PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA (01) PDF Document

Electrical work for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA must be installed or serviced by a licensed electrician. Be sure to use the correct rating of the power plug and main circuit for the model installed.

It is prohibited to modify the machine, part, or material during repairing service.

If the wiring unit is supplied as a repairing part, do not repair or connect the wire even if only a partial wire break exists. Exchange the whole wiring unit.

Do not wrench the fasten terminal. Pull it out or insert it straightly.

Engage a dealer or specialist for installation and servicing. If installation or servicing is done by the user and is defective, it will cause water leakage, electrical shock or fire.

Install according to the installation instructions strictly. If installation is defective, it will cause water leakage, electric shock or fire.

Use the attached accessories parts and specified parts for installation and servicing. Otherwise, it will cause the set to fall, water leakage, fire or electrical shock.

Install at a strong and firm location which is able to withstand the set’s weight. If the strength is not enough or installation is not properly done, the set will drop and cause injury.

For electrical work, follow the local national wiring standard, regulation and the installation instruction. An independent circuit and single outlet must be used. If electrical circuit capacity is not enough or defect found in electrical work, it will cause electrical shock or fire.

This equipment is strongly recommended to install with an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current Device (RCD). Otherwise, it may cause electrical shock and fire in case equipment breakdown or insulation breakdown.

Do not use a joint cable for indoor/outdoor connection cable. Use the specified indoor/outdoor connection cable. Connect the cable to the indoor unit tightly for indoor/outdoor connection. Clamp the cable so that no external force will be acted on the terminal. If connecting or fixing is not perfect, it will cause heat up or fire at the connection.

Wire routing must be properly arranged so that the control board cover is fixed properly. If the control board cover is not fixed perfectly, it will cause heat-up or fire at the connection point of the terminal, fire or electrical shock.

When installing or relocating the air conditioner, do not let any substance other than the specified refrigerant, e.g., air, mix into the refrigeration cycle (piping). Mixing of air, etc., will cause abnormal high pressure in the refrigeration cycle and result in explosion, injury, etc.

Do not install the outdoor unit near a handrail of a veranda. When installing the air-conditioner unit at a veranda of a high-rise building, a child may climb up to the outdoor unit and cross over the handrail, causing an accident.

This equipment must be properly earthed. The earth line must not be connected to a gas pipe, water pipe, earth of lightning rod, and telephone. Otherwise, it may cause electric shock in case of equipment breakdown or insulation breakdown.

Keep away from small children, as the thin film may cling to the nose and mouth and prevent breathing.

Do not use an unspecified cord, modified cord, joint cord, or extension cord for the power supply cord. Do not share the single outlet with other electrical appliances. Poor contact, poor insulation, or overcurrent will cause electrical shock or fire.

Tighten the flare nut with a torque wrench according to the specified method. If the flare nut is over-tightened, after a long period, the flare may break and cause refrigerant gas leakage.

In case of using existing R22 pipes during installation of R410A models, you must carry out pump down properly to collect back the refrigerant and oil before installing the new unit. The thickness of copper pipes used with R410A must be more than 0.6mm. Never use copper pipes thinner than 0.6mm. It is desirable that the amount of residual oil is less than 40 mg/10m.

During installation, install the refrigerant piping properly before running the compressor. Operation of the compressor without fixing refrigeration piping and valves in the opened condition will cause suck-in of air, abnormal high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and result in explosion, injury, etc.

During pump down operation, stop the compressor before removing the refrigerant piping. Removal of refrigeration piping while the compressor is operating and valves are opened will cause suck-in of air, abnormal high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and result in explosion, injury, etc.

After completion of installation or service, confirm there is no leakage of refrigerant gas. It may generate toxic gas when the refrigerant contacts fire.

Ventilate if there is refrigerant gas leakage during operation. It may cause toxic gas when refrigerant contacts fire.

Do not insert your fingers or other objects into the unit; the high-speed rotating fan may cause injury.

Must not use other parts except original parts described in the catalog and manual.

Do not install the unit at a place where leakage of flammable gas may occur. In case gas leaks and accumulates at the surrounding of the unit, it may cause fire.

