P1 Error Code – Compressor Locked in Test / Commissioning Mode (Braemar Inverter Systems) - ES E247-A Residential Service Guide 


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This equipment must only be installed, commissioned, serviced and repaired by suitably qualified and licensed personnel.


Before commencing work, complete a task-specific risk assessment and ensure electrical isolation procedures, safe access, adequate service clearances and appropriate PPE have been considered. All work must comply with applicable regulations, standards and manufacturer requirements.


Particular care must be taken when working around electrical systems, refrigerant circuits, moving parts, roof spaces, ceiling spaces, confined spaces and working-at-heights hazards where applicable.


Do not proceed if safe access, required clearances, confined space risks or appropriate safety controls cannot be achieved and maintained. 


Safety takes priority over diagnosis, repairs, installation schedules and customer expectations. If the task cannot be completed safely, it must not proceed until the risks have been adequately controlled.


P1 Error Code – Compressor Rated Frequency (Test Mode)

Applies to (Models Covered in ES E247‑A Manual)

The P1 status code applies to Braemar residential inverter wall split, cassette, bulkhead, and multi‑split systems listed in the Braemar Residential Service Guide ES E247‑A.


P1 does not apply to ducted systems.

High Wall Split Systems

  • LSHV / LCHV Series – R410A Infiniti‑Aire™ wall splits (PDF p4–6)
  • KSHV / KCHV Series – R32 Ultimate™ wall splits (PDF p7–9)
  • WSHV‑S / WCHV‑S Series – Airvolution™ wall splits (PDF p10–11)
  • WSHV‑T / WCHV‑T Series – Airvolution™ wall splits (PDF p12–13)

Cassette Systems

  • SBHV Series – R410A cassette systems (PDF p19–20)
  • KBHV Series – R32 cassette systems, large capacity (PDF p21–22)
  • MBHV Series – R410A cassette indoor units (multi‑split) (PDF p26)
  • NBHV Series – R32 cassette indoor units (multi‑split) (PDF p30)

Bulkhead Systems

  • MDHV Series – R410A bulkhead indoor units (multi‑split) (PDF p25)
  • NDHV Series – R32 bulkhead indoor units (multi‑split) (PDF p29)

Multi‑Split Outdoor Systems

  • MCHV Series – R410A multi‑split outdoor units (PDF p23–24)
  • NCHV Series – R32 multi‑split outdoor units (PDF p27–28)

Systems NOT Applicable

❌ Ducted systems (SDHV / KDHV / SCHV / KCHV ducted)

Note: Ducted systems use a different error code structure. Refer to Ducted Split System error codes – ES E247‑A PDF p62 onwards.

Manual reference

  • P1 definition appears in:
    “Error codes for wall split, multi, cassette and bulkhead systems” – ES E247‑A PDF p61

What does P1 mean?

P1 indicates the unit is operating in a test or commissioning state, where the compressor is locked at its rated frequency.
This is a system status indication, not a fault condition, and is shown in the error/status code tables for inverter systems.
Manual cross‑reference:
  • Error code definition table – “Error codes for wall split, multi, cassette and bulkhead systems” (PDF p61)

Common symptoms

  • Unit runs but capacity appears limited
  • Compressor speed does not ramp up or down
  • System response to load changes is restricted
  • P1 displayed continuously on indoor or outdoor interface
(Refer to operational behaviour described alongside inverter status codes on PDF p61)

Likely causes

  1. Unit left in test or commissioning mode after installation or service work (commissioning and test modes)
  2. Forced operation from outdoor PCB (test button or commissioning sequence active)
  3. Debugger or service tool connected, holding the inverter at a fixed frequency
  4. Recent power interruption, where the system temporarily enters a test state before normal operation

What P1 is NOT

  • ❌ Not a refrigerant fault
  • ❌ Not a compressor failure
  • ❌ Not a PCB failure
  • ❌ Not a warranty defect by itself
(As per inverter status code description on PDF p61)

Troubleshooting steps

1. Confirm test mode

  • Check indoor display or outdoor PCB LED
  • Continuous P1 indicates active test state (status code, not lock‑out)2. Verify commissioning completion (ducted systems)
  • Ensure commissioning sequence has been fully completed
  • Incomplete commissioning may leave compressor frequency fixed
  • Refer to SDHV 3‑phase commissioning guide (PDF p37)3. Inspect outdoor PCB and controls
  • Remove any debugger or service tool
  • Check PCB buttons and jumper caps
  • Refer to debugger and parameter sections (PDF p55–59)4. Power reset
  1. Isolate system power
  2. Leave power off for 5–10 minutes
  3. Restore power and restart system
  • If P1 clears → normal operation resumes
  • If P1 remains → test mode still active
(General reset and status behaviour referenced from inverter debugging sections PDF p55–59)

When to escalate

Refer to fault descriptions and protection logic in PDF p61–65 before escalation

Technician notes

  • Always exit test and commissioning modes before leaving site
  • Remove debuggers after diagnostics
  • Confirm inverter frequency modulation during normal operation
  • P1 alone does not justify compressor or PCB replacement
(Guidance supported by inverter fault/status explanation tables PDF p61)

Quick reference

  • P1 – Compressor rated frequency in test state
Manual reference: Error codes table – PDF p61