Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 7 Times [Solved]

The Bradford white water heater blinking light code “7 consecutive flashes with a three-second pause” the indicative of the following facts:

The flammable sensor senses flammable vapor nearby.
The sensor might be exposed to excessive moisture.
Or the FVS is exposed to extreme ambient temperature.

The last reason might be the malfunctioning of the thermal switch.

Learn all the responsive factors behind the Bradford water heater status light 7 blinking and how to fix the error.

Note: You can also read how to fix Bradford’s white water heater status light blinking 5 times.

Bradford White Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor Lockout

The flammable vapor sensor is the safety device on a water heater that is responsible for causing the soft lockout. When the sensor senses the presence of flammable vapor that may ignite, it goes out of specification mode.

Then the sensor changes the resistance and turns off the water heater. The water heater detects it as an error and flashes the status light 7 times.

1. Bradford White Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor Reset

If the flammable vapor sensor of your water heater goes out of specification mode, you need to reset the FVS to erase the error.

Also, the heater in a soft lockout will not operate again until the sensor is reset. Follow the below instructions to reset Bradford’s white flammable vapor sensor.

How To Reset FVS On Bradford White Water Heater

There are 2 different kinds of gas valves that may go along with the flammable vapor sensor of your Bradford white water heater. The resetting process for these two valves is far different.

Here, we have explored the FVS resetting methods for both types of gas valves.

Reset FVS On White Rodgers Intelli-Vent PowerVent Control Equipped Models:

First, unplug your Bradford white water heater from the power connection.
Leave it unplugged for about 10-20 seconds, and then plug it back in again.
Wait for another 5 seconds.

Now, press both of the arrows on the control valve together. Just hold them for 5 seconds.
Press until the green LED blinks.
At that point, enter a cheat code by pressing the arrows.

The code is “Left, Right, Left, Left, Right, Left, Right, Right.”
That’s it!! If the sensor is reset, all the LEDs will light up. This is the sign that the error code has been cleared out.

Reset FVS On Honeywell Gas Control Equipped Models:

First, disconnect the power connection from the water.

Wait for 10 seconds and plug it back again.
Now, turn the control knob clockwise to the “Pilot” position first.
After that, turn the temperature knob counterclockwise to the “Very Hot” position.

You have to turn the knob back and forth from the “Pilot” to the “Very Hot” position about six times in 30 seconds.
Your error code has been reset, and the flashing status light 7-time issue should be resolved.

2. Test The Continuity Of The FVS

If still, the status light blinks 7 times even after resetting the tripped flammable vapor sensor, it is sure the FV sensor resistance is out of range.

Due to the wrong resistance of the flammable vapor, it will go out of the specification mode. A well-working FVS resistance range should be between 3k ohms-48k ohms.

So, now you have to check and verify if the FVS of your water heater is giving an accurate resistance reading or not.

How To Test Flammable Vapor Sensor Of Water Heater

First, locate and remove the FV sensor from its bracket on the base ring of your water heater.

Disconnect both wiring connections to the sensor.
Take a multimeter to check resistance and set it to the ohms setting.
Now start measuring the resistance of the flammable vapor sensor.

It should give a reading e between 3,000 and 48,000 ohms.
If the resistance of the flammable vapor sensor is out of this range, verify the sensor is defective. You need to replace the faulty FVS.

3. Replace The Faulty FVS

If your FVS is not giving the correct resistance reading, the only way to erase the error code is to replace the defective FV sensor. Here are all the DIY methods to replace the defective FV sensor from your Bradford water heater.

How To Replace Flammable Vapor Sensor From The Water Heater

First up, you have to locate the FVS from the front center of the water heater just below the outer door.
Now, remove the outer cover door of the burner compartment from its place.
Then, pull the sensor wiring from two terminals of the sensor cap.

After that, disconnect the faulty FV sensor.
It is time to install the new FV sensor in your water heater.
But before that, ensure that the installation environment is free from flammable or other potential sensor-contaminating vapors.

Now, start installing by connecting the new sensor to the wiring connections.
Then, push the sensor wiring into the sensor cap until it snaps or clicks into place.
Finally, reassemble the front cover of your water heater.

