I bought a used H250 that had a sun damaged keypad. I replaced it with an aftermarket keypad from INSYNC ENGINEERING off of eBay. After plumbing the heater and applying power (220 V) I get a constant error code “PF”. The blower also runs continuously. I’ve taken readings and I’m getting correct voltage at the Field Wiring Panel. All fuses are good. I also tried switching the plug and hooking it up 110 V with the same results. I’ve read on an old post for error code “PF” that the only other thing it could be besides improper wiring or ground is the Field Wiring Panel. Changing the Field Wiring Panel was recommended by user ps0303 but there was no post to verify if this fixed the problem. The Field Wiring Panel is a pretty simple board, only a couple of fuses and plugs. I find it hard to believe this is the problem. Does anyone have any other suggestions for troubleshooting?
Hayward H250FDP “PF” error code
- Thread starter Lemoine
- Start date
I grounded both grounding lugs on each side of the heater just to make sure and checked voltage with respect to this ground and it all looked good. I was leaning toward the ICB but wanted a second opinion.
Thanks
Thanks
The lug outside the heater is for bonding. Did you connect a green ground wire to the ground connection next to L1 and L2?
How old is the heater?
How old is the heater?
Absolutely. Sorry for the confusion. I also tested voltage to that ground
- - - Updated - - -
Not sure of the exact year. I'll check tomorrow. I can tell you it's between 08-10. It has 4 fuses on the wiring board.
- - - Updated - - -
Not sure of the exact year. I'll check tomorrow. I can tell you it's between 08-10. It has 4 fuses on the wiring board.
Last edited:
Of course. It's the expense one!! Thanks for your time James. You know of anyone who repairs those boards?
No, I don't know who can fix the board. Possibly a local electronics repair place.
4 fuses is the older style. The new board has 3 fuses.
Overall I'm not a big fan of buying used equipment. It seems that, in a lot of cases, it's just junk that doesn't work. I would be especially leary of used heaters.
There might be other problems yet undiscovered.
What was the condition as described by the seller?
Note: It is my recommendation that gas appliances be installed and serviced by qualified, licensed gas contractors to ensure proper installation and operation.
4 fuses is the older style. The new board has 3 fuses.
Overall I'm not a big fan of buying used equipment. It seems that, in a lot of cases, it's just junk that doesn't work. I would be especially leary of used heaters.
There might be other problems yet undiscovered.
What was the condition as described by the seller?
Note: It is my recommendation that gas appliances be installed and serviced by qualified, licensed gas contractors to ensure proper installation and operation.
You should see 240 line-to-line and 120 line-to-ground on each leg. If the reading is off by 10% or more there is an issue to correct. If not check the ground next.
I have run into the PF error on several occasions and it was the field wiring panel even though the power readings were correct.
I have run into the PF error on several occasions and it was the field wiring panel even though the power readings were correct.
James - The heater is actually in great shape internally. No corrosion, you can tell it was hardly used. I’m one of those guys that love buying used stuff when it looks like a deal. I got this heater for $150 so I figured I couldn’t go wrong. The seller stopped using it when the keypad deteriorated and said it worked fine until then?? I’ll probably order a ICB I’ve got about $300 tied up in it now so another $150 or so won’t kill me. I’m a tinkerer. I hear you on your note, no worries but thanks for the info.
Ps303 (Paul?) – I got the correct voltages in both cases. Running 240V I got 244.3 L-L, 123.4 L1-G, 122.5 L2-G. When I swapped the unit to 120V, just to see if it would work, I got the same results with the “PF” error code and blower running continuously and a voltage reading of 123.8 Hot to Neutral & Hot to Ground. All reading at the field wiring panel “seem” correct also. When you’ve run into a bad field wiring panel is there something specific you check on it? I can tell you I removed it completely because there were a couple of dead lizards suck behind it (old not recently fried). All electrical traces looked find and since there are no electrical components on the board I was hesitant to replace it.
Thanks for y’all time..
Ps303 (Paul?) – I got the correct voltages in both cases. Running 240V I got 244.3 L-L, 123.4 L1-G, 122.5 L2-G. When I swapped the unit to 120V, just to see if it would work, I got the same results with the “PF” error code and blower running continuously and a voltage reading of 123.8 Hot to Neutral & Hot to Ground. All reading at the field wiring panel “seem” correct also. When you’ve run into a bad field wiring panel is there something specific you check on it? I can tell you I removed it completely because there were a couple of dead lizards suck behind it (old not recently fried). All electrical traces looked find and since there are no electrical components on the board I was hesitant to replace it.
Thanks for y’all time..
All readings appeared to be fine on the panels and no signs of any type of damage either. Replaced panel and the system was fine. I've asked Hayward and they had no answers for me either.
Here’s another tidbit of probably useless info. When I went out today to clean up the installation I noticed that every two minutes the “PF” error code (along with the service led) would clear for approx. 2sec and show the water temp then right back to “PF”. I watched this for about 10 minutes while enjoying a beer and it just keeps repeating. Does that tell any of you experts anything? Makes me lean toward a ICB but wondering what y’all think??
Thanks
Thanks