Bradford White Error Code 10: Flame Lost 8 Times (Infiniti Tankless)
What the code means
Bradford White's Infiniti GS (RTGS199) and GR (RTGR199) installation and operation manuals define code 10 as "Flame has been lost 8 (eight) times." The control watches the flame through a flame detection sensor, and after eight flame losses it stops trying and locks out. It is a hard lock, which Bradford White defines as a lockout that requires a manual reset (a soft lock resets itself when the issue subsides). This is different from code 11, "Ignition has failed 10 (ten) times," where the burner never lights in the first place; code 10 means it lit and then lost the flame. The manuals give the same checks for both. Code 10 on the Infiniti GS and GR is not the same as the codes on Bradford White tank water heaters such as the eF Series, which use their own numbered list.
Likely causes
- Gas pressure too low or unstable while the heater is running (Bradford White's range is 3.5 to 10.5 inches water column for natural gas and 8 to 14 inches for propane)
- A loose gas valve wire connection
- A dirty, loose or failing flame detection sensor that stops reading the flame
- A poor ignition transformer connection
- An oxidized, damaged or wrongly gapped spark igniter
- An unstable flame once lit
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Press the Power button to clear the code, as Bradford White's table instructs, and see whether the heater runs normally.
- Make sure the gas supply valve to the heater is fully open. If other gas appliances are running at the same time and the code shows up then, mention that to your technician, because it can point to a gas pressure drop.
- On propane, check that the tank isn't low.
- Don't keep resetting the heater if code 10 returns; the control is telling you the flame isn't staying lit, and the cause needs to be found.
🛠 When to call a pro
- Measure the gas pressure at the heater while it is firing. Bradford White says it should be between 3.5 and 10.5 inches water column for natural gas and between 8 and 14 inches for propane.
- Check that the gas valve wire is secure.
- Check the flame detection sensor and its connections. Bradford White gives normal readings of more than 2.5 VDC before ignition and less than 2.5 VDC after ignition.
- Check the ignition transformer connection and confirm the flame is stable when lit.
- Clean the spark igniter with steel wool to remove oxides, set the gap to 0.12 to 0.16 inch (3 to 4 mm), and replace the igniter if it is damaged.
- Bradford White technical support is listed on its service literature at 800-334-3393.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Tankless water heater igniter
Bradford White says to replace the spark igniter if it is damaged; match the part to your model.
Search eBay →Sources
- Bradford White Infiniti GS Series Installation and Operation Instructions 238-54627-00 (RTGS199), section 6.1: error code 10 Flame has been lost 8 times, Hard Lock, press Power to clear, gas pressure 3.5-10.5" WC NG and 8-14" WC LP, gas valve wire, flame sensor more than 2.5 VDC before and less than 2.5 VDC after ignition, ignition transformer, stable flame, clean spark igniter and gap 0.12-0.16"; code 11 for contrast
- Bradford White Infiniti GR Series Installation and Operation Instructions 238-54628-00 (RTGR199), section 6.1: same code 10 entry and remedies, hard lock vs soft lock definitions
- Bradford White Quick Service Guide 238-55958-00 (eF Series ICON HD tank models): tank-model code list, which does not include code 10; Technical Support 800-334-3393
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.