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Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide

No one likes to get an error code on any piece of technology, especially on a Raypak heater. It means something is wrong and needs to be addressed soon. The panic really doesn’t set in until you realize error code BD1 means absolutely nothing to you. Error codes are both curses and blessings. Although an error message is never really a good thing, at least it’s an indication of what the problem is. Just imagine how much easier it would be to diagnose diseases if humans came with error codes.) Usually, depending upon the manufacturer, the manufacturer will include a manual detailing what may have triggered the error message and possible solutions to fix the issue. All error code guides are not made equal.

Still, even if the error codes were listed in the manual, what are the odds you know where that manual is? Unless you’re like my mom who keeps all her paperwork in a filing cabinet, the manual was probably tossed a week after your product was working properly. Heaters, though, can be rather tricky without the manual. I love the saying, “hindsight is 20/20,” because it’s so true. How many times did you wish you kept something after you have convinced yourself that you didn’t need it and threw it away? Or maybe it’s just me.

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Our goal with this blog is to aid you in identifying and defining the error code on your Raypak heater and to provide possible solutions, as per the manufacturer. If we don’t have a solution or do not address your particular issue, it’s always best to contact Raypak directly.

The majority of Raypak heaters will have a digital readout. The digital readout helps pool owners read error codes on the actual heater. The models with digital thermostats are programmed to display a variety of status and diagnostic messages, depending on the operating conditions.

They are also equipped with onboard diagnostic controls. If there is a safety fault, a fault code will be displayed along with a service indication. (see pic on right) The word “SERVICE” will flash on and off if the PC board detects a known issue. The fault code is displayed in 3 big letters in the lower left of the display.

Below is a chart we created to help pool owners identify the meaning of Raypak’s fault code. It also includes possible solutions to fix the issue. Keep in mind, this is not a substitute for the installation and operation manual. Should you need further advice or technical information, please give Raypak a call at 805-278-5300.

Fault Code DisplayDefinitionPossible Solutions
BD1Board failure1. If this code appears and stays on, turn off power to board at toggle switch and source, then re-establish power.
2. If code reappears, replace board as the main processor failed to start.
EEPIndicates that memory failed to start on main processor.1. Turn off power at toggle switch and source, then re-establish power.
2. If code reappears, replace board as memory has failed.
FANIndicates the Pilot was lost, or the air pressure switch is not closed when required. 1. Check for correct incoming power at fan relay- 120V or 240V and at fan motor.
2. If pilot is confirmed, check for 24V minimum out of fan relay to pressure switch.
3. If switch does not make when fan is operating, verify the tuning between fan housing and switch is connected and is not kinked.
4. Soft lock out after 3 attempts- automatically resets after 5 minutes.
FFLIndicates a false flame signal. 1. Check to see if pilot is staying lit after CFH is satisfied. If pilot stays lit, the pilot valve in the gas valve is hanging open. Replace gas valve.
2. If gas valve is working properly, problem lies with the pilot system or board. Turn power off at toggle switch.
3. Unplug ignition wire from board and pilot and remove green ground wire from burning tray. Clean and reconnect ground wire.
4. Turn power on. If no spark at ignition module, turn power off and replace the PC board.
4. If you saw a spark at Ignition Module, turn off the power and reconnect wires.
6. Turn power on and unit should fire.
GVCNo power detected at PV or MV when commanded.1. Turn power OFF and disconnect Ignition Wire and Gas Valve wires from board.
2. Power ON and watch for spark at module.
3. If no spark, turn power OFF, and replace board.
4. If spark is observed, turn off power and reconnect wires. The unit should fire.
5. If unit does not fire and code reappears, power OFF, disconnect valve wires from board and remove MV, PV, and ground wires. Clean and reconnect.
7. If unit does not fire, replace the gas valve.
GVOPower found at either PV or MV at the incorrect time.1. Turn power OFF and disconnect Ignition Wire and Gas Valve wires from board.
2. Power ON and watch for spark at module.
3. If no spark, turn power OFF, and replace board.
4. If spark is observed, turn off power and reconnect wires. The unit should fire.
5. If unit does not fire and code reappears, power OFF, disconnect valve wires from board and remove MV, PV, and ground wires. Clean and reconnect.
7. If unit does not fire, replace the gas valve.
8. Low power to transformer can cause a GVO fault.
HL1The high-limit has exceeded 135F1. Possible excessive water temperature in the tube bundle. Once heater cools, high limits resets automatically.
2. Check for blockage in tubes.
3. Check for low water flow.
4. Check Unitherm governor- replace if necessary
5. check bypass assembly- replace spring or bypass if necessary
HL2The high-limit has exceeded 135F1. Possible excessive water temperature in the tube bundle. Once heater cools, high limits resets automatically.
2. Check for blockage in tubes.
3. Check for low water flow.
4. Check Unitherm governor- replace if necessary
5. check bypass assembly- replace spring or bypass if necessary
IGNIgnition failure1. If the unit fails to hold a flame after 3 attempts, it will go into a hard lockout. Interrupt the power supply to clear the lockout and check for air in the gas line or not enough gas pressure.
2. IGN only appears after pilot has proved and main valve has been powered.
ILOIgnition lockout (Propane units only)1. The heater has performed too many attempts to ignite the main burner and will take a short break.
2. Inspect pilot assembly.
3. If pilot assembly is OK, then the culprit may be your PC board.
PRSLow water pressure1. Check water levels at skimmer face. (should be middle of skimmer face)
2. Ensure pump is running.
3. Check filter pressure. Backwash if necessary.
4. Check heater location- if more than 5 ft above or below water level- adjust pressure switch.
ROLThermal fuse tripped inside heater due to excessive heat or flame roll-out detected.1. Possible downdraft of burner flame. If sensor has red reset button, press button & determine cause.
2. Does your unit need a high wind stack?
3. Check wiring for burns- especially the ground wire and wires at gas valve.
4. Replace wires if necessary.
SNSTemperature sensor is out of acceptable range.1. Water temperature is below 36F or above 110F
2. If the two thermistors are more than 2 degrees apart, the SNS code will appear.
3. Loose or corroded connection at P1.
4. If the sensor is not mounted all the way into the JACO fitting on the header, it may give a false reading.

