Troubleshooting 502 Errors with Companies House API Requests

Jonathan M. · 2025-12-16T13:05:51.800Z

I am trying to use the Companies House API, when I run it, the API returns results for a number of rows, but shows a 502 error for the rest. I'm only running it on 1900 rows, why would I get the errors? Clearly the API is right as I get results on some rows

Troubleshooting 502 Errors with Companies House API Requests | Clay

Clay Support
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502 errors typically indicate server-side issues or rate limiting. Since you're getting results on some rows but errors on others, this suggests you might be hitting the Companies House API's rate limits. [1]
Try configuring rate limits in your HTTP API enrichment - set a request limit (like 100) with a duration (60000 ms for 1 minute) to slow down your requests. [2]
Also, click into the specific cells showing the 502 error to see if there are more detailed error messages that could help identify the exact issue.
Running 1900 rows at once without rate limiting can overwhelm external APIs, even if our configuration is correct.
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Jonathan M.
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How do I set the rate limits in the http API?
Clay Support
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In your HTTP API enrichment, look for the rate limiting section. Set two values:
Request Limit: Maximum number of requests (e.g., 100)
Duration (in ms): Time window in milliseconds (e.g., 60000 ms = 1 minute)
So for 100 requests per minute, you'd enter:
Request limit: 100
Duration: 60000
This controls how many API calls are sent within that timeframe to prevent hitting the Companies House API limits. [1] [2]
Clay Support
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Is that what you were looking for?
Jonathan M.
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I get an error saying limit is too low?>
Clay Support
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The rate limit must average at least 5 requests per second to work properly.
So if you're setting something like 1 request per 10 seconds, that won't work. Try setting it to at least 5 requests per 1000ms (1 second) or higher, like 10 requests per 2000ms.
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Is that what you were looking for?
Jonathan M.
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So what numbers should I use?
Clay Support
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For Companies House API, try these settings:
Request limit: 300
Duration: 60000 (1 minute)
This gives you 5 requests per second, which meets the minimum requirement and should help avoid those 502 errors.
You can also try 10 requests per 2000ms if you want to be more conservative. [1]
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Jonathan M.
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Okay let me try that
Clay Support
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Take your time testing those settings. Let me know if you run into any other issues or have more questions.
Clay Support
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If you still need help adjusting the rate limits or resolving the 502 errors, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more details about what you’re trying to achieve or any other issues you’re encountering?
Jonathan M.
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It is still giving errors, although a few more ran successfully

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