State Water Heater Error Codes

State Water Heaters are manufactured by A.O. Smith and use nearly identical control systems. State models include ProLine, ProLine XE, Select, Vertex, and Premier series. Error codes depend on the model type.

Gas Tank Models - LED Flash Codes

State gas water heaters with piezo ignition and thermocouple control use an LED status indicator on the gas valve:

Flash Code	Meaning	Action
1 flash (slow)	Normal, pilot lit	None
2 flashes	Thermopile voltage low	Clean thermocouple, relight pilot
3 flashes	Pressure switch (power vent)	Check vent, inducer
4 flashes	Exceeded temperature limit	Lower setpoint, check safety
5 flashes	Sensor fault / wrong reading	Replace temperature sensor
6 flashes	Gas valve solenoid fault	Replace gas control valve
7 flashes	Pilot failed to light	Relight pilot, check thermocouple
Rapid flashing	Control board fault	Replace gas control valve

State gas valves are commonly made by Honeywell or White-Rodgers and use similar flash codes to Rheem and Bradford White.

Electric Models - Display Error Codes

State ProLine XE and Select electric water heaters with digital controls:

Code	Meaning	Fix
E1	Upper element or sensor fault	Test element (see below)
E2	Lower element or sensor fault	Test lower element
E3	Thermostat or sensor fault	Replace thermostat
E4	Control board error	Replace board
E5	High limit tripped	Reset, investigate
EE	EEPROM memory fault	Power cycle, then replace board

Testing Electric Elements

Most State electric water heaters use two heating elements (upper and lower). To test:

Turn off circuit breaker
Remove access panel, push insulation aside
Disconnect wires from element
Set multimeter to ohms
Measure across the two element terminals
Normal: 8-25 ohms depending on wattage
Shorted element: reads 0 ohms: replace immediately
Open element: reads OL: replace

Common State element spec: 4500W / 240V = ~12.8 ohms

Resetting High Limit (E5)

The high-limit thermostat (ECO, Energy Cut Off) is behind the upper access panel, under the insulation. It’s a red-button reset device. After resolving the cause, such as thermostat failure or a failed element creating runaway heat, press the red button firmly until you hear a click.

Heat Pump Models - State Hybrid

State ProLine XE Heat Pump (GPHE series) shares controls with A.O. Smith Voltex:

Code	Meaning
E1	Temperature sensor fault
E2	Refrigerant system fault
E3	Fan motor fault
E4	Control board fault
E5	Compressor fault

In ELECTRIC mode, all E-codes disappear and the unit runs on resistance only. If your unit shows E2-E5 only in HEAT PUMP mode, the refrigerant circuit is at fault and requires a certified HVAC technician.

Power Vent Models - 3 Flashes Diagnosis

State power vent water heaters (SPDH, GPVD series) add a combustion blower to pull exhaust out. Code 3 flashes means the pressure switch on this blower didn’t close.

Check:

Blower running? Listen at the exhaust pipe.
Vent pipes clear? Check both ends outside.
Pressure switch hose connected and intact?
Test switch with gentle suction. It should close and read continuity.

Anode Rod and Water Quality

State water heaters come with a magnesium anode rod. If your water smells like sulfur, the anode is reacting with certain bacteria in the water. An aluminum/zinc anode rod eliminates the odor in many cases. Inspect the anode every 3-5 years.

When to Replace vs. Repair

Situation	Recommendation
Heater under 8 years, clear error code	Repair (replace component)
Heater 8-12 years, E4 (board fault)	Consider replacement because parts cost approaches heater value
Heater over 12 years, any fault	Replace entire unit
Heater leaking from tank body	Replace immediately because tanks do not repair

Focused Parts Searches

Before ordering, match the water-heating part to the model number, electrical rating, and failure symptom:

Quick FAQ

Who makes State water heaters?

State water heaters are made by A.O. Smith, so many State models share control systems, LED patterns, and repair logic with comparable A.O. Smith water heaters.

What does three flashes mean on a State power vent water heater?

Three flashes usually means the pressure switch did not close. Check whether the blower runs, vent pipes are clear, the pressure-switch hose is connected, and the switch closes.

How do you test a State electric water heater element?

Turn off the breaker, disconnect the element wires, and measure resistance across the terminals. Most 4500W 240V elements read about 12.8 ohms, while open or shorted elements should be replaced.

State Water Heater Error Codes - Gas, Electric, and Hybrid

Need this fixed instead of diagnosed?

Check the part before you book service.

State water heater thermopile

State electric water heater element

State water heater thermostat

Aluminum zinc anode rod