High Lockout
F.20 on Vaillant Thermocompact

Your boiler has switched itself off because it has become too hot internally, usually due to a lack of water flow or a blockage.

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

Over heat cut off activated | Maximum temperature exceeded

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the water inside the boiler reaches a temperature that is dangerously high, triggering a safety shut-off. This is usually caused by a pump failure, a blockage in the pipework, or a build-up of sludge that prevents heat from moving away from the internal heat exchanger. Effectively, the heat is being generated but has nowhere to go, causing the system to protect itself by locking out.

This fault is frequently seen at the start of autumn when heating systems are turned on for the first time in months, as pump components can seize up after being idle all summer.

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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