How to Fix Main Combi 24 HE Flame Failure?

What is the Main Combi 24 HE Flame Fault?
[FLAME FAILURE]

Main boilers manufactured by BAXI are known for their reliability and energy efficiency. However, like any boiler, they can experience technical issues over time, often indicated via error codes or flashing LED lights.

Several underlying problems can cause this kind of issue, so it's essential to call a Gas Safe Registered engineer for a professional boiler repair. Not only will they find and fix the problem safely, but they will also ensure your boiler stays in line with gas safety regulations.

What Causes Main Combi 24 HE Flame Failure?

A flame failure on a Main Combi 24 HE boiler can be caused by a range of technical issues, from minor component failures to more complex system faults.

Below are the most common causes:

When this component fails, it cannot confirm the presence of a stable flame and cuts off the gas supply as a safety precaution.

If the ignition electrode becomes worn or fails, the boiler may not generate the spark needed to ignite the flame.

A boiler's gas valve regulates the flow of gas to the burner. A faulty gas valve might cause inadequate or no gas to reach the burner, preventing ignition.

The PCB controls almost every function of the boiler, including ignition and flame detection. Therefore, a faulty printed circuit board (PCB) is one of the most common culprits in cases of intermittent faults.

A weak or failing fan will impact airflow, which is essential for combustion. Similarly, if the air pressure switch doesn't detect sufficient airflow, it will prevent ignition as a safety measure.

• Blocked flue impacting proper airflow
• Low water pressure
• Frozen condensate pipe during colder months

How to Diagnose and Fix Main Combi 24 HE Flame Failure?

If you're a certified gas heating engineer, diagnosing and fixing a flame failure fault involves a systematic approach.

Here's a breakdown of the fault-finding process:

Note the exact sequence of events when the flame failure occurs. For the Main Combi 24 HE, a typical sequence of operation is as follows:

• Call for heat or hot water detected.
• The fan starts, and the air pressure switch sends the signal to the PCB.
• The ignition electrodes receive voltage and spark the ignition.
• The gas valve opens, the burner ignites, and the flame rectification electrode signals to the PCB that the flame is stable.

If the boiler fails to ignite, as indicated by the absence of a sparking sound while the fan is running, it suggests issues occurring after the fan operation.

Using this logic, the following components should be your focus for testing:

• Air Pressure Switch: Confirm it's signalling correctly after the fan starts.
• PCB: Check for visible damage or faulty signals from back probes. Intermittent faults often stem from PCB failure.
• Gas Valve: Verify functionality and ensure sufficient gas flow.
• Electrodes (Ignition & Rectification): Examine for wear, damage, or poor connections.

Depending on the diagnosis, replace or repair the faulty component:

• Replace the faulty electrode if excessive wear is detected.
• Repair or replace a malfunctioning gas valve to ensure a steady gas supply.
• Replace a failing PCB or repair soldering if visibly damaged.
• Address weak fan performance or replace a defective air pressure switch.

After completing the repair, run thorough tests to ensure the fault has been resolved. The boiler should ignite consistently without interrupting the cycle.

Why is Regular Boiler Servicing Essential?

Flame failure faults can often be avoided with proper boiler maintenance. Annual servicing ensures your boiler operates efficiently, minimising the risk of breakdowns.

During a service, a Gas Safe engineer can:

• Check for signs of wear and tear.
• Inspect gas pressures and system performance.
• Clean critical components, such as the burner and electrodes.
• Ensure the safety mechanisms, like the pressure release valve and flue, are functioning properly.

A well-maintained boiler not only reduces repair costs but also extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long term.

Professional Repair Services by Serviceteam

At Serviceteam, we understand how frustrating and disruptive a faulty boiler can be. Our expert gas heating engineers are here to help with the following:

• 24/7 Emergency Repairs: Get your boiler back in order with our quick and reliable repair services.
• Annual Boiler Servicing: Keep your boiler safe, efficient, and reliable with our routine maintenance checks. Read our blog, ‘Boiler service guide’, for your further knowledge.
• Expert Fault Diagnosis: We do advanced diagnostics to identify and resolve issues quickly, saving you time and money.

Contact us today!
Whether it's a Main Combi 24 HE flame failure or routine boiler maintenance, our experts have you covered. Call us now or book online for fast and efficient service.

Key Takeaways

A flame failure on the Main Combi 24 HE boiler can result from various issues like faulty ignition electrodes, gas valves, or PCBs. Proper fault diagnosis requires Gas Safe certification and expertise. Regular boiler servicing is essential to prevent such issues and ensure efficiency.

At Serviceteam, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch boiler repair and maintenance services. For expert help, don't hesitate to reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

If your Main Combi 24 HE boiler is showing a flame failure error (usually indicated by a flashing middle LED), it means the burner hasn't ignited properly.

To reset the boiler:

1. Turn the selector switch fully anti-clockwise to the 'Reset' position (you'll feel spring resistance).
2. Hold it for at least 2 seconds, then release.
3. This should clear the error and restart the boiler.

A flame failure on a combi boiler usually means the system couldn't ignite or maintain a flame. This can be caused by low water pressure, blocked components, power supply issues, or ignition faults. It's best to call a Gas Safe engineer for proper diagnosis and safe repairs.