Braemar KDHA R32 Ducted Inverter – Service Manual  KDHA-03-A


⚠️ Safety Notice – Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners

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.


Pdf attached


Product Series: KDHA R32 Split Series (Ducted)
Applies To:
Indoor units: KDHA070D1S / KDHA100D1S / KDHA125D1S / KDHA140D1S / KDHA160D1S
Outdoor units: KCHA070D1B / KCHA100D1B / KCHA125D1B / KCHA140D1B / KCHA160D1B

1. Overview

This Service Guide is intended for technical support, field technicians, service agents, and installers supporting the Braemar KDHA R32 ducted inverter systems. 
⚠️ Important: This system uses flammable refrigerant R32 (A2L). Only appropriately licensed and trained personnel may install or service this equipment.

2. Safety & Compliance (Mandatory Reading)

2.1 General Safety Warnings

  • Unit contains flammable refrigerant R32 (A2L)
  • Refrigerant may be odourless
  • Risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, and injury if procedures are not followed
  • Always read the Service Manual before service or commissioning

2.2 Personnel Requirements

  • Refrigerant work must be completed by qualified, licensed technicians
  • Additional R32 flammable refrigerant training is required
  • Competency may need to be documented (local regulatory requirement)

2.3 Ignition & Ventilation Controls

  • No naked flames, heaters, or sparking devices in service area
  • Maintain adequate ventilation during diagnosis, repair, and charging
  • Flame-based leak detection is strictly prohibited
? Freshdesk: Pin as “Mandatory Safety – KDHA R32 Systems”

3. Model Identification & Compatibility 

(Service Manual: p.9–13)

3.1 Indoor / Outdoor Pairing

Outdoor Model

Indoor Model

Capacity (Cooling / Heating)

KCHA070D1B

KDHA070D1S

7.1 kW / 8.0 kW

KCHA100D1B

KDHA100D1S

10.0 kW / 12.0 kW

KCHA125D1B

KDHA125D1S

12.5 kW / 14.0 kW

KCHA140D1B

KDHA140D1S

14.0 kW / 16.0 kW

KCHA160D1B

KDHA160D1S

16.0 kW / 18.0 kW

4. Refrigerant Charge & Room Size Requirements

(Service Manual: p.14)

4.1 Base Refrigerant Charge

  • Factory pre-charged (R32)
  • Chargeless pipe length: 15 m

4.2 Additional Refrigerant Charge

Outdoor Model

Additional Charge

KCHA070D1B

16 g/m

KCHA100–125D1B

25 g/m

KCHA140–160D1B

35 g/m

⚠️ Any field-added refrigerant must be recorded on the charge label

4.3 Minimum Room Area (R32)

  • Based on total system refrigerant charge
  • Ducted systems assume 2.2 m minimum installation height
  • Refer to charge-to-area tables when assessing compliance

5. Electrical Data & Wiring

(Service Manual: p.15–26)

5.1 Power Supply

  • 230 V / 50 Hz / Single phase
  • Acceptable range under load: 218.5 – 253 Vac

5.2 Outdoor Unit Protection

Model

Max Current

Min Breaker

KCHA070D1B

12.5 A

20 A

KCHA100D1B

20.0 A

32 A

KCHA125D1B

25.0 A

32 A

KCHA140D1B

28.0 A

40 A

KCHA160D1B

32.0 A

40 A

All units require:
  • All‑pole isolator (≥3 mm separation)
  • Correct earth continuity
  • Secure terminal connections

6. Leak Detection & Evacuation (R32)

 (Service Manual: p.27)

6.1 Vacuum Procedure

  1. Connect manifold set to gas service port
  2. Evacuate system to ≤500 microns
  3. Isolate and hold for 15 minutes
  4. Pressure rise indicates a leak – recover, repair, and repeat

6.2 Permitted Leak Detection

  • ✅ R32‑compatible electronic detector
  • ✅ Bubble / dye method
  • ❌ Flame‑based detection

7. Error Codes – KDHA Series (Service Articles)

Quick‑Reference Error Code Matrix

Error Code

Protection / Fault Description

System Area

Primary Reference (KDHA‑03‑A)

Additional Reference

qC

Primary control ↔ driver communication fault

Outdoor PCB / Inverter

p.28–30

p.46 (detailed logic)

PA

AC over‑current protection

Outdoor unit

p.28–30

p.15 (electrical data & wiring)

P0

IPM / inverter module protection

Outdoor unit

p.28–30

p.15 (electrical data & wiring)

P1

Supply voltage protection (over / under)

Outdoor unit

p.28–30

p.15 (electrical data & wiring)

