Burnham Ignition Lockout: Ignition Lockout
What the Burnham Ignition Lockout fault means, what causes it, and why it's a job for a licensed BC gas technician — not a DIY reset.
Severity
High — needs prompt professional attention
Gas safety first
This fault involves gas, combustion or venting. If you smell gas (rotten-egg odour), hear hissing, or feel unwell, leave the building immediately and call 911 or FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside. Do not flip switches or relight anything. For all other cases, switch the boiler off and call a licensed gas technician.
What the Burnham Ignition Lockout fault means
The Burnham boiler (e.g. Alta) failed to establish flame within its ignition trials and locked out.
On Burnham Alta, Aspen and Independence series, Ignition Lockout is a ignition fault. It is a protective response — the boiler is telling you something needs attention, and the safe, lasting fix is a proper diagnosis rather than repeated resets.
Symptoms you may notice
- No heat or no hot water
- Boiler attempts to fire (you may hear clicking) then locks out
- Repeated lockouts after a few ignition attempts
Common causes of Burnham Ignition Lockout
Why this is not a DIY fix
Ignition faults sit at the intersection of the gas valve, igniter, flame-sensing electrode and gas supply. In British Columbia, diagnosing or adjusting any of these is gas-fitter work — it requires combustion analysis and manometer gas-pressure testing that, by law, only a licensed gas technician (TSBC-certified) may perform. Repeated DIY reset attempts can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas.
In British Columbia, gas work must be performed by a TSBC-licensed gas fitter. GasBoilers.ca — a CanroHeat division — sends Red Seal–certified, gas-licensed technicians who diagnose the true cause, repair it correctly, and verify safe operation before they leave.
How our technicians diagnose & repair it
- 1Verify incoming gas supply and lock-up/working gas pressure with a manometer
- 2Inspect and clean the igniter and flame-sensing electrode, checking the spark gap
- 3Test the gas valve operation and ignition control sequence
- 4Run a full combustion analysis to confirm a safe, clean flame after repair
Related Burnham codes
Burnham Ignition Lockout — FAQ
What does the Burnham Ignition Lockout fault mean?
The Burnham boiler (e.g. Alta) failed to establish flame within its ignition trials and locked out. On Burnham Alta, Aspen and Independence series, this is categorised as a ignition fault.
What causes Burnham Ignition Lockout?
The most common causes are: Gas supply / pressure fault; Igniter or flame-sensor fault; Air in the gas line; Venting issue. A licensed technician confirms which one applies before any part is replaced.
Can I fix Burnham Ignition Lockout myself?
No. Ignition faults sit at the intersection of the gas valve, igniter, flame-sensing electrode and gas supply. In British Columbia, diagnosing or adjusting any of these is gas-fitter work — it requires combustion analysis and manometer gas-pressure testing that, by law, only a licensed gas technician (TSBC-certified) may perform. Repeated DIY reset attempts can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas. Repeatedly resetting the boiler without fixing the root cause can be unsafe and can cause further damage. Call GasBoilers.ca at 604-359-1081 for a licensed diagnosis.
Is the Burnham Ignition Lockout fault dangerous?
It can be. This fault involves combustion, gas or venting. If you ever smell gas, leave the building immediately and call 911 or FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside. Otherwise, switch the boiler off and book a licensed technician.
How much does it cost to fix Burnham Ignition Lockout in Greater Vancouver?
Cost depends on the root cause and any parts needed. We start with a flat-rate diagnostic, then quote the repair before any work begins — no surprises. Call 604-359-1081 for current pricing and same-day availability.
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