196 on a NIBE heat pump: Com. room unit zone 1: Temporary communication fault with room unit zone 1
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 196 means: Com. room unit zone 1: Temporary communication fault with room unit zone 1. The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manuals for this range word it in different ways:
- Com. room unit zone 1: Temporary communication fault with room unit zone 1.
- Perm. com. error HWC: Permanent communication fault with hot water circulation accessory card.
Part involved: PCB / accessory board communication.
When it shows: Temporary communication fault with room unit zone 1 Permanent communication fault with hot water circulation accessory card.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Severity | Warning |
The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops.
Resetting itself: yes - information messages reset automatically when the cause is rectified.
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. Check the breakers for the heat pump, indoor module and any accessories are on at the consumer unit.
What the engineer will check
- Check communication cables and connectors between PCBs/accessory boards, DIP-switch addressing, power supply to the accessory board, and that accessories activated in the menu are actually fitted.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP).
Certification: Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent person.
What you might notice
Sources
- ALARM LIST - NIBE products with Emmy display, Version 1747-1 (updated 2017-11-23) ↗ · 1747-1 · page 6 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026