HeatingCodesBradford White water heater code 57: flame sensor shorted to ground
What code 57 means
Code 57 is listed as Flame sensor shorted to ground. The flame sensor tells the control that the pilot or burner flame is present. If the sensor wiring or probe touches ground, the control cannot read the signal and will not allow the heater to run normally.
What the guide says to inspect
- The flame sensor wire
- The pilot assembly
- The pilot shield
The parts the guide associates with this code are the pilot assembly, the pilot shield and the control board. The guide's general pre-checks apply too: confirm gas inlet pressure, check that the static-to-dynamic pressure drop is acceptable, confirm there are no vent restrictions, make sure wiring is tight with no grounded wires or missing grounds, and check that there are no water leaks.
Who should do this
This is a service task for a qualified technician. It involves the pilot, gas train and low-voltage control wiring. A homeowner or building manager can confirm the unit has power and the gas valve is open, note the displayed code, and give the technician the model and serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Is code 57 the same as a flame sensor that is dirty?
No. A dirty sensor gives a weak flame signal. Code 57 in this guide specifically means the sensor circuit is shorted to ground, so the guide points you to wiring, the pilot assembly and the pilot shield.
Does this apply to my home water heater?
Only if your model is covered by the same guide. The guide we cite is for commercial D-series heaters. Check your owner's manual for your model's fault table.
Sources
- Quick Service Guide 238-55600-00: Commercial Induced Draft Damper Electronic Ignition D-Series, 24 Volt Series (Honeywell Integrated Control / ICON HD) (Bradford White) Covers: Bradford White commercial induced-draft damper electronic-ignition D-series water heaters with the 24 V Honeywell integrated control / ICON HD. Residential models use different manuals.
Safety note: this page is general information drawn from the sources above. Gas, combustion and line-voltage repairs belong to a licensed professional. Your own equipment's label and manual take priority over anything here. Read the full disclaimer.