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Heat pumps · Error codes · NIBE
229NIBE · NIBE, all models

229 on a NIBE heat pump: Short operation times for compressor: Compressor has stopped three times in a row shortly after start [other NIBE documents: Operation stopped from indoor section after less than 5 minutes / Compressor operation shorter than 5 minutes 3 times in a row]

Short answer

On a NIBE heat pump, 229 means: Short operation times for compressor: Compressor has stopped three times in a row shortly after start [other NIBE documents: Operation stopped from indoor section after less than 5 minutes / Compressor operation shorter than 5 minutes 3 times in a row]. The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.

Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 2 sources

What it means

The manuals for this range word it in different ways:

  • Short operation times for compressor: Compressor has stopped three times in a row shortly after start [other NIBE documents: Operation stopped from indoor section after less than 5 minutes / Compressor operation shorter than 5 minutes 3 times in a row].
  • High pressure alarm: High pressure switch BP1 (63H1) has tripped 5 times within 60 minutes [other NIBE documents: High pressure switch (63H1) deployed 5 times within 60 min or 60 min continuously / Heat pump (selected outdoor unit) sends fault message to controller].

Part involved: heating medium flow, charge pump, particle filter; pressure switches/sensors, expansion valve.

When it shows: Compressor has stopped three times in a row shortly after start; Operation stopped from indoor section after less than 5 minutes; Compressor operation shorter than 5 minutes 3 times in a row High pressure switch BP1 (63H1) has tripped 5 times within 60 minutes; High pressure switch (63H1) deployed 5 times within 60 min or 60 min continuously; Heat pump (selected outdoor unit) sends fault message to controller.

Likely causes:

  • F2120: Flow problem or incorrect settings in VVM/SMO | F2120: Poor flow, poor heat transfer; incorrect settings for heating and/or hot water | S2125: Poor flow, poor heat transfer; incorrect settings for heating and/or hot water.
  • S2060: Insufficient air circulation or blocked heat exchanger; open/short circuit on HP switch input; defective HP switch; incorrectly connected expansion valve; service valve closed; defective baseboard AA2 (PWB1); low or no flow in heating; defective circulation pump; defective fuse F(4A) | F2050: Insufficient air circulation or blocked heat exchanger; open/short circuit on HP switch input; defective HP switch; expansion valve not correctly connected; service valve closed; defective PWB1; low or no flow; defective circulation pump; defective fuse F(4A).

Is it safe?

Does the heat pump stop?Partly
SeverityFault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed
Engineer needed?Yes

The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped.

Resetting itself: no/unknown - Compressor blocked.

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 heating system pressure gauge and check that radiator/underfloor thermostats are not all closed; check heating and hot water temperature settings have not been changed.
  • 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. Air source systems: check the outdoor unit is clear of leaves/snow/ice. Read the heating system pressure gauge and note the reading for your installer.

What the engineer will check

  • Check heating medium flow (pump speed/settings, particle filter, air in system), heating curve and hot water settings, correct sensor placement and flow/return connections. NIBE lists: Poor flow or poor heat transfer; incorrect settings for heating and/or hot water; Flow problem or incorrect settings in VVM/SMO; Poor flow, poor heat transfer; incorrect settings for heating and/or hot water.
  • Check heating medium flow, particle filter and circulation pump; check pressure switches/sensors, expansion valve, service valves and refrigerant charge (F-gas qualified). NIBE lists: Insufficient air circulation or blocked heat exchanger; open/short circuit on HP switch input; defective HP switch; incorrectly connected expansion valve; service valve closed; defective baseboard AA2 (PWB1); low or no flow in heating; defective circulation pump; defective fuse F(4A); Insufficient air circulation or blocked heat exchanger; open/short circuit on HP switch input; defective HP switch; expansion valve not correctly connected; service valve closed; defective PWB1; low or no flow; defective circulation pump; defective fuse F(4A).

Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP); Heat pump engineer with F-gas qualification (NIBE-trained / NIBE PRO installer).

Certification: None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671; F-gas certification for refrigerant circuit work (plus flammable-refrigerant competence for R290/R32 models).

What you might notice

Sources

A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.

Reviewed: 23 September 2026