Navien · Combi boiler

E031 Burner overheat

High severity Navien NCB-HNavien NFC-H

What the control is telling you

The burner high-limit (burner overheat fuse/sensor) has tripped. NFC-H manual lists the reset type as: Manual reset.

Applies to: Navien fire-tube combi boilers, NFC-H series (NFC-250/200H, NFC-250/175H) and NCB-H combi boilers (NCB-250/150H, NCB-240/130H, NCB-240/110H, NCB-190/080H, NCB-190/060H)

Likely causes

  • Combustion problem or flame impingement
  • Restricted intake/exhaust
  • Faulty burner limit

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: shut off gas and power before opening the combustion chamber.
  2. Inspect the burner flame through the sight window; check intake filter and vent for restrictions.
  3. Verify combustion (CO2) per the gas conversion table for the model.
  4. Code keeps returning? Phone Navien Technical Support, 1-800-519-8794.

Settings for these units

Minimum installation clearances (indoor) · Navien NCB-H

SideMinimum
Top9 in (229 mm)
Back0.5 in (13 mm)
Front4 in (100 mm)
Sides3 in (76 mm)
Bottom12 in (300 mm)

Indoor wall-hung only; ambient must stay above 32°F (0°C).

Do not install on carpet; leave room for service.

Water quality limits (DHW and system fill) · Navien NCB-H

ContaminantMax allowed
Total hardness200 mg/l (12 grains/gallon)
Aluminum0.05 to 0.2 mg/l
Chloride250 mg/l
Copper1.0 mg/l
Iron0.3 mg/l
Manganese0.05 mg/l
pH6.5 to 8.5
Sulfate250 mg/l (DHW table); 205 mg/l (fill table)
Total dissolved solids500 mg/l
Zinc5 mg/l
Chlorine (fill water)4 mg/l

Scale damage from poor water is not covered by warranty.

Manual shows sulfate 250 mg/l on p.23 and 205 mg/l on p.29 - check local guidance.

Models that show this code

7 models in Navien NCB-H, Navien NFC-H

NCB-190/060HNCB-190/080HNCB-240/110HNCB-240/130HNCB-250/150HNFC-250/175HNFC-250/200H

Other codes on the same units

  • E004 False flame detected
  • E012 Flame loss
  • E016 Heat exchanger overheat (overheating of heat exchanger)
  • E030 Exhaust overheat (abnormal exhaust temperature)
  • E046 Heat exchanger thermistor / overheat sensor fault
  • E047 Exhaust thermistor fault
  • E060 Dual venturi fault
  • E109 Fan motor fault

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Source: Navien NCB-H Installation & Operation Manual, 11.7 Understanding Error Codes, p.129-130; Navien NFC-H Installation Manual, 11.7 Understanding Error Codes, p.127-128. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.