Jandy AquaPure Low Voltage: Codes 126, 127, 173
Quick Summary
- Code 126 = low forward current to cell AND VAC input voltage below 100/200 VAC.
- Code 127 = low reverse current to cell AND VAC input voltage below 100/200 VAC.
- Code 173 = low VAC input voltage; on-board power supply not regulated; or unit not correctly wired.
- The AquaPure is factory wired for 240 VAC. If your supply is 120 VAC, the internal wiring must be reconfigured.
- Level 2 codes 187 and 188 also relate to power supply and voltage issues and generate code 173 or 170.
- All voltage work should be performed by a licensed electrician.
Electrical Safety
Turn off power at the circuit breaker before opening the power center or inspecting any wiring. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician in compliance with NEC and local codes.
What These Codes Mean
Codes 126 and 127 combine low cell current with low input voltage, telling you the cell performance problem is at least partially caused by insufficient power supply voltage. Code 173 is purely a voltage/power supply code with no cell current component.
The AquaPure control center converts AC line voltage to 27 VDC for the cell. If the AC input is too low, the DC output drops and the cell cannot produce adequate current for electrolysis. The 700 model draws up to 1.5A at 120 VAC (or 0.75A at 240 VAC). The 1400 model draws up to 2.5A at 120 VAC (or 1.25A at 240 VAC).
Troubleshooting
Verify AC wiring configuration
- The AquaPure is factory wired for 240 VAC. If your electrical service provides 120 VAC, the internal power supply wiring must be changed per the manual's wiring diagrams (Figures 2b and 2c).
- A unit wired for 240 VAC but receiving only 120 VAC will show code 173 and will not operate properly.
- Have a licensed electrician verify the wiring configuration matches the available voltage.
Measure line voltage
- With the power center energized, use a voltmeter to measure the AC voltage at the input terminals.
- For a 240 VAC installation, you should read 220-250 VAC. For 120 VAC, you should read 110-125 VAC.
- If voltage is significantly below these ranges, the problem is upstream: check the circuit breaker, wire gauge, connection integrity, and utility voltage.
Check the transformer and white connector
- Inside the power center, inspect the white connector between the transformer and the Power Interface Board (PIB).
- A loose, burnt, or discolored connector is a common failure point. If the connector is damaged, contact an authorized service representative.
- Verify the transformer is outputting the correct secondary voltage.
Level 2 Related Codes
- Code 187: Front board power supply too low or too high. Generates code 173 (if code 188 is also present) or code 170 (if 188 is absent).
- Code 188: VAC input voltage too low. Generates code 173 if code 187 is also present.
If you see codes 170 or 173 and suspect an underlying Level 2 code, monitor the display cycle carefully. Level 2 codes require professional service and typically involve replacing the front board or power supply components.
How to Prevent Voltage Issues
- Ensure the AquaPure is wired to the load side of the pump relay so it only receives power when the pump runs.
- Use the correct wire gauge for the distance between the breaker panel and the power center.
- Do not daisy-chain the AquaPure off other high-draw equipment circuits.
- If your area experiences frequent voltage drops (brownouts), consider a voltage monitoring device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my AquaPure from 240V to 120V myself?
This is an electrical modification that should only be performed by a licensed electrician. It involves changing the internal power supply wiring per the manual's diagrams. Incorrect wiring can damage the unit or create a safety hazard.
Why do I get code 126 instead of just code 173?
Code 126 combines two conditions: low forward cell current AND low input voltage. The board is telling you the cell current problem is caused by insufficient voltage, not by a worn cell or low salt.