Anets Fryer Error Code DRAINING / TURN OFF: Drain Reads Open
DRAINING / TURN OFF on an Anets AEP electric fryer means the control thinks the drain is open, so the fryer will not heat. Let the oil cool, push the blue drain valve handle fully closed, look at the sensor switch beside the valve, and switch the fryer back on. If the message stays, call us.
Medium: the fryer will not heat until the drain reads closed, but it is a protective lockout.
What does Anets DRAINING / TURN OFF mean?
An electric fryer must never heat its elements over an open drain, since the elements would be exposed with oil running out of the vat. The AEP computer enforces that with a small sensor switch beside the drain valve. When the blue handle is pushed fully closed, the switch tells the computer the drain is shut and heating is allowed. If the switch reports open, the computer holds the elements off and shows DRAINING / TURN OFF. The message can be accurate, with the handle left a little short of closed, or it can be false, because the sensor switch has worked loose on its mounting screws and no longer sees the handle. It can even stay on after the computer is reset, which is a clue that the switch, its wiring or the control input is involved rather than the computer's memory. The owner's manual lists the handle position, the switch and its screws, the wiring to the control, and the control input.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to Anets AEP electric fryers with the AEP computer control, such as the AEP14 and AEP18. Other controls and gas models use different messages.
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
- DRAINING / TURN OFF shows and the fryer does not heat
- The message remains after the computer is reset
- The vat is full and the drain handle looks closed
- The oil stays cold at the start of service
Possible causes
Listed in Anets's documentation
- Blue drain valve handle not pushed fully closed
- Drain sensor switch loose on its mounting screws
- Wiring from the sensor switch to the control damaged
- Control input not reading the switch
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind DRAINING / TURN OFF on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A drain handle that rests a few degrees short of closed after filtering
- A sensor switch bracket loosened by repeated handle slams so it misses the handle
- A switch lead frayed where it runs near the hot vat
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the fryer off and wait until the oil has cooled.
- Push the blue drain valve handle fully closed.
- Look at the sensor switch beside the valve and see whether it is loose or moved.
- Switch the fryer back on.
- Do not drain, filter or move hot oil. If the message stays, call us.
How a technician diagnoses DRAINING / TURN OFF
- Read the display and confirm the handle is fully closed.
- Inspect the sensor switch position and its mounting screws.
- Test the switch with a meter while the handle is moved.
- Check the wiring from the switch to the control for damage.
- Check the control input reads the switch.
- Replace the switch or wiring only after the test.
- The sensor switch sits right beside a vat of hot oil, which can cause severe burns.
- Handling or draining hot oil is unsafe for staff.
- Testing the switch needs a meter on the fryer's control circuit.
Technical reference
- Document
- AEP Series IO manual 150-000010 C, Troubleshooting Chart p.25
- Edition
- 150-000010 Rev C (06/2025)
- Models / control
- Anets AEP computer
- Section
- Troubleshooting Chart, printed p. 25 (symptom / probable cause / corrective action; no code table)
- 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 Anets fryer error codes
Why won't the fryer heat when the vat is full?
DRAINING / TURN OFF stops the elements because the control thinks the drain is open.
The handle looks closed. What now?
Push it firmly once, then look at the switch for a loose screw. If it stays, call us.
Will resetting the computer clear it?
Not if the switch or wiring is the cause.
Need help with Anets DRAINING / TURN OFF?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.