Henny Penny Electric Fryer Error Code E-15: Drain Is Open
E-15 / DRAIN IS OPEN means the drain is open, or its microswitch has failed. Close the drain. If the code persists, have the drain microswitch checked.
Medium: heating is blocked until the drain reads closed, which is usually quick to fix.
- Code
- E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN
- Maker
- Henny Penny
- Equipment
- Fryers
- Applies to
- Open fryers OFE-321/322 (320 series)
What does Henny Penny error code E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN mean?
A fryer must not heat with the drain open, so a microswitch at the drain valve tells the control whether the valve is closed. When the switch reports the drain open, the control shows E-15 / DRAIN IS OPEN and blocks heating. The manual gives two causes: the drain really is open, or the drain microswitch has failed. The action follows in the same order: close the drain first, and if the code persists, have the microswitch checked. The drain handle can sit slightly short of fully closed, and the microswitch then still sees it as open. Grease or a bent bracket near the valve can have the same effect. On a vat that has just been filtered, the handle is the first place to look. If the handle is firmly closed and the message stays, the switch or its wiring needs a technician. The control will not heat the vat while E-15 shows.
Affected models and control systems
Henny Penny OFE-321 and OFE-322 electric open fryers with the Computron 1000 control. The manual we used is a text viewer copy. E-15 relies on the drain microswitch.
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
- E-15 / DRAIN IS OPEN on the controller
- Fryer does not heat
- Drain handle not fully closed
- Message appears after filtering
Possible causes
Listed in Henny Penny's documentation
- Drain open
- Failed drain microswitch
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Drain handle resting short of the fully closed position
- Switch bracket bent or grease built up around the switch
- Switch wire loose at its connector
Safe checks before calling for service
- Push the drain handle firmly to the fully closed position.
- Wipe away grease from around the drain handle and switch area when cool.
- Wait a few seconds and see whether the message clears.
- If E-15 stays with the handle fully closed, call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN
- Read the code and confirm E-15.
- Check the drain valve position.
- Check the microswitch actuation and its bracket.
- Test the switch with a meter.
- Replace the switch or repair the wire.
- The microswitch wiring runs to the control on line voltage.
- Switch adjustment near the drain valve needs care around hot oil.
- A switch that reads open when closed needs a meter test.
How error code E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN differs from similar codes
E-15 is a drain position message; E-10 can follow if the drain is opened while heating.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Henny Penny owner support
- Edition
- Not printed on the page opened (a search snippet showed 'Revised 4-02-09')
- Models / control
- Open fryers OFE-321/322 (320 series)
- Section
- Warnings and Error Messages, printed p.1-6
- 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 Henny Penny fryer error codes
Is the drain really open?
Check first. A handle not fully closed is the usual reason.
Can I bypass the switch?
No. It keeps the elements from heating without oil.
What if it persists?
The manual says to have the drain microswitch checked.
Need help with Henny Penny error code E-15 DRAIN IS OPEN?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.