The EL 0C error code, also referred to as EL OC, appears in various air conditioning units and primarily indicates a refrigerant gas shortage, often due to a leak. However, before concluding this as the cause, specific checks and procedures should be performed, as outlined below.
Manufacturers Utilizing the EL OC Error Code
The EL 0C error code is used by several manufacturers across their air conditioning models, including:
- BGH
- Midea
- Actron
- Traine
- Alaska
- Sanyo
- Sharp
The appearance of the EL 0C code may vary based on the monitoring strategies implemented in the equipment’s design.
Confirming the Presence of a Gas Leak
To verify if a refrigerant leak is indeed present, the following steps are recommended:
- Check Current Consumption:
- If the unit can be powered on, use a clamp ammeter to measure its current consumption.
- Compare the measured value with the unit’s RLA (Rated Load Amperage).
- A gas leak typically causes the unit’s current consumption to decrease.
- This test is straightforward and can be conducted without directly accessing the air conditioning system’s internals.
- Temporary Error Clearance:
- Disconnect the unit from the power supply for several minutes.
- Attempt to restart it directly, bypassing the remote control if possible.
Additional Verifications if Electricity Consumption is Normal
If the unit’s electricity consumption is normal, perform these checks:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Clean Air Filters | Dirty air filters in the indoor unit can lead to high ambient temperature readings, causing erroneous errors related to refrigerant shortage. |
| 2. Check the Indoor Unit’s Turbine | Ensure the turbine is clean and functioning at the correct speed. Poor operation can lead to improper cooling and incorrect error triggers. |
| 3. Inspect Temperature Sensors | Misplaced or uncalibrated temperature sensors may cause false alarms. Test the sensor using a multimeter set to the kilo-ohms scale. |
Testing Temperature Sensors
- Disconnect the sensor and measure its resistance.
- The multimeter should display a value that decreases when you rub the sensor with your hand.
- The sensor should not read infinity or zero; it must fall within the manufacturer’s specified range.
- Verify the electronic board’s voltage supply to the sensor. With the sensor connected, the voltage should read approximately 2.5V DC.
Suspecting a Refrigerant Leak
If a refrigerant leak is confirmed:
- Use a set of manifold gauges to check refrigerant levels.
- Inspect the pipe connections for leaks.
- Look for oil stains on or around the system, as these are common indicators of leaks.
Electronic Board Issues
While rare, faults in the electronic control board can cause non-existent errors or malfunctions. If all other checks are inconclusive, consider this possibility.