Bradford White Water Heater Resettable Thermal Switch Fault

At times, Bradford’s white water heater status light blinking 7 times is the error indication of the thermal switch fault defection.

A thermal switch installed in a water heater is mainly a safety device. It is designed to cut power to the water heater when the temperature around the heater and burner rises to unsafe levels.

The most common problem with this switch is keeping tripped. Blocked vents at the top and bottom of the water heater cause the system to overheat, which trips the thermal switch.

When the switch is tripped, it will cut off the power and shut off the gas supply to the burner assembly.

Here are the instructions to fix the thermal switch and diminish the appearing error from your heater.

i). Tripped Thermal Switch

If the status light blinking 7 times is related to the tripped thermal switch, you need to reset the switch first.

Plus, you need to check the heater vents whether it is blocked, which may be causing insufficient air supply through the heater.

Here you go:

Solution:

First, turn off the power supply to your heater. Let the heater cool completely.

Inspect the heater’s vents and clean the clogged debris from the vents.
Clean out the clogged air filter or flame arrestor as well. Don’t miss to clean beneath the burner inside the combustion chamber.
Now locate the thermal switch and check out the wiring connector of the switch. Tighten all the wiring connections

Then, reset the tripped thermal switch to get back the element function again. You will see a small reset button in the center of the thermal switch.
Press the button, and the RTS will be reset.

ii). Test The Continuity Of The RTS

Most of the time, the thermal switch is going out of the resistance, and that may be the reason it is not functioning well. If the status light blinks, even after resetting the switch, it is sure that the resistance of this essential element is out of range.

Test the continuity of the switch by following the below instructions.

How To Test A Thermal Switch Of Water Heater With A Multimeter

To test the RTS of the water heater, you need a screwdriver and a multimeter.
Start by turning off the gas supply of the water heater.

Now remove the bottom cover of the heater.
Locate the switch and test the continuity of this to see if a continuous electrical current can pass through it.
Take the multimeter and set it to ohms settings. Disconnect the wires of the switch. Then, attach the probes to the terminals.

If the multimeter shows OL, then there is no continuity. Or, it should give a resistance reading between 3,000 and 48,000 ohms.
If not, the faulty thermal switch should be replaced.

iii). Replace The Defective Thermal Switch

Replacing the thermal switch on the water heater is an easy task, and you can do it by yourself.

Just go through the below-suggested DIY methods to change and install the new thermal switch effectively.

How To Replace Thermal Switch On Water Heater

The thermal switch is mainly attached to the burner assembly compartment by a hex nut.
Unscrew all the attached screws and remove the outer door of the burner assembly.

Locate the thermal switch on the manifold door. You will see the switch will be attached to two screws and two wires that go to the gas valve.
First, disconnect the wires from the switch.
Then, take a screwdriver and unscrew the screws. The thermal switch will be detached. Pull out from its place.

Align the new thermal switch in the accurate place and then tighten the screws.
Reconnect the wires. Before that, ensure the wires are in a well-working condition. If necessary, replace them.
Reassemble the burner compartment and turn on the heater.

Relight the pilot and set the gas control to the ON position. Finally, set the control knob to your desired temperature setting.

FAQ:

How do I turn up the temperature of the Bradford white water heater?

In the heater pilot knob, you will find three settings, A, B, and C, to control the water heater temperature. If you want to change the temperature, just turn the dialer to your desired setting and wait for 30 minutes to take full effect of the changes.

Why does my Bradford white water heater keep tripping the reset button?

The major reason for tripping the reset button includes raising the water temperature in the tank. A bad heating element, a faulty thermostat, faulty wiring, and damaged circuit breakers are responsible for temperature rises in an uncontrolled position.

At The Bottom

Well!! At the ending part of the article, we can hope now you are aware of all the responsive factors for occurring seven times blinking on your water heater.

Troubleshooting the issue is not tough as long as you will follow the above guide. Still, if you face any troubles while resolving this issue, don’t hesitate to let us know through comments. We are always here for your assistance.

Bradford White Water Heater Status Light Blinking 7 Times [Solved]

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