Boiler
EA 227
The EA 227 error code on a Worcester Bosch boiler indicates a flame detection fault — the boiler is either failing to ignite or losing its flame shortly after firing up. This is a lockout fault and your boiler will not produce heat or hot water until it is resolved.
What does this error mean?
EA 227 means the boiler’s control board has detected that the burner flame either did not establish or was not detected by the ionisation electrode within the permitted time window. Worcester Bosch boilers are designed to lock out and display this code as a safety measure to prevent unburned gas from accumulating. In plain terms: the boiler tried to light, something went wrong, and it has shut itself down for safety.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 for electrode replacement; £150–£250+ for gas valve or PCB repair — all requiring a Gas Safe engineer
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check your gas supply first: confirm other gas appliances (hob, gas fire) are working. If nothing gas-powered is working, contact your gas supplier — there may be a network outage.
Check the boiler’s isolation valve (usually a lever on the gas pipe directly behind or beneath the boiler) is fully open — the handle should be in line with the pipe, not across it.
Attempt a manual reset: press and hold the reset button on your Worcester Bosch boiler (usually marked with a flame symbol or ‘Reset’) for 3–5 seconds until the display clears, then wait for the ignition sequence to complete.
If the boiler locks out again immediately or within a few ignition attempts, do not keep resetting — repeated failed ignition attempts can release unburned gas. Stop here.
Do NOT attempt to inspect, clean, or replace ignition or ionisation electrodes, the gas valve, or any internal components yourself. This is gas appliance work and must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if the boiler locks out again after a single reset attempt, or if you have no other gas supply issues and the fault persists. Tell the engineer you have an EA 227 fault code — this points them directly to an ignition or flame detection issue and will save diagnostic time. If you smell gas at any point, do not reset the boiler: leave the property, avoid switches, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A Gas Safe engineer call-out and repair for an EA 227 fault typically costs £80–£250 depending on the part required — electrode replacement sits at the lower end, a gas valve or PCB at the higher. If your Worcester Bosch boiler is over 10–12 years old and this is not the first significant repair, replacement with a new A-rated combi boiler (typically £1,800–£3,000 fully installed) is worth serious consideration. For boilers under 8 years old in otherwise good condition, repair is almost always the right call.