Bradford White Error Code F2: Dry Fire Protection
How to Fix Bradford White Code F2
- Step 1: Check that the main water supply valve to the water heater is fully open.
- Step 2: Check other faucets and showers in the house to ensure you have adequate water pressure. Low pressure throughout the house indicates a problem with the main water supply.
- Step 3: Try running hot water at all faucets to purge any air from the lines. Sometimes air can become trapped after maintenance or repairs.
- Step 4: If the problem persists after these steps, contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
How to Reset Bradford White Code F2
- Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
- Turn off the gas supply valve.
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
- Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.
Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.
What Does Bradford White Error Code F2 Mean?
The F2 error code on your Bradford White tankless water heater indicates a 'Dry Fire Protection' lockout. This safety feature is triggered when the unit detects the burner is firing, but water flow is insufficient to cool it. Basically, the heater is getting too hot, which can damage the heat exchanger and other components. This is a protective measure to prevent serious damage. It's important to address this issue promptly to avoid further problems and ensure the longevity of your water heater. The unit will likely require a reset after the issue is resolved.
Common Causes
- Low water pressure or flow rate to the unit
- Air trapped in the water lines
- Scale buildup or blockage in the heat exchanger restricting water flow
- Faulty flow sensor not properly detecting water flow
- Malfunctioning burner control system causing overheating
Diagnostic Steps
| If... | Check | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Unit displays F2 error | Measure incoming water flow rate using a flow meter at the inlet. | Flow rate should meet the minimum requirement specified in the Bradford White manual (typically 0.5 GPM or higher). |
| Flow rate is adequate | Inspect the water filter (if equipped) and heat exchanger for scale buildup or debris. | Filter should be clean; heat exchanger should be free of significant scale. |
| No visible blockage | Check the flow sensor for proper operation using a multimeter. Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance while varying water flow. | Resistance should change proportionally with flow. Consult the service manual for specific resistance values. |
| Flow sensor seems faulty | Verify wiring harness continuity from the flow sensor to the main control board. | No breaks or shorts in the wiring. |
Applicable Bradford White Models
Replacement Parts
| Part | OEM Number | Est. Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow Sensor | — | — | — |
| Heat Exchanger | — | — | — |
| Water Filter | — | — | — |
Related Codes on Same Models
Other codes that affect the same Bradford White model families as F2.
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Sensor Fault | Warning |
| F10 | Thermistor Short | Warning |
| F11 | Thermistor Open | Warning |
| F13 | Ignition Failure | Critical |
| F14 | Flame Failure | Critical |
| F16 | Blower Failure | Warning |
| F4 | High Temp Cutoff | Critical |
| F6 | Flammable Vapor Lockout | Critical |