Platform & Control Notes
Burnham Alpine: newer units (Sage 2.1 control) show a plain number + text (read via the 'Help' button); older units (MCBA control) show 'E'+code hard lockouts and '9'/'b'+code soft lockouts. The cast-iron ESC line has no digital fault display.
Model Families & Platforms
- Alpine (High-efficiency condensing)
- K2 & K2 Combi (High-efficiency condensing)
- Alta (High-efficiency condensing)
- Series 2 & MPO-2 (Atmospheric / Oil cast-iron)
Diagnostic Characteristics & Common Service Topics
Burnham boilers utilize specific display codes and safety lockouts to protect the heat exchanger, combustion system, and hydronic loop. Everyday issues like pressure loss, flame sensing errors, or circulator faults trigger specific responses depending on the controller generation.
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 11 (Sage) / E 02 (MCBA) — Ignition failure | Failed to light/prove flame after the allowed attempts (hard lockout, manual reset). | Confirm gas is on and the boiler's gas valve is open; press Reset once. If it fails again, stop and call a licensed pro. |
| 2 (Sage) / b 08 (MCBA) — Pressure switch / blocked vent | Boiler safety/pressure switch open — commonly a plugged condensate trap or a blocked vent/intake. | Check that outdoor vent/intake terminals are clear of snow, ice, leaves, or nests, and the condensate line/trap isn't clogged or frozen. If clearing it doesn't help, call a pro. |
| 3 (Sage) / E 13 (MCBA) — External limit / LWCO | An external limit, low-water cutoff, or low-gas-pressure switch is open (or its jumper is missing). | Check system pressure (~12–15 psi cold) and the LWCO light. Don't repeatedly add water — low water usually means a leak. Call a pro. |
| 1 (Sage — Anti Short Cycle) | Normal anti-short-cycle delay — minimum time between burner starts hasn't elapsed. Not a fault. | No action — clears within a few minutes. Only call a pro if the boiler never re-fires after the delay. |
| 14 (Sage — Delta-T high) | Supply-to-return temperature difference too high — usually low or no flow. | Confirm the circulator runs and pipes are warming; bleeding trapped air may help if you know how. If the pump isn't running or it repeats, call a pro — low flow can damage the boiler. |
| 8 (Sage — Supply sensor) | Shorted or open supply (outlet) water temperature sensor. | Sensor/wiring fault — call a pro to test and replace the sensor. |
| 7 (Sage — Return sensor) | Shorted or open return (inlet) water temperature sensor. | Sensor/wiring fault — call a pro to test and replace the return sensor. |
| 4 (Sage) / E 18 (MCBA) — Supply high limit | Supply water temperature exceeded the high limit (~200–210°F) — usually low flow. | Confirm the circulator runs and the system isn't air-bound. If it recurs, call a pro — persistent high-limit trips need professional diagnosis. |
Complete Error Code Library
For the complete searchable error-code lookup table for Burnham equipment (including all 9 codes, exact lockout causes, and technician actions), visit the Phillips Hydronics Error Code Library.
Related Symptom & Diagnostic Guides
Sources & Documentation
- error-codes.json — https://www.manualslib.com/manual/689025/Burnham-Alpine.html?page=115