Worcester EA 227 Fault Code: No Flame Detected, What to Do
Worcester Bosch boiler showing EA 227? The boiler tried to light and did not detect a flame. The safe checks, how to reset it, why the code comes back and when to book a Gas Safe engineer.
EA 227 on a Worcester Bosch boiler means the boiler tried to light but did not detect a flame, so it locked out for safety. First check that the gas is on elsewhere in the house, that a prepayment meter has credit, and in freezing weather that the condensate pipe is not frozen. Then reset the boiler once using the reset button, as your model's instructions describe. If EA 227 returns, stop resetting and book a Gas Safe engineer, because the cause is usually the ignition electrode, flame sensing, gas valve or a related part inside the boiler.
Key Takeaways
- EA is the alert and 227 is the detail: together they mean no flame was detected during ignition.
- Gas supply problems, including an empty prepayment meter, are a common and easy cause to rule out.
- A frozen condensate pipe is a frequent reason for Worcester lockouts in cold snaps.
- Reset once after checking the basics. If EA 227 comes back, the fault is inside the boiler.
- Anything behind the casing needs a Gas Safe engineer.
- If you smell gas, do not reset. Leave and call 0800 111 999.
EA 227 on a Worcester Bosch boiler means the boiler tried to light but did not detect a flame, so it locked out for safety. Before resetting, check that your gas hob works, that a prepayment meter has credit and, if it has been freezing, that the plastic condensate pipe outside is not frozen. Then reset once using the reset button. If EA 227 comes back, stop resetting: the fault is inside the boiler, usually the ignition electrode, flame sensing or gas valve, and it needs a Gas Safe engineer.
What does EA 227 mean?
Worcester boilers show faults as a two-character code and a three-digit number. The letters tell you the type of fault and the number narrows it down. Worcester's Greenstar CDi Compact instructions use EA and 227 as their example of what to quote when reporting a fault, which gives you an idea of how common it is.
EA 227 is an ignition fault: the boiler went through its start-up sequence, the gas valve opened, the electrode sparked, but the boiler did not sense a flame. It then shut the gas off and locked out. On many models the reset button or the blue light will flash at the same time. Our guide to a Worcester boiler flashing blue light covers what those indicators mean on different Greenstar ranges.
Remember that EA 227 describes what happened, not the cause. The cause can be as simple as no gas getting to the boiler, or it can be a failing part.
Checks before you reset
All of these can be done without opening the boiler. Do not remove the casing.
Check gas elsewhere
Light the gas hob if you have one. If it will not light either, the boiler is not the problem. Contact your gas supplier, or the network emergency line if you suspect a leak.
Check the meter
Prepayment meters that run out of credit cut the gas and trigger an ignition lockout. Check the balance and any emergency credit, then check the lever by the meter is in line with the pipe.
Check the condensate pipe in cold weather
The white or grey plastic pipe that runs outside from the boiler can freeze, especially where it is long, thin or exposed. Thaw it with warm, not boiling, water at ground level, then reset.
Check the pressure
Low pressure normally shows as its own code, but if the gauge is well below 1 bar, repressurise the boiler as your manual describes before resetting.
Check the flue outside
Look at the flue terminal on the outside wall for anything blocking it. Do not reach in or remove any cover.
If the whole building has lost gas, for example because of street works or a problem on a shared supply in a block of flats, your neighbours will be in the same position. Check with them or the managing agent before paying for a boiler visit.
How to reset a Worcester boiler
Once you have ruled out the basics, reset the boiler once. On most Greenstar boilers you press and hold the reset button, and Worcester's Greenstar i Junior instructions say to hold it for about five seconds. Newer models with a digital display may have a reset symbol or button on the screen instead, so check the instructions for your model.
Give it a few minutes. The boiler will run the fan and try to light again.
- If it lights and keeps running, the cause was probably the gas supply or a frozen condensate pipe. Watch it for a few days, especially in cold weather.
