Worcester Bosch Boiler EA 229 Fault Code
The Worcester fault code EA 229 loss of flame during operation Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Worcester Boiler Fault Code EA 229 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the EA 229 fault code on the Worcester Bosch Boiler.
- What does the EA 229 fault code mean on my Worcester Bosch boiler
- What are the main reasons a boiler will lose its flame and display the EA 229 fault code?
- Will a reset fix the EA 229 fault code on my Worcester boiler?
- How can a flame detection fault on the PCB be diagnosed and fixed?
- What is the cost to replace a PCB on a Worcester Bosch boiler?
- What is the gas valve and how can this cause the EA 229 fault to appear?
- What’s the cost to replace the gas valve on a Worcester boiler?
- How does a gas meter get blocked, and what is the fix?
- Why would the burner block up with debris, and what can be done to fix the issue?
- How can the flue cause the EA 229 error code to be displayed on my Worcester boiler??
- My boiler locks out in freezing-cold weather displaying the EA 229 fault code, what is the problem?
What does the EA 229 fault code mean on my Worcester Bosch boiler?
According to Worcester Bosch, the EA 229 boiler fault relates to a loss of flame during operation.
This is an established flame that has been extinguished, rather than an unsuccessful ignition.
What are the main reasons a boiler will lose its flame and display the EA 229 fault code?
The EA 229 might seem specific in terms of the issue it causes, but the potential reasons are made up of an extensive list.
The issues could stem from
- Flame detection fault on PCB (printed circuit board)
- Faulty or incorrectly adjusted gas valve
- Gas meter regulator blockage
- Debris build-up in the heat exchanger
- A blockage in the flue
Will a reset fix the EA 229 fault code on my Worcester boiler?
The reset function on a boiler is in place to be used when a boiler has been fixed. The initial lock out is the boiler highlighting the fact that there’s a problem that needs attending too.
If it’s not fixed, it could either reoccur, or the boiler could be immediately dangerous.
How can a flame detection fault on the PCB be diagnosed and fixed?
The first thing to check is that the PCB is getting a signal to show the flame is burning. Just because the PCB thinks the boiler has no flame, doesn’t mean that’s the case.
The PCB can be tested with a multi-meter to determine if any connections are causing intermittent flame detection signals.
If this is the case and the PCB is having problems with flame detection and other boiler parts (such as the gas valve or air pressure switch), the PCB unit may be faulty.
If this is the case, it will need to be replaced.
What is the cost to replace a PCB on a Worcester Bosch boiler?
Around 50% of costs associated with a new PCB, are with the PCB part itself, rather than just labour. So, the price will vary a great deal depending on the model of boiler you own, and the cost of the PCB.
However, it’s unlikely the cost including diagnostic, parts and labour, will be less than £500.
In many cases, this means that a new boiler is a potential option.
Newer boilers are more efficient (so you’ll save money on energy bills), not to mention the fact they’ll be covered by a warranty – no more expensive repair bills.
What is the gas valve and how can this cause the EA 229 fault to appear?
A boiler’s gas valve is connected to the PCB. When the PCB recognises that you need more heat, it needs more fuel and tells the gas valve to open. And, vice-versa when you turn your heating down.
However, these gas valves can get stuck over time.
On many occasions, a gas valve can be freed. However, if it’s reinstalled and still causing issues, it will need to be replaced.
Likewise, if the gas valve is incorrectly adjusted, it may be giving the boiler too little gas. Just enough to establish a flame, but too little to keep that flame lit. When the flame goes out, the EA 229 fault code will appear, and the boiler will lock out.
In this instance, all that needs to happen is for a Gas Safe engineer to adjust the valve.
What’s the cost to replace the gas valve on a Worcester boiler?
If it’s the gas valve causing the EA 229 fault code on your Worcester boiler, a replacement will cost around £300. And, a Gas Safe engineer will usually get the valve replaced within a 1 working day.
For boilers that are not particularly old (less than 5 years), the replacement part rather than a replacement boiler, is the best option.
How does a gas meter get blocked, and what is the fix?
Unfortunately, a lot of gas meters are located outside. On that meter, the regulator is prone to freezing in wintry conditions.
If this begins to freeze, it will partially restrict the flow of gas, and easily cause a boiler to lose its flame.
In this case, adjusting the gas valve to supply more gas will make no difference. It will just contribute to more problems. Because, when the regulator thaws out, the boiler will be supplied with too much gas.
The gas meter needs to be sufficiently lagged to prevent freezing, and boxed in as an extra precaution.
Why would the burner block up with debris, and what can be done to fix the issue?
The main body of the burner is rarely affected by debris build up from carbon.
However, the small jet in the burner can be blocked easily. It only needs the smallest pieces of debris, to partially or fully block it. Once this debris makes its way into the burner jet, it will either stop a flame being produced, or make it fluctuate in strength.
At this point, the smallest pressure change in the boiler could extinguish the flame. The flame detector notices this, and locks out the boiler displaying the EA 229 fault code.
How can the flue cause the EA 229 error code to be displayed on my Worcester boiler?
Most people assume that intense winds will make their way into the flue, and that’s what is blowing out the flame; that’s rarely the case.
However, a small blockage will mean that the boiler’s flame is more likely to go out. A draft might extinguish the flame, but it’s the blockage that made the flame weak in the first place, not the wind.
When a boiler engineer checks your Worcester Bosch, they’ll need to ensure that the flue is completely clear.
Debris could easily find its way into a vertical flue if a flue guard isn’t fitted. If this is the case with your flue, it needs to be cleared out and a flue guard will need to be fitted.
My boiler locks out in freezing-cold weather displaying the EA 229 fault code, what is the problem?
Unfortunately, the EA 229 Worcester fault code isn’t particularly specific. A loss of flame could one of the things we’ve listed above, or none.
A frequent problem we find in winter, is a condensate blockage.
It’s not common for a condensate to get blocked by debris alone. Instead, we find that it’s the colder conditions freezing the contents of the condensate.
Once this freezes the boiler isn’t vented properly, is potentially dangerous, so the boiler locks out.
The quick fix here is the thaw out the condensate pipe. This is a small white pipe (usually 21.5mm) on the exterior of the property, and not to be confused with the larger white pipe (the flue).
In most cases, thawing out the pipe and resetting the boiler will clear the EA 229 fault code.
A longer-term solution would be to ensure that the pipe is lagged sufficiently.
Other Worcester boiler issues
More more boiler issue regarding the Worcester Bosch the please visit the Worcester Boiler Problems And Cures page.