Carry out drainage piping as mentioned in installation instructions. If drainage is not perfect, water may enter the room and damage the furniture.

Do not touch the outdoor unit air inlet and aluminium fin, it may cause injury.

Select an installation location which is easy for maintenance.

Pb free solder has a higher melting point than standard solder; typically the melting point is 50°F – 70°F (30°C – 40°C) higher. Please use a high temperature solder iron. In case of the soldering iron with temperature control, please set it to 700 ± 20°F (370 ± 10°C). Pb free solder will tend to splash when heated too high (about 1100°F / 600°C).

Power supply connection to the air conditioner. Connect the power supply cord of the air conditioner to the mains using one of the following methods. The power supply point shall be the place where there is ease for access for the power disconnection in case of emergency. In some countries, permanent connection of this room air conditioner to the power supply is prohibited.

i. Power supply connection to the receptacle using a power plug. Use an approved 15/16A (1.0 ~ 1.75HP) or 16A (2.0HP) or 20A (2.5HP) power plug with earth pin for the connection to the socket.

ii. Power supply connection to a circuit breaker for the permanent connection. Use an approved 16A (1.0 ~ 2.0HP) or 20A (2.5HP) circuit breaker for the permanent connection. It must be a double pole switch with a minimum 3.0 mm contact gap.

Do not release refrigerant during piping work for installation, servicing, reinstallation, and during repairing refrigerant parts. Take care of the liquid refrigerant, it may cause frostbite.

It may need two people to carry out the installation or servicing work.

Do not install this appliance in a laundry room or other location where water may drip from the ceiling, etc.

Do not sit or step on the unit; you may fall down accidentally.

Do not touch the sharp aluminium fin; sharp parts may cause injury.

The Indoor Noise (H / L / QLo) for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 41 / 30 / 27 dB-A for both 230V and 240V.

The Outdoor Noise (H / L) for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 47 / – / – dB-A for both 230V and 240V.

The standard piping length for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 5.0 meters (16.4 ft).

The length range for piping for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 3 (9.8 ft) to 30 (98.4 ft) meters.

The I/D & O/D Height Different for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 20 meters (65.6 ft).

The additional gas amount is 20 g/m (0.2 oz/ft) for piping length beyond the rated length for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA.

The length for additional gas calculation for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 10.0 meters (32.8 ft).

The Indoor Operation Range for Cooling for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is:

Maximum: Dry Bulb 32°C, Wet Bulb 23°C

Minimum: Dry Bulb 16°C, Wet Bulb 11°C

The Indoor Operation Range for Heating for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is:

Maximum: Dry Bulb 30°C

Minimum: Dry Bulb 16°C

The Outdoor Operation Range for Cooling for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is:

Maximum: Dry Bulb 43°C, Wet Bulb 26°C

Minimum: Dry Bulb -10°C

The Outdoor Operation Range for Heating for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is:

Maximum: Dry Bulb 24°C, Wet Bulb 18°C

Minimum: Dry Bulb -10°C

The features of the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA inverter technology include:

Wider output power range

Energy saving

Quick Cooling

Quick Heating

More precise temperature control

The PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA uses a Non-ozone depletion substances refrigerant (R410A).

The PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA has long piping up to 30 meters.

Quality improvements in the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Random auto restart after power failure for safety restart operation

Gas leakage protection

Prevent compressor reverse cycle

Inner protector to protect compressor

Noise prevention during soft dry operation

Operation improvements in the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Quiet mode to reduce the indoor unit operating sound

Powerful mode to reach the desired room temperature quickly

24-hour timer setting

The PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA includes a Breakdown Self Diagnosis function.

The dimensions for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA Indoor Unit and Remote Control (in mm) are:

Height (I/D / O/D): 285 (11-1/4) / 750 (29-17/32)

Width (I/D / O/D): 750 (29-17/32) / 875 (34-15/32)

Depth (I/D / O/D): 370 (14-19/32) / 345 (13-19/32)

Remote Control: 118 (Width) x 136 (Height) x 19.5 (Depth) mm (approximate dimensions from diagram, not explicitly listed in table for indoor unit’s depth).

