Dixell/Copeland E11

What does Dixell/Copeland E11 mean?

The E11 alarm on the Dixell XWi70K controller indicates that EMB1 (Electronic Motor Breaker 1 — the first external motor protection device) has detected an overload condition. The controller stops regulation on the affected circuit and activates the retry function, which attempts to automatically restart after a timed delay. E13 and E21/E23 cover wiring faults and overload on EMB2 respectively.

Symptoms

• E11 displayed on the XWi70K controller screen.
• Regulation on the protected circuit stops immediately.
• The retry function activates — controller attempts timed automatic restart.
• Alarm output activates; alarm relay closes.

Common causes

• Compressor or fan motor drawing current above the EMB1 trip threshold.
• Motor winding degradation increasing running current.
• Mechanical overload on the motor — seized bearing or compressor internal fault.
• Incorrect EMB1 trip current setting — set too low for the motor's full-load amperage.
• Single-phase loss on a three-phase motor causing current imbalance and overload trip.

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Check EMB1 trip current setting

   Locate the electronic motor breaker (EMB1) in the control panel and verify the overload trip current is set to the motor nameplate full-load amperage (FLA). An incorrectly set trip threshold causes nuisance E11 trips.

2. 02

   Measure motor running current

   Using a clamp ammeter, measure the actual running current on each phase of the protected motor. Compare to nameplate FLA — current more than 10% above FLA indicates an overload condition.

3. 03

   Inspect for phase loss or imbalance

   Check supply voltage on all three phases at the motor contactor. A phase loss causes the remaining phases to carry excess current, triggering the overload. Trace the cause to the supply or wiring.

4. 04

   Check motor bearings and mechanical load

   Listen for grinding or seized bearings on the protected motor. An abnormally high mechanical load — from a seized bearing, tight belt, or internal compressor fault — increases motor current and trips the EMB1.

5. 05

   Allow retry and monitor

   After identifying and correcting the overload cause, allow the XWi70K retry function to restart the circuit automatically, or perform a manual reset if the retry count is exhausted. Monitor current after restart to confirm the overload is resolved.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed electrical or HVAC/R technician if motor current remains above nameplate FLA after mechanical inspection, if a phase loss or supply fault is suspected, if the compressor internal condition is unknown, or if motor winding insulation testing is needed to assess whether rewinding or replacement is required.