Error F7 228

Safety precautions:

- If the boiler is showing F7 228, do not attempt to force it to run. This is a flame-sensing/ignition safety lockout.

- Turn off the boiler electrical supply before removing any covers or touching internal parts. If you must isolate power, switch off at the fused spur or isolator and confirm the display is off.

- Do not attempt to work on gas valves, burners, or internal gas components unless you are a Gas Safe qualified engineer. Working on gas appliances without qualification is dangerous and illegal.

- If you smell gas at any time, leave the property immediately and call the gas emergency number.

Initial checks a homeowner can do (no special tools required):

1. Note the fault code and any display messages, then try a single reset using the boiler reset/button. Wait a full restart cycle. If the error clears and does not return, monitor the boiler closely for reoccurrence. Repeated lockouts indicate an underlying fault.

2. With the boiler powered down, remove the outer case only if you are comfortable doing so and it is safe. Take a photo of the wiring before touching anything so you can restore connections exactly.

3. Visually inspect the ionisation probe location and its wiring/connector for obvious signs of damage, corrosion, soot build-up, condensation or water ingress. Look for loose or pushed-back connectors and for any conductive deposit bridging contacts.

4. Check for moisture. If the probe/connector area is wet or damp, allow to dry and then retest. Condensation or leaks should be addressed by an engineer.

5. Check that the probe is correctly positioned and not bent or contacting adjacent metal. The probe should sit in the burner/flame path where the manufacturer specifies.

Further diagnostic steps (some require basic electrical competence):

6. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it safely, you can check continuity of the probe wiring back to the control board, looking for broken conductors. Do this only with the boiler power isolated.

7. Inspect the plug/socket that connects the probe wiring to the burner control module for corrosion or a poor fit. Carefully disconnect and reconnect to ensure a good mechanical/electrical connection. Replace the connector if visibly damaged.

8. Light soot or contamination on the probe can sometimes be carefully cleaned with a fine abrasive cloth or emery paper to restore a clean metal surface; do not file or alter the probe shape. Only attempt cleaning if the probe is accessible and you are confident, then refit and test.

9. After visual checks and reconnection, reapply power and attempt a reset. Watch for the same F7 228 error or any other codes. Note whether the lockout happens immediately (before ignition sequence) which supports the idea of stray current or short on the ionisation circuit.

When to call a professional and what to tell them:

- If the fault returns after simple cleaning/reseating, if wiring looks damaged, if you are unsure about any inspection steps, or if the probe/plug replacement is required, stop and call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.

- Tell the engineer the exact fault code F7 228, describe any steps you already tried (reset, drying, reseating connector, cleaning probe), and report any visible damage or moisture. Take photos of the probe, connector and wiring to help them diagnose before their visit.

Likely outcomes a qualified engineer may perform:

- Replace the ionisation probe and connector if faulty or corroded.

- Replace or repair wiring or the connector if damaged or showing intermittent contact.

- Investigate and repair any control module/PCB fault if the probe and wiring check good; the burner control unit or identification module can occasionally cause incorrect readings.

- Test the complete ignition and flame-sensing circuit and run combustion/operational checks after repair.

Final note:

Because this fault prevents safe ignition and involves critical safety circuits, any internal electrical or gas repairs must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not leave a boiler showing F7 228 unattended for long during cold weather; arrange professional service promptly.