Hillrom VersaCare

Asset Type

Hospital Bed

Manufacturer

Hillrom

Model

VersaCare

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot Err1 on the Hillrom VersaCare scale display. Err1 indicates the bed scale system is not operating normally or is not clearing as expected. The bed may still move, but the scale should not be trusted for patient weight documentation until the issue is corrected and function checks pass.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Do not rely on the bed scale for medication dosing, fluid monitoring, daily weights, or clinical documentation while Err1 is active.
• If an accurate patient weight is needed, use another approved scale method or another bed.
• If the bed is occupied, do not perform troubleshooting that could affect patient safety, bed position, side rail function, or power reliability.
• Remove the bed from patient use if the scale function is required for care and the error cannot be cleared.

Verify the Reported Error

• Confirm the scale display shows Err1.
• Check whether the error appears during power-up, after the bed is plugged into AC power, or when the scale function is selected.
• Ask staff whether the bed was recently unplugged, moved, cleaned, or used for weighing.
• Verify that the issue is not a different scale message or user setup condition.

Check AC Power and Basic Bed Power

• Verify the bed is plugged into a working hospital-grade AC outlet.
• Confirm the power cord is fully seated and not damaged.
• Look for obvious power issues such as loose plug connection, damaged cord strain relief, intermittent display behavior, or no power indicators.
• If safe, try a known-good outlet to rule out a power source problem.

Cycle Bed Power

• Unplug the bed from AC power.
• Wait at least 10 seconds before reconnecting AC power.
• Plug the bed back into AC power and allow the electronics to restart normally.
• Check whether Err1 clears from the scale display.

Enable the Siderail Controls

• After restoring AC power, press the Enable key on the siderail controls.
• Attempt to access the scale function again.
• Observe whether Err1 clears, returns, or remains continuously displayed.
• If the error clears, continue with function checks before returning the bed to service.

Check for External Scale Interference

• Make sure the bed is not touching a wall, cart, furniture, equipment, or another bed.
• Check for linen, cables, drains, hoses, or accessories pulling against the bed frame.
• Remove objects hanging from or resting against the bed that could affect scale behavior.
• Inspect the scale control area for obvious damage, contamination, or stuck buttons.

Recheck Scale Operation

• With AC power restored, controls enabled, and external interference removed, attempt normal scale operation.
• Confirm whether the display operates normally or continues to show Err1.
• If Err1 clears, perform required bed function checks.
• If Err1 remains, remove the bed from service and escalate for repair evaluation.

Perform Function Checks if the Error Clears

• Verify scale display operation.
• Check siderail controls.
• Check bed up/down movement.
• Check head and knee section movement.
• Check hi-low operation.
• Check brake function.
• Check bed exit or related alarm functions if applicable.
• Verify the power cord and plug are safe for use.

Escalate if Err1 Remains

• If Err1 does not clear after AC power checks, power cycling, siderail Enable activation, and external interference checks, treat the issue as scale-system related.
• Remove the bed from service.
• Label the bed Out of Service.
• The likely next repair action is scale P.C. board replacement or bench evaluation by qualified service personnel.
• After repair, perform required function checks and confirm Err1 does not return.

If the Problem Persists

If Err1 remains after basic power checks, a 10-second AC power cycle, siderail Enable activation, and external scale interference checks, common external causes have been ruled out.

Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or bench evaluation. If the error remains after scale P.C. board replacement or repair attempts, contact Hill-Rom Technical Support.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot this issue on an active patient if the work could affect patient safety, bed position, power reliability, or scale accuracy. Move the patient to a backup bed or use another approved weighing method first.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Hillrom VersaCare bed reported with Err1 on scale display. Scale function unavailable during attempted use."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Verified Err1 on scale display. Checked AC power, cycled bed power with 10-second wait, pressed siderail Enable key, and inspected for external scale interference. Error cleared after reset, indicating temporary scale electronics fault."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Cycled bed power, enabled siderail controls, confirmed Err1 cleared, performed bed function checks, verified scale display operation, and returned bed to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

Err1 should be handled as a scale-system fault until proven otherwise. Start with patient safety, verify the displayed error, rule out power and external causes, reset the bed properly, and escalate when the error remains. Strong documentation protects patient care and repair history.

That is successful troubleshooting.