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Error code reference

Continental Washer Error Code A-08

Over voltage at constant speed in the DC link circuit, inverter displays OU3.

Continental codesContinental washer codes

Over voltage at constant speed in the DC link circuit, inverter displays OU3.

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-08 means on a Continental washer

Error code A-08 on a Continental washer indicates an overvoltage condition in the DC link circuit during constant-speed operation. The inverter drive, which converts incoming AC power to DC and then back to variable-frequency AC to control the wash motor speed, monitors the voltage level in its internal DC bus. When this DC link voltage rises above the acceptable threshold during a constant-speed phase of the cycle, the inverter flags the fault and displays OU3 internally. This typically occurs when the incoming supply voltage is too high, causing the rectified DC bus voltage to exceed the inverter's operating limits.

The DC link circuit is a critical part of the variable frequency drive (VFD) system inside the washer. Under normal operation, the inverter rectifies the three-phase AC supply and maintains a stable DC bus to power the motor drive output. If the line voltage is elevated or unbalanced, the DC bus charges above its rated level, triggering the OU3 overvoltage fault. Unbalanced phase voltages, even if individual legs appear within range, can create ripple and transient spikes that push the DC link beyond its limits.

The first diagnostic step is to measure the incoming supply voltage across all three phase-to-phase combinations: L1 to L2, L2 to L3, and L1 to L3. All readings should fall within 208 to 240 volts and be within plus or minus 2 volts of each other. Significant deviation from these tolerances points to a utility supply problem or a wiring issue upstream of the machine rather than a failed internal component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of A-08

  1. 01

    High incoming line voltage

    Wiring / connection

    If the utility supply voltage exceeds 240 volts on any phase, the DC link circuit will charge beyond its rated level and trigger OU3. Measure L1-L2, L2-L3, and L1-L3 with a voltmeter to confirm all readings are within the 208-240 volt range.

  2. 02

    Unbalanced phase voltages

    Wiring / connection

    Even if each phase reads within the acceptable voltage range individually, a difference greater than plus or minus 2 volts between any two phase pairs can cause DC bus instability and an overvoltage fault. Compare all three phase-to-phase readings and look for imbalance.

  3. 03

    Voltage transients or surges from the utility

    Wiring / connection

    Temporary spikes from the power grid, such as those caused by nearby load switching or utility equipment, can momentarily spike the DC link above the overvoltage threshold. If the fault appears intermittently and line voltage measures correctly at rest, transient activity is a likely contributor.

  4. 04

    Faulty or failing inverter drive board

    Part replacement

    If incoming supply voltage and balance are confirmed to be within spec and the fault persists, the inverter board itself may have a degraded DC bus capacitor or faulty overvoltage sensing circuit that is triggering the fault incorrectly. This requires component-level evaluation or board replacement.

  5. 05

    Loose or corroded power supply wiring connections

    Wiring / connection

    Loose terminals at the machine's power input or in the electrical panel can cause intermittent resistance and voltage irregularities that appear as overvoltage or imbalance conditions. Inspect and tighten all supply connections and check for corrosion at terminal points.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about A-08

What does A-08 mean on a Continental washer?
A-08 indicates an overvoltage condition in the DC link circuit during constant-speed operation, with the inverter internally displaying the fault as OU3. The inverter drive monitors the voltage on its internal DC bus, and this error triggers when that voltage rises above the acceptable limit. This is most commonly caused by incoming supply voltage that is too high or unbalanced across the three phases. The machine shuts down to prevent damage to the motor drive system.
How do I fix error code A-08 on a Continental washer?
Start by measuring the incoming three-phase supply voltage across L1-L2, L2-L3, and L1-L3 using a voltmeter. All readings should be between 208 and 240 volts and within plus or minus 2 volts of each other. If the voltage is out of range or unbalanced, the issue lies with the electrical supply and should be addressed by a licensed electrician. If the supply voltage checks out correctly and the fault continues, the inverter drive board may need further inspection or replacement.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when error A-08 appears?
No, you should not continue operating the washer while error A-08 is active. The fault indicates the motor drive system is being exposed to excessive voltage, which can damage the inverter board and motor over time. The machine's control system shuts down as a protective measure, and running it repeatedly through resets without resolving the root cause risks permanent component damage.
Will resetting the washer clear error code A-08?
A power reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the error will return if the underlying voltage condition has not been corrected. Because A-08 is triggered by real-time monitoring of the DC link voltage, the inverter will re-detect the overvoltage condition as soon as the machine reaches constant speed again. A lasting fix requires resolving the supply voltage issue or repairing the faulty component causing the problem.
How much does it cost to repair a Continental washer showing error A-08?
If the problem is a utility supply voltage issue, costs may be limited to an electrician service call to inspect and correct panel or wiring problems, typically in the range of $100 to $300 depending on what is found. If the inverter drive board has failed and needs replacement, parts and labor costs can range from $300 to $700 or more depending on part availability and local labor rates. Getting a proper diagnosis before ordering parts is recommended to avoid unnecessary expense.

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