The weight specifications for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA Indoor Unit and Remote Control are:

Net (I/D / O/D): 18 (40) / 48 (106) kg (lb)

The Pipe Diameter (Liquid / Gas) for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 6.35 (1/4) / 12.7 (1/2) mm (inch).

The maximum operating frequency of the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA indoor fan motor in RPM for Cooling/Dry mode at SHi speed is 1700 rpm (Heat) and 1530 rpm (Cool).

The maximum outdoor airflow for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is 40.0 m3/min (1410 ft3/min) for both Cooling and Heating mode.

The Refrigerant Type for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is R410A, and the amount is 1.06 kg (37.4 oz).

The initial refrigerant oil amount for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is RB68A or Freol Alpha 68M (400 cm3).

The compressor frequency for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is regulated as follows based on compressor discharge temperature:

If the compressor discharge temperature exceeds 112°C, the compressor will stop, occurring 4 times per 20 minutes, and the timer LED will be blinking (“F97” is to be confirmed).

The frequency is maintained between 90°C and 97°C.

The frequency is limited between 97°C and 110°C.

The compressor is OFF above 112°C.

For Cold Draught Operation on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA, when indoor pipe temperature is low, cold draught operation starts where the indoor fan speed will be reduced.

When outdoor pipe temperature and outdoor temperature is low for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA, deice operation starts where the indoor fan motor and outdoor fan motor stop and the operation LED blinks.

The compressor operating frequency for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA during Overload Protection in Heating Operation is regulated according to the indoor heat exchanger temperature as shown below:

If the heat exchanger temperature exceeds 60°C, the compressor will stop.

Frequency is Limited between 55°C and 60°C.

Frequency is Free between 49°C and 55°C.

Operation is OFF below 49°C.

When the IPM temperature rises to 110°C on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA, compressor operation will stop immediately. Compressor operation restarts after three minutes when the temperature decreases to 95°C.

If the electric current to IPM exceeds the set value of 22.33 ± 5.0 A on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA, the compressor will stop operation. Then, operation will restart after three minutes. If the set value is exceeded again more than 30 seconds after the compressor starts, the operation will restart after two minutes. If this condition repeats continuously for seven times, all indoor and outdoor relays will be cut off.

For the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA during Cooling/Soft Dry (A) & (C) operation mode, the current values are:

X (A): 8.83

Y (A): 15.06

For the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA during Cooling/Soft Dry (B) operation mode, the current values are:

X (A): 7.79

Y (A): 15.06

For the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA during Heating operation mode, the current values are:

X (A): 10.08

Y (A): 15.06

The malfunction causes for H98 (Indoor High Pressure Protection) in the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Air short circuit.

Clogged air filter of the indoor unit.

Dust accumulation on the indoor unit heat exchanger.

2/3 way valve closed.

Detection error due to faulty indoor fan motor.

Excessive refrigerant.

Clogged expansion valve or strainer.

Detection error due to faulty indoor pipe temperature sensor.

Detection error due to faulty indoor unit PCB.

If an H98 error is indicated for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the air passage.
2. If there is no short circuit, provide sufficient air passage.
3. Check the indoor unit air filter.
4. If the air filter is dirty, clean the air filter.
5. Check the dust accumulation on the indoor unit heat exchanger.
6. If the indoor unit heat exchanger is dirty, clean the indoor unit heat exchanger.
7. Check the 2/3 way valve.
8. If the 2/3 way valve is closed, open the 2/3 way valve.
9. Check the indoor unit fan motor operation.
10. If the indoor unit fan motor does not operate normally, replace the indoor unit fan motor and/or indoor unit PCB.
11. Check refrigerant amount.
12. If the additional refrigerant amount is not filled correctly, reclaim and recharge with correct amount of refrigerant.
13. Check for clogged expansion valve or strainer.
14. If the expansion valve or strainer is clogged (ice formed), replace the expansion valve and/or strainer, and reclaim and recharge refrigerant.
15. Check the indoor pipe temperature sensor.
16. If it does not conform to the sensor characteristic chart, replace the indoor pipe temperature sensor.
17. If it conforms to the sensor characteristic chart, replace the indoor unit PCB.

