Dexter F18: the drive detected current leaking to ground
F18 is Dexter's ground interruption message at the drive.
Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm
- Controls and power
- Commercial controls and board repair
- Source: Dexter
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What F18
actually means.
F18 is Dexter's ground interruption message at the drive. The drive and motor wiring, the ground wiring of the drive, motor and supply, and any damaged motor wires are checked.
Dexter commercial appliance display · also shown as DRIVE GFI
What to do when F18 shows on the commercial applianceKind of codeControls and power
The controller itself is reporting trouble, or the supply behind it is: a display with dead segments, a keypad that stopped responding after steam or degreaser got behind it, relays that stick, stored recipes or cycles that vanished overnight, a blown control fuse, or one leg of a three-phase feed missing so half the heat or the pump is gone. A full power cycle at the breaker, done as the manual describes, clears a passing glitch; a code that returns, a scorched smell or any sign of moisture behind the panel means the breaker stays off, and that is a visit.
Usually leads toCommercial controls and board repair
Controllers, touch panels, relays, contactors and interlocks tested, and replaced only when the evidence says so.
Shows up asCommercial Appliance Error Code on a Combi, Fryer, Dish Machine or Laundry Display
A commercial appliance error code appears as letters or numbers on a combi, fryer, reach-in controller, dish machine or laundry machine display, or as a flashing light or an alarm tone.
MakeDexter
A Dexter call in a laundromat is often set for opening time, before customers load the row and every pocket of the room is in use.
SourceDexter common troubleshooting and error code reference for T-Series vended front-loads (Part 8533, 9/19)
Dexter T-Series vended front-load machines (T-300 through T-1450) covered by Dexter's 2019 troubleshooting reference; the drive codes come from the variable frequency drive these models use.
Before you book,
in this order.
Each step comes from Dexter's own guidance for F18 on its commercial appliances. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.
Stop using the machine and keep the area around it dry.
Record the drive light code before switching the breaker off.
Book a visit; ground checks need meters and panels open.
Still there?
It usually turns into commercial controls and board repair. Book with the code and the model number.
What not to do
F18 is not a water leak message, although water on wiring can cause it. If you see water near the machine's power, keep people away and switch off the breaker from a dry spot.
What you may
notice with it.
The commercial appliance problems F18 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the commercial appliance before anyone is booked.
All problems
Where F18 usually leads
Commercial controls and board repair.
Dexter
commercial appliances.
A Dexter call in a laundromat is often set for opening time, before customers load the row and every pocket of the room is in use.
Dexter commercial appliance repairMore Dexter codes
All 15 Dexter codesControls and power on other makes
In Dexter's own words
This error is a ground fault interruption on the VF drive
Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Dexter T-Series vended front-load machines (T-300 through T-1450) covered by Dexter's 2019 troubleshooting reference; the drive codes come from the variable frequency drive these models use.
Dexter F18 commercial appliance repair,
where we come out.
The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.
All service areasTampa BayFL · 31 areas
Miami / South FloridaFL · 47 areas
New York MetroNY · 75 areas
HoustonTX · 36 areas
ChicagoIL · 50 areas
Los AngelesCA · 95 areas
San DiegoCA · 31 areas
Questions
about F18.
Can I clear F18 myself?
Is F18 on a Dexter a shock risk?
Can a wet floor cause F18 on a Dexter?
Will F18 clear after a reset on a Dexter?
Back to your everyday
Still showing F18?
A booking with a code goes further when it has the code as shown, the model and serial from the data plate, and a word on whether the unit still holds temperature, heats, rinses or spins. With those three, the office can match the likely part to your unit the same day.