How To Troubleshoot A Problem With A Hand Dryer

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions carefully and successfully troubleshoot a problem with a hand-dryer by using the troubleshooting codes displayed by the flashing sensor. There are five types of classification codes we have assigned to help maintain and troubleshoot your hand dryer. They are maintenance codes, motor codes, heater codes, voltage codes, and control codes. 

Starting with the maintenance codes, there are clogged pre-filter or, if equipped, clogged HEPA pre-filter. The sensor light will flash one short, one long. The dryer will still operate, but the code will flash for maintenance.

Step One: Clean the pre-filter.

Step Two: Snap back into place. 

Maintenance code: A severely clogged prefilter, or if equipped, clogged HEPA filter. 

The sensor will flash one short and two long, and the dryer will not operate.

Step One: Clean the filter.

Step Two: Snap back into place. 

On the HEPA units, if the code does not clear, replace the HEPA filter.

Maintenance code: The dryer is in lock-out mode, which is traditionally due to an obstruction below the sensor. Perhaps the unit was installed over a counter, or a trash receptacle was placed below the unit.

The sensor will flash two short and one long.

Step One: Remove the object below the dryer. 

Step Two: Clean the sensor or adjust the sensor range for the internal knob labeled with an “R” for range. 

Step Three: Mount the dryer a minimum of 15 inches above a counter or a sink. 

Before moving on to other codes, problems can occur when a dryer is receiving the incorrect voltage. Check that the voltage to the unit is correct for the unit. Domestic units come in a range of 110 to 120 volts or 208 to 277 volts.

Motor codes: Motor is overcurrent.

The sensor will flash one long, three short. 

Step One: If the voltage is correct, reset your circuit breaker. 

Step Two: If the problem is not resolved and the dryer is still not running, replace the control assembly or motor. 

Motor codes: Motor is undercurrent.

The sensor will flash one long, four short.

Step One: Verify the voltage, if correct, reset the circuit breaker. 

Step Two: If the problem is not resolved, and the motor wire is not disconnected, replace the motor. 

Heater codes: Heater may short in the XLERATOR hand dryer if incoming voltage is different than the dryer voltage.

The dryer will stop and the code will flash two long and three short.

Step One: Verify voltage.

Step Two: If voltage is good, replace the heater or the motor. 

Voltage codes: If you have a power outage or a power surge the dryer will stop and flash three long and three short.

Step One: Check incoming voltage.

Step Two: Reset the circuit breaker. 

Step Three: Run the unit for 10 seconds and see if the code comes back. 

Voltage codes: If the main panel is under voltage due to a brown out or reduction of voltage there will be a code flash of three long and four short

Step One: Check incoming voltage.

Step Two: Reset the circuit breaker.

Control codes: You may receive a code flash of four long and three short. This signifies a control is over temperature 

Step One: Reset the circuit breaker to clear the code.

Step Two: If it will not start, replace the control assembly. 

If you have any questions, please call the customer service department at Excel dryer at: (800) 255-9235,

View our full library of hand dryer maintenance videos. You can also download a hand dryer troubleshooting tips chart, including an LED code chart.