BoilerFaultCodes.com
L6 High Lockout

Your boiler thinks it sees a flame even though it hasn't tried to light yet, causing it to shut down as a safety precaution.

Call an engineer soon

Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.

Technical description: False Flame Lockout

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's internal sensor detects an electrical signal suggesting a flame is present before the ignition process has even started. The most common reason is a contaminated or damaged flame sensor, though moisture on the internal electronics or a malfunctioning control board can also trick the system into seeing a 'ghost' flame.

This fault can be more frequent during periods of high humidity or heavy rain, as moisture ingress into the flue or dampness within the casing can cause electrical interference with the flame sensing circuit.

Typical repair cost £120-£250 (including labour)

Engineer required

This fault requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

Find a Gas Safe engineer

Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.

Gas Safe Register →

Protect yourself from future repair bills

A boiler cover plan would cover faults like L6 — no call-out fees, no surprises.

Top rated
OpenFix
Boiler & heating care plans
Get a quote →
Hometree
from £12.95/month
Get a quote →
HomeServe
from £8.00/month
Get a quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Could it be time for a new boiler?

If repair costs are adding up, a new energy-efficient boiler could be the smarter long-term choice.

UK's #1 online installer
Boxt
Fixed-price online quotes. Next-day installation.
Get a free quote →
Heatable
Instant online boiler quotes from £1,499.
Get a free quote →
iHeat
Fast installation. Price match guarantee.
Get a free quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Related fault codes