How long does a boiler PCB last?
As a homeowner or renter, the boiler in your property is an essential device that should be taken care of. This means an awareness of the function of certain boiler parts, how to maintain them, and how to recognise any faults when they do arise is important. A defective boiler PCB is arguably one of the most difficult faults to spot, as it can impact many of the functions of the boiler. In this post, we’ll go over the expected lifespan of boiler PCBs along with the factors that can impact this.
Function of the PCB in a boiler
The printed circuit board (PCB) of a boiler is essentially the central nervous system of the boiler, responsible for sending and receiving electrical signals. These signals are integral to the functionality of the boiler, as they are the means by which the various components within the boiler communicate with each other. For example, a boiler that’s set to come on at a certain ambient temperature will need signals from an external temperature gauge to reach its PCB, which will then send a signal to the burner to begin heating. This boiler part is also important to monitor conditions within the system that could trigger the safety mechanism.
The PCB boiler part is made up of a number of delicate electrical components affixed to an electroconductive material. This includes:
- Transistors
- Capacitors
- Resistors
- Transformers
- Diodes
- Fuses
- Inductors
- Sensors
How to identify a faulty boiler PCB
As mentioned earlier, a fault with the boiler PCB can be difficult to identify because it can impact the functionality of one or more of the other parts within the boiler. Nevertheless, the following are some of the common indications that the PCB isn’t working as it should.
One of the key roles of the PCB in a boiler is to provide the burner with a steady stream of fuel. This is done through the opening of the gas valve, which can be triggered either manually or automatically. If the gas valve isn’t staying open for the right amount of time, or not opening at all, it could be because the PCB isn’t communicating properly. In either case, a gas valve fault will likely cause to the boiler to shut down for safety purposes.
In cases where the boiler temperature has been set but it doesn’t reach the level inputted, there could be something interfering with the signals between the temperature sensor and the PCB. For instance, the NTC thermistor could be measuring the water as hotter than it actually is, leading to boiler lockout.
As with the gas valve, a boiler fan is an essential part for the continued operations of the boiler. If the PCB isn’t communicating properly with the air pressure switch, or isn’t able to recognise the fan itself, it will result in the switching itself off. This is deemed necessary, as the fan serves to vent dangerous gases from the boiler.
This can be synonymous with a loss of power to the boiler PCB, although the fuses in the property should first be checked to rule out a general loss of power as the cause. If the PCB has stopped working all together, it will also result in a blank boiler display panel.
A burning smell coming the boiler is usually a sign that the PCB or associated electrical components are overheating or have sustained water damage. Unless addressed immediately, this is likely to cause lasting problems with the PCB.
Common causes of PCB degradation
Most modern boiler PCBs will last around 50 years in the right conditions. In order to take steps to extend the lifespan of the boiler circuit board, it pays to be able to recognise the potential causes of PCB failure. This way you know when to start looking for a replacement boiler part and make preparations to call a gas safe engineer.
It’s perfectly normal for a boiler to produce slight vibrations and occasional noises when it’s running. However, when these vibrations are excessive it can result in delicate PCB components becoming dislodged. Even a slightly loosened connection can disrupt important signals to and from the PCB, leading to failure in key parts. Sometimes, this can be a self-sustaining cycle as the faulty PCB creates a series of faults that contribute to further faults. For instance, a poor connection with the boiler fan can cause it to spin irregularly, which in turn causes vibrations that disconnect the PCB from the thermistor.
Any contact with water can have dire consequences for the PCB due to its range of electrical components. Internal leaks can develop in boilers over time due to wear and tear, or due to cracks in key parts such as the heat exchanger. The damage to the PCB from water can be severe enough to stop the PCB from working altogether.
Boiler PCB components are soldered onto the framework of the part. Over time, these holds will deteriorate due to general wear and tear. This can lead to components losing their connection to the circuit board and faults developing throughout the system.
Contamination introduced to the PCB either during handling or storage, can impact the lifespan of the part. Factors like humidity, extreme cold, and the presence of chemicals can cause faults to develop earlier.
New and refurbished technical boiler parts
National Boiler Spares are one of the only suppliers in the UK to refurbish boiler parts and spares to manufacturer standards. As a result, we have an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the boiler PCB and other key parts. Contact the team if you have any questions about the parts we stock or our delivery options.