A.O. Smith fault code Anode protection not working
Fault code Anode protection not working on an A.O. Smith water heater (including Innovo) means: The boiler is working, but the anode protection for the tank is not working. Reset the appliance once. If the code comes back, a part is usually faulty, often the protective anode of the water heater. You can check the water pressure and settings yourself; leave work on gas-carrying parts to a certified gas engineer.
After a safety alert (gas, flue gas, combustion), reset no more than once and call in a certified gas engineer. If you smell gas, call your national gas emergency number or 112 immediately.
Cause
Fault code Anode protection not working on an A.O. Smith water heater indicates: The boiler is working, but the anode protection for the tank is not working.
Fixing fault code Anode protection not working: step by step
- Check that the anode connection is tight and that the potentiostat has power.
- If the warning returns, the protective anode is worn or faulty. Replace it in time to prevent corrosion in the tank.
Applies to
A.O. Smith Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245, IR 24-285, IR 32-245, IR 32-285.
Fault code Anode protection not working on other A.O. Smith series
The same code does not mean the same thing on every series. Check the rating plate to see which series you have:
- Anode protection not working on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: The red and green lights of the anode controller are off: - The potentiostat is not receiving power.
- Anode protection not working on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: The red light of the anode controller is flashing and the green light is off: - The cables between the potentiostat and the anode(s) are loose or not properly connected. - The earth connection of the anode(s) is loose. - The boiler is not filled with water. - There is a short circuit between the anode(s) and the tank. - The water has low conductivity. Note: There is a one-minute delay between detection of the fault and the red light flashing.
- Anode protection not working on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: The red and green lights of the anode controller are on: - The cable between the potentiostat and the display is damaged or not connected.
- Anode protection not working on BFC, 100, 120, 28, 60, 80: Cable(s) between potentiostat and anodes are loose or incorrectly connected - Earth connection of anodes is loose - The boiler is not filled with water.
Matching parts
A.O. Smith parts are available from Instalpunt; shipping to EU countries from €12.95 (€16.95 for more distant countries), usually 3–5 working days.
Based on the cause, these original A.O. Smith parts fit (always check the type number of your appliance):
- A.O. Smith anode (400mm) 0312174(S) € 144.06
- A.O. Smith power anode l=800 mm € 156.29
- A.O. Smith anode (1200mm) 0312176(S) € 221.53
Further reading on this cause
Fix it yourself or call an engineer?
Always consult the manual for your appliance and work safely. If in doubt or if the fault comes back, call in a qualified professional. A question about a part? Write to us at info@instalpunt.nl.
Frequently asked questions
What does A.O. Smith water heater fault code Anode protection not working mean?
The boiler is working, but the anode protection for the tank is not working.
How do I fix fault code Anode protection not working on an A.O. Smith water heater?
First check the cause described above. Then restart the appliance using the reset button. If the message comes back, a part usually needs replacing or the fault needs to be repaired by a qualified professional.
Which parts do I need for A.O. Smith fault code Anode protection not working?
That depends on the exact cause. In the A.O. Smith parts overview at Instalpunt you will find the current price and stock for each part.
Can I fix fault code Anode protection not working myself?
You can reset the appliance and check things like the water pressure or settings yourself. Work on gas-carrying parts must be left to a certified gas engineer.
All A.O. Smith water heater faults and codes at a glance →