Ravenheat E13 Fault Code: Causes, Fixes & Repair Costs
What does the Ravenheat E13 fault code mean?
The E13 code on a Ravenheat boiler signals a software or firmware fault within the boiler's printed circuit board (PCB). In plain terms, the electronic brain of the boiler has detected an internal error — this could be corrupted memory, a failure in how the PCB communicates with other components, or a configuration problem following a recent board replacement. Until the underlying cause is identified and resolved, the boiler will remain locked out and refuse to fire. Note that Ravenheat is no longer trading as a manufacturer, which means genuine replacement PCBs and other spares are becoming increasingly difficult to source — a factor worth weighing up before committing to an expensive repair.
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
- PCB failure or corrupted firmware Common
The PCB is the central controller for every boiler function. If the board itself has developed a fault — whether through age, a component failure, or corrupted onboard memory — the boiler will throw an E13 and shut down. This is the most frequent root cause engineers find when investigating this code.
- Power surge or electrical disturbance Common
A spike on the mains supply, or even a brief power cut followed by restoration, can scramble the PCB's memory settings. E13 sometimes appears for the first time immediately after a power outage or after work has been done on the household electrics.
- Loose or damaged wiring connections Sometimes
All the boiler's components — the pump, gas valve, sensors, and ignition system — report back to the PCB via wiring harnesses. A loose plug, a corroded terminal, or a chafed cable can disrupt these signals and trigger a software-level fault on the board.
- Moisture or internal water ingress Sometimes
A slow internal leak or condensation finding its way onto the PCB or its connectors can cause erratic behaviour that the boiler's software interprets as a critical fault. Water damage to the ignition lead can produce the same effect.
- PCB misconfiguration after recent replacement Rare
If the PCB has recently been swapped out, the new board may need re-synchronising with the boiler's settings. A freshly installed board that hasn't been correctly configured can immediately display E13.
How to fix it
- Reset the boiler once DIY safe
Locate the reset button on your Ravenheat boiler's control panel — it is typically marked with a flame symbol or the word 'Reset'. Press and hold it for the time stated in your user guide (usually around 3 seconds). Allow the boiler to attempt a full restart. If the E13 clears and the boiler runs normally, monitor it over the next hour. Do not reset more than once or twice in quick succession, as repeated resets when a PCB fault is present can place additional stress on the board.
- Check the mains power supply DIY safe
Confirm that the boiler's fused spur switch is on and that no fuses have blown or circuit breakers tripped in your consumer unit. If the boiler lost power recently — due to a power cut or electrical work — switch it fully off at the spur for 30 seconds before switching it back on, then attempt one further reset.
- Look for obvious signs of a water leak near the boiler DIY safe
Visually inspect the area around the boiler casing and the pipework beneath it. If you can see dripping water, damp patches, or corrosion staining, switch the boiler off at the spur and turn off your gas supply at the meter. Do not attempt to open the boiler casing. Call a Gas Safe engineer promptly, as moisture near the PCB or wiring is a safety concern.
- Do not attempt to access or test the PCB yourself Gas Safe engineer
Work on the boiler's PCB, wiring harnesses, or any internal electrical components must only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Touching these parts without the correct qualifications is unsafe and may also void any remaining warranty or insurance cover.
- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair the fault Gas Safe engineer
An engineer will open the casing safely, check the wiring harnesses and connectors for damage or loose terminals, and test individual components such as the flame sensor and thermistors before concluding the PCB itself is at fault — avoiding an unnecessary board replacement. If the PCB does need replacing, bear in mind that Ravenheat no longer manufactures boilers, so the engineer will need to source a compatible board, which may take time or require a second-hand part. Ask the engineer to give you a clear written quote before proceeding and consider requesting an honest assessment of whether a replacement boiler would be more cost-effective than the repair.
Parts you may need
- Ravenheat PCB (replacement) · from £280
- Wiring harness / loom · from £55
- Ignition lead · from £25
- Flame sensing electrode · from £30
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 £300–£550, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix the Ravenheat E13 fault myself?
Not beyond a single reset and basic visual checks. The E13 points to an electronic fault inside the boiler — most likely the PCB — and any hands-on work with the board, wiring, or internal components must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Attempting it yourself is unsafe and could invalidate your home insurance.
Ravenheat no longer exists — can I still get a replacement PCB?
Ravenheat ceased trading some years ago, which means new genuine parts are increasingly scarce. Some independent heating parts suppliers and online marketplaces still carry compatible or reconditioned PCBs, and an experienced engineer may be able to source one, but availability is shrinking. Lead times can be long and prices are higher than they would be for a current-production boiler. If your boiler is more than 10 years old and the PCB has failed, it is well worth getting a quote for a full boiler replacement alongside the repair cost — for many owners, a new A-rated boiler works out better value in the long run.
How much does it cost to replace a Ravenheat boiler PCB in the UK?
A Gas Safe engineer's call-out and diagnostic visit typically costs £60–£120. If the PCB needs replacing, the board itself can run from around £180 to £400 depending on whether it is new or reconditioned, with 1–3 hours of labour on top. All-in, most Ravenheat owners pay somewhere between £300 and £550 for a PCB repair in 2025. Note that if a heat exchanger or gas valve also needs attention, costs will be higher — your engineer should advise you before starting any work.
Why does my Ravenheat keep showing E13 even after resetting?
A fault that returns immediately after a reset almost always means the underlying problem is still present — the reset simply restarts the boiler without fixing anything. Persistent E13 codes suggest the PCB itself is failing, that wiring damage or moisture is continuously triggering the fault, or that a recently fitted replacement board was not correctly configured. In any of these scenarios, a Gas Safe engineer needs to investigate before further resets are attempted.