having got a plumber out who fitted a new ignition and cleaned the condensation pipe, it works for a while then the error fault code ea comes on. can anyone help

pam, March 2010

I have a 30i greenstar compact bosh boiler, the blue light is flashing and the error code is EA 227 i have reset it twice and it the works, but how do i find the cause of the fault?

WILLIAM TELFORD, May 2017

We've had an intermittent EA fault with our Worcester boiler for 12mths - started 3 months after installation. Our installer checked everything but could find nothing wrong.

Finally rang Worcester and 3 days later the engineer came - he knew the cause immediately as he had fitted modified butterfly cap/ bearing plates to lots of these boilers. The old type on the mixer unit was sticking on one side sometimes due to moisture and so there was not always enough gas getting through. The new flaps are coated to prevent sticking. He replaced the ignition electrodes as well so fingers crossed. Our condensate pipe is routed internally to a drain and the gas pipe feeding the boiler is 28mm. A lack of gas and / or freezing condensate pipe can also be a contributor. My advice is to call Worcester within your warranty period and tell them you have an EA fault, so they can come and replace the butterfly for free. Hopefully new boilers have the modified valve already.

Stevej, November 2016

We've had an intermittent EA fault with our Worcester boiler for 15mths - started 2yrs 1mth after installation - conveniently after the guarantee had expired. Our installer tried everything he could think of - the regulator was replaced at the gas meter, the condensate pipe was diverted and the ignition replaced.

Finally we bit the bullet and paid £262.50 for a one-off Worcester engineer visit - he knew the cause immediately - the butterfly cap (bearing plate) on the mixer unit was sticking on one side sometimes and so there was not always enough gas getting through. Bit of a design fault if you ask me!

Pretty galling to pay such a huge sum for a replacement part that cost about £1 plus a liberal application of Johnson's baby powder........and they don't mention this in the Q&As on the Worcester website either.

MoiraC2, May 2014

Hi pam thanks for your answers did as you suggested did all the simple things without any luck. Ended up changing the PCB and problem solved. For any one out there it is not a difficult job changing the PCB took me 20 mins.

yunus, May 2010

Conclusion - Story unfolds, so. southern gas fits bigger and longer pipes, Gas pressure fine. ring up Bosch Techs comes round says gas pressure still too low could be blockage in gas pipes in your house leading to boiler, best thing to change pipes, FINE install new pipes, guess what?.......... error still there. so phone up Bosch again not happy done everything you specified and it's still not working you need to sort this out once and for all. Bosch Tech comes round and says your gas pressure is still a bit........... oh no you don't speak to my plumber. put plumber on the phone the Tech finally checks the boiler and low and behold changes the PCB...... can you believe it it works fine.

Basically Bosch Tech will not touch the boiler if they think the problem is outside the boiler case.

moral of the story just change your PCB if you keep getting EA fault and you have tried the simple things otherwise you will end up paying out a fortune for nothing.

Pam, April 2010

Hi Yunus,

The story continues, i had to resort to call out worcester technician, who said that our gas pressure was too low,i.e turning the hot water on and the gas cooker at the same time it, showed that the gas pressure was too low, he called out Transco (southern gas) to come and check our pressure, they came within 2 hours, and checked the inlet and outlet, the outlet was the problem. due to the severe weather in february there could be a blockage in the pipes, so they came again yesterday and dug up the pipes and cleared it, if that does not work they said they would have to insert a new bigger plastic pipe, guess what?..... it didn't work, it lasted about 1 hour last night, Phoned them this morning and still waiting for them to turn up. i will let you know the outcome.

worcester boilers ummm..................................

Pam, April 2010

Hi pam i have a similar problem to you. My boiler is fine through out the day. After 6pm it cuts out with the EA problem.
So far had the condensate pipe cleared.
Had the electrodes changed.
Had the gas pressure tested to make sure it did not go down after 6pm.
Had all the electrics checked.

Now plumber is frustated and thinks as a last resort change the PCB.

I am really cheesed off as the boiler is only 4 years old its costing me a fortune.

Yunus Patel, April 2010

sounds like you need to have the combustion ratio's checked / adjusted

Ian, March 2010

Spoken to technical team who are not sure as i have also had a new gas valve fitted. when you run the hot water flow temp only reaches around 39 c then drops to the lower 20s.

The plumber has also been liaising with the technical team but to no avail, this is proving very expensive considering the boiler is only 4 years old and quoted as being "top of the range"

Pam, March 2010

Hi, this is Worcester, Bosch Group

Our technical team can also with enquiries - please call 0844 892 3366.

We look forward to helping you.

Worcester, Bosch Group, March 2010

check through the boiler user manual or phone worcester techincal

john, March 2010