How to Troubleshoot an EF1 Electric Firefighting Monitor: Step-by-Step Guide

If your EF1 electric firefighting monitor isn’t responding as expected, troubleshooting can seem a little daunting. Due to its compact design and lack of a built-in keypad, the process for troubleshooting the EF1 is not as obvious as some of our other monitors. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to isolate the issue and verify whether your EF1 monitor, motor, or controls are working properly.

Whether you’re working with a joystick operator station or a panel mount, these instructions will help you test internal functions and diagnose problems using only a few basic tools.

Tools Required

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

  • 3mm Allen wrench
  • DC multimeter
  • Access to power and basic PPE

Step 1: Power Down and Remove the Lid

Start by ensuring all power to the EF1 monitor is turned off.

Then, using your 3mm Allen wrench, remove the lid of the monitor to expose the internal electronics.

Step 2: Isolate the Monitor

The EF1 is typically controlled remotely via a joystick or external panel, so to properly test the monitor itself, you need to isolate it from these external inputs.

  1. Locate the blue and white communication wires plugged into the top circuit board (the communication board).
  2. Disconnect these wires to isolate the monitor.

Once disconnected, no remote commands will reach the monitor. You’re now working in local test mode using internal controls only.

Step 3: Apply Power and Observe LED Indicators

Now, restore power to the unit.

You should observe two LEDs:

  • On the communication board: a solid green LED indicates proper power.
  • On the motor board (located below): a flashing green LED shows readiness.

Step 4: Use the Internal Push Buttons to Test Movement

Even though the EF1 has no external keypad, there are two small push buttons on the communication board used for testing.

By default, these buttons control the horizontal (X-axis) motion:

  1. Press each button individually.
  2. The monitor should move left and right.

If movement occurs, your horizontal motor and circuit boards are functioning correctly.

Step 5: Test the Vertical Axis

To test vertical motion:

  1. Turn the power off again.
  2. Physically move the vertical motor wires to the horizontal terminal on the board.
  3. Restore power.
  4. Press the same two push buttons.

Now, the monitor should move up and down. If it does, your vertical motor and wiring are good.

Tip: The circuit board is clearly labeled for horizontal, vertical, and nozzle functions to prevent wiring mix-ups.

Step 6: Monitor Motor Board LEDs During Movement

While testing motion, look for two small LEDs next to the flashing green light on the motor board.

These should:

  • Turn solid when the motor moves
  • Stay on during movement
  • Turn off only when motion stops

If these LEDs do not light, or flash briefly and turn off, there may be a communication problem between the motor board and communication board.

Step 7: Reconnect Communication Lines and Test Remote Operation

Once you’ve confirmed that both axis motors are functioning properly:

  1. Power off the unit again.
  2. Reconnect the blue and white communication wires.
  3. Power the monitor back on.
  4. Use your joystick or external operator station to test remote operation.

If remote control still doesn’t function, the problem may be with the joystick, cabling, or power supply to the operator station, not the monitor itself.

Need More Help with Your EF1 Monitor?

If these steps confirm that your EF1 electric monitor is functioning but you’re still experiencing issues with remote operation, contact TFT’s technical support team or your OEM service provider.