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Error code reference

Electrolux Air Conditioner Error Code HC

PFC (Power Factor Correction) protection.

Electrolux codesElectrolux air conditioner codes

PFC (Power Factor Correction) protection.

First step from the service manual

Check reactor (L) wiring and PFC capacitor for damage or short circuit; measure capacitor resistance.

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

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What HC means on a Electrolux air conditioner

The HC error code on an Electrolux air conditioner indicates a Power Factor Correction (PFC) protection fault. The PFC circuit is a section of the inverter drive board responsible for improving the power factor of the AC input, reducing harmonic distortion, and stabilizing DC bus voltage for the compressor drive. This circuit typically includes a boost reactor (inductor coil, labeled L) and one or more PFC capacitors working in conjunction with switching transistors and diode components. When the control board detects an anomaly in this circuit, such as an overcurrent condition, abnormal voltage, or component failure, it triggers the HC fault and shuts the unit down to prevent further damage.

The reactor (L) and PFC capacitor are the primary suspects when this code appears. A shorted or open-circuit PFC capacitor will cause the protection circuit to activate immediately. The reactor can develop internal short circuits between windings or suffer wiring damage at its terminals, disrupting the inductive boost function of the PFC stage. Measuring capacitor resistance is the recommended first step: a shorted capacitor will read near zero ohms, while a healthy capacitor will show a climbing resistance reading on an analog meter or a high resistance value on a digital meter after initial charge.

Beyond the reactor and capacitor, damaged wiring harnesses connecting these components, a failing PFC transistor or diode on the inverter board, or a defective control board itself can all produce the HC fault. Because the PFC circuit operates at high DC bus voltages, typically 300 volts DC or higher, all diagnostic work must be performed with the unit fully powered down and the capacitors discharged before handling components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of HC

  1. 01

    Failed or shorted PFC capacitor

    Part replacement

    A PFC capacitor that has shorted internally will cause the protection circuit to trip immediately. Measuring the capacitor's resistance will reveal a near-zero reading if it has failed short, or a bulging or leaking appearance may be visible on inspection.

  2. 02

    Damaged reactor (L) wiring or short circuit

    Part replacement

    The boost reactor can develop shorted windings or have damaged wiring at its connection terminals. Inspect the reactor leads and harness for burned insulation, loose connections, or signs of arcing.

  3. 03

    Open-circuit or degraded reactor (L)

    Part replacement

    A reactor coil that has gone open circuit will disrupt the PFC boost function and trigger the fault. A continuity check on the reactor terminals will confirm whether the winding is intact.

  4. 04

    Faulty PFC transistor or diode on the inverter board

    Part replacement

    If the switching transistor or boost diode within the PFC stage on the inverter board has failed, the control board will detect the resulting abnormal current or voltage and lock out the unit. Component-level testing of the inverter board is required.

  5. 05

    Defective inverter control board

    Part replacement

    If the reactor and capacitor both test within acceptable limits, the inverter or main control board may be falsely triggering the HC protection due to an internal fault in the monitoring circuit. Board replacement is typically required in this scenario.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about HC

What does HC mean on a Electrolux air conditioner?
The HC code indicates a Power Factor Correction (PFC) protection fault. The PFC circuit, which includes a boost reactor and PFC capacitor, has triggered a protective shutdown due to a detected electrical fault. The unit will not operate until the underlying cause is identified and corrected.
Can I reset the HC error code myself to get my Electrolux air conditioner running again?
Powering the unit off and back on may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying fault in the PFC circuit is still present, the HC code will return almost immediately. A reset does not repair the failed component. The root cause, such as a shorted capacitor or damaged reactor, must be addressed before the unit will run reliably.
Is it safe to continue using my Electrolux air conditioner when the HC code is displayed?
No. The HC error triggers a protective shutdown specifically to prevent electrical damage and potential hazards. The components involved in a PFC fault operate at high DC bus voltages, and continued operation attempts with a failed component can damage the inverter board or cause a more serious electrical failure. Keep the unit off until it has been inspected and repaired.
How much does it cost to repair an HC error on an Electrolux air conditioner?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A PFC capacitor replacement is typically the least expensive repair, often in the range of $80 to $200 including labor. Reactor replacement can fall in the $150 to $350 range. Inverter board replacement is the most costly scenario, commonly ranging from $300 to $700 or more depending on the model and labor rates in your area.
What should a technician check first when diagnosing the HC error on an Electrolux air conditioner?
The first step is to inspect the reactor (L) wiring for visible damage such as burned insulation or loose terminals, then measure the resistance of the PFC capacitor. A shorted capacitor will read near zero ohms. The reactor should also be checked for continuity to confirm the winding is not open. These checks should only be performed after the unit is fully powered down and the DC bus capacitors have been safely discharged.

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