High
E33 on Potterton Powermax HE

Your boiler has detected an issue with the sensor that monitors the temperature of the exhaust fumes, causing the system to shut down for safety.

Call an engineer soon

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

What the manual says

Manufacturer manual

Flue thermistor error

Shared across the Powermax HE range
This code is shared by the boilers in this range, which use the same control board. It may not be printed in this exact variant’s manual.
Plain-English guidance below. Severity, DIY steps, costs and parts are our interpretation to help you act, not text from the manual.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's internal computer receives an incorrect or missing signal from the sensor that monitors the heat of the exhaust gases. It is usually caused by the sensor itself failing due to age, or a fault in the wiring that connects the sensor to the main control panel. Because the boiler cannot confirm that the exhaust fumes are at a safe temperature, it shuts down immediately to prevent heat damage.

Engineer required

This is a high severity fault. Stop using the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

Find a Gas Safe engineer
Search the official register →

Avoid the next call-out bill

A cover plan would handle faults like E33: no call-out fees, no surprise bills.

Approved partner
Domestic Appliance Guard
Unlimited call-outs, 24/7 helpline, no price-hike promise
Get a quote →

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

All 59 fault codes on the Powermax HE

Seeing a different code? Every code this model can display, in one place.

Related guides you might find useful