Refrigeration Fault Codes
Supermarket rack, walk-in, case controller, and ice machine codes for CPC/Emerson E2, Carel, Danfoss, Hussmann, Hill Phoenix, Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Heatcraft/Bohn, Copeland, and Bitzer.
A single temperature sensor in a Standard Circuit or Case Control Circuit is reading above the defined case temperature high setpoint.
- Failed evaporator fan motor
- Blocked air flow
- Defrost not terminating
- Refrigerant leak on circuit
- Faulty temp sensor
- Verify fan operation in all evaporator sections
- Check defrost termination sensor and setpoint
- Pull gauge pressures on suction circuit
- Inspect sensor resistance vs. temperature table
A case circuit has entered clean mode — fans and compressor are deactivated for cleaning cycle.
- Manually triggered by operator
- Scheduled cleaning event fired
- Verify cleaning was intentional
- Check that clean mode will time out correctly
- Ensure case is returned to normal mode after cleaning
The Echelon controller has reached its maximum number of bound NVs (network variables).
- Too many network devices added beyond controller capacity
- Configuration error in I/O module addressing
- Count active network bindings in E2 configuration
- Remove duplicate or unused device bindings
- Contact Emerson tech support for node expansion options
An analog value in an application using 'alternate' user setpoints has risen above its programmed Hi Limit setpoint.
- Setpoint programmed too low relative to actual conditions
- Sensor calibration drift
- Refrigeration failure on circuit
- Review alternate setpoint configuration
- Calibrate or replace sensor
- Check circuit refrigeration operation
An analog value in an application using 'alternate' user setpoints has fallen below its programmed Lo Limit setpoint.
- Overcooling — liquid refrigerant flooding back
- Setpoint too high
- Sensor fault
- Verify setpoint is appropriate
- Check TXV/EEV superheat settings
- Inspect sensor placement and resistance
An Air Handling Unit or Heat/Cool application has not achieved setpoint for a prolonged period.
- Insufficient refrigeration or heating capacity
- Stuck reversing valve
- Setpoint out of equipment range
- Sensor failure
- Check supply air temperature vs. setpoint
- Verify reversing valve operation
- Confirm equipment capacity vs. load
An internal error has caused the loss of an entire application cell — priority 15 (high).
- Controller memory corruption
- Firmware update failure
- Power loss during write operation
- Reboot E2 controller
- Reload application configuration from backup
- If recurring, replace E2 controller
A user has changed the configuration of one of E2's applications — priority 99 (informational).
- Authorized technician made parameter change
- Unauthorized access
- Review audit log for user identity
- Verify new configuration is correct
- Revert if unauthorized
A user has changed a setpoint in one of E2's applications — priority 99.
- Technician setpoint adjustment
- Automated demand response event
- Confirm new setpoint is within design parameters
- Log change in maintenance record
An override switch on an ARTC/MultiFlex RTU has been ON for a prolonged period, suggesting possible switch failure — priority 20.
- Failed override switch
- Deliberate manual override left on
- Wiring short on override input
- Physically inspect override switch at ARTC/MultiFlex
- Test switch continuity
- Check wiring for shorts to ground
An ARTC/MultiFlex RTU lost power and reset when power was restored — priority 50.
- Power outage or momentary interruption
- Loose wiring at RTU power terminals
- Tripped breaker for RTU circuit
- Verify 24VAC supply to RTU is stable
- Check power wiring and connections
- Review alarm log timestamps for correlation with utility events
The E2 attempted to write data to memory but the memory was full — priority 50.
- Excessive logging or large alarm queue
- Corrupted memory allocation
- Firmware bug in older revision
- Clear old logs and alarm history
- Update E2 firmware to current release
- If persistent, replace controller or reset to factory defaults
Average log cannot be written because there is insufficient memory — priority 15.
- Memory full from large data set
- Flash memory failure
- Too many data logging channels enabled
- Delete oldest average log data
- Reduce logging frequency or channel count
- Check E2 memory health
The modem on this E2 is not functioning properly — priority 20.
- Modem hardware failure
- Incorrect modem initialization string
- Phone line fault or disconnected
- Test modem with a known-good phone line
- Verify modem init string in E2 settings
- Replace modem if hardware is confirmed bad
Battery backed memory was lost not due to a cleanout operation — priority 30.
- Dead or failed backup battery
- Extended power outage exceeding battery life
- Battery connection corrosion
- Replace E2 backup battery (3V lithium)
- Restore configuration from backup file
- Verify clock and setpoints after restore
Battery runtime has exceeded 80% of the battery lifetime — priority 99.
- Battery nearing end of service life
- Excessive power outages draining battery
- Schedule battery replacement at next PM visit
- Check backup battery voltage
A valid connection could not be made between an input and an output during network binding — priority 20.
