Potterton Assure boilers may show E384 / 164 when the controls register what Baxi’s current manufacturer table calls a “False flame (parasitic flame).” The model group on that table includes Potterton Assure Combi and System boilers.
The wording can sound alarming, but it should be read carefully. It describes a flame signal detected when the controls do not expect one. It does not prove that a real flame is visibly burning, and it does not identify a particular failed component. Keep the casing closed and arrange professional repair.
What does Potterton E384 / 164 mean?
A gas boiler monitors whether a flame is present as part of its safety sequence. The controls compare the detected signal with the operating stage. E384 / 164 means the boiler has received a signal interpreted as flame presence at an unexpected time, so it stops normal operation.
“False” or “parasitic” refers to the detected signal condition, not something a homeowner should try to inspect through the boiler. There may be different reasons for that signal, and the code alone cannot distinguish between them. It is unsafe and misleading to name a burner, electrode, valve, cable or control board as the definite cause.
What might you notice?
The boiler may lock out, refuse to start or stop supplying heat. On a Potterton Assure Combi, heating and hot water can both be unavailable. On a system model, the boiler may stop reheating the separate hot-water cylinder, although stored hot water may remain temporarily.
The code may appear before a heating demand, during start-up or after the boiler has been running. Record the timing if you can do so without repeatedly operating the appliance. Note whether heating or hot water was requested, whether another code appeared first and whether E384 or 164—or both—were shown.
Do not stand beside the boiler listening for ignition or try to view combustion. Do not keep opening hot taps or raising the thermostat to force another start. Repeating the operating request does not establish whether a real flame exists.
Does “false flame” mean gas is burning?
Not necessarily. The official description tells you that the controls detected an unexpected flame signal. It does not confirm visible combustion, a gas leak or an external gas-supply problem. A suitably qualified engineer must assess the boiler before the condition can be understood safely.
Even though the code does not itself prove a gas emergency, any separate smell of gas, carbon-monoxide alarm, smoke or burning smell must be treated urgently. Do not wait for the code to change before acting on those warning signs.
Safe information to record
- The complete code exactly as displayed.
- Whether the boiler is a Potterton Assure Combi or System model.
- Whether heating, hot water or both were requested.
- When the code appeared in relation to the boiler starting or stopping.
- Whether the code has returned after previously clearing.
- Any separate gas smell, alarm, smoke, scorching or visible leak.
Use paperwork or an external label that is safely visible to identify the model. Do not remove the front panel, sealed case or any cover to find a serial number. If the details cannot be read safely, simply report what is shown on the display.
Should you reset the boiler?
Follow only the reset instructions in the correct user guide for your exact Potterton model. A single reset may be permitted when there is no smell of gas, carbon-monoxide warning, smoke, burning smell or other danger sign. If E384 / 164 returns, stop resetting and book a repair.
Repeated resets or power cycling may cause the appliance to repeat a safety sequence without correcting the reason for the unexpected signal. They can also make the original sequence harder to describe to the attending engineer.
What not to do
- Do not remove the boiler casing or sealed combustion cover.
- Do not look for or attempt to observe a flame inside the appliance.
- Do not inspect, clean, move or test burner or flame-monitoring components.
- Do not touch gas valves, wiring or control boards.
- Do not repeatedly reset the boiler or guess which part to replace.
Combustion, gas-control and flame-monitoring work is not a homeowner task. In the UK it must be handled by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. They can assess the sequence safely and carry out the repair supported by their findings.
When is professional repair needed?
Arrange repair whenever E384 / 164 remains on the display, returns after the limited user action permitted by the correct guide, or has appeared more than once. An intermittent false-flame signal still matters because the boiler cannot reliably confirm its safe operating state.
Tell the engineer whether the fault occurred during heating or hot-water demand, whether the boiler had been idle beforehand and whether another code was shown. Avoid interpreting noises or smells beyond reporting them plainly.
Need the boiler repaired?
Your boiler fault is fixed for the agreed price, subject to eligibility and terms.
Gas and carbon-monoxide emergencies
If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, do not reset the boiler or continue checking it. Open doors and windows if safe, leave the property and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from a safe place in Great Britain. Do not smoke, use a flame or operate electrical switches.
Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse or loss of consciousness. Get fresh air immediately and seek urgent medical help if anyone may have been exposed. A working audible carbon-monoxide alarm is important, but it does not replace correct boiler servicing and repair.
Quick answers
What does Potterton E384 / 164 mean?
It means the boiler has detected a false or parasitic flame signal.
Does the code prove there is a real flame?
No. It describes a signal detected at an unexpected time, not confirmed visible combustion.
Can I check the flame sensor myself?
No. Do not open the boiler or inspect internal flame-monitoring and combustion parts. This work requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Is one reset enough?
Use only the reset action allowed by the correct user guide. If the code returns, stop resetting and arrange repair.