High Lockout
P3.0-3.5 on Potterton Powermax HE

Your boiler has shut down because there is too much water pressure in the central heating system.

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.

Technical description

Primary pressure over 3 bar, boiler off. Reduce CH system pressure. Check/adjust/replace primary expansion vessel

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the water pressure inside your heating system exceeds a safe working limit, forcing the boiler to shut down to prevent damage. The most common reason is that the internal expansion vessel, which normally absorbs the pressure of expanding hot water, has failed or lost its air charge. It can also be caused by a filling loop being left slightly open, which allows water to continuously leak into the system.

This fault is more common in winter when the heating is first turned on for long periods, as the increased heat causes water to expand and reveals issues with the expansion vessel.

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.

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