High Lockout
Boiler Safety Overheat neon on Potterton Osprey CF 125

Your boiler has switched itself off because it has become too hot to operate safely.

Call an engineer soon

Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24 to 48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.

Technical description

The boiler is fitted with an additional safety device, which shuts down the boiler in the event of the system or the boiler overheating. If the device operates, the Boiler Safety Overheat neon will illuminate and the boiler will shut down.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the water inside the boiler reaches an unsafe temperature, triggering a safety switch to prevent damage. The most common reasons are a failed pump stopping water from circulating or a build-up of sludge and debris blocking the internal pipework. It can also be caused by a faulty internal sensor incorrectly reading the temperature.

This issue often surfaces during the first cold spell of autumn when the heating is turned back on after being idle all summer, which can cause the pump to seize.

Engineer required

This is a high severity fault. Stop using the boiler and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

Find a Gas Safe engineer
Search the official register →

Related guides you might find useful