Introduction
This is an actual case where a Samsung dryer was shutting down after a few minutes and displaying an HC error code.
Samsung “Overheating” Error Codes
The HC error code means that the dryer reached a temperature threshold that it was either not designed for or that is unsafe. Here are some of the alternative error codes for this condition: HE, HC, hE, HC4, 1HC.
Customer Complaint – Dryer Runs then Shuts off With HC Error
The customer complained that after a few minutes of running, the dryer would throw an HC error and shut off. As well, she noted that the drum seemed extremely hot, and that the top of the dryer was much warmer than normal. I’ve seen this specific scenario several times before, and had attributed it to different causes, including a bad relay on the control board, and a shorted heating element. Because off some pre-diagnostics, including checking the current draw through the power cord, I suspected that the heating element coil had sagged and shorted against the metal housing.
Diagnosis – Checking for a Shorted Element
I decided to disassemble the dryer and do a continuity check between the heating element’s terminals and the dryer’s chassis ground. As expected, I measured a resistance of 9 ohms from the terminal to ground, when it should read infinity. This did indeed indicate that the element’s coil was shorted against the metal housing. Here is an image of that test.
After confirming that this was the case by doing a visual inspection, I proceeded to replace the element as per below.
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Explanation – Why does a Shorted Element Cause Overheating
How does a shorted/grounded element cause the HC error code? The HC code will occur when the control board perceives that the drum temperature exceeds a temperature threshold that is deemed unsafe or out of range. Normally, when the drum reaches a temperature threshold, the control board will shut the heating element off, and will cycle it back on when the drum cools down. When the element coil is shorted against the metal chassis, current flows though the coil and returns through the chassis via the ground wire or neutral wire that is bonded to that chassis. This is an atypical current path, but enough to cause the element to glow bright read in many cases. When this happens, the normal element cycling process is circumvented. The element stays on the entire time the dryer is running, rather than coming on and off to maintain a set temperature. The result is a “run-away” temperature that the temperature sensor (thermistor) detects, and the control board heeds by shutting down the dryer with the HC code.
Success – Dryer Repaired
Per this diagnosis, I replaced the heating element and tested the temperature cycling. It was within the normal range, and the HC error code did not return.
Repair Video
See the actual video below of the Samsung dryer repair with the HC error code.
Conclusion
The HC error code indicates overheating – but could be due to not only a shorted/grounded element, but also to a stuck heat relay on the board. By using some specific diagnostics, I was able to determine that a shorted element was likely and proceeded to disassemble the dryer to confirm. After doing so, and replacing the element, the dryer was fixed, and the customer happy. Note that a shorted element could be an indication of a deeper problem such as poor venting. This can put stress on the element and eventually cause it to fail in such a way. If you encounter such a problem and resolve it, I recommend having the venting checked and/or professionally cleaned to mitigate the risk of re-failure.
Remember:
“Diverting 10 min/day of social media time towards learning something new, is 5 hours of newfound monthly knowledge.”– SM
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