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Worcester Bosch fault code

Worcester Bosch EA Fault Code: What It Means and What to Do

On Worcester Bosch Greenstar boilers, EA is an ignition or flame detection fault. With cause code 227 Worcester describes it as no ionisation (no flame) detected after ignition; with 229 the flame was lost during operation. Common causes include gas supply problems, a blocked or frozen condensate pipe, and ignition parts. Check the gas and condensate pipe, then reset once.

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What does EA mean on a Worcester Bosch boiler?

EA is the display code Worcester Bosch Greenstar boilers use for an ignition or ionisation fault. A boiler proves its flame by passing a small current through it, called ionisation. If the boiler sparks and opens the gas valve but cannot detect that current, it shuts the gas off and locks out.

The EA is usually shown with a three-digit cause code that narrows it down. Worcester’s Greenstar i installation manual lists:

  • EA 227: no ionisation detected after ignition.
  • EA 229: loss of ionisation signal during operation.

Newer Worcester models, such as the Greenstar 4000 and 8000 series, show numeric codes on their text display rather than EA, so the exact display depends on your model.

What causes an EA fault?

For EA 227, Worcester’s manual tells engineers to check the dynamic gas pressure, the flue for restrictions, the gas-air ratio, the ignition unit and its connections, the gas valve, contamination inside the appliance, and blocked condensate pipes. In everyday terms:

  • Gas supply: a prepayment meter out of credit, a closed gas valve or low gas pressure.
  • Condensate: a frozen or blocked condensate pipe or trap, very common in winter.
  • Ignition and flame sensing: a worn spark electrode, a dirty flame sensing electrode or a damaged lead.
  • Gas valve and air supply: a faulty gas valve, a restricted flue or an incorrect gas-air ratio.

For EA 229 the manual adds the flame probe wiring and, again, blocked condensate pipes.

What can you safely check yourself?

  1. Check the gas. Does the hob light? Is a prepayment meter in credit?
  2. Check the condensate pipe where it leaves the wall. In freezing weather, thaw it with warm, never boiling, water. See frozen condensate pipe.
  3. Note the full code, including the cause code, such as 227 or 229.
  4. Reset once using the method in your user manual.

When should you get an engineer?

If EA comes back after you have checked the gas and the condensate pipe and reset once, the cause is inside the boiler. The engineer will test the gas pressure, inspect the electrodes and leads, clear the condensate trap and check the flue and combustion. Electrode replacements are common and often inexpensive. If your Worcester is also showing a temperature fault, see Worcester Bosch E9.

What will the repair cost?

It depends on the part. Most boiler repairs cost £100 to £500 at typical UK market prices. The boiler repair cost guide breaks it down by fault, and the engineer gives you a price before any work starts. Send an enquiry to get one.

Worcester Bosch EA fault code: common questions

What does EA 227 mean on a Worcester boiler?

Worcester Bosch's Greenstar i manual describes EA 227 as "no ionisation detected after ignition", meaning the boiler sparked but could not detect a flame, so it locked out for safety. It is one of the most common Worcester fault codes, especially in freezing weather.

How do I reset a Worcester Bosch EA fault?

Use the reset button or the reset procedure in your user manual, once. The method varies between Greenstar models, so check yours. If EA returns, do not keep resetting it; send an enquiry with the model and the full code.

Is EA caused by a frozen condensate pipe?

It can be. Worcester lists blocked condensate pipes among the checks for EA 227 and EA 229, and frozen pipes are a frequent cause in cold snaps. Thaw the outside pipe with warm, never boiling, water and reset once.

What is the difference between EA 227 and EA 229?

EA 227 means no flame was detected after ignition at start-up. EA 229 means an established flame was lost while the boiler was running. Both share causes such as condensate blockages, gas supply and the flame sensor.

Source: Worcester Bosch Greenstar i ErP installation, commissioning and servicing instructions (6 720 806 944), fault finding table . Fault code meanings can vary between models: check the manual for your boiler.

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