mypros+
Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code No flash

No electrical power to gas control; control LED not on or flashing.

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

No electrical power to gas control; control LED not on or flashing.

First step from the service manual

Turn power on. Check if control power switch is in OFF position or supply voltage is interrupted.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for No flash.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What No flash means on a Bradford White water heater

The "No flash" condition on a Bradford White water heater indicates that the gas control valve is receiving no electrical power, evidenced by the control LED being completely dark, neither illuminated nor flashing. The gas control is the central component responsible for managing ignition sequencing, burner operation, and safety shutoff functions. Without power reaching this control, none of these functions can operate, and the water heater will not produce hot water.

The most immediate diagnostic focus is the power supply path to the gas control. This begins with confirming the unit is plugged in or that the circuit breaker feeding the heater is not tripped. A control power switch in the OFF position is a common and easily overlooked cause, particularly after service work or accidental contact. Beyond the switch itself, the supply voltage may be interrupted anywhere along the wiring path, including at the outlet, junction box, or internal wiring connections leading to the gas control terminal.

If basic power supply checks confirm voltage is present at the unit but the control LED still shows no activity, the fault may lie within the gas control itself, indicating an internal component failure. Wiring harness damage, corroded terminals, or a failed control board can all prevent power from reaching the control circuitry. Systematically tracing voltage from the supply through each connection point will isolate whether the problem is upstream of the control or within the control assembly itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of No flash

  1. 01

    Control power switch in OFF position

    Wiring / connection

    The gas control has a dedicated power switch that may have been turned off during maintenance or accidentally. Check the switch position and flip it to ON if needed.

  2. 02

    Interrupted supply voltage

    Wiring / connection

    A tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, or unplugged power cord can cut all power to the unit. Check the electrical panel and verify the outlet or hardwire connection has live voltage.

  3. 03

    Faulty or loose wiring connections

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded terminals or a disconnected wiring harness between the power supply and the gas control can interrupt the circuit. Inspect all visible wire connections at the control terminals for damage or looseness.

  4. 04

    Failed gas control valve or control board

    Part replacement

    If supply voltage is confirmed present at the control terminals but the LED remains dark, the internal circuitry of the gas control assembly may have failed. This requires replacement of the gas control unit.

  5. 05

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    Physical damage to the wiring harness, such as cuts, pinching, or heat exposure, can prevent power from reaching the control. Visually inspect the harness along its full length for signs of damage.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about No flash

What does No flash mean on a Bradford White water_heater?
The No flash condition means the gas control valve is receiving no electrical power and the control LED is completely dark. Without power, the control cannot perform any ignition, burner regulation, or safety functions. The heater will not produce hot water until power to the control is restored. This is a starting-point diagnostic state, not a specific component failure code.
How do I fix the No flash condition on my Bradford White water heater?
Start by checking whether the control power switch is in the OFF position and flip it to ON if so. Next, verify the circuit breaker for the heater has not tripped and that any outlet or wiring connection supplying the unit has live voltage. If power is confirmed present but the LED remains dark, inspect wiring connections at the gas control terminals and look for harness damage. If all wiring checks out, the gas control itself may need to be replaced.
Is it safe to use my water heater when the No flash condition is displayed?
When No flash is present, the gas control has no power and the heater is effectively non-operational, meaning it will not ignite or heat water. There is no immediate safety hazard from the No flash condition itself since the burner cannot fire without a functioning control. However, you should not attempt to manually bypass the control or force ignition. Restore power through normal means before using the unit.
How much does it cost to repair a Bradford White water heater showing No flash?
If the cause is simply a tripped breaker or a switch in the wrong position, there is no parts cost involved, only your time. Wiring repairs or harness replacement may cost between $50 and $150 in parts depending on the extent of damage. If the gas control assembly requires replacement, parts and labor combined typically range from $200 to $500 or more. Getting a diagnosis from a qualified technician before purchasing parts is advisable.
Will resetting the water heater clear the No flash condition?
A reset will not resolve the No flash condition because the issue is a lack of electrical power to the control, not a software or lockout state within a powered control. The control must have power before any reset function can operate. Once power is restored and the control LED begins flashing, you can then assess whether any additional fault codes are present. Address the underlying power supply issue first.

Related Bradford White water heater codes

All Bradford White water heater codes
View all 98 Bradford White water heater codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass