285 on a NIBE heat pump: Refrigerant sensor fault: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) out of range, lost communication or faulty
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 285 means: Refrigerant sensor fault: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) out of range, lost communication or faulty. The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops. 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:
- Refrigerant sensor fault: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) out of range, lost communication or faulty.
- Fault in EB16: Active defrosting has failed three times in a row.
Part involved: refrigerant (leak) sensor BQ10; evaporator defrost.
When it shows: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) out of range, lost communication or faulty Active defrosting has failed three times in a row.
Likely causes:
- S2060: Fault in the sensor.
Is it safe?
| Does the heat pump stop? | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The manual does not say whether the heat pump stops.
Resetting itself: no/unknown - not stated.
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 outdoor unit is not blocked by leaves, snow or ice and that nothing obstructs the airflow.
What the engineer will check
- Check refrigerant sensor BQ10 and its cable; replace sensor at end of life (15 years) per NIBE instructions. Treat as R290 safety function. NIBE lists: Fault in the sensor.
- Check system volume and flow during defrost, particle filter, circulation pump, evaporator airflow, evaporator/defrost sensors and refrigerant circuit.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump engineer competent with R290 (A3) refrigerant systems; NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP).
Certification: Competence for flammable (A3, R290) refrigerant systems; F-gas certification if the refrigerant circuit is opened; None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671.
What you might notice
Sources
- Installer manual Air/water heat pump NIBE S2060 UK 1x230V IHB EN 2623-3 (831281) ↗ · IHB EN 2623-3 · page 31 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026