Continental Girbau Washer Error Code ALn / VAR 5: DC Bus High Voltage
ALn / VAR 5 (also U-48 or U-49) means the inverter measured too high a voltage on its internal DC bus. Restart the washer once, and if the alarm returns, have the supply voltage checked before anything is replaced.
High: the inverter cuts the drive and the washer stops until the voltage problem is resolved.
- Code
- ALn / VAR 5, ALn / U-48, ALn / U-49
- Maker
- Continental Girbau
- Equipment
- Coin & card laundry
- Applies to
- E-Series washer-extractors with Logi / LogiPro / Vended control
What does Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 5 mean?
Inside the inverter, incoming AC power is converted to a steady DC voltage called the DC bus, and the drive builds motor power from it. The inverter watches that voltage. If it rises above its limit, the inverter stops its output and the control displays ALn / VAR 5. U-48 and U-49 are the matching codes on the same row. The manual lists U-49 with VAR 5 and not with VAR 6. The manual points first to the supply: voltage into the inverter that is outside the recommended range, either too high or too low, can trigger the alarm. If the supply is within range, the inverter itself or the inductor, where one is fitted, becomes the suspect. The manual lists three causes: out-of-range input voltage, a bad inverter and a bad inductor on machines that have one. A technician takes a voltage reading at the inverter input and compares it with the machine's rating before replacing any part.
Affected models and control systems
Continental Girbau E-Series washer-extractors with Logi, LogiPro or Vended control, sheet names EH020, EM025, EH060, RMG055 and smaller. VAR 5, U-48 and U-49 share one row on the ST-101 sheet.
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
- ALn / VAR 5, U-48 or U-49 on the display
- Alarm appears during deceleration or after a power surge
- Drum stops and the cycle ends early
Possible causes
Listed in Continental Girbau's documentation
- Out-of-range input voltage
- Bad inverter
- Bad inductor (if equipped)
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code ALn / VAR 5 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Building supply running above the nameplate voltage at quiet times of day
- Motor braking during slowdown pushing the bus voltage up on a heavy load
- Loose or heat-damaged supply lug causing swings at the inverter input
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press stop and wait for the drum to come to rest.
- Turn the washer off at its disconnect for one minute and restart it.
- Ask the building engineer whether other equipment on the same feed has had voltage problems or breaker trips.
- Leave the panels closed. Note the time of day and when in the cycle the alarm appears.
How a technician diagnoses error code ALn / VAR 5
- Read the alarm and confirm it is on the VAR 5, U-48 or U-49 row.
- Measure supply voltage at the inverter input and compare it with the machine's rating, at idle and under load.
- Check for loose or burnt supply connections.
- Inspect the inductor if the machine has one.
- If supply and inductor test good, replace the inverter.
- Voltage measurements at the inverter input are taken on energized 208-240 V or higher circuits.
- A supply problem may sit in the building feed, which needs the facility electrician as well.
- The inverter and inductor carry stored energy and should be handled only by trained staff.
How error code ALn / VAR 5 differs from similar codes
VAR 6 and VAR 7 are heat alarms in the inverter. VAR 5 is a voltage alarm, which is why it is checked against the supply rather than airflow.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Continental Girbau owner support
- Edition
- 3/18/24
- Models / control
- E-Series washer-extractors with Logi / LogiPro / Vended control
- Section
- Alarm table, 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 Continental Girbau coin & card laundry error codes
Can too low a voltage cause this alarm?
The manual says supply voltage outside the recommended range, high or low, can trigger it, so both ends are checked.
Is the inverter always the problem?
No. The manual lists the supply voltage first, and the inverter only after the supply is checked.
What is the difference between U-48 and U-49 here?
On this sheet both are listed with VAR 5 as the same DC bus high-voltage alarm.
Need help with Continental Girbau error code ALn / VAR 5?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.