The causes of F91 (Refrigeration Cycle Abnormality) for the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Refrigerant shortage (refrigerant leakage).

Poor compression performance of compressor.

2/3 way valve closed.

Detection error due to faulty indoor intake air or indoor pipe temperature sensors.

To troubleshoot F91 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Check the indoor air intake and pipe temperature sensors.
2. If it does not conform to the sensor characteristic chart, replace the indoor intake air or pipe temperature sensor.
3. Check if the 2/3-way valve is opened.
4. If the 2/3-way valve is closed, open the 2/3 way valve.
5. Check for gas leakage.
6. If oil is oozing out from the 2/3 way valve, repair the pipe flare or union nuts, reclaim and recharge refrigerant.
7. Check if capillary tube or dryer is clogged.
8. If the capillary tube or dryer is clogged, replace the capillary tube or dryer.
9. Charge for a specified amount of fresh refrigerant.
10. If the Refrigerant cycle abnormality error occurs again, replace the outdoor unit PCB and compressor.
11. If the error does not occur again, the procedure is complete.

The malfunction decision conditions for F93 (Compressor Rotation Failure) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is when a compressor rotation failure is detected by checking the compressor running condition through the position detection circuit.

The malfunction causes for F93 (Compressor Rotation Failure) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Compressor terminal disconnect.

Outdoor PCB malfunction.

Compressor malfunction.

To troubleshoot F93 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Check the U, V, and W connector connection. Turn OFF the power, check the U, V, and W connection at the outdoor unit PCB and compressor terminal.
2. If the connector connection is not normal, correct the connection.
3. If the connector connection is normal, disconnect the harnesses U, V, and W from the compressor terminal.
4. Turn ON the power and operate the inverter checker B LEDs blinking.
5. If the 6 LEDs are blinking in the same sequence/condition, replace the compressor.
6. If the 6 LEDs are not blinking in the same sequence/condition, replace the outdoor unit PCB.

The malfunction decision condition for F95 (Cooling High Pressure Abnormality) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is when the outdoor unit heat exchanger high temperature data (61°C) is detected by the outdoor pipe temperature sensor during operation of cooling.

The malfunction causes for F95 (Cooling High Pressure Abnormality) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Air short circuit at the outdoor unit.

Dust accumulation on the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

2/3 way valve closed.

Faulty outdoor unit fan motor.

Excessive refrigerant.

Clogged expansion valve or strainer.

Faulty outdoor pipe temperature sensor.

Faulty outdoor unit PCB.

To troubleshoot F95 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Check the outdoor air passage.
2. If there is any short circuit, provide sufficient air passage.
3. Check the dust accumulation on the outdoor unit heat exchanger.
4. If the outdoor unit heat exchanger is dirty, clean the outdoor heat exchanger.
5. Check the 2/3 way valve.
6. If the 2/3 way valve is closed, open the 2/3 way valve.
7. Check the outdoor unit fan motor operation.
8. If the fan motor does not operate normally, replace the outdoor unit fan motor and/or outdoor PCB.
9. Check refrigerant amount.
10. If the additional refrigerant amount is not filled correctly, reclaim and recharge with correct amount of refrigerant.
11. Check for clogged expansion valve or strainer.
12. If the expansion valve or strainer is clogged (ice formed), replace the outdoor fan motor.
13. Check the outdoor pipe temperature sensor.
14. If it does not conform to the sensor characteristic charts, replace the outdoor pipe temperature sensor.
15. If it conforms to the sensor characteristic charts, replace the outdoor unit PCB.

The malfunction decision conditions for F96 (IPM Overheating) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA are:

During operation of cooling and heating, when IPM temperature data (100°C) is detected by the IPM temperature sensor.

Multi Models Only:

Compressor Overheating: During operation of cooling and heating, when the compressor OL is activated.

Heat Sink Overheating: During operation of cooling and heating, when heat sink temperature data (90°C) is detected by the heat sink temperature sensor.

The malfunction causes for F96 (IPM Overheating) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

IPM overheats due to short circuit of hot discharge air flow.

IPM overheats due to defective of outdoor fan motor.

