What it means
Samsung US uses HC for this and calls HE a heater error, where the temperature inside is being read incorrectly. Samsung UK lists HC and HE together as one high temperature fault. The first steps are the same either way.
What to check, in order
- Reset the power
Switch off at the circuit breaker or the wall, then back on. Samsung US says 30 seconds is enough; Samsung UK says to wait at least 5 minutes.
- Run an empty cycle
Take the dishes out, add detergent and run a Normal cycle.
- Check the hot water supply
Samsung US asks for water at 120 to 149°F (49 to 65°C) and no hotter. Samsung UK says to check the incoming water is normal.
- Clean the filters
Samsung UK adds that the filters should be clean.
When to call an engineer
If the code comes back after a reset and an empty cycle. Samsung says to switch off at the breaker and contact its service centre: the heater and its sensor aren't a home repair.
A repair visit will usually check the temperature sensor, the thermostat and the cooling fan.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Good to know
- On US and Canadian models with rotating spray arms, 1E or IE is the same high temperature error as HC. See 1E.
Checked against
- Samsung US: dishwasher error codes
- Samsung UK: what the error codes on your dishwasher mean
- Samsung US: dishwasher water supply requirements
Last reviewed September 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word.