Bradford White heat pump water heater
Bradford White Heat pump RE2H (-1NCWT models) error codes
Covers: Heat Pump Water Heater RE2H50, RE2H65, RE2H80, earlier '-1NCWT' build (RE2H50S*-1NCWT, RE2H65T*-1NCWT, RE2H80T*-1NCWT): technician mini manual only
Every code listed in Bradford White's own manual for this series, with what it means and what Bradford White says to do. Last checked 2026-10-03.
Is this your model? Technician mini manual 238-52395-00 (01/20) is titled 'Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heater RE2H50, RE2H65, RE2H80'. Its personality table maps 53A/63A/83A to RE2H50S*-1NCWT, RE2H65T*-1NCWT, RE2H80T*-1NCWT. Specs differ from the -1NCTT manual (upper element 4500/3380 W, 30 A breaker, vs 4000/3004 W, 25 A). It shows the same control panel and F-code scheme as the -1NCTT series, without F16, F17 or F24. Bradford White's documentation page lists it as the 'Mini Manual' under 'AeroTherm® Series Heat Pump', alongside spec sheet 1900 (dated 0722 in its filename; RE2H50S10/65T10/80T10, 4500/4000W).
| Code | Label | What the manual says it means |
|---|---|---|
| FC | Control checks to ensure evaporator is free of frost. Continuously verifies that T3a sensor (evaporator inlet temperature) is greater than 20F after 30 minutes of run time. | |
| Fd | Control checks to ensure evaporator superheat is OK (controlled by EEV). Continuously verifies the temperature difference between T3a sensor (evap inlet temp) and T3b sensor (evap outlet temp) is greater than 5F after 30 mins of run time. Control also verifies that T3a is greater than 10F less than T5 ambient sensor. | |
| FE | Control checks to ensure the compressor discharge temperature never exceeds 240F. Continuously verifies that T4 sensor (compressor outlet temperature) is less than 240F every minute of run time. | |
| FF | Control checks to ensure the Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) is operating properly and valve rotation is within range. | |
| FI | Control checks to ensure evaporator superheat is <20°F AND the EEV position is <450 after 30 minutes of run time. If outside these limits, this provides an early indication of a refrigerant leak. (Note: Target superheat is generally 10°F, and EEV generally operates at a position much lower than 450.) | |
| FJ | Control checks to ensure that the AC current draw is <= 20.5A while the compressor and lower heating element are both enabled. If current draw is >20.5A, the compressor will be disabled. | |
| FL | Control checks to ensure that T3a and T3b evaporator inlet and outlet temperatures are within 2.5°F of the T5 ambient temperature 20 minutes after defrost begins. | |
| F2 | T2 tank temperature sensor failure. Just before compressor starts, control checks T2 sensor is within 30F - 170F temperature range. | |
| F3 | Compressor failure. Control energizes compressor, but current sensor detects no current flow. | |
| F4 | Fan Failure | |
| F5 | T3a sensor (evap inlet temperature) failure. The control detects the thermistor output is at or nearly shorted or open circuit. | |
| F6 | T3b sensor (evap outlet temperature) failure. The control detects the thermistor output is at or nearly shorted or open circuit. | |
| F7 | T4 sensor (compressor outlet) failure. The control detects the thermistor output is at or nearly shorted or open circuit. | |
| F8 | T5 sensor (ambient temperature) failure. The control detects the thermistor output is at or nearly shorted or open circuit. | |
| F9 | Lower heating element failure. Control energizes lower element, but current sensor detects no current flow. | |
| F10 | Upper heating element failure. Control energizes Upper element, but current sensor detects no current flow. | |
| F11 | Dry Tank fault. Control checks to ensure that the T2 tank temperature sensor has not risen more than 5ºF during the first 22 minutes after the unit is powered on. (The compressor is engaged for 20 minutes after a 2 minute wait for the system to allow the high and low side pressures to equalize.) After 1 failed Dry Tank test, "F11" is displayed. After 5 failed tests, an audible alarm will sound. | |
| bAd linE (F12) | The voltage is too low at power-up. The control monitors the input line voltage 1 minute after power-up, and if the voltage is below 155V, the fault code will be displayed. | |
| F13 | Stuck Key fault. This indicates there is a button on the front panel that is stuck down. This button is inoperable. Other buttons work normally. If the button becomes free, the fault code will clear by itself. | |
| DirtyFilter (F14) | Filter LED is on, and audible alarm is sounding. Filter is too dirty to enable proper function of unit. Number of "Dirty Filter" counts are stored in the "F14" code and can be monitored via the Control when it is placed in Diagnostics Mode. The evaporator is operating at a colder temperature than the ambient temperature as measured by T5. | |
| F15 | DataFlash fault. The microcontroller has detected a problem in the DataFlash (permanent memory storage). | |
| F18 | Current transformer miswired. F3, F9, and F10 fault codes have all occurred during the same heating cycle. | |
| F19 | Low line voltage during compressor operation. Sagging voltage occurs over time, not at startup like a fault F12- bAd linE. | |
| F20 | Condensate drain pan port blocked. Water heater will only operate in Electric (Only) mode until the drain port is cleared and the sensor is no longer in contact with water. | |
| F21 | Application Update Failure. A problem occurred while updating the control application. | |
| F22 | Parametric Data Update Failure. A problem occurred while updating parametric data. | |
| F23 | Micro A/D Failure. The control has detected a microcontroller input port has failed. |
Bradford White's manual for this series does not list error codes; see the troubleshooting section below.
Safety first
- DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE SERVICING. IMPORTANT: RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES. All parts capable of conducting electrical current are grounded; grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts or washers removed for service must be returned to their original condition and properly fastened. (p.1)
- This information is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate background of electrical, electronic and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a major appliance may result in personal injury and property damage. This quick reference guide does not replace, modify or change in any manner the Owner's Manual and Installation Instructions. (p.1)
From the manufacturer's manual for this series.
Troubleshooting without a code
Viewing stored faults (technician)
Likely cause: The control counts each fault occurrence and only displays a code once the count threshold is reached
What to do: Service Mode: press and hold UP Arrow and Enter for 5 seconds; press Mode to reach 'View Faults and Counters' (Hybrid LED); Down Arrow steps through codes ('- - -' = none active); Filter button shows counts; hold Enter 5 seconds to clear all codes and counters; hold UP and DOWN 5 seconds to exit (times out after 15 minutes).