Technical description
False flame
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler's internal electronics detect a flame in the burner area even though the gas valve should be closed and the system isn't currently heating. It is usually caused by a faulty sensor sending a 'ghost' signal to the control board or a malfunction in the ignition lead that creates electrical interference. In some cases, it can indicate that the main control board is incorrectly interpreting signals and has shut the system down as a vital safety precaution.
This fault can sometimes be more frequent during periods of high humidity or after heavy rain, as moisture ingress can affect the electrical sensitivity of the flame sensing components.
Engineer required
This is a emergency severity fault. Stop using the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.