Perlick Back Bar Cooler Error Code E1 and Troubleshooting
Error, alarm and light codes explained
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Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
On Perlick commercial back bar coolers, a flashing E1 on the LED controller means a thermostat probe failure, and Perlick says to contact your dealer or service. Most other back bar complaints, such as warm compartments, long run times and condensation, trace to a dirty condenser, blocked louvers, a door that is not sealing, or warm product loaded recently.
Which units this page covers
This page uses Perlick's Commercial Back Bar Installation and Operation Manual, Form No. Z2604 Rev A (04.20.23). It covers remote and self-contained back bars (BBR, BBS, BBRLP, BBSLP), narrow door (BBRN, BBRSN), pass-thru (PTR, PTS), sliding door (SDB, SDP), dual-zone (DZS) and direct draw models. Perlick residential undercounter units use a different controller and are not covered here.
Perlick back bar code and symptom table
| What you see | Cause (per Perlick) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E1 flashing on the LED controller | Thermostat probe failure | Contact your dealer or a refrigeration technician |
| Unit not running | No power, breaker tripped, ON/OFF keypad off, condenser dirty | Reset the breaker, turn the keypad on, clean the condenser |
| Compartments warmer than usual | Preset not set properly; light left on; condenser dirty or blocked; door opened more often; louvers or fan guard blocked; warm product loaded | Reset presets, turn the light off, clean the condenser, clear louvers, wait 24 hours and recheck |
| System runs for long periods | Condenser dirty or blocked; door open longer or more often; warm product; hot day and warm room | Clean the condenser; this can be normal on hot, busy days |
| Condensation inside or outside | High humidity or frequent door opening; door not closing and sealing | Check door closing and seals; replace seals if needed |
| No interior light | Rocker switch off; LED board failed | Turn the switch on; contact the dealer for the LED board |
Temperatures Perlick designs for
- Standard back bars hold about 36°F, and the manual says to allow at least 24 hours for room-temperature product to reach storage temperature.
- Perlick says draft beer should be stored between 32°F and 38°F, and that improper temperature is the most common cause of dispensing problems: beer foams when it is too warm.
- Below 30°F beer can freeze, which Perlick warns can make it cloudy with an off taste.
- Dual-zone models ship at about 36°F for the refrigerator, 45°F for white wine and 60°F for red wine, with set ranges of 34°F to 42°F and 40°F to 60°F.
How to change the set point
- Press the set button: the display shows SET.
- Press it again: the current set point shows.
- Use the up or down keys within 15 seconds to change it.
- Press set to confirm. After 10 seconds the display returns to cabinet temperature.
Change the set point only to bring the unit back to its intended temperature. Turning it colder to make up for a dirty condenser or a bad gasket just makes the system run longer.
Clean the condenser every 3 months
Perlick's manual says the condenser behind the front grille should be cleaned every three months with a soft brush and vacuum. Bars are hard on condensers: lint, dust and spilled sugar build up fast. The manual warns not to damage the fins or tubing, and newer Perlick units use a flammable refrigerant, so the refrigeration tubes must not be nicked. Perlick also notes that damaging the condenser can damage the compressor and void the warranty.
When to call a technician
Call a technician for an E1 code, for a unit that stays warm 24 hours after the condenser is cleaned and the door seals checked, or for a unit that will not run with power and the keypad on.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
What does E1 mean on a Perlick back bar cooler?
Perlick's commercial back bar manual says a flashing E1 means a thermostat probe failure. The probe needs to be checked or replaced by a technician.
What temperature should a back bar beer cooler be?
Perlick designs standard back bars to hold about 36°F and says draft beer should be stored between 32°F and 38°F. Warmer beer foams when poured.
How often should I clean a Perlick condenser?
Every three months, according to Perlick's manual, using a soft brush and a vacuum without damaging the fins or tubing.
Why is there condensation on my back bar doors?
Perlick lists high humidity, frequent door opening, and doors that are not closing and sealing. Check the door seals and replace them if they are torn.
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