This post will detail the definition of an ERR3, as well as the common and potential causes of the solution. It will also delve into simple troubleshooting methods that can be used to diagnose and treat the issue.
What is ERR3?
- ERR3 is displayed when the actual MIST volume is significantly greater than the target volume.
Most Common Cause:
- Leak in the nozzle circuit.
Other Potential Causes:
- There are more nozzles installed in the nozzle circuit than entered as the NOZ count in the SET-UP menu.
- The actual flow rate (AFR) is much greater than the estimated nozzle flow rate (NFR) in the DATA Menu.
- The tolerance in the error calculation (TOL) is too small.
- Flow meter is not working properly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Before running any tests, note the AFR in the DATA menu.
- This will be used to determine if a slow-line leak is present within the system.
- To access the AFR, press the red menu button to access the side menu.
- Use the up/down buttons to navigate to the DATA menu, and use the green button to access it.
- Use the up/down buttons to find “AFR” and note this value for later.
2. Attempt to reproduce ERR3.
- Clear error – press Red MENU/Stop button for 5 seconds.
- Run Manual Mist – press the Up and Down arrow simultaneously and hold for 2 secs.
- If ERR3 results, proceed with next steps. Otherwise, run more Manual Mists to ensure system is working properly. If the error seems to have resolved itself, see Step 5 (Determining a slow, “line-fill” leak).
3. Confirm System Setup is correct.
- Confirm nozzle count in controller (NOZ in Setup Menu) reflects number of nozzles installed.
- Confirm nozzle flow rate (NFR in DATA Menu) is reasonable (35 – 50 ml/min)
- Confirm tolerance (TOL in DATA Menu) is correct:
| Nozzle Count |
Tolerance |
| Less than 30 |
75% |
| 30 to 50 |
50% |
| Greater than 50 |
25% |
- If Setup changes are required, run Manual Mists to confirm system is working properly.
4. Visually inspect nozzle circuit for Leaks.
5. Determining a Slow, “Line-Fill” Leak:
- If your AFR has stabilized after multiple manual mists and the system is no longer producing an ERR3, you are likely dealing with a Slow, “Line-Fill” leak.
- This can be seen by comparing your beginning AFR from step 1 with an AFR taken multiple manual mist cycles later
- During the hours between mist cycles, fluid can leak out of a fitting or drip out of nozzles and drain the nozzle circuit. The next time the unit mists, the nozzle circuit must first be refilled completely and this may be a large enough additional volume to cause an ERR3. Small leaks are notoriously difficult to troubleshoot because they are difficult to reproduce while onsite.
- For more detailed instructions regarding “line-fill” leaks, see Troubleshooting Error 3: Line-Fill Leaks.
Additional Resources for Troubleshooting ERR3:
Leak Diagnosis and Troubleshooting (w/ Leak Detection)
Leak Diagnosis and Troubleshooting (No Leak Detection)