IPM overheats due to defective of internal circuitry of IPM.

IPM overheats due to defective IPM temperature sensor.

Multi Models Only:

Compressor OL connector poor contact.

Compressor OL faulty.

To troubleshoot F96 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Check the outdoor unit installation condition during cooling or soft dry operation.
2. If there is any improper heat radiation, reinstall the outdoor unit, remove the obstacle(s), and clean the outdoor heat exchanger.
3. If there is no improper heat radiation, check if the outdoor fan motor is operating.
4. If the outdoor fan motor is operating, the issue is a defect in IPM or the outdoor unit PCB needs replacing.
5. If the outdoor fan motor is not operating, replace the outdoor fan motor.

The malfunction decision condition for F97 (Compressor Overheating) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is when compressor tank temperature data (112°C) is detected by the compressor tank temperature sensor during operation of cooling and heating.

The malfunction causes for F97 (Compressor Overheating) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Refrigerant shortage (refrigerant leakage).

2/3 way valve closed.

Detection error due to faulty compressor tank temperature sensor.

To troubleshoot F97 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Check the compressor tank temperature sensor.
2. If it does not conform to the sensor characteristic chart, replace the compressor tank temperature sensor.
3. If it conforms to the sensor characteristic chart, check if the 2/3 way valve is closed.
4. If the 2/3 way valve is closed, open the 2/3 way valve.
5. Check for gas leakage.
6. If oil is oozing out from the 2/3 way valve, repair the pipe flare or union nuts, reclaim and recharge refrigerant.
7. Check if the capillary tube or dryer is clogged.
8. If the capillary tube or dryer is clogged, replace the capillary tube or dryer.
9. Charge for a specified amount of fresh refrigerant.
10. If the Refrigerant cycle abnormality error occurs again, replace the outdoor unit PCB and outdoor unit compressor.
11. If the error does not occur again, the procedure is complete.

The malfunction decision condition for F98 (Input Over Current Detection) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is when an input over-current (15.06A) is detected by checking the input current value being detected by the current transformer (CT) with the compressor running during operation of cooling and heating.

The malfunction causes for F98 (Input Over Current Detection) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

Over-current due to compressor failure.

Over-current due to defective outdoor unit PCB.

Over-current due to defective inverter main circuit electrolytic capacitor.

Over-current due to excessive refrigerant.

To troubleshoot F98 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Get restarted and measure the input current.
2. If the input current is greater than 15.06A, replace the outdoor unit PCB.
3. If the input current is not greater than 15.06A, turn off the power supply. Check the main circuit electrolytic capacitor.
4. If the main circuit electrolytic capacitor is normal, check the refrigerant amount.
5. If there is excess refrigerant, repair the pipe flare or union nuts, and reclaim and recharge refrigerant.
6. If there is no excess refrigerant, replace the outdoor unit PCB or replace the outdoor unit compressor.

The malfunction decision condition for F99 (Output Over Current Detection) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA is when an output over-current (20.2A) is detected by checking the current that flows in the inverter DC peak sensing circuitry during operation of cooling and heating.

The malfunction causes for F99 (Output Over Current Detection) on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA include:

DC peak due to compressor failure.

DC peak due to defective power transistor(s).

DC peak due to defective outdoor unit PCB.

To troubleshoot F99 on the PANASONIC CU-E18HBEA:

1. Get restarted and measure the input current.
2. If the input current is greater than 20.2A, replace the outdoor unit PCB.
3. If the input current is not greater than 20.2A, check the compressor winding resistance (U-V, V-W, W-U) after turning off the power and disconnecting the harness U, V, and W from the terminal.
4. If the compressor’s winding resistance (U-V, V-W, W-U) are not uniform, replace the compressor.
5. If the compressor’s winding resistance (U-V, V-W, W-U) are uniform, replace the outdoor unit PCB.

When checking the power transistor, never touch any live parts for at least 10 minutes after turning off the circuit breaker. If unavoidable necessary to touch a live part, make sure the power transistor’s supply voltage is below 50V using the tester. For the UVW, make measurement at the Faston terminal on the board of the relay connector. The resistance measurement guide is: