Dehumidifier will not start and displays E1 on the control panel

Safety first: Unplug the dehumidifier from the mains before removing any covers. Do not work on the unit while it is connected to power.

Steps to check and fix:

• Power reset: Unplug the unit for 10 minutes, then plug back in and try again. Sometimes E1 can be a temporary logic error.
• Locate the ambient temperature sensor: On most Russell Hobbs dehumidifiers, the room NTC sensor is clipped near the air intake grille or mounted on the evaporator inlet area, connected by two thin wires to the main control PCB.
• Inspect the wiring: Remove the front or side panel as per the user manual. Check the sensor wires for cuts, pinches, or burn marks. Ensure the plug is firmly seated on the main PCB connector.
• Check the sensor resistance: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the sensor from the PCB. Use a multimeter set to kΩ. At room temperature (around 20–25°C), a typical NTC sensor should read between about 5–20 kΩ (exact value varies by model). If it reads open (OL) or near 0 Ω, the sensor is faulty.
• Clean and reconnect: If resistance is reasonable, spray a small amount of contact cleaner on the connector, let dry, and reconnect firmly.
• Replace the sensor if faulty: If the sensor is open/shorted, replace it with a compatible Russell Hobbs ambient NTC temperature sensor for your exact model. Route the new sensor wiring away from sharp metal edges and moving parts.
• Suspect the PCB: If a known-good sensor still gives E1, the temperature input circuit on the main control PCB may be defective and the board will need replacement by a qualified technician.