Wascomat Washer Error Code 38: High DC Voltage
Code 38 means the motor control measured too high a voltage on its mains input, stopped the motor and still found it high once the motor stood still. It does not mean a heavy drum is braking. A technician should check the supply and the tacho cables.
Medium: the motor stops on high supply voltage, and repeated trips need the supply and tacho wiring checked.
What does Wascomat error 038 / high dc voltage mean?
The motor control watches the voltage on its mains input. If it rises too high, for example from a power surge, the control stops the motor. It then checks again with the motor stationary, and if the voltage is still high, it sets ERROR 038 / HIGH DC VOLTAGE. An earlier idea was that braking a heavy drum causes this, but the manual lists two other causes: high mains voltage, such as a power surge, and a bad contact in the tacho signal. The second one is less obvious. The tacho signal tells the motor control how fast the motor turns, and a poor contact makes the control mismanage the drive. The service steps are to check the tacho cables if there are many TACHO CUT-OUT registrations and to review the error logger overvoltage counters.
Affected models and control systems
Wascomat washer-extractors W465H-W4300H, W475S-W4330S and W475N-W4330N with the Compass Control and its motor control (MCU).
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- ERROR 038 / HIGH DC VOLTAGE appears and the drum stops
- The code appears after a storm or a nearby electrical event
- The code appears during spin
- Several earlier TACHO CUT-OUT registrations show in the logger
Possible causes
Listed in Wascomat's documentation
- High mains voltage, for example a power surge
- Bad contact in the tacho signal
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error 038 / high dc voltage on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A tacho connector that has loosened from vibration
- A utility voltage swing that is high at the end of a long supply line
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check whether there was a storm, outage or power event around the time of the code.
- Switch the machine off and on once.
- Start a normal load and watch whether the code returns during spin.
- Write down the date, time and what happened to the power, and call us.
How a technician diagnoses error 038 / high dc voltage
- Read the code and review the error logger overvoltage counters.
- Check the count of TACHO CUT-OUT registrations.
- Measure the supply voltage at the machine and compare it with nominal.
- Inspect the tacho cables and connectors for bad contact.
- Check the supply surge protection in the installation, if present.
- Repair the cable or report the supply problem based on the findings.
- Measuring supply voltage and checking the tacho cables involves live circuits and moving machinery.
- A power surge may need action from the building electrician or utility.
- Reading the logger counters needs the service program.
How error 038 / high dc voltage differs from similar codes
Code 37 LOW DC VOLTAGE is the opposite check on the same mains input measurement.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Wascomat owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control W-series washer-extractors (MCU motor control)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, Description of error codes and causes (manual pp. 108-138)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Wascomat washer error codes
Is code 38 caused by a heavy load braking?
Not according to the manual. It points to high mains voltage or a bad tacho contact.
Could a storm cause it?
Yes, a power surge is listed as a cause.
What if it keeps coming back?
Then the tacho cables or the supply need checking, because the logger counters will show a pattern.
Need help with Wascomat error 038 / high dc voltage?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.