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Error code reference

Continental Washer Error Code A-06

Over voltage during acceleration in the DC link circuit, inverter displays OU1.

Continental codesContinental washer codes

Over voltage during acceleration in the DC link circuit, inverter displays OU1.

First step from the service manual

Using a voltage meter, measure across machine power supply terminals L1 to L2, L2 to L3, and L1 to L3 to verify readings are within 208-240 volts and within +/- 2 volts of each other.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What A-06 means on a Continental washer

Error code A-06 on a Continental washer indicates an overvoltage condition in the DC link circuit during motor acceleration, with the inverter displaying the sub-code OU1. The DC link circuit is the internal DC bus that the inverter uses to drive the wash motor. When the motor is ramping up to speed, the inverter draws power from this bus. If the incoming AC supply voltage is too high or unstable at the moment of acceleration, the rectified DC voltage on the link circuit can spike beyond the inverter's acceptable threshold, triggering the OU1 fault and halting the cycle.

The inverter is the component responsible for converting incoming AC power to variable-frequency DC to control motor speed. During acceleration, the inverter is under its highest electrical load, making this phase the most likely point for a voltage anomaly to appear. Supply voltage must fall within the 208 to 240 volt range and must be balanced across all three legs (L1-L2, L2-L3, and L1-L3) within plus or minus 2 volts of each other. Voltage imbalance between legs or a supply that runs consistently high can cause excessive DC bus voltage during the acceleration ramp.

Common sources of this fault include utility supply irregularities, loose or corroded power connections at the terminal block, or shared circuits with high-draw equipment that causes voltage fluctuations. In some cases, a failing inverter board that cannot properly regulate the DC bus may also generate this code even when line voltage appears acceptable.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of A-06

  1. 01

    High or unbalanced supply voltage

    Wiring / connection

    If the incoming voltage across any leg pair (L1-L2, L2-L3, or L1-L3) exceeds 240 volts or differs from the other legs by more than 2 volts, the DC link circuit can spike during motor acceleration. Measure all three leg combinations with a voltmeter to confirm readings are within 208-240V and balanced.

  2. 02

    Loose or corroded power supply connections

    Wiring / connection

    Loose terminals at L1, L2, or L3 can create intermittent resistance in the supply lines, causing voltage fluctuations under load during the acceleration phase. Inspect and tighten all terminal connections at the machine's power input block.

  3. 03

    Shared circuit with high-draw appliances

    Wiring / connection

    If the washer shares a circuit with other high-current equipment, voltage can fluctuate when those loads cycle on or off, pushing supply voltage outside the acceptable range during motor startup. Verify the washer is on a dedicated circuit of the correct rating.

  4. 04

    Utility supply voltage irregularity

    Wiring / connection

    Utility-side voltage problems, such as a consistently high supply from the transformer serving the building, can push voltage beyond 240 volts at the machine terminals. If all terminal connections are secure and balanced but voltage still reads high, contact the utility provider.

  5. 05

    Faulty inverter board

    Part replacement

    If supply voltage measures within specification and is properly balanced across all three legs but the A-06 fault persists, the inverter board itself may be failing and unable to regulate the DC link bus voltage correctly during acceleration. Inverter replacement would be required in this scenario.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about A-06

What does A-06 mean on a Continental washer?
A-06 indicates an overvoltage condition in the DC link circuit during motor acceleration, with the inverter displaying sub-code OU1. This means the internal DC bus voltage exceeded an acceptable threshold while the motor was ramping up to speed. The fault is most commonly related to supply voltage being too high, unbalanced across phases, or fluctuating at the moment of motor startup. The washer halts the cycle automatically to prevent damage to the inverter and motor.
How do I fix error code A-06 on a Continental washer?
Start by measuring the supply voltage across all three leg combinations (L1-L2, L2-L3, and L1-L3) using a voltmeter. Readings should be between 208 and 240 volts and within plus or minus 2 volts of each other. If voltage is out of range or unbalanced, check for loose terminal connections, verify the washer is on a dedicated circuit, and contact a licensed electrician or the utility if the issue is on the supply side. If voltage checks out and the fault persists, the inverter board may need to be inspected or replaced.
Will resetting the washer clear the A-06 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the A-06 code and allow the washer to restart, but if the underlying voltage condition is not corrected, the fault will return during the next motor acceleration phase. Resetting without diagnosing and resolving the supply voltage issue is not a lasting fix. Always verify line voltage is within specification before assuming the error has been resolved.
Is it safe to use my Continental washer when it shows error A-06?
You should not continue operating the washer while this fault is active without first identifying the cause. An overvoltage condition in the DC link circuit can damage the inverter board and motor over time if the root cause is a persistently high or unbalanced supply voltage. The machine's protective fault system stopped the cycle for a reason, and continued operation without correction risks more extensive and costly damage.
How much does it cost to repair a Continental washer with error code A-06?
Repair cost depends entirely on the cause. If the issue is a supply voltage problem corrected by an electrician, costs typically range from $75 to $200 depending on the work required. If the inverter board has failed and requires replacement, parts and labor combined can range from $300 to $600 or more. Diagnosing the supply voltage first is always recommended, since it is the most common cause and costs nothing if you perform the voltage measurements yourself.

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