Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code E3: Wash 1 Heating Failure
E3 WASH1 HEATING FAILURE means wash tank 1 is not heating. The manual says to turn the machine off and on after a few seconds, and to call a service technician if the alarm persists.
High: wash tank 1 cannot heat, so the machine cannot clean to standard.
- Code
- E3
- Maker
- Blakeslee
- Equipment
- Conveyor dish machines
- Applies to
- RC-series rack conveyor with scrolling-text display and LED bar
What does Blakeslee error code E3 mean?
Wash tank 1 is heated so detergent works at the right temperature, and the control checks that the tank warms up after the heater is switched on. If the water temperature does not rise within the time allowed, it stops the cycle and shows E3 WASH1 HEATING FAILURE. The manual describes the entry as wash tank 1 not heating. Its one operator step is a reset: turn the machine off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on. That can clear an alarm triggered by a momentary supply dip. If E3 comes back, the manual sends the operator to Technical Service, because the heater, its relay, its safety thermostat and the electrical supply are all behind panels. Compare E3 with E2, where the probe has failed, and with E5, where the tank runs too hot. In E3 the heat is simply not arriving.
Affected models and control systems
Blakeslee RC-series rack conveyor dishwasher. The PDF is Blakeslee's RC44 User Manual and prints no model name; the same alarm list appears in the RC62 manual.
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
- E3 WASH1 HEATING FAILURE on the display
- Wash tank 1 water stays lukewarm
- Plates come out with a greasy film
- Alarm returns after a reset
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E3 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Wash tank 1 heating element burned out
- Heater contactor not closing
- Tank safety thermostat open
- One phase missing at the machine supply
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the machine off, wait a few seconds and turn it back on, as the manual says.
- Check that the breaker and disconnect for the machine are on.
- If E3 returns, stop running racks.
- Keep out of the tank and away from panels.
- Write down how long the tank ran before the alarm and whether the rinse heated.
How a technician diagnoses error code E3
- Read the alarm history and check that E2 is not also active.
- Measure voltage on every phase at the machine while the tank heater is called.
- Check the tank element for continuity and leakage to ground with power locked out.
- Test the heater contactor and safety thermostat.
- Verify the probe against a thermometer, then replace the failed part.
- Tank heaters draw high current at 208 to 240 volts or more.
- Contactor and element tests are made on live panels, inside hot equipment.
- Choosing among element, relay, thermostat and supply needs a meter and the wiring diagram.
How error code E3 differs from similar codes
E3 is wash tank 1 not heating. B3 is the matching alarm for boiler 1.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Blakeslee owner support
- Edition
- COD. 4950E_U_USA, Ed. 00 - 09/2016
- Models / control
- RC-series rack conveyor with scrolling-text display and LED bar
- Section
- Chapter 12.2.1 Alarms description (pp. 54-55)
- 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 Blakeslee conveyor dish machine error codes
Will a restart fix E3?
It can when the cause was a brief supply dip. If it returns, there is a real heating problem.
Can I wash with cold water for a while?
It will not clean properly. Wait for service.
Is E3 related to E2?
They sit on the same tank, but E2 is the probe and E3 is the heating.
Need help with Blakeslee error code E3?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.