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Heat pumps · Error codes · Hitachi
42Hitachi

42 on a Hitachi heat pump: Pressure ratio increase abnormality

Short answer

On a Hitachi heat pump, 42 means: Pressure ratio increase abnormality. The heat pump stops until the fault clears or is reset. An engineer is needed to fix the cause. The wording differs by model range — each is shown below.

Reviewed 23 September 2026 · 2 sources

What it means

On the Yutaki M (RASM monobloc)

The manual says: Pressure ratio increase abnormality.

Part involved: compression ratio.

Likely causes:

  • Compression ratio above limit (Yutaki M R32 4-7 HP).

On the Yutaki S (split air-to-water)

The manual says: Heating overload (outdoor).

Likely causes:

  • Outdoor heat exchanger clogging/short circuit; expansion valve closed-locked.

Is it safe?

On the Yutaki M (RASM monobloc)

Does the heat pump stop?Yes
SeverityFault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed
Engineer needed?Yes

The heat pump stops until the fault clears or is reset.

No need to switch off — call an engineer if it comes back.

Resetting itself: no.

Manual reset: Stop the unit (via unit controller / power off-on) after the cause is fixed.

On the Yutaki S (split air-to-water)

Does the heat pump stop?Yes
SeverityFault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed
Engineer needed?Yes

The heat pump stops until the fault clears or is reset.

No need to switch off — call an engineer if it comes back.

Resetting itself: unknown.

Manual reset: unknown.

What you can check

  • Read and note the alarm code and any retry code (e.g. P70) shown on the unit controller.
  • Check the heat pump supply breaker/isolator at the consumer unit is ON.
  • Restart once via the unit controller (or switch off/on at the isolator) - the manual states the unit must be stopped to release most alarms; if the code returns, call an engineer.

What the engineer will check

  • Follow SMGB0146 section 6.7 troubleshooting flowchart for alarm 42.
  • Check refrigerant charge and for leaks (F-gas qualified).
  • Check expansion valve operation and strainers for clogging.
  • Check heat exchanger/fan for blockage, pressure and temperature sensors.
  • Check water flow (low flow causes high-pressure trips in heating).

Who to ask for: F-gas certified refrigeration / heat pump engineer (Hitachi Yutaki trained).

Certification: F-gas certificate (Category I); A2L (R32) flammable refrigerant training for R32 units.

What you might notice

Sources

A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.

Reviewed: 23 September 2026