Potterton Boiler E83 Fault Code
The Potterton fault code E83 room controller Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Potterton Boiler Fault Code E83 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the E83 fault code on the Potterton boiler.
- What does the E83 fault code mean on my Potterton boiler?
- If my boiler is showing the E83 fault code, what are the potential problems?
- My thermostat is new, how will the boiler engineer know if it is compatible with my boiler?
- How will the boiler engineer check to see if the room thermostat connected to my boiler is faulty?
- If I need a new room controller for my boiler, how much is it going to cost?
- If it’s not the room controller, how would wiring and connections cause issues?
- How will I know if my device isn’t paired correctly with my boiler?
- I have a radio frequency thermostat, and it’s suddenly stopped working, now my boiler comes on at random?
- What else could lead to a communication error with my Potterton boiler?
- What can my boiler engineer do to check that the PCB isn’t to blame?
- If my PCB needs to be replaced, will it be expensive?
What does the E83 fault code mean on my Potterton boiler
The E83 fault code on Potterton boilers relates to a room controller, thermostat or boiler timer issue.
The boiler isn’t communicating with the room controller and therefore, isn’t responding to any heat demand you have by turning the thermostat up or down.
If my boiler is showing the E83 fault code, what are the potential problems
An emergency boiler engineer or emergency electrician will be able to solve this problem.
They’ll check that the:
- Thermostat has been installed correctly, and is compatible with your boiler
- Thermostat isn’t faulty
- Wiring and connections haven’t worked their way loose
- Device is paired correctly with the boiler
My thermostat is new, how will the boiler engineer know if it is compatible with my boiler
If you’ve had a new thermostat fitted and it’s never worked, there’s a chance it’s not compatible with your boiler. For instance, Salus produce boiler controls. Some of their controls are specifically designed for Worcester Bosch such as the ST620WBC. Fitting that and trying to connect it with a Potterton boiler is going to be a failure.
Each boiler control manufacturer will have a large list of boilers that their controllers are compatible with. Your engineer will be able to check compatibility of the control, in comparison to the boiler model you have fitted.
How will the boiler engineer check to see if the room thermostat connected to my boiler is faulty
If your boiler and thermostat are old, the likely culprit here is a broken thermostat. Like all electronic devices, eventually they break. An emergency electrician will be able to test the thermostat using a multi-meter to check that it’s getting power.
If it’s not, a replacement is in order.
If I need a new room controller for my boiler, how much is it going to cost
There are literally hundreds of room controllers on the market. They range from the inexpensive (around £25), through to the ridiculously expensive (£175 and beyond). And the installation cost of each device will vary, depending on the complexity.
For a basic room thermostat, you should expect to budget around £100. And, that’s going to include the cost of the thermostat, as well as labour.
If it’s not the room controller, how would wiring and connections cause issues
Like any electronic device, moisture or connections/wires that are not secure are going to lead to a device that doesn’t work. A quick visual inspection will quickly show up any imperfections with the wiring.
If the wiring and connections aren’t secure, simply re-securing them should be enough to get your thermostat working again.
However, if you’re in a property that has been subject to damp, mould or water damage, there’s a chance that this has worked its way into wires, connections and the device, causing it to fail.
If moisture is an issue, it’s likely that your emergency electrician is going to suggest a replacement, rather than spending time and money on a repair. But remember, the cause of the moisture build-up needs to be found and fixed too, to stop this happening again.
How will I know if my device isn’t paired correctly with my boiler
Most boiler control manufacturer’s supply their products with an owner’s manual. In this manual, they’ll be instructions on exactly how to pair and reset your device.
First, try resetting the device. On many occasions, a simple reset is enough to get the thermostat working in symphony with the boiler again.
If it doesn’t you’ll want to disconnect the thermostat from your boiler, and re-sync it, using the instructions in the owner’s manual.
I have a radio frequency thermostat, and it’s suddenly stopped working, now my boiler comes on at random
Radio frequency thermostats work on a channel. The problem here is the channel comes pre-set. Any device on this channel could potentially control your thermostat.
It’s unlikely anyone within range is purposely going to try and control your thermostat. However, we have been to properties where a neighbour is using the same (or similar) thermostat, on the exact same radio frequency.
That’s going to mean each thermostat controls the other. So, the reason your heating/hot water comes on randomly, is because it’s being controlled by next door!
The quick fix here is to first, speak to your neighbour and ask if they have a thermostat on a radio frequency. If they do (or if you’re unable to contact them), refer to your owner’s manual. In this manual, there should be a guide on how to change the channel that your thermostat works on.
What else could lead to a communication error with my Potterton boiler
The E83 fault code does point the finger firmly at the room controller that is connected to your boiler. But, that doesn’t mean that’s the only reason for the code being displayed on the control panel.
Your boiler is controlled via the printed circuit board (PCB). Every electronic component gives and receives signals to this component (including the room controller). So, when the PCB starts to develop faults, or fails completely a communication error is going to occur.
What can my boiler engineer do to check that the PCB isn’t to blame
There are plenty of checks that can be done to assess the condition of the PCB; the first being a visual inspection.
Your boiler engineer will check for LED display panel failure, loose or damaged connections, and wiring that has come loose. They’ll also look out for any burnt-out connections, which could be a sign of boiler damage.
After this they can test your boiler’s PCB using a multi-meter. This will help them to determine that the PCB has solid power. If power to the PCB is intermittent, then the signals to the room controller will be intermittent too. And, that’s going to lead to bad communication, and a room controller that doesn’t work.
If my PCB needs to be replaced, will it be expensive
Unfortunately, the PCB on your boiler is the most expensive replacement part. You should expect to pay around £500 for the replacement, including labour.
When spending this much money on a boiler, it makes sense to check other expensive components for wear. If your boiler is deteriorating rapidly, it might be worth considering getting quotes for a replacement (complete with a long warranty to cover repair bills).
Other Potterton boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Potterton Boiler then please visit the Potterton Boiler Problems And Cures page.