a boiler, if it fails, it’s one component that can cause a multitude of problems. One of these problems is water damage.
Pump’s have fragile seals. If these seals fail, water will leak from the pump. Unfortunately, there are electrical parts below the pump. As it drips onto these components, it starts to damage them. And, even components that aren’t directly below the pump can’t be considered safe.
As water drips, it’s heated due to the internal heat of the boiler. Older boilers are not known for having electrical components that are particularly well sealed. So, as condensation is created, it settles on connections and electrical parts, causing damage in the process.
If my pump is leaking, will I need a new one
If the pump is relatively new and it’s just the seals that are failing, there are repair kits available for most popular pumps. The seals can be replaced on the pump to fix the leak.
However, it’s worth having your boiler engineer assess the condition of the pump. There’s little point spending money replacing the seals if the pump is likely to fail again soon.
Will I need a new PCB if it has water damage
Sometimes the PCB can be salvaged. However, if your boiler engineer finds that there are multiple instances of damaged or burnt out connections, as well as no power to the PCB, there’s a good chance that a replacement is in order.
If I need a new PCB for my Ideal boiler, how much is it likely to cost
Unfortunately, the PCB is the most expensive part on a boiler. You should expect to pay £400-500 including parts and labour for a new one.
A boiler engineer will be able to fit the PCB in a day, but it’s likely they’ll have to order in the component; it’s not a part that most repair engineers have on their van.
Other Ideal boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Idea Boiler then please visit the Ideal Boiler Problems And Cures page.