Alpha CB 240 / 280 Fault codes & diagnostics

9 fault codes with plain-English explanations, severity ratings, DIY guidance, and repair cost estimates.

Combi Natural Gas Discontinued

This boiler uses LED flash patterns

Count the flashes in one repeating group before the pause. That number is your fault code. Do not reset until you have noted it. How to read fault codes →

Severity at a glance

Each cell = one fault code. Hover to identify.
5 High 2 Medium 2 Low

All 9 documented codes

Tap any card for details

Neon B Flashing very slowly

Your boiler is currently in standby mode and is working exactly as it should be.

Low DIY-safe

What to check first

  1. Check your thermostat or programmer settings
  2. Ensure the heating or hot water demand is turned up sufficiently to wake the unit
Fan runs at max. speed

Your boiler's fan is running continuously at full speed, which indicates the system has detected a safety concern and is trying to clear the air inside the unit.

High Engineer only £150-300

Parts commonly replaced

  • Air pressure switch
  • Flue sampling tube
  • Printed circuit board (PCB)
neon illuminated

Your boiler has developed an internal electrical fault, meaning the control board is likely failing and unable to safely operate the system.

High Engineer only £200-350

Parts commonly replaced

  • Neon PCB
  • Main PCB
Primary flow switch operated

Your boiler detects water movement even when it is not supposed to, which often means an internal valve is stuck or a sensor is misreading the flow.

Medium Engineer only £120-220

Parts commonly replaced

  • Flow switch
  • Diverter valve diaphragm
Pump circulating water / No

Your boiler is struggling to push water around your radiators and taps, likely because there is trapped air in the system or the internal water pump has become faulty.

High Engineer only £250-450

Parts commonly replaced

  • Central heating pump
  • Automatic air vent
Pump runs

Your boiler's water pump is running constantly, which suggests the unit is stuck in a cycle trying to clear air or respond to a faulty thermostat signal.

Medium Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • PCB
  • Flow switch
  • Pump relay
Red reset button illuminated

Your boiler has stopped working because it failed to ignite, but you can attempt to restart it by pressing the red reset button.

High DIY-safe £120-250

What to check first

  1. Check that your gas supply is turned on and other gas appliances like your hob are working.
  2. Ensure your gas prepayment meter has credit if applicable.
  3. Locate the red reset button on the control panel, press it once firmly, and wait for the boiler to attempt an ignition sequence.

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Spark at ignition electrodes

Your boiler is struggling to light its internal flame, which means it cannot produce the heat or hot water you need.

High Engineer only £120-250

Parts commonly replaced

  • Ignition electrode
  • Ignition lead
  • PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • Gas valve