A.O. Smith fault code Internal control error
Fault code Internal control error on an A.O. Smith water heater (including BFC) means: EEPROM read error / 50 Hz error / Internal communication error. Reset the appliance once. If the code comes back, a part is usually faulty, often the burner control unit or PCB. 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 Internal control error on an A.O. Smith water heater indicates: EEPROM read error / 50 Hz error / Internal communication error.
Fixing fault code Internal control error: step by step
- Switch the appliance off at the mains for 30 seconds (unplug it), then switch it back on.
- Is it about communication with the thermostat? Then check the thermostat connection and wiring.
- Reset the appliance once. If the code comes straight back, do not keep resetting it.
- If the code comes back, the PCB or burner control unit is probably faulty. Have the appliance read out first to be sure.
Applies to
A.O. Smith BFC, 100, 120, 28, 30, 50, 60, 80.
Fault code Internal control error 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:
- Internal control error on BFC, 100, 120, 28, 30, 50: Gas valve relay error / Safety relay error / Ignition relay error / RAM error / EEPROM error / EEPROM content does not correspond to software version / Processor software error.
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 burner control unit 1018 -528 € 256.83
- A.O. Smith burner control unit HON S4565BF3062 € 343.15
- A.O. Smith burner control unit for e.g. BFM 50 0301960(S) € 309.87
Further reading on this cause
Other A.O. Smith codes with the same cause
- C02 — Incorrect reference voltage of the AD converter/EEPROM read fault/50 Hz fault/Internal…
- C05 — Control fault: EEPROM content incorrect.
- Internal appliance control error — Gas valve relay error / Safety relay error / Ignition relay error / RAM error / EEPROM…
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 Internal control error mean?
EEPROM read error / 50 Hz error / Internal communication error.
How do I fix fault code Internal control error 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 Internal control error?
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 Internal control error 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 →