- I/O module offline or not communicating
- Incorrect node address on I/O module
- Echelon network wiring fault
- Verify I/O module LEDs are active
- Check Echelon network wiring polarity
- Re-scan network and re-bind offline modules
An update to the E2's BIOS has failed — priority 20.
- Interrupted update process (power loss)
- Corrupted update file
- Incompatible firmware version
- Re-attempt update with verified firmware file
- Ensure stable power during update
- Contact Emerson support if controller is bricked
The E2 is unable to change the time on its hardware clock.
- Hardware clock chip failure
- Backup battery dead preventing clock maintenance
- Firmware issue
- Replace backup battery
- Attempt time sync via E2 time settings menu
- Replace controller if clock chip is faulty
A defrost cycle did not terminate on temperature — terminated on backup time limit instead.
- Faulty defrost termination thermostat or sensor
- Heater element failure
- Ice buildup too heavy to clear in allotted time
- Refrigerant overcharge causing excessive frost
- Check defrost termination sensor resistance
- Verify heater element continuity
- Increase max defrost time if loads warrant
- Pull refrigerant charge if overcalculated
A scheduled defrost was skipped, typically due to the circuit being in another state.
- Circuit in override mode
- Defrost already in progress from another initiation
- Case door alarm suppressing defrost
- Check E2 defrost schedule configuration
- Verify no manual override is active
- Review defrost log for frequency
The E2 controller lost power and has restarted. Logged on power-up to track outage events.
- AC power outage
- UPS failure
- Tripped breaker on controller panel
- Check utility power history and UPS logs
- Inspect breaker and supply wiring
- Verify all I/O modules came back online
Communication on the Echelon LON network has failed or a node has gone offline.
- Broken or shorted Echelon network cable
- Failed I/O module
- Terminator missing from network ends
- Node address conflict
- Inspect Echelon wiring for breaks or shorts
- Verify correct termination at both cable ends
- Check I/O module status LEDs
- Re-scan network from E2
Suction pressure has risen above the programmed high setpoint, indicating insufficient compression or excessive load.
- Compressor failure or underloaded rack
- Excessive load on suction group
- Liquid slugging back to compressor
- Pressure transducer calibration drift
- Verify suction pressure with gauge manifold
- Check rack compressor staging and lead/lag sequence
- Inspect suction line for liquid flooding
- Calibrate or replace suction transducer
Suction pressure has dropped below the programmed low setpoint, risking compressor damage from floodback or low pressure cutout.
- Undercharged system or refrigerant leak
- TXV/EEV starving evaporator
- Restricted liquid line filter-drier
- Low ambient causing head pressure to drop
- Pull manifold gauges to confirm pressure
- Check subcooling and superheat readings
- Inspect filter-drier for pressure drop
- Check system charge
Discharge pressure has exceeded the programmed high setpoint — risk of high pressure cutout on compressors.
- Dirty or fouled condenser coil
- Condenser fan failure
- Refrigerant overcharge
- High ambient temperature
- Non-condensables in system
- Check condenser fan operation
- Clean condenser coils
- Verify head pressure control operation
- Pull discharge manifold pressure
A compressor's circuit breaker has tripped. Unit protection event.
- Compressor locked rotor or overload
- Contactor weld causing run-on
- Wiring short
- Overloaded circuit
- Do not immediately reset — check compressor amp draw
- Inspect contactor for welded contacts
- Check wiring at compressor terminals
- Verify motor winding resistance
Compressor internal overload protector or external OLP has opened, shutting down the compressor.
- High discharge temperature
- Single-phasing or phase imbalance
- Liquid slugging on startup
- Failed compressor motor windings
- Allow 20–30 min cool-down before reset
- Check three-phase voltage and current balance
- Verify crankcase heater is energized during off cycles
- Measure motor winding resistance
Oil differential pressure switch did not close within the startup time window, or opened during operation.
- Low oil level in crankcase
- Failed oil pump
- Clogged oil filter screen
- Oil foaming on startup
- Defective oil pressure switch
- Check oil sight glass level
- Verify oil pressure switch setpoint and wiring
- Inspect for oil foam by sight glass
- Replace oil filter if restricted
The high pressure safety switch (HPCO) has opened, shutting down the compressor. Requires manual reset.
- Blocked condenser airflow
- Refrigerant overcharge
- Non-condensables in system
- Failed condenser fan
- Discharge service valve partially closed
- Check discharge pressure with manifold gauge before resetting
- Inspect condenser fan operation
- Look for airflow obstructions at condenser
- Verify discharge service valve is fully open
The low pressure safety switch has opened. May auto-reset if LPCO is set for automatic reset.