P2

Compressor over‑temperature protection

Compressor

p.28–30

–

P3

Outdoor fan motor protection

Outdoor fan

p.28–30

p.11–12 (outdoor clearances & airflow)

P4

Inverter drive protection

Inverter module

p.28–30

–

P6

DC bus voltage protection

Inverter power circuit

p.28–30

p.15 (electrical data & wiring)

E1

High pressure protection

Refrigerant system

p.28–30

p.14 (refrigerant charge), p.27 (leak detection)

E2

Indoor coil freeze protection

Indoor unit

p.28–30

–

E3

Low pressure protection

Refrigerant system

p.28–30

p.14 (refrigerant charge), p.27 (leak detection)

E4

Compressor discharge temperature protection

Compressor

p.28–30

p.14 (refrigerant charge)

E5

Outdoor temperature protection

Outdoor sensors

p.28–30

p.11–12 (outdoor clearances & airflow)

E6

Indoor ↔ outdoor communication fault

IDU / ODU comms

p.28–30

p.15–16 (wiring), p.18–19 (diagrams)

Source: Error Code Tables – KDHA‑03‑A R32 Ducted Service Manual, pages 28–30
Note: Where detailed fault logic is required (e.g. qC), refer to extended troubleshooting sections such as page 46.

Error Code: qC

Description: Primary control ↔ driver communication fault
Displayed On: Wired controller / IDU display
System Response: Unit shuts down for protection
Likely Causes:
  • Communication wiring disconnected, damaged, or poor termination
  • Primary control board fault
Corrective Actions:
  1. Inspect and reseat communication cable between primary control and driver
  2. Check continuity of wiring
  3. Replace primary control board if wiring is confirmed okay
Manual Reference:
  • Error Codes: p.28–30
  • Detailed troubleshooting: p.46

Error Code: PA

Description: AC overcurrent protection
Likely Causes:
  • Outdoor fan or compressor abnormal current draw
  • Supply voltage instability
  • Main PCB fault
Corrective Actions:
  1. Verify supply voltage under load
  2. Inspect compressor and fan motor for mechanical binding
  3. Check outdoor PCB
Manual Reference: p.28–30

Error Code: P0

Description: IPM / inverter protection
Likely Causes:
  • Power module fault
  • Voltage surge or phase imbalance
Corrective Actions:
  1. Power reset and re-test
  2. Verify incoming supply stability
  3. Replace inverter module if fault reoccurs
Manual Reference: p.28–30

Error Code: P1

Description: Supply voltage protection
Likely Causes:
  • Overvoltage or undervoltage condition
Corrective Actions:
  1. Measure supply voltage at outdoor unit under load
  2. Confirm breaker sizing and cable gauge
Manual Reference: p.28–30

Error Code: E1

Description: High pressure protection
Likely Causes:
  • Restricted condenser airflow
  • Overcharge of refrigerant
  • Outdoor fan fault
Corrective Actions:
  1. Inspect outdoor airflow and clear obstructions
  2. Confirm fan operation
  3. Verify refrigerant charge against pipe length
Manual Reference: p.28–30

Error Code: E2

Description: Indoor coil freeze protection
Likely Causes:
  • Low airflow
  • Dirty filters or blocked ducts
  • Low refrigerant charge
Corrective Actions:
  1. Inspect filters and ductwork
  2. Verify airflow and ESP settings
  3. Leak check and confirm charge
Manual Reference: p.28–30

Error Code: E6

Description: Indoor ↔ outdoor communication fault
Likely Causes:
  • Communication wiring reversed or open circuit
  • Earthing fault
Corrective Actions:
  1. Verify terminal matching (N(1), 2, L(3))
  2. Check earth continuity
Manual Reference: p.28–30

8. Common Troubleshooting Scenarios

Unit Inoperative

  • Verify mains voltage under load
  • Check breaker, isolator, and RCD
  • Inspect indoor/outdoor communication cable

Poor Performance

  • Confirm airflow and ESP selection
  • Verify refrigerant charge distance correction
  • Inspect filters and return air path

9. Servicing R32 Systems – Field Checklist

(Service Manual: p.51)
Before servicing:
  • ✅ Ventilated area
  • ✅ No ignition sources
  • ✅ R32‑rated recovery and detection equipment
  • ✅ Fire extinguisher available
Never:
  • ❌ Vent refrigerant
  • ❌ Braze without nitrogen purge
  • ❌ Reuse flares indoors

10. Removal & Disposal

(Service Manual: p.52)
  • Isolate all electrical supplies
  • Recover all refrigerant using approved recovery unit
  • Dispose of oil and components per local regulations