Rivacold HA

What does Rivacold HA mean?

On the Dixell XR/XW-family controllers fitted to many Rivacold units, HA is the maximum temperature alarm. When it fires, the alarm output switches ON while the other outputs are unchanged — it is a temperature alarm (the box is above the maximum-temperature alarm point), not a compressor shutdown.

Symptoms

• Display shows HA with the alarm output active
• Compressor and fan outputs unchanged — HA signals, it does not switch the other outputs
• Cabinet/room temperature reading sits above the alarm threshold
• Alarm clears once the temperature falls back inside the alarm band

Common causes

• Door openings, warm product load, or a failed door seal letting heat in
• Condenser fouling or a failed condenser fan reducing capacity
• Evaporator iced up or its fan failed
• Refrigerant-side fault preventing pull-down
• High-alarm threshold or delay set too tight for the application

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Confirm a real over-temperature

   Read the controller's probe value. If the box genuinely is above threshold, work the refrigeration cause; if it reads normal, check the alarm threshold and differential parameters.

2. 02

   Rule out usage causes

   Recent loading, propped doors, and long door-open times all trip HA without a fault. Let the unit pull down and see whether the alarm clears.

3. 03

   Check both coils

   Clean a fouled condenser and confirm both the condenser and evaporator fans run; check the evaporator for ice and the defrost cycle.

4. 04

   Verify the alarm parameters

   Confirm the high-alarm threshold and alarm delay suit the application before chasing a system fault — a tight threshold nuisance-trips HA on every defrost or door opening.

When to call a professional

If doors, load, airflow, and defrost are all good and the unit still cannot hold temperature below the alarm threshold, the refrigeration circuit (charge, metering, compressor capacity) needs a certified technician.