286 on a NIBE heat pump: Refrigerant sensor needs to be replaced: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) needs to be replaced
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 286 means: Refrigerant sensor needs to be replaced: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) needs to be replaced. 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 manual says: Refrigerant sensor needs to be replaced: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) needs to be replaced.
Part involved: refrigerant (leak) sensor BQ10.
When it shows: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 (RS) needs to be replaced.
Likely causes:
- S2060: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 is 15 years old or more.
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.
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: Refrigerant sensor BQ10 is 15 years old or more.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump engineer competent with R290 (A3) refrigerant systems.
Certification: Competence for flammable (A3, R290) refrigerant systems; F-gas certification if the refrigerant circuit is opened.
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