Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code E5: Wash 1 Overtemperature
E5 WASH1 OVERTEMPERATURE means wash tank 1 has gone above its allowed temperature. The manual says to turn off the appliance and contact Technical Service. Let it cool before anyone approaches.
High: an over-temperature tank is a safety condition and the machine must stay off.
- Code
- E5
- Maker
- Blakeslee
- Equipment
- Conveyor dish machines
- Applies to
- RC-series rack conveyor with scrolling-text display and LED bar
What does Blakeslee error code E5 mean?
Wash tank 1 is limited to a maximum temperature, and the control watches the probe against that ceiling. If the reading rises above it, the control cuts the heater and displays E5 WASH1 OVERTEMPERATURE. The manual lists the entry as wash tank 1 over-temperature and says to turn off the appliance and contact Technical Service. Unlike E3 there is no reset step to try, because the heat is the problem. Common causes are a contactor that stays closed, a probe that reads too low, or a tank that has fallen low on water while the heater is on. Overheated wash water is a scald hazard and also damages seals and breaks down detergent, so the control would rather stop the line.
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
- E5 WASH1 OVERTEMPERATURE on the display
- Steam rising from the machine
- Wash water very hot to the touch
- Machine stops and stays off
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E5 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Tank heater contactor welded closed
- Tank probe reading lower than the real temperature
- Wash tank running low on water with the heater on
- Heater output not switching off
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the appliance off and switch off the disconnect.
- Keep hands and face away from the tank and steam.
- Let the machine cool completely before opening anything.
- Do not restart to see whether it clears.
- Note the display text and anything you saw, such as heavy steam or low water.
How a technician diagnoses error code E5
- Read the alarm history and note any earlier E1 or E2 entries.
- With power locked out, check the contactor for welded contacts.
- Compare the probe reading with a reference thermometer.
- Confirm the tank fills and holds its level.
- Test the element and safety devices and replace the confirmed part.
- The tank may hold water hot enough to scald.
- A stuck contactor is a line-voltage problem found with the supply locked out.
- Separating a bad probe from a bad control output needs a meter and a reference thermometer.
How error code E5 differs from similar codes
E5 is wash tank 1 too hot. B5 is the same 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
Is E5 serious?
Yes. The manual says to turn the appliance off, because a tank over its limit can scald.
Will it restart after cooling?
It may, but if the heater control is stuck it will overheat again.
Can low water cause E5?
It can, because the element heats a smaller amount of water faster.
Need help with Blakeslee error code E5?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.