Potterton E160 Fault: Fan or Fan Wiring Fault — Causes & What To Do
The E160 fault on a Potterton boiler means there's a problem with the fan or its wiring — the boiler can't confirm flue gases are being safely expelled, so it locks out before lighting. It's usually a failed fan, a fan wiring fault, or a flue issue.
What does the Potterton E160 fault code mean?
E160 indicates a fault with the boiler's fan or fan wiring. The fan clears flue gases from the boiler, and the boiler won't fire unless it confirms the fan is running correctly. It locks out before ignition as a safety measure — a boiler can't fire unless it's certain the flue is being cleared.
Why is my Potterton boiler showing E160?
The most common causes, in order of how often we see them:
- • Failed fan motor — the fan can fail or slow with age, so it can't reach or maintain the correct speed.
- • Fan wiring fault — a loose, damaged or corroded connection between the fan and the PCB interrupts the speed signal. A common and relatively simple fix.
- • PCB fan signal fault — the control board may fail to drive the fan correctly or read its speed.
- • Flue blockage or restriction — a blocked or restricted flue can affect fan performance and trigger the fault.
Can I reset the E160 fault?
You can try one reset — occasionally a transient fan signal will clear. But fan faults don't usually self-correct, and the boiler won't fire unless it's certain the flue is being cleared. If E160 persists after one reset, book a Gas Safe engineer.
Can I fix this myself?
Safe homeowner checks
- Check the boiler pressure gauge (1.0–1.5 bar is healthy)
- Listen for the fan when the boiler tries to fire
- Check the flue terminal outside is clear of debris, nests or snow
- Read the fault code and note it down
- Try one boiler reset
Engineer required
- Replacing the fan
- Inspecting and repairing the fan wiring and connections
- Diagnosing the PCB fan drive and speed signal
- Checking the flue for blockage or restriction
- Any internal work inside the boiler casing
Gas work legally requires a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Tampering with gas appliances is dangerous and unlawful.
Safe checks you can make first
- • Check the pressure gauge — confirm it's in the healthy 1.0–1.5 bar range, then try one reset.
- • Listen for the fan — when the boiler tries to fire, you should hear the fan spin up before ignition. If you don't hear it, or it's noisy or scratching, the fan may have failed.
- • Check the flue terminal outside is clear of debris, nests or snow — a blocked flue can affect fan operation.
- • If E160 persists after one reset, the fault is the fan, its wiring, or the PCB — book a Gas Safe engineer.
Need this fault diagnosed? Book a Gas Safe engineer.
What should you NOT attempt yourself?
The fan and its wiring sit inside the boiler casing, and the flue involves gas safety. Replacing the fan, repairing its wiring, or any work inside the casing is gas work that must be done by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
What will a Gas Safe engineer check?
- • Test the fan — confirm it runs and reaches the correct speed.
- • Inspect the fan wiring and connections for damage or corrosion.
- • Test the PCB fan drive and speed-sensing signal.
- • Check the flue for blockage or restriction.
- • Replace the fan or repair the wiring as needed, then re-commission with a flue check.
How Urban Suburban can help
Our Gas Safe Registered (594547) engineers repair every Potterton model — Promax, Promax Ultra, Assure, Gold, Titanium and Titan — across Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and West London, and carry common sensors, fans and ignition parts on the van. Most Potterton fault-code repairs are completed in a single visit, with any part quoted and agreed before fitting.
Related Potterton fault codes
Frequently asked questions
What does the Potterton E160 fault code mean?
E160 means a fault with the boiler's fan or fan wiring, so the boiler can't confirm flue gases will be safely expelled. It locks out before ignition as a safety measure and won't produce heating or hot water until the fan fault is fixed.
Is an E160 fan fault dangerous?
The lockout is a safety feature — the boiler won't fire unless it's certain the flue is being cleared, so it's not immediately dangerous. But it won't produce heating or hot water until the fan fault is fixed. Book a Gas Safe engineer.
Can I fix an E160 fault myself?
There's very little to safely check yourself beyond listening for the fan and checking the flue terminal outside is clear. The fan and its wiring are inside the boiler casing and must be repaired by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
How much does it cost to fix a Potterton E160 fault?
Labour typically runs £90–£220 plus the £150 call-out (which includes the first hour). If the fan needs replacing, the part is one of the more expensive boiler components and is quoted and agreed before fitting. A loose or corroded fan connection is a quicker, cheaper fix.
Technical content & review
Technical content by URBAN SUBURBAN GAS
Gas Safe Registration: 594547 · NVQ Qualified engineers
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