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Want to make your hot air heating system more energy efficient? This guide covers what homeowners need to know about boosting energy efficiency in hot air heating systems: practical tips, maintenance advice, and upgrade options to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. At 0800 Homefix, we specialise in optimising heating systems to ensure they deliver maximum efficiency and comfort for your home.
When your Ideal boiler is showing the L6 error code, it’s signalling a false flame lockout a safety measure triggered when the boiler detects a flame signal when there shouldn’t be one. This issue prevents the boiler from operating to avoid gas ignition risks. At 0800 Homefix, we regularly resolve the Ideal L6 fault, a specific boiler fault, to get heating and hot water restored quickly and safely.
This guide explains what the L6 error means, why it happens, and how our expert engineers can help fix it.
What Is the L6 Error on an Ideal Boiler?
The L6 error code means your boiler has locked out due to detecting a flame signal at the wrong time usually during start-up or after shutdown. This is known as a false flame detection, and it’s a safety feature built into Ideal boilers. The L6 code is just one of several boiler error codes used to indicate specific faults in Ideal boilers.
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This fault often affects Ideal Logic and Vogue models.
Common Causes of the L6 Fault Code
Faulty flame sensor: May detect a flame where none exists due to internal damage or contamination.
PCB issues: A malfunctioning printed circuit board (PCB) or a faulty printed circuit board can misinterpret signals. Rarely, issues like a wrong boiler chip card, faulty boiler chip card, or activation fault may also cause false flame detection.
Fan fault or loose or damaged fan: A fan fault or a loose or damaged fan can disrupt combustion, leading to false flame signals.
Gas valve or faulty gas valve: Problems with the gas valve, such as a faulty gas valve, can cause flame loss or false flame detection.
Flame loss: Actual flame loss during operation can trigger false flame lockout or related fault codes.
Internal fault, sensor fault, or activation fault: Internal faults, sensor faults, or activation faults within the boiler’s control system can result in incorrect flame detection.
Thermistor fault, flow thermistor fault, return thermistor, or flow thermistor: Sensor-related issues such as a thermistor fault, flow thermistor fault, or problems with the return thermistor or flow thermistor can cause misreadings.
Ignition lockout: An ignition lockout may occur as a related symptom if the system fails to detect a proper flame.
Boiler leak: A boiler leak can cause electrical faults or water damage to internal components, leading to false flame detection.
Sensor failure: General sensor failure can result in incorrect flame signals.
Flue gas recirculation: Flue gases entering the combustion chamber may falsely register as a flame.
Electrical short or wiring issue: Erratic signals caused by loose or damaged connections.
Moisture or condensation: Inside the boiler casing or sensor area, leading to misreadings.
What Happens During False Flame Lockout?
When the Ideal boiler incorrectly detects a flame, it will:
Halt ignition to avoid risk
Enter lockout mode to prevent unsafe operation
Display the L6 error code
Shut down heating and hot water functions
This error can appear after a reset or during ignition.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps and When to Contact a Gas Safe Registered Engineer
You may try the following basic checks:
Press the reset button on the boiler once and monitor for recurrence
Try turning the power off and on at the fuse spur to reset the boiler’s power supply
Check the pressure gauge and ensure the boiler’s water pressure or boiler pressure is within the recommended range
If you notice low water pressure, top up using the filling loop as per the manufacturer’s instructions
Check the gas supply and verify that all gas appliances and other gas appliances in the home are working properly
Inspect the condensate pipe for blockages or freezing
Ensure the boiler casing is sealed properly and free from moisture
Check for visible damage on wiring near the flame sensor
⚠️ Do not attempt to open internal components unless you are qualified. This is a Gas Safe engineer task.
How 0800 Homefix Can Help
At 0800 Homefix, we handle Ideal boiler L6 faults with precision and speed. Our services include:
Testing and replacement of the flame detection sensor
Thorough inspection of the flue system for re-entry of gases
Checking the PCB for faults or short circuits
Full combustion chamber analysis
Restoring correct ignition control and boiler operation
A professional diagnosis by a qualified engineer or gas safe registered engineer is essential for accurately identifying and resolving L6 faults. Only a gas safe engineer identify and repair the underlying issues safely.
All repairs are carried out by fully certified Gas Safe engineers.
Preventing Future L6 Flame Lockouts
Annual boiler servicingto ensure sensor health and flue integrity
Keep boiler surroundings dry and ventilated
Install a flue gas analyser for early detection of system abnormalities
Replace worn components before they cause lockouts
Schedule regular maintenance of your central heating system to prevent faults and circulation issues
Maintaining high boiler efficiency not only helps reduce your energy bills but also minimises the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
With regular care and professional checks from 0800 Homefix, your boiler will stay safe and reliable.
FAQs
What does the Ideal L6 error mean?
It indicates a false flame signal has been detected, triggering the boiler to shut down as a safety precaution. The L6 error is one of several common fault codes, also known as ideal boiler fault codes, displayed by Ideal boilers. These boiler fault codes or error codes help identify specific issues with your boiler and guide troubleshooting or repairs.
Can I fix the L6 error myself?
You can try a reset, but further steps require a Gas Safe engineer due to flame detection risks.
How fast can 0800 Homefix fix it?
We can usually resolve L6 flame lockout issues in one visit.
Is it safe to use the boiler with an L6 code showing?
No. It’s a safety fault and must be professionally diagnosed and repaired.
If your Ideal boiler is showing L6, trust 0800 Homefix to diagnose and fix the issue quickly and safely. Don’t leave a flame lockout unresolved book a professional repair today.
Source for further information from manufacturer here.