The PC10 error code in air conditioning systems across most brands indicates a voltage anomaly in the power supply to the outdoor unit (commonly known as the condenser in cooling mode). This error is typically triggered by low voltage protection, meaning the air conditioner is receiving voltage below the normal range, which could endanger its internal components.
For example, most devices designed to operate on 220 V work within a voltage range of 170 to 260 V. If the voltage drops below this threshold, the system activates the PC10 error as a safety measure. Below are the steps required to diagnose and resolve this error:
Steps to Resolve the PC10 Error Code
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Device
- Power off the air conditioner and disconnect it from the power supply before performing any inspections.
2. Check the Input Voltage
- Use a multimeter set to the AC voltage scale to measure the external power supply voltage.
- If the voltage is below the normal range (e.g., less than 170 V for 220 V systems), this is likely the cause of the error.
- Recommended Solution: In areas with frequent voltage issues, consider installing a voltage stabilizer to protect your air conditioner. This device regulates the incoming voltage, ensuring a steady and adequate power supply.
3. Inspect Connections and Power Cables
- Examine the electrical connections and power cables to ensure they are secure and in good condition.
- Loose connections or damaged cables can create electrical resistance, affecting the input voltage.
4. Inspect the PFC Circuit and IPM Module
- The PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit and the IPM (Intelligent Power Module) are crucial for efficiently converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
- Check the IPM Module Voltage:
- Under normal conditions, the DC voltage between the P and N terminals of the IPM module should be approximately 310 V in standby mode and 380 V during operation.
- If the voltage is below these values, the issue may lie in the PFC circuit or the rectifier bridge.
5. Diagnose the Rectifier Bridge
- Disconnect the electronic board from the power supply.
- Test the Rectifier Bridge Resistances:
- Use a multimeter to measure resistance between the rectifier terminals. If any resistance is close to zero, the rectifier bridge is faulty and must be replaced.
- Test in Diode Mode:
- Place the red multimeter probe on the negative DC output of the rectifier and the black probe on the AC input terminals one by one. The reading should be around 0.378 V.
- Reverse the probes and repeat the process.
6. Inspect the PFC Module
- If the rectifier bridge is in good condition, focus on the PFC module:
- Check the IGBT transistor, recovery diodes, electrolytic capacitors, and PCB tracks for faults.
7. Test the IPM Module
- If the IPM module is receiving correct voltage, the fault may lie within the module itself.
- Procedure:
- Disconnect the device from the power supply.
- Ensure the capacitors are discharged by measuring their terminals with a multimeter in the DC voltage scale.
- Identify the positive and negative tracks and output points (U, V, W).
- Use the multimeter in diode mode to test the integrity of the internal diodes.
8. Measure the Voltage of the Electronic Module
- Connect the electronic board to the power supply and set the multimeter to the DC voltage scale at 400 V.
- Measure between the positive and negative terminals of the IPM module:
- For 110 V systems, the voltage should be approximately 150 V DC.
- For 220 V systems, the voltage should be approximately 300 V DC.
- If no voltage is present, the issue lies with the power supply and not directly within the IPM module.
