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Worcester Bosch EA fault code: what it means and what to do
EA means the boiler tried to light and couldn’t detect a flame, so it locked itself out. Newer Greenstar boilers show it as 227. Often it’s the gas supply or a frozen condensate pipe, and you can often sort it yourself.
- EAon older Greenstar boilers
- 227the same fault on the 2000, 4000 and 8000
- 1 to 1.5bar, the pressure to look for when cold
Greenstar 4000
You’ve gone to turn the heating on, nothing’s happening, and the boiler is flashing EA, or 227 if it’s one of the newer ones. It’s one of the most common Worcester Bosch codes we see, and it’s worth a couple of minutes’ checking before you book anyone.
It means the boiler tried to light the burner and didn’t detect a flame, so it shut itself down to stay safe. Worcester calls it flame not detected, or ignition lockout. It needs a manual reset to clear.
What causes it
Some you can check. Some need an engineer.
Things you can check
- No gas getting to the boiler
- No credit on a prepayment meter
- The gas valve under the boiler turned off
- A frozen or blocked condensate pipe
Things for an engineer
- The ignition or flame sensing electrodes
- A blocked or damaged flue
- Low gas pressure to the boiler
- A fault with the gas valve or control board
If you hear gurgling from the boiler in cold weather, it’s very likely the condensate pipe. Worcester itself says that’s usually safe to thaw yourself. Our frozen condensate pipe guide shows you how.
One we fitted
What to try first
In this order.
Check your gas
Does the hob light? If nothing on gas works, check the meter: credit on a prepayment meter, and the handle on the gas valve in line with the pipe. If it’s a supply problem, contact your gas supplier.
Check the boiler’s gas valve
There’s usually a valve on the gas pipe under the boiler. Make sure it hasn’t been knocked off.
Check the condensate pipe
In a frost, look at the white plastic pipe outside. If it’s frozen and at ground level, thaw it with warm water, never boiling. Don’t try to reach one that’s up high.
Reset once
Use the reset for your model (see the table below). Give it two or three minutes to restart. If it locks out again, try one more time after any fix. If EA comes back, stop and call us.
Our advice on resets
Worcester doesn’t publish a limit. We’d say one reset, and one more after you’ve fixed something like a frozen pipe. If it keeps locking out, something needs looking at, and more resets won’t fix it.
How to reset your Greenstar
| What you’ll see | How to reset | |
|---|---|---|
| Greenstar CDi Classic | EA | Press and hold the reset button for 2 seconds |
| Greenstar Ri (older, with knobs) | Flashing light | Turn the heating knob to RESET, hold for about 5 seconds, then turn it back |
| Greenstar i | EA on the display | Press the reset button |
| Greenstar 2000 | H symbol and a number | Press the arrow buttons together until the symbols go, or switch it off and on |
| Greenstar 4000 and 8000 | 227 and a symbol | Press the up and down arrows together until Reset shows |
From Worcester Bosch user and installation manuals, checked 2 November 2026. Your manual has the exact steps for your boiler.
What should I do next?
- Gas was off or out of creditSorted
Reset and you’re back on.
- Gurgling in a frostThaw the pipe
Warm water, then reset.
- Code keeps coming backBook a repair visit
£120 including VAT, before any parts.
- Showing 1017 insteadTop up the pressure
That’s low pressure, not EA.
Common questions
What does EA mean on a Worcester boiler?
Flame not detected, or ignition lockout. The boiler tried to light and couldn’t sense a flame, so it shut itself down. It needs a manual reset to clear.
What is fault 227 on a Worcester Greenstar?
On the Greenstar 2000, 4000 and 8000, 227 means no flame signal after ignition. It’s the same fault older Worcester boilers show as EA.
Is 1017 the same as EA?
No. 1017 means the water pressure is too low. Top it up to between 1 and 1.5 bar with the boiler cold, then reset. If you’re topping up more than once or twice a year, something’s wrong, often a leak.
How many times should I reset my Worcester boiler?
Worcester doesn’t give a number. Our advice is one reset, and one more after fixing something like a frozen condensate pipe. If EA keeps coming back, book a repair rather than keep resetting.
Can a frozen condensate pipe cause EA?
Yes. Worcester lists a frozen or blocked condensate pipe as a cause. You’ll often hear gurgling too. Thaw it with warm water if it’s at ground level, then reset.
My boiler is still under its Worcester guarantee. Who do I call?
Us, or Worcester Bosch. We’re a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer. If we fitted it, call us first. Repairs under guarantee depend on the boiler having been serviced every year.
Related pages
Sources: Worcester Bosch, frozen condensate; Worcester Bosch, how do I know my condensate pipe is blocked?; Worcester Bosch, topping up pressure. Checked 2 November 2026.
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