Weak pilot signal or low thermopile voltage (ICON System)
LED: 2 flashes, 3-second pause
On the ICON System V1 control, two flashes with a three-second pause mean "Weak pilot signal detected. System will reset when pilot flame is sufficient". On the ICON System V2 control, the same pattern shown in yellow means "Low thermopile voltage; main valve not turned on". Both point at the pilot flame's electrical output being too small for the control to keep the gas valve open reliably.
If you smell gas
- Stop what you are doing. Do not use phones, switches, matches or anything that can spark inside.
- Go outside and leave the door open behind you.
- Call the FortisBC 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or dial 911.
Only after that, call CANRO about the water heater. Official guidance: FortisBC gas leaks and odour.
Applies to
Applies to atmospheric and power-vent residential gas tanks fitted with an ICON System electronic gas control. The V1 pattern is a green LED; the V2 pattern is a yellow LED. White Rodgers mechanical controls do not show this pattern.
- Bradford White Defender Safety System atmospheric vent (RG2)
- Bradford White RG240T6N
- Bradford White RG230T6N
- Bradford White RG240S6N
- Bradford White RG250T6N
- Bradford White RG250S6N
- Bradford White RG230S6N
- Bradford White RG130T6N
- Bradford White RG140T6N
- Bradford White RG150T6N
- Bradford White RG250L6N
- Bradford White RG260T6N
Control platform: Bradford White ICON System electronic gas control (V1 single-colour or V2 coloured LED status light). Source manual: 238-51542-00E (REV 08/22).
Why a code is not a diagnosis
The code appears when the thermopile's output is below the control's threshold. The manual's checks cover the thermopile and its connections, the pilot flame size and the pilot assembly: a lazy, misaligned or partly blocked pilot produces a weak signal, as does a failing thermopile. Whether the main burner then lights depends on the control generation.
Same code, other equipment
- White Rodgers electronic gas control (green LED): Two flashes with a three-second pause mean low thermopile voltage with the main burner not lit, per the same service manual. Source
- ICON System V2 vs V1: The V2 control shows this pattern in yellow and adds that the main valve is not turned on; the V1 control shows it in green. Read the colour with the count. Source
Safe things to observe
- Note whether the pattern is green (V1) or yellow (V2) and whether the burner runs at all.
- Confirm the pilot flame is present and steady before anything else.
- Check that no vents, air intakes or flues nearby are blocked.
Do not
- Do not enlarge the pilot orifice or bend the thermopile to force a stronger signal.
- Do not replace the thermopile without first checking the pilot flame, since a weak flame defeats a new part.
- Do not bypass the control to hold the gas valve open.
How professional service helps
- A technician checks the thermopile millivolt output against the manual, inspects and cleans the pilot assembly and orifice, and verifies the pilot flame contacts the thermopile properly.
- The gas control is replaced only after the pilot-side causes are ruled out, per the service procedure.
Diagnostic visit
Repair visits carry a diagnostic service fee that CANRO states is credited toward the repair if you proceed. The amount is confirmed by phone; it is not published. Source, checked September 7, 2026.
Where CANRO provides on-site service
On-site service is currently offered across Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Tsawwassen; plus Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island, Abbotsford with travel or ferry arrangements confirmed by phone. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What does two flashes mean on a Bradford White ICON control?
A weak pilot signal: the thermopile is not producing enough voltage, usually because the pilot flame is small, misaligned or the thermopile is aging. The system is designed to reset itself when the flame is sufficient.
Can I fix this by cleaning the pilot?
Cleaning the pilot assembly is a technician step in the service manual; a homeowner should not open the gas train. The technician will also measure the thermopile output before deciding what to replace.
Locked out with no hot water? Call with the code ready.
The brand, model and this code are passed along when you request service online, so the technician arrives prepared.
On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.
Sources and verification
- Defender Safety System Service Manual, ICON System V1 and V2 troubleshooting charts · 238-51542-00E · accessed September 7, 2026
- Canadian Residential Gas Replacement Parts List (thermopile and gas control parts) · 238-53513-00F · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.