BoilerFaultCodes.com
249 High Lockout

Your boiler’s internal computer has encountered a communication error or internal glitch that is preventing it from running properly.

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: System fault boiler electronics / basic controller

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's main control board loses its ability to communicate with other internal electronic components. It is typically caused by a data error within the software or a physical failure of the circuitry that manages the boiler's core operations. Think of it as a computer crash where the hardware can no longer process the instructions needed to keep the system running safely.

Typical repair cost £250-£550 (including labour)

DIY fix possible

Locate the Reset button on the front control panelPress and hold the Reset button for three seconds until the boiler restartsWait up to 10 minutes for the boiler to complete its startup sequence

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 249 — 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