CH12 on a LG heat pump: Inverter PCB error (High Temperature split) – error occurrence in the indoor inverter PCB (see bc codes)
Short answer
On a LG heat pump, CH12 means: Inverter PCB error (High Temperature split) – error occurrence in the indoor inverter PCB (see bc codes). 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 THERMA V High Temperature Split
The manual says: Inverter PCB error (High Temperature split) – error occurrence in the indoor inverter PCB (see bc codes).
Part involved: indoor R134a inverter PCB.
When it shows: Inverter PCB fault.
Likely causes:
- Error occurrence in inverter PCB; the detailed cause is given by the bc-code shown.
On the THERMA V Water Heater (heat pump DHW cylinder)
The manual says: Mid pipe temperature sensor is not working (THERMA V water heater).
Part involved: thermistor.
When it shows: Mid pipe temperature sensor is not working.
Likely causes:
- Mid pipe temperature sensor is not working.
Is it safe?
On the THERMA V High Temperature Split
| Does the heat pump stop? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — needs a manual reset once the cause is fixed |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The heat pump stops until the fault clears or is reset.
Resetting itself: no.
Manual reset: Service-engineer repair and restart required (LG: resumed only after certificated professional's check).
On the THERMA V Water Heater (heat pump DHW cylinder)
| Does the heat pump stop? | Partly |
|---|---|
| Severity | Warning |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped.
Resetting itself: unknown.
Manual reset: Per LG corrective action; service engineer for most codes.
What you can check
On the THERMA V High Temperature Split
- Read the code on the controller (LG shows 'CH' + number; older wired controllers alternate 'CH' and the number) and note it together with the model number. Report it to your installer or an LG-authorised service centre – LG owner's manuals say an error code generated by self-diagnosis is a reason to call the service. This is an 'Error'-class fault: LG says the system can only be resumed after a qualified professional has checked it, so do not keep trying to restart it.
On the THERMA V Water Heater (heat pump DHW cylinder)
- Note the code shown on the water heater display. LG's corrective action: call LG technical support. While the fault is present the unit operates as: Use elements only – hot water will be heated more slowly/at higher cost.
What the engineer will check
On the THERMA V High Temperature Split
- Isolate and wait at least 3 minutes for DC-link capacitors to discharge. Check supply voltage (1ph 230 V ±15 %, 3ph 400 V ±15 %), outdoor fan free to rotate and heat exchanger unobstructed, service valves open, EEV operation, refrigerant charge/pressures (LGMV), compressor U-V-W wiring, winding resistance and insulation resistance, IPM/IGBTM diode test, then replace inverter PCB or compressor as indicated by LGMV fault-finding.
Who to ask for: Heat pump engineer / electrician (inverter and PCB diagnostics).
Certification: Competent person for electrical work (BS 7671); isolate and wait 3 min for DC-link discharge.
On the THERMA V Water Heater (heat pump DHW cylinder)
- Check the thermistor is fully inserted in its pocket/holder and the connector is seated on the correct PCB header; measure resistance unplugged (LG: pipe/water sensors 5 kΩ at 25 °C, room air sensor 10 kΩ at 25 °C, D-pipe sensor ~200 kΩ at 25 °C) and voltage plugged (~2.2–2.5 V DC at 25 °C) against LG resistance-temperature tables; replace sensor, then PCB if readings are correct.
Who to ask for: Heat pump engineer / electrician (inverter and PCB diagnostics).
Certification: Competent person for electrical work (BS 7671); isolate and wait 3 min for DC-link discharge.
What you might notice
Sources
- LG THERMA V High Temperature Installation Manual (AHUW166T3 / AHNW166T3 cascade R410A/R134a), MFL67212828 Rev.00 (2019) – ManualsLib 1770589 ↗ · MFL67212828 Rev.00_051519 · page 119-120 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
- LG Heat Pump Water Heater Owner's Manual WH20S F5 / WH27S F5 (EU/UK multilingual), MFL71409209 Rev.00 (2023) – ManualsLib 3195149 ↗ · MFL71409209 Rev.00_090823 · page 32 · Reviewed 23 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 23 September 2026