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Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 57

Flame rod shorted to ground.

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

Flame rod shorted to ground.

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What 57 means on a Bradford White water heater

Error code 57 on a Bradford White water heater indicates that the flame rod (also called the flame sensor) has been detected in a shorted condition to ground. The flame rod is a critical component in the ignition and burner proving circuit. Its job is to sense the presence of a burner flame through a process called flame rectification, where a small AC current is passed through the flame and converted to a measurable DC signal. When the control board sees a short to ground on the flame rod circuit, it interprets this as a fault condition and shuts down the burner to prevent unsafe operation.

A short to ground in the flame rod circuit typically means that the electrical path from the sensor tip to the burner ground is being completed by something other than the flame itself. This can occur when the flame rod physically contacts the burner assembly, grounded brackets, or the combustion chamber wall. It can also be caused by damaged or compromised wiring insulation along the sensor lead, which allows the conductor to contact grounded metal components.

This fault is distinct from a failed or weak flame signal. Code 57 specifically points to a hard short condition, meaning the control is reading continuous conductivity to ground even when the burner is off. Diagnosing this code typically involves inspecting the flame rod mounting position, checking for cracks or contamination on the ceramic insulator, and testing the sensor lead wire for shorts using a multimeter. Clearing this fault generally requires correcting the physical cause before normal operation can resume.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 57

  1. 01

    Flame rod contacting grounded metal

    Wiring / connection

    The flame rod may have shifted position or been bent so that the sensor tip or its bracket is physically touching the burner assembly, combustion chamber wall, or another grounded metal surface. Inspect the rod's position and clearance carefully.

  2. 02

    Cracked or damaged ceramic insulator

    Part replacement

    The flame rod passes through a ceramic insulator that isolates it electrically from the burner ground. If this insulator is cracked, chipped, or contaminated with carbon or moisture, it can create a conductive path to ground, triggering a short condition.

  3. 03

    Damaged flame rod lead wire

    Part replacement

    The insulation on the wire connecting the flame rod to the control board can degrade from prolonged heat exposure, causing the conductor to contact grounded metal along its routing path. Check the full length of the wire for burned, cracked, or bare spots.

  4. 04

    Failed flame rod assembly

    Part replacement

    The flame rod itself can fail internally, creating a direct short. This is less common than positional or insulation issues but should be tested with a multimeter after ruling out wiring and mounting faults.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board's flame sensing circuit may incorrectly report a short to ground due to an internal board failure. This should only be considered after confirming the flame rod, insulator, and wiring are all in good condition.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 57

What does 57 mean on a Bradford White water_heater?
Error code 57 means the control board has detected a short to ground on the flame rod circuit. The flame rod is the sensor that confirms burner ignition, and a short condition means an unintended electrical connection to ground has been detected. The heater shuts down the burner when this fault occurs as a safety measure. The underlying cause must be corrected before the unit will resume normal operation.
Can I fix error code 57 myself?
Some causes of this code, such as a physically misaligned flame rod that has shifted and is contacting grounded metal, can be corrected without replacing parts. However, if the ceramic insulator, lead wire, or flame rod itself is damaged, replacement parts will be needed. Working on gas appliance components requires care and familiarity with gas systems, so if you are not comfortable inspecting burner components, a qualified technician should handle the repair.
Is error code 57 on a Bradford White water heater a safety concern?
Yes, the control board treats this fault as a safety issue and shuts down the burner to prevent uncertain or uncontrolled operation. You should not attempt to bypass the fault or force the unit to operate while the code is active. Address the root cause of the short before restoring the heater to service.
Will resetting the water heater clear error code 57?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault and allow the unit to attempt ignition again, but if the underlying short condition still exists, the code will return almost immediately. The error code will continue to appear until the physical cause of the short to ground is identified and corrected.
How much does it cost to repair error code 57 on a Bradford White water heater?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If only a realignment of the flame rod is needed, a service call fee of roughly $75 to $150 may be the primary cost. If a replacement flame rod assembly or lead wire is required, parts typically range from $20 to $80, with total repair costs including labor generally falling between $100 and $300. A control board replacement, if needed, would push costs higher.

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