All About Ignition Lockout: Detailed Analysis
When your boiler fails and you cannot get heating and hot water, this is not good. An ignition lockout is the most frequent one in this. This situation may appear to be a serious problem. But boilers have a built-in protection mechanism against any danger or injury.
It is important to understand the process of identifying and solving an ignition lockout. Whether you have an ideal boiler, a combi boiler, or any other type of boiler, here, we will discuss it in detail.
What is Ignition Lockout?
Once your boiler senses an issue, it enters a lockout to protect your house. This is called an ignition lockout. In this case, your boiler will not turn on. The display panel will most likely indicate a problem code.
The lockout is included in the boiler system to avoid additional damage. And also the gas risks by locking the ignition as a safety component of the boiler system.
Multiple reasons might lead to a lockout. It is impossible to run the boiler until the problem is resolved. Restart your boiler or seek the help of a licensed engineer.
Fixing a Boiler in Ignition Lockout Mode
Common Causes of Ignition Lockout
Your boiler can enter a lockout for different reasons. Each homeowner should know about the most frequent reasons for a boiler lockout. Being aware of them may accelerate the process of diagnosis and repair. Some of them are as follows:
Boiler Pressure
Low boiler pressure is one of the strongest causes of boiler lockouts. Your boiler will work best with a certain pressure. It’s usually between 1 and 1.5 bars. When the pressure is too low, the boiler safety mechanism identifies the occurrence of a problem.
Then it proceeds to lock out to avoid damage. This can happen because of leaks in the system, bleeding radiators, or low boiler water. In most cases, this can be fixed with the addition of more water via the filling loop. However, if you are not confident, then you must consult an engineer.
Gas Supply Issues
A boiler ignition lockup may happen because of an issue in your gas supply when the gas fails to reach the boiler with the right pressure. Then the boiler fails to ignite, and it locks out.
This could be caused by a frozen gas pipe, a closed gas valve, etc. Make sure that your gas appliances remain switched on.
When they are not, then there is the possibility of the supply being the problem. In this case, you need to call a Gas Safe registered engineer to solve the problem.
Ignition Failure
The ignition system makes your boiler start. When something goes wrong with this system, like worn ignition leads, a faulty ignition electrode, etc, then your boiler will not ignite properly.
Once this happens, the boiler will give a few tries before going into ignition lockout. This is to prevent further tries. Clicking could be heard as the boiler tried to start burning but failed to do so.
One of these symptoms is a sign that your ignition system has some problems. In some cases, it may be necessary to change problematic parts.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
During winter, your condensing boiler can experience a frozen condensate pipe. This pipe helps to remove the wastewater from your boiler. The boiler senses the blockage in case of freezing.
So the water fails to drain from it. It will then go into lockdown mode to avoid damage. Then you might receive gurgling sounds or an indication of a problem with drainage.
It is a typical issue that occurs during the winter. It usually gets solved by carefully warming up the pipe with hot water. The simple thing you can do is insulate the pipe to prevent winter lockouts.
Faulty Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is one fundamental component of your boiler. It moves heat around in your system between the water and the gas. It can corrode, block, or get damaged with time, especially in older boiler models.
Overheating can result from this. Therefore, a boiler lock-out may be required. Also, a defective heat exchanger may decrease heating efficiency.
Or sometimes make unusual sounds in the system. This part may be the problem when the boiler does not heat appropriately or locks up frequently.
Sensor or Thermostat
Even modern boilers rely on the various sensors and thermostats in order to operate safely. Lockout of the boiler can also be held as a safety measure because such sensors give inaccurate results.
These will include overheating or no heat. The wiring issues, electrical issues, or old, damaged sensors may also cause the boiler damage.
It may be that your boiler is not responding properly to the temperature setting. And also displaying mixed failure codes, due to a sensor problem.
Signs of Ignition Lockout
There are lots of signs, some of the most common are:
- A boiler does not generate heating or hot water.
- A red warning light or fault code will appear.
- The boiler does not attempt to fire or blaze.
- The boiler does not ignite, yet you hear clicking sounds.
- When we tried to reset the boiler, it got into lockout mode again.
- The boiler locks up and does not react.
How to Fix Ignition Lockout
Fixing the ignition lockout is so important. The following are the parts of it:
Press the Reset Button
Boilers have a reset button, normally on the front. Follow the manual of your boiler. Press the button for five or ten seconds. When the boiler restarts, the error code should clear.
Then you will have hot water back. By hitting the button too many times, the boiler can be left in lockout mode. Use the next step if you made two attempts and it did not ignite.
Check Issues
Check and make sure that the gas supply is switched on. It has a suitable pressure, usually 1 – 1.5 bar. Use the filling loop to fill it up in case it is too low.
When you have a condensing boiler, check that the condensate pipe is not frozen in winter. Look at the display to see fault codes, which may be a sign of ignition system issues. It also includes faulty leads or electrodes.
Call a Gas Safe Engineer
Call the Gas Safe registered engineer in case the boiler still does not start and show a lockout. They will be able to securely check wiring issues, ignition issues, etc. You may need a new boiler when your current boiler keeps locking out.
These are some ways to fix this issue.
Boiler Maintenance Tips to Prevent Lockouts
There are some easy ways to maintain the boiler to prevent lockouts next time. These ways are:
- Get a Gas Safe engineer to give a yearly check-up of your boiler.
- Keep the pressure of your boiler in check.
- Ensure that the space around your boiler installation is clear.
- Pipes should be insulated during the winter in order to avoid freezing.
- Check warning signs in your boiler once a month.
- Study the handbook of your boiler, and understand how to reset it.
These are some of the amazing tips for boiler maintenance.
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Closing Words
Dealing with an ignition lockout with your boiler can be quite frustrating. Yet, as you have observed, it is often a safety mechanism to protect the boiler and your home. You might also fix smaller issues yourself, knowing the most common causes.
Always call a Gas-Safe registered engineer to properly solve a more serious problem. Regular checks and an annual service will help you to prevent boiler lockouts. And also ensure your home is warm, all year round.
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FAQs
Can I fix a boiler lockout myself?
Yes, you will fix it by resetting, and if it is serious, then call an engineer.
What pressure should my boiler be?
It must be between 1 and 1.5 bar.
Is ignition lockout dangerous?
No, it protects you from something dangerous by shutting down.
Can a new boiler still lock out?
Yes, if its installation is faulty.
Is it safe to reset the boiler?
Yes, if you have some basic knowledge and you follow the manual.
