Traulsen PFA: the Smart Control recorded a power failure
Newer R-Series cabinets use Traulsen's Smart Control.
Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm
- Controls and power
- Commercial controls and board repair
- Source: Traulsen
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What PFA
actually means.
Newer R-Series cabinets use Traulsen's Smart Control. Instead of flashing text on the home screen, it keeps alarms in a menu: PFA shows the power failure alarm, and next to it the control stores how long power was off and the cabinet temperature when it came back. The cabinet temperature alarm has its own status, tCA.
Traulsen commercial appliance display · also shown as Al, tCA
What to do when PFA 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.
MakeTraulsen
A Traulsen cabinet that starts to drift gets its visit as soon as the food inside has a safe place to go.
SourceTraulsen R-Series uprights owner's manual TR35743 (04-26), 'Models After July 2025' on traulsen.com owner's manuals
Described in Traulsen's R-Series uprights owner's manual TR35743 (04-26) for units built after July 2025 with the Smart Control.
Before you book,
in this order.
Each step comes from Traulsen's own guidance for PFA on its commercial appliances. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.
Unlock the keypad, open the alarm menu and read tPd and tCu to see how long power was lost and the warmest temperature reached.
Decide on the food using those numbers and your health code, and log them.
Clear PFA from the same menu so it reads normal again.
If PFA keeps setting with no outage you know of, book a visit.
Still there?
It usually turns into commercial controls and board repair. Book with the code and the model number.
What not to do
PFA is a record of a power event, not a failure of the control. A cabinet temperature problem shows under tCA instead.
What you may
notice with it.
The commercial appliance problems PFA tends to arrive with. Answer these at the commercial appliance before anyone is booked.
All problems
Where PFA usually leads
Commercial controls and board repair.
Traulsen
commercial appliances.
A Traulsen cabinet that starts to drift gets its visit as soon as the food inside has a safe place to go.
Traulsen commercial appliance repairMore Traulsen codes
Controls and power on other makes
Commercial cold storage
Reach-in and pass-through cabinets, walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers, prep and sandwich tables, undercounter units and blast chillers that hold a kitchen's food at safe temperatures.
Commercial cooking equipment
Fryers, griddles, charbroilers, restaurant ranges, convection and combi ovens, steamers, kettles, holding cabinets and toasters, on gas or electric, that make up the hot side of a kitchen line.
In Traulsen's own words
Power Failure Alarm Status
Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Described in Traulsen's R-Series uprights owner's manual TR35743 (04-26) for units built after July 2025 with the Smart Control.
Traulsen PFA 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 PFA.
Can I clear PFA myself?
How do I see how long my Traulsen lost power?
How do I clear PFA on a newer Traulsen?
Why does my new Traulsen have no ELE LOS message?
Back to your everyday
Still showing PFA?
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.