- Refrigerant leak reducing system charge
- TXV starving or ice on evaporator
- Liquid line solenoid not opening
- Blocked suction strainer
- Check suction pressure with manifold gauge
- Verify LLSV is opening on call for cooling
- Inspect suction strainer for blockage
- Check for leaks with electronic detector
A temperature probe input is reading an open circuit (>300k ohm) or short circuit (<10 ohm), indicating sensor or wiring failure.
- Broken sensor wire
- Moisture ingress in sensor connector
- Sensor pulled from mounting bracket
- Failed sensor NTC element
- Check sensor resistance at controller terminal — compare to temp/resistance chart
- Inspect wiring for cuts or crimps
- Verify sensor connector is seated
- Replace sensor if resistance is out of range
A case door has been open longer than the programmed door alarm delay setpoint.
- Door left open by staff
- Door switch failure
- Damaged door gasket preventing full closure
- Broken door hinge
- Physically verify door is closed
- Test door magnetic switch continuity
- Inspect door gaskets for compression seal
- Review E2 door alarm delay setpoint
An I/O board or device on the E2 network has gone offline or stopped communicating.
- Power loss to I/O module
- Echelon wiring fault or break
- Corrupted node firmware
- Duplicate node address
- Check 24VAC supply to offline module
- Inspect LON wiring at affected node
- Reload node firmware from E2 if accessible
- Swap module to test
Echelon controller reached its limit of bound NVs
- Too many devices on Echelon network
- Network variable table full
- Configuration error
- Review NV count in E2 network config
- Remove unused bindings
- Check Echelon network commissioning
Analog value using alternate setpoints rose above Hi Limit
- Refrigeration circuit temperature out of range
- Incorrect alternate setpoint
- Sensor drift
- Check alternate Hi Limit setpoint
- Verify sensor calibration
- Inspect associated circuit
Analog value using alternate setpoints fell below Lo Limit
- Temperature dropping below configured low limit
- Setpoint configured incorrectly
- Sensor failure
- Check alternate Lo Limit setpoint
- Verify sensor reading accuracy
- Inspect refrigeration components
Internal error caused loss of an entire application cell
- Memory corruption
- Power interruption during configuration write
- Firmware defect
- Perform E2 cold reset
- Restore from backup configuration
- Contact Emerson support if recurring
A user changed the configuration of one of E2 applications
- Unauthorized user changed application config
- Normal commissioning activity
- Remote configuration session
- Verify configuration change was intended
- Review audit log for user ID
- Confirm setpoints are correct
Override switch ON for prolonged period
- Switch physically stuck in ON position
- Wiring short holding switch closed
- Component failure
- Physically inspect override switch
- Measure switch contact resistance
- Replace switch if stuck
RTU lost power and reset when power restored
- Power interruption at RTU
- Loose wiring at power terminal
- Branch circuit breaker tripped
- Check power connections at RTU
- Verify branch circuit breaker status
- Review power quality
Battery backed memory loss not due to cleanout
- Battery depleted or failed
- Battery connection issue
- PCB damage
- Replace RTC battery
- Check battery connector on main board
- Review memory retention after battery change
Battery runtime has exceeded 80% of battery lifetime
- Battery aging past replacement threshold
- High battery drain
- Poor battery contact
- Replace battery immediately
- Check battery voltage
- Verify no excessive drain circuit
Valid connection could not be made between input and output
- Echelon network error
- Device offline when binding attempted
- Software configuration mismatch
- Check device status on network
- Re-attempt binding
- Verify device type matches configuration
Update to E2 BIOS has failed
- Corrupted firmware file
- Power interruption during update
- Incompatible firmware version
- Retry firmware update
- Verify firmware file integrity
- Ensure power stable during update
E2 unable to change time on hardware clock
- RTC chip failure
- Battery depleted causing clock reset loop
- Firmware issue
- Check RTC battery voltage
- Replace RTC battery
- If persists replace main board
Case temp sensor recording above defined case high setpoint
- Refrigeration system not cooling adequately
- Defrost cycle running too long
- Door gasket failure
- Sensor failure reading high
- Check case temperature setpoint
- Verify cooling is active
- Inspect door seals
- Check defrost termination
Case temp sensor recording below defined case temperature low setpoint
- Setpoint too cold
- Defrost terminated prematurely
- Sensor failure reading low
- Review low temperature setpoint
- Check defrost schedule
- Verify sensor accuracy
Checkit sensor returning an invalid temperature value
- Sensor probe open circuit
- Wiring break
- Connector corrosion
- Probe physically damaged
- Measure sensor resistance
- Inspect wiring from sensor to board
- Replace Checkit sensor probe
Checkit sensor on Suction Group recording high temperature
- Refrigerant loss on that circuit
- EEV stuck closed
- High ambient reducing capacity
- Inspect refrigeration on associated circuit
- Check EEV operation
- Pull refrigerant charge