Alpha 38 Fault Code (E-Tec 28 and 33)

Safety disclaimer

Fault code summary

Manufacturer

Alpha

Fault code

38

Fault type

Flame failure, Gas supply, Flue

Severity

high

Reset

Not specified

Applicable models

E-Tec 28, E-Tec 33

Quick answer

Loss of flame rectification.

What does this fault code mean?

Loss of flame rectification.

Common causes

• Flame detected but signal lost.
• Flame-sensing electrode/lead, flue-gas recirculation, gas valve, flue, gas supply, combustion setting or burner earth issue.

Symptoms

• Ignition retries after fan purge.

What can the homeowner safely check?

• Check whether other gas appliances work and whether gas is available; combustion and flue checks are for a qualified engineer.

Boiler reset information

Reset information was not provided in the verified manufacturer source. Do not repeatedly reset an unresolved fault.

When should I call an engineer?

Contact a suitably qualified heating engineer when the fault persists, the boiler locks out, or the manufacturer instructions do not resolve it. For gas appliance work in the UK, use a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Engineer diagnosis

• Investigate flame sensing, flue, gas supply, gas valve and combustion by a qualified engineer.

Applicable boiler models

• E-Tec 28
• E-Tec 33

Related fault codes

• 01 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  Ignition failure; flame not detected during the ignition sequence.

  Read fault code
• 02 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  Overheat boiler lockout.

  Read fault code
• 03 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  High flue temperature.

  Read fault code
• 04 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  Gas-valve electrical connection fault.

  Read fault code
• 05 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  CH flow sensor fault.

  Read fault code
• 06 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  DHW sensor fault.

  Read fault code
• 08 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  Maximum number of resets reached (five).

  Read fault code
• 10 — E-Tec 28 and 33

  Primary system pressure low.

  Read fault code

Manufacturer documentation

38 | Loss of flame rectification | Flame detected but signal lost. Ignition retries after fan purge | Check flame sensing electrode and lead; flue gas recirculation; gas valve; flue system; gas supply; combustion settings; burner earth

Last verified

2026-09-12

Frequently asked questions