Error: Heating Circuit | Cinderella Incineration Toilet
Apr 30, 2024
Heating Circuit errors are common in older units as components start to degrade, but are most typical when the unit is overheating from lack of cleaning and/or fresh air. In this article we will discuss prevention, identification and troubleshooting.
All Cinderella electric models - Comfort and Classic - will indicate a Heating Circuit error by presenting the RED LED as "OFF", the YELLOW LED will be "flashing", and GREEN as solid "ON" . The display (if applicable) will read ‘‘Error Heating Circuit,” and you will hear continuous beeping until the unit is reset.
The Comfort and Freedom models are equipped with an LCD display that provides detailed error messages, while the Travel models feature a unique control panel without an LCD display.
Common issues tips and troubleshooting:
- Ensure the fresh air intake is clear of obstruction or debris and is installed to Cinderella specification. Lack of fresh air is the most common cause to the Heating Circuit error.
Cinderella Comfort Intake Specifications:
Supplying fresh air from the outside and into the appliance is essential for cooling, circulation and the supply of oxygen to the incineration process. If the toilet has restricted access to air / oxygen, you will experience poor incineration, reduced efficiency and possibly overheating of the appliance. Poor incineration over time will wear on the product and void your warranty.
The maximum length of the intake pipe is 20" and cannot have any bends.
- Check the overheat protection following the manual excerpt below.
Understanding Overfilling
Some corrosion is to be naturally expected even though we are using a combination of highly resistant stainless steel and Incoloy materials. With normal cabin use the toilet will last for 4-6 years before any of the components are necessary to replace. When used daily the wear and tear will increase and with that the need for self-maintenance and service.
Signs of Overfilling:
HEATER ELEMENT, THERMOCOUPLE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER.Urine in the ash container will be boiled, during this process the fluid will expand and create bubbles that can come in direct contact with heating element, thermocouple and catalytic converter and by that deposit salts and acidic residues. How acid the urine is will vary from person to person. This is why it is important not to exceed the guidelines for use (4 visits per hour) allowing enough time for the urine to evaporate and thereby preventing urine to get in direct contact. Frequent emptying and cleaning of the ash container will also contribute to a more efficient incineration.
The heater element is the first component that will be damaged by overfilling even though it is made of Incoloy, a material with high corrosion and temperature resistance. Overfilling can be seen as a white and yellow buildup on top of the heating element. See image 1.
HEATER ELEMENT, THERMOCOUPLE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Even though there is very little space between the ash container and upper part of the incineration chamber urine liquid will find a way to push through the gap when overfilling. This can be seen as residues forming on top of the ash container, along the outer surface of the container and around the insulation of the incineration chamber.
Overfilling will also lead to more corrosion to the incineration chamber surface. Cinderella electric models have a small air vent at the very back of the incineration chamber, this is also a way for the urine to escape when overfilling. Urine will be soaked up by the insulation and can create a bad smell. It will also contribute to corrosion at the back parts of the incineration chamber.
- After inspecting the heating circuit components, you may require replacement and/or repairs. Please fill out the support form at the bottom of this page to initiate the technical support team.
- An authorized dealer, technician or electrician can use the chart below to determine if the heating element values are within specification or is required to be replaced.
- A clogged catalytic converter will also cause the unit to overheat and may require replacement if damaged. Some customers have been able to unclog the catalyst by performing the catalyst rinse as described in the manual. See excerpt below. Be sure to use a funnel ensuring no water is spilled into the unit.
Classic, Freedom and Comfort Models Weekly Cleaning:
Still require assistance?
Please fill out the Official Cinderella Support Form for North America so an authorized Cinderella technician can review your case.