272 on a NIBE heat pump: Hot outdoor air: Outdoor unit (EB101) reports outdoor temperature above its working range [other NIBE documents: Outdoor temperature outside outdoor unit's working range / Outdoor temperature outside operating range]
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 272 means: Hot outdoor air: Outdoor unit (EB101) reports outdoor temperature above its working range [other NIBE documents: Outdoor temperature outside outdoor unit's working range / Outdoor temperature outside operating range]. The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manuals for this range word it in different ways:
- Hot outdoor air: Outdoor unit (EB101) reports outdoor temperature above its working range [other NIBE documents: Outdoor temperature outside outdoor unit's working range / Outdoor temperature outside operating range].
- Com. error slave 2: Temporarily no communication with slave heat pump (EB102).
Part involved: operating range / outdoor sensor; PCB / accessory board communication.
When it shows: Outdoor unit (EB101) reports outdoor temperature above its working range; Outdoor temperature outside outdoor unit's working range; Outdoor temperature outside operating range; Outside temperature too high to ensure safe operation; Temperature of BT28 above the value that permits operation Temporarily no communication with slave heat pump (EB102).
Likely causes:
- F2120: Outdoor temperature outside operating range; defective outdoor temperature sensor | S2060: Warm weather conditions; sensor fault | F2050: Warm weather conditions; sensor fault | F2040: Warm weather conditions; sensor fault.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | Partly |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — 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. Normally clears by itself when the outdoor temperature returns to the unit's operating range; check the outdoor unit is not buried in snow.
- 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 outdoor ambient sensor BT28/Tho-A value and connection; confirm installation is within operating range. NIBE lists: See technical specifications in relevant manual; Outdoor temperature outside operating range; defective outdoor temperature sensor; Warm weather conditions; sensor fault.
- 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: None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671; Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent person.
What you might notice
Sources
- TECHNICAL INFORMATION - ALARM LIST SMO 40 (TIF EN 2042-1, M12658EN) ↗ · TIF EN 2042-1 M12658EN · page 17 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026