The ignition device has been activated for too long
The EA269 error code on Worcester boilers indicates the ignition device has been activated for too long.
Worcester EA269 means: the ignition device has been activated for too long. The usual causes are faulty or worn ignition electrode, cracked or dirty ignition lead or gas supply interruption or low gas pressure. A Gas Safe registered engineer should diagnose the root cause.
What Does EA269 Mean
The EA269 code is shown by the boiler’s control board when it detects the ignition device has been activated for too long. The boiler then stops instead of continuing to run in that condition: the code is the appliance reporting a problem, not proof that the boiler is broken.
| What you see on the boiler |
|---|
| The display shows EA269 and the boiler stops until the fault is cleared |
Common Causes
Causes documented in 1 technical sources.
| Cause |
|---|
| Faulty or worn ignition electrode |
| cracked or dirty ignition lead |
| gas supply interruption or low gas pressure |
| blocked condensate drain preventing ignition |
| defective gas valve not opening |
| faulty PCB (printed circuit board) not sending ignition signal |
Safety Warning
EA269 is a gas-related fault. Never attempt to repair or adjust the gas valve, burner assembly, or flue system yourself. All gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer (UK) or licensed HVAC technician (US). Repeated resets after ignition failure can cause unburnt gas to accumulate inside the combustion chamber — this is a serious safety hazard. If you smell gas at any point, turn off the gas supply at the meter, open windows, leave the property, and call your gas emergency service immediately. Gas-related fault. Do not open the boiler casing or attempt repairs to the gas valve, burner, ignition or flue. Repeated resets are unsafe. Diagnosis and repair must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Parts & Prices
Prices shown are indicative. Actual prices and availability vary by region.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
1. Verify gas supply — check gas meter is on and other gas appliances work. 2. Inspect the ignition electrode — look for cracks, carbon build-up, or incorrect gap (typically 3-4mm). 3. Check the ignition lead — ensure it is securely connected and not damaged. 4. Test the gas valve — measure voltage at the gas valve terminals during ignition attempt (should read 24V AC or mains depending on model). 5. Inspect the flue system — check for blockages, birds' nests, or debris. 6. Check the condensate trap and drain — a blocked condensate pipe can prevent ignition. 7. Verify the ionisation probe is clean and correctly positioned. 8. If all above pass, test the PCB by measuring outputs during ignition sequence
How to Fix It
Clean or replace the ignition electrode and lead
clear any condensate blockage (pour warm water over frozen external pipe in winter)
reset the boiler after checking all components
if the gas valve is not opening, replace the gas valve (Gas Safe registered engineer required)
if the PCB is not sending ignition signal, replace the PCB. Important: all gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
Refer to the Worcester service documentation for the detailed procedure. Only a qualified engineer should carry out these repairs.
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Affected Models
Worcester models that can display fault code EA269:
| Model Family | Output Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| All Worcester models | — | Possible |
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean or replace the ignition electrode and lead. According to the technical documentation, this is the first check on the list for EA269.
EA269 is classified as a high-severity fault: it involves gas, combustion or flue components. Do not keep resetting the boiler and do not attempt the repair yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer.