What the EA error code means on a Worcester Bosch boiler
On a Worcester Bosch boiler, an EA code is a flame detection fault. The boiler tried to fire but couldn't detect a flame, so it locks out to keep things safe. You'll usually see EA on the display panel, and the boiler won't produce heating or hot water until the fault clears.
A lockout is the boiler protecting itself. The job is to work out why no flame is being detected. Sometimes it's something simple you can sort yourself. Sometimes it needs a Gas Safe engineer.
Quick checks to try first
Before you call anyone, run through these. They clear an EA fault more often than you'd think.
Reset the boiler
Find the reset button and hold it for about five seconds. You may need to try it once or twice. If the boiler restarts and stays on, that's often the end of it.
Check the gas supply
Make sure the gas valve hasn't been turned off, and that you've credit if you're on a prepay meter. Turn on a gas hob or fire to confirm gas is reaching the property. If nothing ignites anywhere, ring the National Grid gas emergency line.
Check the condensate pipe
In freezing weather the condensate pipe can freeze and block, which triggers a lockout. If you can see condensate draining normally, it's fine. If nothing's draining and the boiler keeps locking out, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water over the external pipe to thaw it. The boiler should then start up as usual.
When the EA fault won't clear
If you've reset the boiler and checked the gas and condensate but EA keeps coming back, it's time to call a Gas Safe engineer, ideally one who's Worcester Bosch accredited.
The PCB (printed circuit board) is the boiler's control board. It runs the boiler and flags a fault code when something isn't working, locking out to protect the other components. A repeating EA code, or several fault codes in a row, usually means an underlying fault that needs a proper diagnosis rather than another reset.
Which Worcester Bosch boilers show an EA code
Several Worcester Bosch models use the EA code for a flame detection fault, including:
- Greenstar i
- Greenstar Si
- Greenstar CDi Highflow
- Greenstar CDi Classic Regular
- Greenstar CDi Fi Regular
The flame detector checks whether the main flame or pilot is actually lit. It's a safety device: if it can't confirm a flame, it shuts the boiler down rather than let unburnt gas build up in the combustion chamber. An EA code means that check has failed, and a Gas Safe engineer can find out why.
Is it time to replace your boiler?
Faults get more frequent as a boiler ages, and repair costs climb with them. If your boiler is over 10 years old and EA keeps returning, replacement may work out cheaper in the long run. Worcester Bosch boilers carry long guarantees and there's a model to suit most property sizes, but a Gas Safe engineer can tell you whether yours is worth repairing first.
Worcester boiler still showing EA after a reset? Book a Gas Safe boiler repair engineer in London and we’ll get your heating and hot water back on. For other Worcester Bosch error codes, see our Worcester Bosch fault code guide.
