A.O. Smith fault code Explosive ignition
Fault code Explosive ignition on an A.O. Smith water heater (including Innovo) means: The gas inlet pressure is not correct. Reset the appliance once. If the code comes back, a part is usually faulty. 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 Explosive ignition on an A.O. Smith water heater indicates: The gas inlet pressure is not correct.
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, BFC, 100, 120, 28, 30, 50, 60, 80.
Fault code Explosive ignition 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:
- Explosive ignition on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: The CO2 value is not correct.
- Explosive ignition on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: The burner is dirty.
- Explosive ignition on Innovo, IR 12-160, IR 12-200, IR 20-160, IR 20-200, IR 24-245: Air is leaking between the venturi and the flexible air connection.
- Explosive ignition on BFC, 100, 120, 28, 30, 50: Air is leaking between the venturi and the flexible venturi connection.
- Explosive ignition on ADMR, 115, 135, 40, 50, 60: Poor flame pattern: incorrect inlet pressure and/or burner pressure.
- Explosive ignition on ADMR, 115, 135, 40, 50, 60: Poor flame pattern: fouled burner.
- Explosive ignition on ADMR, 115, 135, 40, 50, 60: Poor flame pattern: fouled injector.
- Explosive ignition on ADMR, 115, 135, 40, 50, 60: Poor flame pattern: insufficient air supply.
Matching parts
A.O. Smith parts are available from Instalpunt; shipping to EU countries from €17.95 (€24.95 for more distant countries), usually 3–5 working days.
For fault code Explosive ignition, the part involved is usually in the category: burner.
This message does not point directly to one faulty part. These are the parts that most often fit this appliance:
- A.O. Smith ionisation pin after September 2009 € 41.82
- A.O. Smith glow plug for e.g. Innovo IR32-380L 0311990(S) € 92.78
- A.O. Smith fan adapter € 98.01
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 Explosive ignition mean?
The gas inlet pressure is not correct.
How do I fix fault code Explosive ignition 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 Explosive ignition?
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 Explosive ignition 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 →