- If EA 227 shows again, stop. Resetting over and over will not fix a failing electrode or valve, and it is not how the lockout is meant to be used.
Why EA 227 keeps coming back
When the gas supply and condensate are fine, a recurring EA 227 is almost always a part inside the boiler. The common culprits are:
| Part | What goes wrong | What you might notice |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition electrode | Worn, dirty or out of position, so the spark does not light the gas reliably | Repeated clicking, then lockout |
| Flame sensing | The flame lights but the boiler cannot confirm it, so it shuts down | You hear it light briefly, then it stops |
| Gas valve | Not opening properly, or not delivering the right pressure | Fan runs and sparks, but no flame |
| Flue and air supply | Blocked or leaking flue, or a fan problem, affecting combustion | Lockouts in windy weather, unusual fan noise |
| Condensate trap | Sludge in the trap inside the boiler, even when the outside pipe is clear | Gurgling, lockouts in mild weather too |
| Control board | Less common, but a PCB fault can upset the ignition sequence | Intermittent faults and other odd behaviour |
You cannot tell these apart from outside the boiler, which is why a clear record of when the code appears is so useful. If your boiler is cutting out with no code at all, our guide to a boiler that keeps turning off may be closer to what you are seeing.
What the engineer will do
A Gas Safe engineer will check the gas pressure at the boiler, look at the flue, inspect the electrode and its gap, test the flame sensing, clear the condensate trap and read any stored faults. Electrode problems are often fixed on the same visit. A gas valve or control board depends on the part being available for your model. If the boiler is still under Worcester's guarantee, check the terms before booking any repair, because the manufacturer may need to arrange the work.
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can work inside your boiler. Ask to see their ID card and check it covers domestic gas boilers.
EA 227 back after a reset?
Tell us the model, whether your hob works and how often the code has returned. Our labour is £95 an hour and the £60 call-out is waived on jobs over two hours. We confirm the price before any work starts.
📞 Call 020 7870 3200More on our boiler lockout repairs and boiler repair service.
Booking a repair
Before you call, note the full model name from the front of the boiler, the complete code including the number, how many times it has appeared and whether it happens mainly in cold weather. A photo of the display is ideal. Our boiler error codes guide explains why the three-digit number matters as much as the letters.
If you rent, tell your landlord or agent in writing. They are normally responsible for boiler repairs and may already have an engineer or cover in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EA 227 mean on a Worcester boiler?
EA 227 means the boiler attempted to ignite but did not detect a flame, so it shut down and locked out for safety. It tells you the boiler could not light, not why. Common causes range from no gas supply or a frozen condensate pipe to a worn ignition electrode or gas valve fault.
How do I reset a Worcester boiler with EA 227?
Check that gas is reaching the house and that the condensate pipe is not frozen, then press and hold the reset button as your model's user instructions describe. On the Greenstar i Junior, for example, the instructions say to hold it for about five seconds. Give the boiler a few minutes to try to light. If EA 227 returns, call a Gas Safe engineer.
Can a frozen condensate pipe cause EA 227?
Yes, a frozen condensate pipe is one of the most common reasons a Worcester boiler locks out in freezing weather. Pour warm, not boiling, water over the frozen outside section at ground level, or hold a warm water bottle against it, then reset the boiler.
Is EA 227 dangerous?
The code itself is a safety lockout: the boiler has stopped because it could not confirm a flame. That is the boiler protecting you, not a sign of danger on its own. If you smell gas, though, do not reset it. Leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Why does my Worcester boiler keep showing EA 227?
If the gas supply and condensate pipe are fine, a repeating EA 227 usually points to a worn or misaligned ignition electrode, a flame sensing fault, a gas valve problem, a flue or air supply issue, or occasionally the control board. These all need testing by a Gas Safe engineer.
Sources and further reading
Source links checked 27 September 2026. Scheme rules and manufacturer instructions can change; use the current official guidance for your account or exact appliance.