Error F7 228

Safety precautions:

- If you smell gas, evacuate the property immediately and call the gas emergency number — do not operate electrical switches or the boiler.

- Ensure a working carbon monoxide alarm is fitted and responding.

- Do not attempt internal gas or high-voltage electrical repairs. Any work on gas, ignition or PCB components must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Initial checks homeowners can do (safe, non-invasive checks):

1) Record the exact error code and any circumstances (power cut, storm, recent service). Note how many reset attempts you make.

2) Try a controlled reset: switch the boiler off at the mains or the boiler isolator, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on and try to call for heat/hot water. Do this once or twice only. If the fault clears and does not return, monitor for reoccurrence. Avoid repeatedly resetting a locked-out boiler.

3) Check external items you can see: ensure the flue terminal is not blocked by debris, birds’ nests or heavy snow; check condensate pipe (if external) for freezing or blockages during cold weather; check boiler room for signs of water ingress or damp around the casing.

4) Look and listen for basic signs: any unusual smells, scorch marks on the casing, or rattles before the fault occurred. If you see evidence of water inside the boiler or obvious wiring damage, isolate the boiler and call an engineer.

Specific diagnostic and next steps (what an engineer will normally do; what you can carefully check if competent):

1) After isolating the boiler (switch off at the mains), a competent person may remove the outer casing to look for obvious water ingress, loose connectors or heavily sooted/contaminated electrode tips. Only do this if you are confident and have isolated power. If unsure, leave this to a Gas Safe engineer.

2) Check electrode/igniter condition: the ignition electrode tips should be dry, intact and free from heavy carbon deposits. Wet or cracked ceramic or heavy deposits can create false ionisation signals.

3) Check connectors: loose, corroded or badly seated connectors on the electrode, ignition module or the code plug (KIM) can cause false signals. If you are competent and safe to do so, gently reseat visible plug connections after isolating power.

4) If simple cleaning or reseating does not help, or if the electrode, ignition module or control box appears damaged, do not try to replace those parts yourself. The likely professional fixes include replacing the electrode/ignition probe, ignition module, KIM/code plug or the burner control unit/PCB and testing wiring integrity and insulation.

5) The Gas Safe engineer will also perform electrical and ignition tests, check for gas valve leakage or sticking, check fan and flue performance, run combustion checks and confirm the appliance is safe to return to service.

When to call a professional:

- If the fault does not clear after one controlled reset and the non-invasive checks above.

- If you detect a gas smell, water ingress, damaged wiring, cracked electrode, or if you are not comfortable opening the boiler.

- Any work that involves ignition components, the gas valve, internal wiring or the PCB must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Notes/behaviour to record for the engineer:

- Exact fault code (F7 228), how many times you reset and any patterns (e.g. after power cuts, only on cold starts). This information speeds diagnosis.

Do not continue to repeatedly reset the boiler; if basic checks do not clear the fault, book a Gas Safe engineer to investigate and repair.