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Quick answer
EA 227 on a Worcester Bosch Greenstar boiler means the boiler attempted to light but did not detect a flame, so it locked out for safety. The most common causes are an interrupted gas supply, a frozen or blocked condensate pipe, and a worn or dirty ignition or flame-sensing electrode. You can check the gas and the condensate pipe and reset the boiler once or twice. If EA 227 returns, a Gas Safe registered engineer needs to diagnose it.
Key takeaways
- EA is the fault category and 227 the specific cause: no flame detected at ignition.
- Rule out the gas supply first by trying the hob and checking the meter.
- In winter, a frozen condensate pipe is a very common trigger on Greenstar boilers.
- Electrodes, gas valve, flue and control board faults need a Gas Safe engineer.
- An annual service often catches worn electrodes before they cause a lockout.
How Worcester Bosch displays the code
Depending on the model, the display may show “EA” and “227” alternately, or “EA 227” together, sometimes with a flashing blue or amber light. The code means the same thing across the Greenstar range: the ignition sequence ran, but the flame was not confirmed.
What you can safely check
Gas supply. If the hob does not light either, the problem is before the boiler. Check the meter’s emergency control valve is fully open and, on a prepayment meter, that you have credit. Our guide to prepayment meters and boilers covers the details.
Condensate pipe. Greenstar boilers are condensing boilers; their condensate runs through a plastic pipe to a drain. When it freezes, the boiler shuts down. Follow our guide to thawing a frozen condensate pipe.
Reset. Press and hold the reset button as described in your user guide. Try once or twice at most. See how to reset a boiler safely.
What needs an engineer
Electrodes. The ignition and flame-sensing electrodes can wear, crack or become coated. Replacing them is a routine repair.
Gas pressure and gas valve. An engineer measures the working gas pressure at the boiler inlet. Low pressure can be caused by undersized pipework or an issue at the meter. A faulty gas valve is also possible.
Flue and air supply. A blocked or damaged flue, or a problem with the air intake, can prevent stable combustion.
Condensate trap and siphon. Blockages inside the boiler can mimic a frozen external pipe.
PCB. Occasionally the control board is at fault.
Why servicing a Greenstar matters
Worcester Bosch warranties generally require annual servicing by a Gas Safe engineer, and a service includes checking and cleaning the burner area, electrodes and condensate system. Our Worcester Bosch boiler service guide explains what is covered.
Book with Gasmaster
Worcester Bosch showing EA 227? Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating, Gas Safe registered (220932), repairs Worcester Bosch boilers across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Biddulph. See our boiler repair service or book through our boiler service booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Is EA 227 the same as a gas supply fault?
Often it is, but not always. EA 227 means no flame was detected; gas supply is one cause among several.
Why does EA 227 keep coming back?
A recurring EA 227 usually points to a worn electrode, a condensate issue or a gas pressure problem. Repeated resets will not fix it.
Can a frozen condensate pipe cause EA 227?
Yes, it is one of the most common causes in cold weather on Greenstar boilers.
Will my warranty cover an EA 227 repair?
If the boiler is within warranty and has been serviced as the manufacturer requires, parts may be covered. Check your warranty terms before booking.
Sources
- Worcester Bosch, Greenstar user and installation manuals (worcester-bosch.co.uk)
- Gas Safe Register (gassaferegister.co.uk)
- Health and Safety Executive, gas safety guidance (hse.gov.uk)
Related services
Abdul runs Gasmaster Plumbing & Heating and has worked on boilers, heating and gas appliances across Stoke-on-Trent since 2005. He is Gas Safe registered (reg. 220932), and these articles come from his day to day work in homes and businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
