Samsung Washing Machine OC Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

OC Check carefully Safe checks first

Quick answer

Samsung OC (or OE, OF) is an overflow warning. Samsung says too much washing powder or liquid may be the cause. Switch the power off for a minute and back on so the drain pump can empty the machine, then use less detergent next time. If it keeps happening, book a Samsung repair.

Also shown as OE OF E3

What OC means on a Samsung washing machine

The machine has detected an overflow: the water level, or foam, is higher than it should be.

Applies to: Samsung washing machines sold in the UK. Shown as OC, OE, OF or E3.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

For this fault: Samsung: switch off for 1 minute, then back on. The drain pump should then empty the machine.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

Clear excess foam and use less detergent

  1. If you can see a lot of foam in the drum, too much detergent may be confusing the water-level system.
  2. Use the dose on the detergent pack for your load size and water hardness. Use less for small or lightly soiled loads and soft water, and use a detergent made for automatic machines.
  3. Let the foam settle, then run a hot rinse or empty wash without detergent to flush the residue out.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear OC, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most OC cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung washing machine codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.