Norcold 1200 / 1210 AC HE Code (What you need to know!)

Posted by Sr Tech Brian on 13th Oct 2026

Norcold 1200 / 1210 AC HE Code (What you need to know!)

AC.↔HE.

AC HE CODE

Norcold 1200 / 1210 AC HE Code (AC Heaters Failed Open)

The display alternates between AC and HE and the alarm beeps. The fridge tried to run on 120V electric, but almost no current reached the AC heaters (under 0.5 amps), so it recorded the fault. In AUTO mode this code only sets after propane has also locked out, so check the propane side too.

Before you start

  • When it sets. In AUTO, once AC heater current drops below 0.5 amps and AUTO LP has also locked out. In manual AC mode, as soon as the current drops. Either way, about 25 seconds after it happens, while the fridge is calling for cooling.
  • Two heaters. The 1200 and 1210 use two AC heaters. One working heater still draws current, so this code usually means both are open or neither is connected.
  • Check the outlet first. Electric cooling needs at least 108 volts AC at the fridge’s outlet.
  • Stay safe. Unplug the fridge from 120V before touching heater wires.

STEP 1

Check the heater wiring

Behind the lower outside vent, follow both heaters’ leads to the power board. The black leads go to AC_HT_LO and AC_HT_LO_2. The yellow leads go to AC_HT_HI and AC_HT_HI_2.

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?

Are both heaters connected correctly to the power board?

NO
▼

Connect the heaters correctly

Plug the black leads onto AC_HT_LO and AC_HT_LO_2, and the yellow leads onto AC_HT_HI and AC_HT_HI_2. Then reset the fridge (OFF, then ON) on AC. See are your AC heaters hooked up properly?

YES
▼
Go to Step 2 ▼

STEP 2

Measure each heater

With the fridge unplugged, pull each heater’s leads off the power board. Set your meter to ohms and measure across each heater’s black and yellow leads.

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?

Does each heater read 58–68 ohms?

NO
▼

Replace the heaters

A heater outside 58–68 ohms, or with no reading at all, has failed open. Replace any heater that fails the test. Check your cooling unit’s serial number (on its label) to pick the right one:

Norcold 618872 AC Heater Norcold AC Heater 618872 →For cooling units with serial number 11231145 and below. Two per fridge. Norcold AC Heater (backer style) 630807 →For cooling units with serial number 11231146 and above. Two per fridge.
YES
▼
← All Norcold 1200 / 1210 parts
Still stuck? ask a tech with your model, serial number and the readings you got. We’ll confirm the part before you order.
Based on the Norcold 1200/1210 service manual, AC HE Code (AC Heaters Failed Open) flowchart.
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