Bradford White water heater thermopile
Use for low millivolt LED flash faults after cleaning the pilot assembly.
$25-$80
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Bradford White Water Heater Error Codes: Complete Guide
Bradford White manufactures residential and commercial water heaters. Their Infiniti series (tankless), eF series (electric), and Defender series (gas) models use LED flash codes and digital display codes to communicate faults. This guide covers all Bradford White error codes.
Bradford White Infiniti Tankless Error Codes
| Code | Description | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | Ignition failure | Gas supply, igniter, flame sensor |
| E02 | Flame loss during operation | Gas pressure drop, flame sensor |
| E03 | Overheat / high limit trip | Scale buildup, low flow, high setpoint |
| E04 | Cold water inlet sensor fault | Sensor resistance out of range |
| E05 | Hot water outlet sensor fault | Sensor resistance out of range |
| E06 | Heat exchanger sensor fault | Sensor fault |
| E07 | Flue temperature sensor fault | Flue sensor fault |
| E08 | Low water flow | Dirty filter screen, low pressure |
| E09 | Combustion fan fault | Fan motor or speed sensor |
| E10 | Gas valve fault | Gas valve or wiring |
| E11 | High flue temperature | Scale buildup, poor venting |
| E12 | Freeze protection activated | Unit in freeze protection mode |
Bradford White Gas Storage (Defender Series) — LED Flash Codes
Gas storage water heaters with the Hydrojet system use the pilot/status LED to indicate faults:
| Flash Pattern | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 flash every 3 seconds | Normal — pilot lit and operational | No action |
| 2 flashes | Thermopile voltage below 350 mV | Clean thermocouple/thermopile, check draft |
| 3 flashes | Pilot outage | Relight pilot, check gas supply |
| 4 flashes | Ignition failure — pilot not detected | Check spark gap, gas supply, thermocouple |
| 5 flashes | Sensor fault | Temperature sensor fault |
| 6 flashes | Thermal switch open | High temp trip — check for scale or low flow |
| 7 flashes | Gas valve fault | Check gas valve and wiring |
| Continuous | Thermopile voltage > 350 mV (unit operating) | Normal during operation |
Bradford White Electric Water Heater Error Codes
Electric models use a simple reset system:
- High-limit trip (red button pops out): Overtemperature — reset by pressing the red button. If it trips again: failed thermostat or shorted heating element
- No hot water, element checks good: Check thermostats for continuity at correct temperature
Most Common Bradford White Faults
E03 — Overheat / High Limit (Infiniti Tankless)
- Descale the heat exchanger — scale is the most common cause in hard water areas
- Check inlet filter screen — clean if clogged
- Lower temperature setpoint if set above 140°F
- Check water flow rate — minimum 0.5 GPM
E01 — Ignition Failure (Infiniti Tankless)
- Check gas supply pressure at the unit (3.5 in. w.c. natural gas)
- Inspect igniter for carbon deposits — clean with fine sandpaper
- Check flame sensor (thermopile) voltage — should be above 350 mV when lit
- Inspect burner for blocked ports
2 Flashes — Low Thermopile Voltage (Defender Series)
- Clean the thermocouple with fine steel wool
- Check draft — poor draft reduces flame and thermopile output
- If voltage stays below 350 mV after cleaning: replace thermopile
Bradford White Parts Reference
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Thermopile | Match model — Bradford White uses 36” leads on most models |
| Temperature sensor | NTC thermistor — model-specific resistance |
| Igniter | Check spark gap (3/16” typical) |
| High-limit thermostat | Match temp rating to tank specification |
| Heating element | Check wattage and voltage rating |
Need Replacement Parts?
Before ordering, match the water-heating part to the model number, electrical rating, and failure symptom. Check current prices on Amazon - prices and availability change frequently.
Note: Bradford White water heaters are typically sold through wholesale plumbing distributors, not retail hardware stores. Parts are available through Ferguson, Wolseley, and other plumbing wholesale outlets.