Error FA

Safety precautions:

1. If you smell gas (rotten egg odour), stop using the property, turn off the gas at the meter if you know how and it is safe to do so, ventilate the area, do not operate electrical switches or phones near the smell, and call the national gas emergency number (in the UK 0800 111 999) immediately.

2. If there is no gas smell but the boiler shows FA, isolate the boiler electrically by switching off the fused spur or the RCD/MCB that supplies the boiler, and turn the boiler off using its on/off switch. Do not try to dismantle gas-carrying parts or the gas valve yourself.

3. Keep children and pets away from the boiler and flue area while you investigate basic checks.

Initial homeowner checks you can safely do:

1. Note the exact fault code (FA) and any accompanying cause/three-digit code shown in the information menu (press the spanner/return or info button per your manual). Record these for the engineer.

2. Try a controlled reset: with the boiler powered, press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds (or follow the reset method in your manual). Observe whether the FA returns immediately or after a restart/short run. If the fault clears and does not return, monitor the boiler but arrange a service if it reoccurs.

3. Check for visible moisture or water ingress around the boiler service cover and electrode area (do not remove the burner cover or internal components). If the boiler has been exposed to heavy condensation or water, leave the casing closed and dry the exterior; this can sometimes cause false ionisation signals until dry.

4. Check for recent work or events: has the boiler been recently serviced, repaired, or had parts replaced, or has the flue/airway been obstructed? Note any recent changes to report to the engineer.

5. Check the condensate pipe only externally for frozen blockage in cold weather (FA is not typically caused by condensate but a frozen pipe can cause other faults). Do not attempt internal repairs.

If the FA persists or returns after reset (professional diagnostic steps the Gas Safe engineer will perform):

1. The engineer will perform a controlled gas valve leak test (EV1/EV2) and the boiler's internal leak test routines to determine if either gas valve stage is leaking or failing to close.

2. They will check the ionisation/flame sensing electrode and lead for correct positioning, continuity and contamination; they will dry or replace the electrode or cable if needed.

3. The PCB/control module and related wiring and connectors will be inspected for faults, corrosion, or intermittent connections that could provide a false flame signal.

4. The engineer will inspect the burner, electrode assembly, and flue path for soot, moisture or debris that could corrupt the flame signal, and clean/repair as necessary.

5. If a gas valve is found to be defective or leaking, the engineer will replace the valve and then carry out leakage and function tests and full commissioning to safe operating standards.

6. After any repair the engineer will run ignition and ionisation tests, verify correct shutoff, and confirm no residual flame signal after burner stop. They will also record fault/cause codes and explain the repair and safety checks performed.

Important notes and final advice:

1. Do not attempt to dismantle, adjust or replace gas valves, burner parts, electrode assemblies, or the PCB yourself. These actions should only be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.

2. If FA occurs repeatedly or if you detect any gas smell, switch the boiler off, ventilate the area, and call a Gas Safe registered engineer or the gas emergency service immediately.

3. When you contact the engineer, give them the fault code (FA), any cause code you retrieved from the info menu, the results of your reset attempt, and any symptoms (smell of gas, sounds, leaks, recent work). This information speeds up diagnosis and helps ensure a safe, correct repair.