Rheem · ProTerra / Performance Platinum hybrid (Gen V, 240V)
Rheem ProTerra / Performance Platinum hybrid (Gen V, 240V) error code A126
Upper Element Error or Relay Stuck Closed
What it means
Heating element or control board failure. Heater disabled.
Also listed in: Electric Residential Hybrid Water Heater Use & Care Manual (earlier revision), AP23657 Rev 01, page 33
Also listed in: Electric Residential Hybrid Water Heater Use & Care Manual (earlier edition), AP21681, page 28
What Rheem says to do
These steps involve electrical testing or parts replacement. Rheem's manuals tell owners to leave that work to a qualified service technician.
Disconnect power to unit 2. Check resistance on element per included Ohm Reading Chart 3. If acceptable ohm reading is present, replace board 4. If ohm reading is not as it should be per included chart, replace
Last checked 2026-10-03.
Safety first
- CAUTION: For your safety DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring, thermostats, heating elements or other safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel. (p.31)
- WARNING: If the water heater has been subjected to fire, flood or physical damage, disconnect all power to water heater, and DO NOT operate the water heater again until it has been checked by a qualified service technician. (p.22)
From the manufacturer's manual for this series.
The same code on other models
Codes mean different things on different heaters. Match the series to the model number on your rating label.
Other ProTerra / Performance Platinum hybrid (Gen V, 240V) codes
- A004 (Comp.Shutdown: Discharge-Suction Trip)
- A005 (Compressor Shutdown: Discharge Temp High)
- T005 (Compressor Shutdown: Discharge Temp High)
- A006 (Suction Temperature Too Low)
- T006 (Suction Temperature Too Low)
- A008 (Detected Dry Fire Condition)
- T009 (Compressor wiring may be faulty)
- A009 (Compressor wiring may be faulty)
- A101 (Suction Temperature Sensor Failure)
- A102 (Ambient Temperature Sensor Failure)
- A103 (Lower Heater Temp Sensor Failure)
- A104 (Upper Heater Temp Sensor Failure)
- A105 (Evaporator Temp Sensor Failure)
- A106 (Discharge Temp Sensor Failure)
- A107 (Water Detected on Floor: Check For Leaks)
- A108 (Condensate Blocked: Unclog Line)
- A125 (Lower Element Error or Relay Stuck Closed)
- A127 (Element Wire Routing Error)
- A128 (Lower Element Relay Failure to Close Error)
- A129 (Upper Element Relay Failure to Close Error)
- A130 (Unit Off/Air Temp Freezing: Enable Unit)
- T131 (Clean Filter Reminder)
- T132 (Water Heater difficulty satisfying demand)
- A120 (Shutoff Valve Can't Close Error)
- A121 (Shutoff Valve Can't Open Error)
- A122 (Shutoff Valve Inputs in Error)
- A123 (Shut-Off Valve Not Installed)
- A200 (High Water Temp! [ECO] Call Tech Service)
- T300 (Water Leak Sensor Not Installed)
- A502 (Time Clock needs to be programmed)
- A503 (Time Clock not advancing time properly)
- T504 (WiFi Chip Communication Error)
- A900 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- T901 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- A902 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- A903 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- A904 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- A905 (Controller Fault: Call Tech Service)
- A906 (Power Board Temp. Protection Sensor Failure)