Dixell/Copeland AL30

What does Dixell/Copeland AL30 mean?

The AL30 alarm on the Dixell IC100CX iChill controller is the condenser water flow loss alarm. It activates when the condenser water flow switch digital input has been inactive for longer than the time defined by the AL29 parameter. When the unit is in standby or OFF, the alarm icon is suppressed but the condition is still recorded. The alarm is linked to the CO26 condenser pump configuration.

Symptoms

• AL30 displayed on the IC100CX screen when unit is running.
• Alarm icon lit during active operation; suppressed in standby or OFF state.
• Alarm relay activates when the condition persists beyond AL29 time.
• Condenser water flow switch input reads inactive (open) on the controller.

Common causes

• Condenser water pump stopped unexpectedly during operation.
• Flow switch dropout due to reduced condenser water flow rate.
• Blocked condenser strainer causing flow to drop below switch threshold.
• Flow switch contact failed open or wiring disconnected.
• AL29 time threshold set too short for the condenser circuit characteristics.

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Check condenser pump operation

   Confirm the condenser pump is running and drawing normal amperage. Check the pump starter or drive for fault indications; reset if tripped on overload.

2. 02

   Inspect condenser flow switch

   With the pump running, use a multimeter to check contact continuity on the condenser flow switch. Contacts should be closed with flow present — an open reading indicates a failed or misadjusted switch.

3. 03

   Clean condenser water strainer

   Shut down the condenser pump and clean the strainer basket. A partially blocked strainer reduces flow enough to drop the flow switch below its activation threshold.

4. 04

   Verify AL29 and CO26 parameters

   Access the service parameters and confirm AL29 (deactivation delay before AL30 trips) is set appropriately and CO26 matches the installed condenser pump count. Incorrect values cause nuisance alarms.

5. 05

   Reset the alarm

   After restoring condenser water flow, navigate to AlrM in the IC100CX function menu, select AL30, and perform a manual reset. The alarm icon clears once the input is active and the reset is executed.

When to call a professional

Engage a licensed HVAC/R technician if condenser water flow cannot be restored by pump reset and strainer cleaning, if the condenser circuit requires pressure testing or leak repair, or if the flow switch requires replacement and involves isolating a pressurized water system.