High Lockout
S.33 on Vaillant Thermocompact

Your boiler is struggling to start because it cannot confirm that the fan is pushing enough air through the flue to safely clear fumes.

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

Air pressure switch (in fan outlet) tube and air/flue gas system. Check hoses are not obstructed and correctly fitted and not damaged. Check air pressure switch or replace. Check flue restrictor corresponds to flue length.

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's safety sensors cannot detect sufficient airflow to safely exhaust burnt gases to the outside. The most common reasons are a failing fan that isn't spinning fast enough, a blockage in the flue pipe, or thin rubber tubes inside the unit becoming perished or blocked with moisture.

This fault is more common during periods of high winds, as strong gusts can create back-pressure in the flue that prevents the air pressure switch from closing correctly.

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.

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