Atlas Copco Elektronikon Fault, Warning & Shutdown Messages
What the alerts on your Atlas Copco controller actually mean — and how to respond. Written by controller specialists, based on official instruction books.
How the Elektronikon shows alerts
Elektronikon uses three tiers, indicated by a warning/alarm sign and a separate service sign:
| Category | What it means | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Warning (shutdown warning) | A value passed a warning level below the shutdown level — the machine keeps running. | Warning LED lit steady + message on screen |
| Shutdown | A value passed the shutdown level, or a protective input tripped — the unit stops automatically. | Alarm LED flashing + shutdown screen names the parameter |
| Service warning | A programmed service interval (running hours / calendar) has been exceeded. | Dedicated service sign lit + service message |
Example (GA37): an element-outlet reading of 122 °C against a programmed 120 °C shutdown raises a shutdown warning. Exact trip points vary by model — check your machine's manual.
Common shutdown conditions (machine stops)
| Message / condition | Meaning | Typical cause | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| High element / air outlet temperature | Discharge temp above shutdown level | Low or degraded oil, blocked cooler, poor ventilation, high ambient, fan or thermostatic-valve fault | Let it cool; check oil level/quality, clean coolers, verify fan & airflow, check ambient |
| Drive / fan motor overload | Motor protection tripped | Mechanical binding, over-pressure, supply voltage fault, failing motor/bearing | Inspect motor & overload relay, check supply phases, verify airend turns freely |
| Emergency stop | E-stop / safety circuit open | E-stop pressed, open door/interlock | Release E-stop, close interlocks, confirm safe, reset |
| Sensor / transducer error (PT100 / pressure) | Sensor reads out of range, open or short | Broken wire, corroded connector, failed sensor, fouled sensing line | Inspect wiring & connector, clean sensing line, replace sensor |
| High net / vessel pressure | Delivery pressure above limit | Faulty inlet/unloader valve, sensor drift, blocked outlet | Check inlet/blow-off valve, verify sensor, check downstream |
Common warnings (runs, but flagged)
| Message / condition | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| High element outlet temperature (warning) | Above warning, below shutdown | Address cooling before it escalates to a shutdown |
| High dewpoint (integrated-dryer models) | Air moisture / dryer not reaching dewpoint | Inspect dryer, condenser, refrigerant circuit and drains |
| High differential pressure (filter / separator) | Restriction across a filter or oil separator | Inspect / replace the affected element |
| Condensate drain fault | Electronic drain not draining | Clear the drain, check valve & wiring |
Service warnings
Service messages are running-hour or calendar counters — for the overall service plan and for individual items (air filter, oil filter, oil-air separator, oil lifetime). Carry out the scheduled work, then reset the relevant counter. These are maintenance reminders, not faults.
VSD / drive faults (GA VSD / VSD+)
On variable-speed machines, drive-related faults are usually raised by the inverter and relayed by the Elektronikon. The exact string depends on the specific drive — read the code off the drive keypad and check that drive's manual. Commonly reported examples (distributor-sourced, not manufacturer-verified) include "drive not healthy", motor over-temperature, overcurrent/overvoltage and communication timeout. For those, power-cycle controller and drive together, check the drive keypad, reseat interface connectors and verify cooling.
Verified numeric codes — Xc portable controllers (not Elektronikon)
These apply to Xc-equipped portable diesel compressors, not Elektronikon stationary units. On the Xc a red banner = shutdown and an orange banner = warning. Selected codes from the official Atlas Copco Xc1004 quick-start guide:
| Code | Meaning | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 / 1521 / 1522 | Service interval | 4050 / 4060 | Engine coolant temperature alarm |
| 2000 | Emergency stop | 4070 | Coolant temp sensor circuit |
| 2010 | Coolant temperature alarm | 6309 | Engine preheat failure |
| 2020 | Engine oil pressure alarm | 6327 | Start failure |
| 2030 | Engine coolant level | 6420 | Stop failure |
| 2040 | Compressor element temperature | 6427 | Run failure |
| 3000 / 3010 | Fuel level alarm | 7000 | ECU communication error |
| 3050 / 3060 | High vessel pressure alarm | 7020 | Engine speed alarm |
| 3080 | Vessel pressure sensor circuit | 7150 / 7160 | DEF tank level 1 / 2 |
| 3450 / 3460 | Battery low / high | 4990 | VDO sensor circuit |
Source: Atlas Copco Xc1004 quick-start guide (doc 2958 2280 00).
When to call a specialist
- A fault that returns immediately after a proper reset.
- Repeated overcurrent / overvoltage / "drive not healthy" after the basics are checked.
- Parameter corruption with no verified backup.
- Any sign of board damage, arcing or a burnt smell — and any electrical work you're not equipped for.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Atlas Copco Elektronikon use numeric fault codes?
No. Elektronikon controllers on stationary GA/GX/ZR compressors display plain-text messages such as 'Element outlet' or 'Emergency stop', not a numeric code table. The sequential numeric lists (e.g. '101 = high temperature') published on some websites are not from Atlas Copco and cannot be verified — real numeric alarm codes exist only on the Xc controllers used on portable diesel machines.
What does a flashing alarm LED mean on an Elektronikon?
A steady (lit) warning LED indicates a warning — the machine keeps running. A flashing/blinking alarm LED indicates a shutdown — the machine has stopped to protect itself. A separate service sign lit means a service interval is due.
How do I reset an Elektronikon shutdown?
Switch off the voltage and remedy the fault first. Once the condition has cleared, switch the voltage back on, press the Reset (confirm) button under the reset icon, return to the main screen and restart. Never keep resetting without fixing the root cause — it can damage the machine.
Controller faulty or unclear? Send us the message on your screen and your machine serial — we help diagnose it and supply a correct, pre-programmed replacement if needed.