Fault Code E1: High Pressure Protection - Braemar KDHA R32 Ducted Inverter (KDHA070–160 / KCHA070–160) 

⚠️ 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.


Applies To

Braemar KDHA R32 ducted inverter systems, as covered in KDHA-03-A Service Manual.

Indoor Units

  • KDHA070D1S
  • KDHA100D1S
  • KDHA125D1S
  • KDHA140D1S
  • KDHA160D1S

Outdoor Units

  • KCHA070D1B
  • KCHA100D1B
  • KCHA125D1B
  • KCHA140D1B
  • KCHA160D1B

Service Manual Reference (KDHA-03-A)

  • Error Code Listing: Error Codes section, pages 28–30 (E1 – High Pressure Protection)
  • Diagnostic Guidance: Troubleshooting – Flowcharts, from page 31 onward (high‑pressure and outdoor unit diagnostics)
  • Outdoor Airflow & Clearances: Outdoor Unit Clearances, page 11

What Does E1 Mean?

E1 indicates that the outdoor unit has activated high‑pressure protection.

The KDHA system continuously monitors refrigerant operating pressure.
If pressure rises above the allowable safety limit, the outdoor control board will stop compressor operation to protect the compressor and refrigeration circuit.

Common Symptoms

  • System shuts down during cooling or heating operation
  • Outdoor unit stops while indoor fan may continue to operate
  • E1 fault code displayed on the wired controller or indoor unit display
  • Unit may automatically attempt to restart after a delay, then re‑trip on E1

Likely Causes (KDHA‑Specific)

Based on the KDHA service manual error code descriptions and troubleshooting flowcharts, common causes include:

  • Restricted heat rejection at the outdoor unit
    • Outdoor coil blocked by dirt, leaves, or debris
    • Insufficient outdoor unit installation clearances
    • Hot discharge air recirculating back through the coil
  • Outdoor fan fault
    • Fan not running
    • Fan running at incorrect speed
  • Incorrect refrigerant charge
    • System overcharged
  • Refrigerant flow restriction
    • Kinked or crushed pipework
    • Partial internal blockage within refrigeration circuit
  • High‑pressure sensor fault
  • High‑pressure sensor wiring fault
    • Poor connection between sensor and outdoor PCB
  • Outdoor main control board fault
    • Incorrect pressure signal processing

Notes for Service

  • Confirm outdoor airflow, fan operation, and installation clearances before connecting gauges or adjusting charge.


  • If a sensor or electrical fault is suspected, follow the KDHA troubleshooting flowcharts and PCB diagnostic steps in the service manual before replacing components.

  • All service work must be carried out by licensed technicians trained in handling flammable refrigerant R32, in accordance with KDHA service manual safety requirements.