Danby air conditioner P1 error code: water tray full (portable)

What the P1 code means

P1 on a Danby portable air conditioner means the internal drain pan is full. The unit beeps 8 times and stops cooling, though the fan may keep running. Newer models such as the DPA080E3 show Ft for the same thing. Drain the water and the code clears.

A portable air conditioner pulls moisture from the air as it cools. Much of it is thrown onto the hot coil and leaves through the exhaust hose, but some collects in a tray in the base. When the tray reaches a set level, a switch stops the compressor and the display shows P1, or Ft on newer models, so water does not spill onto your floor.

P1 is not a fault. It is most common on humid days and in Dry mode, when the unit is removing a lot of water.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Hot, humid weather making more water than the unit can get rid of
2. Running in Dry mode without the continuous drain hose
3. Drain hose kinked or not running straight down
4. Unit not standing level
5. Water level switch stuck

How to fix the P1 code

Unplug the air conditioner or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn off and unplug

   Switch the unit off and unplug it before you drain it.

2. 2

   Step 2: Move it to a drain spot

   Carefully roll the unit to a floor drain, or put a shallow pan and towels under the bottom drain on the back.

3. 3

   Step 3: Drain the tray

   Remove the bottom drain plug and let all the water run out. Push the plug back in firmly so it seals and does not leak.

4. 4

   Step 4: Restore power

   Plug the unit back in. Danby says the P1 symbol disappears and the unit resumes normal operation once power is restored.

5. 5

   Step 5: Reset if it stays on

   If P1 is still showing with the tray empty, Danby says to turn the unit off and unplug it for at least 5 minutes, then try again.

You'll need: Shallow pan, towels.

How to reset the Danby air conditioner

1. Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
2. Unplug the unit and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, as Danby's manuals advise.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on. The compressor normally waits a few minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
4. If the same code comes back, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call Danby Consumer Care at 1-800-263-2629.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

• Portable AC drain hoseCheck prices

When to call a technician

If P1 or Ft persists after draining and a 5-minute unplug, Danby asks you to call Danby Consumer Care (1-800-263-2629) for further troubleshooting. A water level switch that sticks is the likely fault.

Models this applies to

• Portable air conditioners (DPA series)
• Window air conditioners (DAC series)

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Danby support.

Frequently asked questions