McQuay WMC Fault Code E23

E23
High superheat alarm
Warning
SAFETY WARNING: Commercial chillers contain high-pressure refrigerants and high-voltage electrical components (208V-4160V). Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians should perform diagnostic work. Always follow lockout/tagout procedures and wear appropriate PPE. Do not attempt repairs without proper training and equipment.
AI Summary

McQuay WMC Fault Code E23 is a warning alarm indicating: High superheat alarm. The most common causes include Expansion valve starving. Estimated repair time: 1-2 hours. This alarm requires immediate attention by a certified HVAC technician.

Alarm Description

High superheat alarm

Brand: McQuay  |  Model: WMC (Water-Cooled Screw Chiller)  |  Code: E23  |  Severity: Warning

Observable Symptoms

  • Controller displays alarm code and description
  • Chiller may be locked out or running in degraded mode
  • Alarm indicator light is illuminated on control panel

What to Check First

Before diving into detailed diagnostics, start with this quick first check:

Quick Start: Check superheat value

Probable Causes

  • Expansion valve starving
  • Refrigerant charge low
  • Subcooling too low
  • Refrigerant flow restriction

Recommended Inspection Steps

  1. Check superheat value
  2. Inspect expansion valve operation
  3. Verify subcooling
  4. Check for restrictions in liquid line

Required Tools & Equipment

  • PT chart for refrigerant type
  • Safety PPE (gloves, safety glasses, face shield)

Estimated Repair Time

1-2 hours

When to Call a Professional

  • If the fault persists after completing all recommended inspection steps
  • If you observe unusual noises, vibrations, or oil leaks from the compressor
  • If refrigerant charge levels are outside OEM specifications and EPA-certified recovery is needed
  • If electrical measurements show voltage imbalance greater than 2% between phases
  • If the fault recurs immediately after reset, indicating an unresolved safety condition
  • Contact an authorized McQuay service representative for warranty-covered repairs

Related Fault Codes

Other McQuay WMC codes that may be related:

OEM Service Manual Reference

OEM Reference: McQuay WMC Water-Cooled Screw Chiller Service Manual. Available through Daikin Applied (formerly McQuay) technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does McQuay WMC fault code E23 mean?

Fault code E23 on a McQuay WMC chiller indicates: High superheat alarm. This is a warning alarm that requires diagnostic attention.

What causes McQuay WMC alarm code E23?

Common causes include: Expansion valve starving; Refrigerant charge low; Subcooling too low

How do I fix McQuay WMC error code E23?

Follow the recommended inspection steps below. Start with the quick check, then proceed through each step. If the fault persists after all steps, contact an authorized McQuay service representative.

Disclaimer: All lookup data is for reference only. Do not use this information to replace certified professional HVAC technician judgment. Always refer to original OEM official service manual for McQuay WMC service procedures.