CH29 on a LG heat pump: Inverter compressor over-current (compressor phase current exceeds limit)
Short answer
On a LG heat pump, CH29 means: Inverter compressor over-current (compressor phase current exceeds limit). The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped. 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 LG, all models
The manual says: Inverter compressor over-current (compressor phase current exceeds limit).
Part involved: compressor / inverter PCB.
When it shows: Inverter compressor input current limit exceeded (e.g. 1ph 30-35 A, 3ph 24 A depending on manual).
Likely causes:
- Overload operation (pipe blocked/shielded, EEV failure, excessive refrigerant); compressor burnout (insulation/motor); low input voltage; inverter/outdoor PCB burnout.
On the THERMA V Water Heater (heat pump DHW cylinder)
The manual says: Compressor phase over-current (THERMA V water heater).
Part involved: inverter PCB / compressor.
When it shows: Compressor phase over-current.
Likely causes:
- Compressor phase over-current.
Is it safe?
On the LG, all models
| Does the heat pump stop? | Partly |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — clears by itself when the condition goes |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The heat pump keeps running with some functions stopped.
Resetting itself: yes – trouble clears when the condition is repaired; emergency operation must be restarted by the user after a power reset.
Manual reset: Not normally required; user restarts after power reset if emergency operation was running.
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 LG, all models
- 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. For this 'trouble' class LG allows temporary emergency operation: if the controller shows a pop-up offering it you may accept (OK) as a stop-gap; running costs will be higher, so do not use it long term. Emergency operation does not restart by itself after a power cut – you must switch it back on at the controller. Check (without opening any panels) that the outdoor unit is not blocked by leaves, debris, snow or ice and that nothing is stacked against the coil or fan grille.
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 LG, all models
- 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)
- 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 with LG Therma V training; F-gas certified refrigeration engineer for refrigerant-circuit work.
Certification: Competent person for electrical work (BS 7671); isolate and wait 3 min for DC-link discharge.
What you might notice
Sources
- AIR-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP SERVICE MANUAL (General) – R32 Hydrosplit, MFL68682007 ↗ · MFL68682007 · page 72, 95-98 · 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