
Vaillant Ignition Transformer VCW E 18 10 Ref. 287450
When you open the hot water tap, the Vaillant VCW E 18 10 Ignition Transformer Ref. 287450 activates to generate the spark that ignites the burner. If this part fails, you will notice that the boiler tries to start without being able to ignite the flame, which can lead to fault codes F.28 or F.29. This transformer is compatible with several models from the Vaillant Turbo Tec, Atmo Tec, VC, and VMI ranges, among others. It is advisable to replace it if you experience ignition problems or if the boiler locks during startup.
VAT included
Consult via WhatsAppVaillant boilers compatible with reference 287450
Ignition transformer with reference 287450. 12 verified compatibilities: VMW ES 242/3 and VMW 242-3.
Proven compatibility
| Boiler model | Family | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Vaillant VMW ES 242/3 | Vaillant Turbo Tec / Turbo Pro (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 242-3 | Vaillant Turbo Tec / Turbo Pro (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 242-5 | Vaillant Turbo Tec / Turbo Pro (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 240-5 | Vaillant Turbo Tec / Turbo Pro (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 282-5 | Vaillant Turbo Tec / Turbo Pro (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VM 242-5 | Vaillant Atmo Tec / VM (heating only) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VM 282-5 | Vaillant Atmo Tec / VM (heating only) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VC 242 E | Vaillant VC / VCM (combi-compact) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VCM 242 E | Vaillant VC / VCM (combi-compact) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VCM 282 E | Vaillant VC / VCM (combi-compact) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMI 280-7 | Vaillant VMI | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMI 282-7 | Vaillant VMI | Contrasted |
Can't see your model or have questions? The printed reference takes precedence. How to check it · Send us a photo via WhatsApp.
How to check if ref. 287450 is the part for your boiler
What determines it is not the boiler model, but the reference printed on the part you already have installed.
- Find the reference printed on the installed part and check whether it matches the catalogue reference 287450. If it is not visible, do not identify the part from its shape alone.
- Check the full boiler model on its data plate and look for it in the model associations on this page.
- Compare the connections and physical body with the original part before installation.
- If anything is unclear, send us a photo of the marking via WhatsApp before placing your order.
Symptoms and faults that the ignition transformer 287450 resolves.
The ignition transformer generates the high voltage for the spark of the electrodes. These are the typical symptoms and what to do:
Common symptoms and faults
- 01
The boiler does not ignite the burner even though the ignition attempt can be heard.
Cause: The transformer does not provide the necessary current for the electrode to generate the spark that ignites the mixture.
Check that the gas is arriving with normal pressure and that the gas valve is open, to rule out that the problem is with the fuel.
- 02
The ignition sometimes fails and other times it doesn't, without a clear pattern.
Cause: A transformer that starts to fail provides irregular current, sometimes sufficient and other times not.
Note whether the fault occurs during cold starts or with the boiler hot; this will help you distinguish a worn transformer from a problem with the electrode.
- 03
There is a crackling sound from the ignition, but the flame does not ignite.
Cause: There is output current, but the arc does not jump correctly at the electrode or it is lost due to a ground leak.
Check the condition of the electrode, the ignition cable, and make sure there is no moisture or dirt in the area before replacing the transformer.
- 04
The boiler repeatedly locks out on startup and needs to be reset several times a day.
Cause: Each attempt without a spark consumes the retries allowed by the control board until it locks the boiler for safety.
Check the fault code on the display; if it indicates a flame failure and not a pressure switch or sensor issue, the problem lies in the ignition system.
Fault codes from Vaillant that this part resolves.
| Code | Fault | Diagnosis and solution |
|---|---|---|
| F.28 | Fault during start-up: the boiler fails to ignite the burner in the start-up phase. | The ignition transformer is part of the ignition system (transformer + cable + electrode); if the transformer fails, it does not generate the high voltage for the spark, and the boiler aborts the start-up without detecting a flame. Verify: measure the transformer's output voltage to the electrode and check for a spark at each start-up; if there is no spark and the wiring/electrode are fine, the transformer is the cause. |
| F.29 | The flame goes out during operation and re-ignition attempts fail. | The Vaillant service documentation explicitly lists "the ignition transformer has a spark fault" as the cause of F.29: if the transformer does not reignite after a flame failure, the lockout is triggered. Verify: check the spark generation of the transformer during ignition retries and rule out poor grounding, gas pressure, and condensate pipe before. |
These symptoms can have more than one cause. If your boiler displays a fault code, send it to us via WhatsApp along with a photo of the labeling, and we'll tell you if this is the part.
Vaillant 287450 ignition transformer datasheet
- Catalogue reference
- 287450
- Brand
- Vaillant
- Type of part
- Transformers
- Units in stock
- 7 units
- Status
- Refurbished
- Warranty
- 1 year
- Shipping
- Delivery time shown at checkout
- Return
- 14 days
Manuals and technical documentation
Official documentation of the boiler, useful for locating the part and cross-referencing the fault codes.
- Vaillant VMW 242-5 Manual (PDF)Document © Vaillant, provided as a technical reference.












