160 on a NIBE heat pump: Low HTF out: Brine out has reached set min temperature [other NIBE documents: BT11 below minimum value of brine out]
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 160 means: Low HTF out: Brine out has reached set min temperature [other NIBE documents: BT11 below minimum value of brine out]. The heat pump keeps running.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manuals for this range word it in different ways:
- Low HTF out: Brine out has reached set min temperature [other NIBE documents: BT11 below minimum value of brine out].
- Compressor phase 3 missing: Compressor phase missing or below 160 V for more than 30 min.
Part involved: brine pump, brine sensors, level monitor; inverter and compressor drive.
When it shows: Brine out has reached set min temperature; BT11 below minimum value of brine out Compressor phase missing or below 160 V for more than 30 min.
Likely causes:
- Settings.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | No |
|---|---|
| Severity | Warning |
The heat pump keeps running.
Resetting itself: yes - Automatic reset; Resets automatically.
Manual reset: Reset from the controller alarm menu ('reset alarm' / 'Reset alarm and try again'); alarm recurs if the cause remains.
What you can check
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer.
- Read the alarm text and the 'info/action' help on the controller display (VVM/SMO or S-series smartguide). NIBE's manuals let the homeowner select 'reset alarm' ('Reset alarm and try again' on S-series); if the lamp returns to normal the alarm has cleared. If it comes back, do not keep resetting: select 'aid mode' ('Auxiliary operation' on S-series) if offered, so any electric additional heat keeps heat/hot water going, and contact your installer. Check the heat pump and indoor unit breakers/RCD at the consumer unit are on; if one trips again, leave it off and call an engineer.
What the engineer will check
- Check brine circuit: bleeding, brine pump, brine freezing point/concentration, brine sensors and level monitor/pressure switch; look for brine leaks. NIBE lists: Settings.
- Check main and group fuses and cable connections, supply voltage under load, inverter terminal blocks, inverter mounting/cooling paste, compressor wiring and compressor.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP); NIBE-trained heat pump engineer and/or qualified electrician.
Certification: None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671; Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent electrician (notifiable work under Part P in England & Wales).
What you might notice
Sources
- ALARM LIST - NIBE products with Emmy display, Version 1747-1 (updated 2017-11-23) ↗ · 1747-1 · page 5 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026