Err 16
Burnham DHW Sensor or Priority Fault

Boiler display shows “Err 16” and domestic hot water (DHW) priority is not functioning correctly

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed indirect tank sensor, Miswired DHW aquastat, Shorted DHW sensor cable, Incorrect control configuration

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before working on low-voltage wiring or sensors.

  • Identify DHW sensor: For Burnham boilers with indirect water heaters, locate the tank sensor or aquastat on the side of the indirect tank.
  • Check wiring: Verify the sensor or aquastat wires are connected to the correct DHW terminals on the boiler control and are not shorted or broken.
  • Confirm settings: Using the boiler control menu (if available), confirm that DHW priority and sensor type are configured correctly per the installation manual.
  • Replace sensor if faulty: If the DHW temperature reading is unrealistic or Err 16 persists, replace the tank sensor with the correct Burnham part.
  • Test DHW call: Restore power, run hot water, and verify the boiler responds with a DHW call and no error.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

DHW Tank Temperature Sensor
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