Raypak Heater Parts

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  • PCB Boards, Wiring Harnesses
  • Heat Exchangers, Thermostat
  • Control Panels & More…

author avatar
Charlie Ramirez
Writer at InyoPools.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in pool care and equipment, helping pool owners make informed decisions for over a decade.

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310 responses to “Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide”

  1. Steve Avatar

    Last one…so we have cycled the power at least 3 times recently and the heater has fired without issue. No more TA6 errors. I have put the screws in the panel to keep the board in place and we are enjoying hot water on demand remotely.

  2. Steve Avatar

    Thanks for the reply, totally understand the late response during Holidays, Happy New Year! Our Holidays were much happier with a hot spa😀

  3. Steve Avatar

    One more thing, if you cycle the power to the board, the TA6 error returns and I have to unplug the P10 wire, fire the heater, then after it starts plug the P10 wire in again. It will start after you shut off the heater until the next power cycle.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Thanks for the updates and resolution posts, solid work.

      By the way, sorry for the slow response, I was on Christmas vacation while you were troubleshooting the problem

  4. Steve Avatar

    So it turns out that now when I start it with everything back normal, the heater fires without issue. It looks to me like it is a glitch in the firmware code of the circuit that can’t be cleared until the heater fires properly again. I had cleared all faults and set to default earlier but not until I unplugged the P-10 wire and then plugged it back in after it started did the error code for TA6 no longer appear. I wouldn’t just throw away the board if you get that error with a Low NOx unit, try the steps that I did and see if it can work for you as well.

  5. Steve Avatar

    OK, so we have figured out a workaround, let me know if this is safe. I unplugged the P-10 air switch terminal wire on the board that is right beside the Low NOx tab (broken off), started the unit and it fired. It then ran for about 30 seconds and shutoff with a FAN error code. I started it again and this time after it started, I plugged in the P-10 air switch wire and it continues to run. Do you see any safety issues with this?

  6. Steve Avatar

    Actually we have the 407A which is Low NOx, does this mean the board is toast?

  7. Steve Avatar

    One more; LOW NOx not LOW BOX…

  8. Steve Avatar

    Edit: a new circuit board…and put it in. Can’t edit same post.

  9. Steve Avatar

    We have a model Raypak 406-A unit with a new curcuit board recently installed about 3 months ago. We needed to break the the Low Nox circuit tab as it is not a Low Box unit. We actually forgot to break it when we first out it in and then realized we forgot to break the tab and got the TA6 Tab error code.

    It had worked flawlessly since we installed it.

    The old board (circa 2006) had a CLK error that we couldn’t clear likely to a degradation of the circuit. It also had the NOX tab broken.

    Anyway, yesterday we went to fire the heater (after using it several times in the past week) and now have the TA6 (Tab) alarm.

    Any idea what to try?

  10. John Avatar

    Matt, I have a Raypak R206A pool heater that is giving me a message that reads 6 minute ignition delay, what should I look at first ?

    The heater does fire up but stops after a couple of minutes….

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      What is the actual code that reads on your display? Generally, Raypak’s codes are 3 letters long.

      Also, when the heater does finally ignite is there a loud bang or “whoosh” sound? Before the heater stops, is there a knocking sound or hissing?

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