290 on a NIBE heat pump: Fan alarm: Fan speed (tachometer) signal indicates fan speed is zero
Short answer
On a NIBE heat pump, 290 means: Fan alarm: Fan speed (tachometer) signal indicates fan speed is zero. 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:
- Fan alarm: Fan speed (tachometer) signal indicates fan speed is zero.
- Anti-freeze supply air: Supply air temperature (BT22) below 11 C.
Part involved: fan motor; fans, air filters, air sensors.
When it shows: Fan speed (tachometer) signal indicates fan speed is zero Supply air temperature (BT22) below 11 C.
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, immersion heater and defrost stopped.
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 outdoor unit is not blocked by leaves, snow, ice or stored items and air can flow freely.
- 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 exhaust air valves/grilles in the rooms are open and not blocked; check the filter reminder in the user manual maintenance section.
What the engineer will check
- Check fan rotates freely, fan motor, fan connections, fuse and control board in the outdoor unit.
- Check ventilation airflow, fans, filters, air sensors and condensate drainage/level monitor.
Who to ask for: NIBE-trained heat pump installer (NIBE PRO / VIP).
Certification: Electrical work to BS 7671 by a competent person; None specific beyond competent heat pump installer; electrical work to BS 7671.
What you might notice
Sources
- ALARM LIST - NIBE products with Emmy display, Version 1747-1 (updated 2017-11-23) ↗ · 1747-1 · page 8 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026