Lloyd AC Error Code HC — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

HC on a Lloyd AC means the outdoor unit has triggered its high current protection. Lloyd inverter split ACs monitor the current flowing through the compressor and inverter drive. When this current exceeds the safe limit, HC appears and the compressor shuts down to prevent damage.

Affected Models

Lloyd 1 Ton Inverter Split AC
Lloyd 1.5 Ton Inverter Split AC
Lloyd 2 Ton Inverter Split AC
Lloyd 5-in-1 Convertible AC
Lloyd GLS Series Inverter

Common Causes

Compressor drawing high current due to winding degradation or mechanical wear
PFC (Power Factor Correction) module fault on the outdoor PCB
Mains voltage consistently low — inverter draws higher current to maintain cooling output
Refrigerant overcharge from improper servicing
Outdoor unit heavily choked with dust on the condenser fins
Outdoor PCB IGBT module damaged — common after a power surge

How to Fix It

Turn off the AC at the remote and flip the circuit breaker off.

Fully de-energise the system and wait at least 15 minutes before any restart attempt.
Inspect the outdoor unit for blocked airflow.

Clear any vegetation, debris, or coverings from around the outdoor unit. Lloyd recommends 60 cm clearance at the front and 30 cm on the sides.
Try one restart if the fault appeared during a power fluctuation.

If HC appeared during a storm or power cut, one restart after a 15-minute wait is reasonable. If HC returns, do not retry — call a technician.
Call Lloyd service to diagnose whether the fault is in the PCB, compressor, or refrigerant system.

Lloyd service engineers are trained specifically on Lloyd AC models and carry the appropriate test equipment. The diagnostic visit will confirm the root cause before any parts are ordered.

When to Call a Professional

HC on Lloyd requires a licensed technician. Lloyd (a Havells brand) customer care: 1860-258-5858. Lloyd has service centres across India and technicians can typically be booked within 24-48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lloyd a reliable brand for inverter ACs?

Lloyd is a well-established Indian brand now owned by Havells, a major electrical company. Lloyd inverter ACs use components from established suppliers and are sold with a 5-year compressor warranty in India. HC appearing on a relatively new Lloyd AC should be investigated as a warranty claim.

Does HC on Lloyd mean I need a new outdoor unit?

Not necessarily. HC is repaired in many cases by replacing a faulty capacitor, PFC component, or IGBT module on the existing outdoor PCB — not the full outdoor unit. Full outdoor unit replacement is only needed if the compressor itself has mechanically failed. Get a proper diagnosis before agreeing to any parts replacement.