Henny Penny Electric Fryer Error Code E-26: Heat Amps Locked On
E-26 / HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON means failed contactors or a failed PC board. The code may appear even with the POWER switch off, so unplug the fryer or shut off the breaker before anyone services it.
High: the heat may not shut off, so the fryer must be isolated and checked before use.
- Code
- E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON
- Maker
- Henny Penny
- Equipment
- Fryers
- Applies to
- Open fryers OFE-321/322 (320 series)
What does Henny Penny E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON mean?
The Computron 1000 control looks for heating current when it has not asked for any. If current is flowing while the heat should be off, the control shows E-26 / HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON. The manual gives two causes: contactors that have stuck closed, or a failing PC board that keeps them energized. The action is to have the contactors and PC board checked. The manual adds a warning that matters: the code may appear even with the POWER switch off. That means the elements can still be powered, so the fryer should be unplugged or the breaker shut off before anyone services it. The message is different from E-25, where the current is too high while heating. Here the heat will not turn off. Cooks may smell hot oil or see the oil keep rising in temperature. If so, the fryer needs to be isolated at once.
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-26 can show even when the POWER switch is off.
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-26 / HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON on the controller
- Oil keeps heating
- Message shows with the POWER switch off
- Oil temperature climbs past the setpoint
Possible causes
Listed in Henny Penny's documentation
- Failed contactors
- Failed PC board
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Contactor contacts welded after heavy load
- Wiring between the board and contactor shorted
- Relay on the PC board stuck closed
Safe checks before calling for service
- Unplug the fryer or shut off its breaker right away.
- Let the oil cool and do not touch the elements or wiring.
- Do not use the fryer until a technician has checked it.
- Note E-26 and whether the oil kept heating, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON
- Isolate the fryer first by unplugging it or shutting off the breaker.
- Confirm E-26 and the state of the POWER switch.
- Check the contactors for welded contacts.
- Check the PC board output driving the contactors.
- Replace the failed contactor or board.
- The elements may stay powered even with the POWER switch off, so isolation is essential.
- Contactors and the PC board carry high-current line voltage.
- Stuck contactors can cause an oil fire.
How E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON differs from similar codes
E-26 means heat will not turn off; E-25 means heat current is too high.
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
Can I turn the fryer off with the switch?
The manual says the code may appear even with the POWER switch off, so unplug it or shut off the breaker.
Is this dangerous?
The oil may keep heating. Treat it as urgent.
Which part is wrong?
The manual lists contactors or the PC board.
Need help with Henny Penny E-26 HEAT AMPS ARE LOCKED ON?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.