BoilerFaultCodes.com
3 High Lockout

Your boiler's fan is failing to reach the correct speed required to safely clear exhaust gases before or after the burner fires.

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: Ventilation: When the appliance is started the fan is first brought to starting speed, or post-ventilation is taking place after the burner has stopped.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's control system detects that the fan isn't spinning at the necessary speed to safely move air through the unit. The most common reasons are a build-up of debris causing the fan to stick, a loose connection in the wiring, or a mechanical failure of the fan motor itself.

Typical repair cost £150-380 (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 3 — 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