Andrews E60 Fault Code: Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs
What does the Andrews E60 fault code mean?
The E60 code on an Andrews boiler indicates a problem with the flue fan (also called the combustion fan or draught fan). This component has two vital jobs: drawing fresh air into the burner for combustion and expelling harmful exhaust gases safely out through the flue. Before the burner is allowed to fire, the PCB checks that the fan is running correctly by monitoring a signal from the air pressure switch. If that confirmation signal never arrives — because the fan is not spinning fast enough, has stopped completely, or the pressure switch itself has failed — the boiler locks out and displays E60 to prevent potentially dangerous operation. Note: Andrews fit this code across several appliance ranges, so always cross-reference your model's installation manual if you are an engineer, as wiring and component access differ between units.
General guidance only — not a substitute for professional advice, and not certified by a Gas Safe engineer. Always have your specific appliance assessed by a qualified professional. Any gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.
Common causes
- Faulty or seized fan motor Common
The fan motor is the most frequent culprit. Over time the motor windings can burn out or the bearings deteriorate, causing the fan to spin slowly, intermittently, or not at all. The PCB detects the missing or weak signal from the air pressure switch and triggers E60. You may hear an unusual humming, grinding, or complete silence from the boiler casing when it tries to start.
- Air pressure switch failure Common
Even when the fan is working perfectly, a faulty air pressure switch can fail to send the 'fan confirmed' signal to the PCB. The small rubber diaphragm inside the switch can split, or the narrow plastic tubing connecting it to the fan housing can become blocked, kinked, or disconnected. The PCB sees no confirmation and locks out with E60.
- Blocked flue or air intake Sometimes
A partial or full blockage of the flue terminal or air intake — caused by bird nests, debris, ice in very cold weather, or a damaged terminal cowl — restricts airflow. The fan struggles against the resistance, pressure does not build correctly, and the air pressure switch fails to trip, resulting in E60.
- Wiring or connector faults Sometimes
Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring between the fan, air pressure switch, and PCB can interrupt the electrical signals the PCB needs to verify fan operation. Vibration over years of use can work connectors loose from their housings, causing intermittent or persistent E60 faults.
- PCB failure Rare
If the PCB itself develops a fault — a failed relay, damaged track, or component failure — it may be unable to send power to the fan or correctly interpret the returning signal. PCB faults tend to appear after the fan and air pressure switch have already been ruled out.
How to fix it
- Check for visible flue or air intake obstructions DIY safe
Go outside and look at where the flue terminal exits the building. Make sure the terminal cowl is intact and free of debris, bird nests, or ice. Do not reach inside the flue, but remove any loose external material you can safely reach. If the terminal is damaged or heavily blocked, note this for the engineer.
- Listen when the boiler attempts to start DIY safe
Stand near the boiler and press the reset button to initiate a start attempt. Listen carefully. A working fan produces a distinct whirring sound for several seconds before the burner fires. Silence suggests no power is reaching the fan; grinding or rattling suggests mechanical wear. Share what you heard with your engineer — it helps narrow the diagnosis.
- Reset the boiler (up to twice) DIY safe
Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds as described in your Andrews user guide. A transient electrical glitch can occasionally trigger E60. If the boiler fires and runs normally, monitor it closely. If E60 returns within a short time, do not keep resetting — repeated lockouts indicate a genuine fault that needs investigation.
- Engineer: test fan motor current and speed signal Gas Safe engineer
A Gas Safe engineer will use a multimeter to confirm mains voltage is reaching the fan. If voltage is present but the fan does not spin (or spins slowly), the motor or its capacitor is likely faulty and the fan assembly needs replacing. If no voltage is present, the fault lies upstream — wiring or PCB.
- Engineer: inspect and test the air pressure switch and tubing Gas Safe engineer
The engineer will check the plastic tubing between the fan housing and the pressure switch for blockages, kinks, or cracks. The switch itself is tested by briefly creating a pressure differential — if the contacts do not close, the switch is faulty and should be replaced, as it is a relatively low-cost part.
- Engineer: check wiring loom and connectors Gas Safe engineer
All connectors on the fan circuit — at the fan, the pressure switch, and the PCB — should be unplugged, inspected for corrosion or heat damage, and reseated firmly. Damaged sections of wiring should be replaced rather than taped.
- Engineer: replace fan assembly if confirmed faulty Gas Safe engineer
If the fan motor has failed, the engineer will fit a replacement fan matched to your Andrews model. Original manufacturer parts are preferable for longevity. After fitting, the engineer will verify correct fan speed and pressure switch operation before returning the boiler to service.
- Engineer: replace PCB if all other components test correctly Gas Safe engineer
If the fan, pressure switch, and wiring all test within specification yet E60 persists, the PCB is the remaining suspect. PCB replacement is the most involved and costly repair — a competent engineer will exhaust all other options first to avoid unnecessary expense.
- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if fault persists or you are unsure Gas Safe engineer
If E60 returns after a reset, or you are uncertain about any of the above checks, stop resetting and book a Gas Safe registered engineer. Operating a boiler with a compromised fan risks incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide production — do not attempt to bypass or ignore this fault.
Parts you may need
- Flue fan assembly (Andrews compatible) · from £120
- Air pressure switch · from £35
- Pressure switch connecting tube/hose · from £8
- PCB (model-specific) · from £220
- Fan wiring harness/connector · from £18
The exact spare depends on your boiler's GC number (on the data badge). Check this against the part before buying.
Typical repair cost
Expect to pay roughly £150–£400, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Andrews E60 fault dangerous — can I keep using the boiler?
You should not attempt to run the boiler through an E60 lockout. The fault means the boiler is not confident the fan is working properly, and a non-functioning fan can allow combustion gases — including carbon monoxide — to build up rather than being expelled safely. The boiler locks out precisely to prevent this. Switch off the appliance and arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to inspect it promptly. If you have a carbon monoxide alarm and it activates, evacuate immediately and call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
How much does it cost to fix an Andrews E60 fan fault in the UK?
For most households the repair falls between £150 and £400. An air pressure switch replacement (parts and labour) typically costs £100–£180, while a full fan motor replacement usually runs £225–£375 depending on your region and the specific Andrews model. PCB replacement is less common as the cause but can add £180–£350 on top of labour if required. Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs will attract a premium. Getting two or three quotes from Gas Safe engineers is always worthwhile.
Can I fix an Andrews E60 error myself?
The safe DIY steps are limited: check the external flue terminal for obvious blockages, listen for fan noise during a start attempt, and try one or two resets. Everything beyond that — opening the boiler casing, testing electrical components, or replacing parts — must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Working on gas appliances without registration is illegal in the UK and potentially life-threatening.
How can I prevent the E60 fault from coming back?
Annual servicing by a Gas Safe engineer is the single most effective measure. During a service the engineer will check fan operation, inspect the air pressure switch and its tubing, clear any debris from the flue, and identify early signs of wear before they cause a breakdown. Keeping the area around the boiler and the external flue terminal clear of obstructions year-round also helps. If your boiler is still under manufacturer warranty, missing an annual service can invalidate that cover.