Henny Penny E-20B Error Code
Draft fan or air pressure switch stuck open
What does Henny Penny E-20B mean?
E-20B fires when the air pressure (vacuum) switch fails to close after the draft fan has been commanded on. During the startup sequence, the control turns the draft fan on and then checks that the air switch closes within a few seconds to confirm airflow is established. If the switch stays open, the control aborts ignition with E-20B to prevent firing burners without verified draft.
Symptoms
- Display shows E-20B and the ignition sequence stops before spark.
- Draft fan may be running but the air switch does not register.
- Fryer fails to light on every startup attempt.
- Vacuum hose to the air switch may be visibly disconnected or cracked.
Common causes
- Draft fan (blower motor) failed and is not spinning despite being commanded on.
- Air pressure (vacuum) switch contacts stuck open or worn out.
- Vacuum hose between the fan housing and switch disconnected, cracked, or collapsed.
- Wiring to the air switch disconnected or broken, preventing the signal from reaching the control.
- Blower wheel clogged with grease preventing sufficient airflow to actuate the switch.
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Diagnostic steps
Retry ignition via Timer button
Press the Timer button to re-attempt the ignition sequence. A single retry may succeed if the fan needed an extra moment to reach sufficient speed.
Confirm the draft fan is spinning
Listen for the blower motor during the startup sequence. If the fan is silent when it should run, the motor or its relay has failed.
Inspect the vacuum hose
Locate the rubber hose from the draft fan housing to the air pressure switch. Check both ends are firmly seated, and squeeze the hose along its length to find cracks or collapse points.
Test air pressure switch continuity with fan running
With the fan running, disconnect power and quickly measure continuity across the air switch terminals. The switch should read closed while the fan is operating; an open reading with the fan confirmed on means the switch is faulty.
Inspect the blower wheel for grease buildup
Remove the blower housing cover and inspect the blower wheel. Heavy grease accumulation reduces airflow below the threshold needed to close the air switch; clean the wheel with a degreaser.
When to call a professional
If the blower motor has failed or if the vacuum switch and hose both check out correctly yet E-20B persists, a licensed technician is needed to test the motor relay on the I/O board and verify gas valve wiring. Never attempt to bypass the air switch — it is a combustion safety device that prevents unvented gas buildup.
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Other Henny Penny Error Codes
No oil or low oil in vat
CPU/control board overheating
Oil overheating / temperature probe open
Temperature probe open circuit
Temperature probe shorted
High limit trip - safety device activated
Faulty FPS (Fat Polarity Sensor) probe
Drain valve open or drain switch failure
Air pressure switch failure - stuck closed
Electric heat amps too high
Program settings lost (memory issue)
Faulty power switch or I/O board
Sources: service.hennypennyhelp.com, operation.hennypennyhelp.com, operation.hennypennyhelp.com