--- title: "GE Bad Line — a wiring problem, not a broken cooking appliance" description: "What Bad Line means on GE Bad Line — a wiring problem, not a broken cooking appliances, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all." url: "https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/ge-bad-line/" --- # GE Bad Line — a wiring problem, not a broken cooking appliance GE's own support material describes Bad Line as a message that appears when power is applied to the unit but the circuit has not been wired correctly, on GE's electric ranges and wall ovens. ## What Bad Line actually means. GE's own support material describes Bad Line as a message that appears when power is applied to the unit but the circuit has not been wired correctly, on GE's electric ranges and wall ovens. It is not a symptom of a failing part; it is the control reporting what it is seeing at the terminal block the moment it is first powered. GE appliance display · also shown as BAD LINE What to do when Bad Line shows on the appliance ### Kind of code Power and wiring Some new appliances check the supply they are plugged into and say so when it is wrong: voltage too low or too high, the live and neutral reversed, or no ground. On a new install that points to the outlet, the circuit behind it or the cord kit, not to the appliance. Leave it unplugged or the breaker off; a changed outlet, a new circuit or a panel repair is a licensed electrician's job, and the appliance is connected once that is done. ### Usually leads to Pre-installation site check A visit before you order: opening, path in, gas, water, drain, power and exhaust checked against the spec sheet. ### Shows up as Breaker Trips on the First Run: Leave It Off and Find Out Why When the breaker trips on the first run, power to a newly installed appliance is cut the moment it starts to heat, spin, cool or pump. ### Make GE GE installs are the everyday ones: a refrigerator onto its water line, a range onto gas or a 240-volt outlet, a dishwasher under the counter, a laundry pair. ### Source GE Appliances support — Range & Wall Oven Error and Function Codes GE documents Bad Line on its electric range and wall oven control platform; it is not printed on gas models, which use a different ignition and control layout. ## Before you book, in this order. Each step comes from GE's own guidance for Bad Line on its appliances. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit. 01 Turn the circuit breaker off before touching anything at the back of the unit. 02 Confirm which wiring diagram the installer used matches the nameplate rating of this specific model. 03 Leave the connection itself to the installer or a licensed electrician to correct — book a visit rather than opening the terminal block. 04 Once the wiring is corrected, restore power and confirm the message clears and the unit heats normally. ### Still there? It usually turns into [pre-installation site check](https://applianceinstallation.center/services/diagnostic-visit/). Book with the code and the model number. ### What not to do Bad Line does not point at the control board, the heating element or any other part inside the unit. GE's own instruction is to have the wiring itself corrected, after which the same control works normally. ## What you may notice with it. The appliance problems Bad Line tends to arrive with. Answer these at the appliance before anyone is booked. [All problems](https://applianceinstallation.center/problems/) Before you call ### [Breaker Trips on the First Run: Leave It Off and Find Out Why](https://applianceinstallation.center/problems/breaker-trips-on-first-run/) [All 6 causes, cheapest first](https://applianceinstallation.center/problems/breaker-trips-on-first-run/) It also comes with - [**Plug Does Not Fit the Outlet: Cords, Receptacles and Circuits**](https://applianceinstallation.center/problems/plug-does-not-fit-the-outlet/) - [**Appliance Installation Code on a New Unit: Setup Modes and Hookup Messages**](https://applianceinstallation.center/problems/appliance-installation-code/) Hazard after a hookup ### Breaker Trips on the First Run: Leave It Off and Find Out Why 6 causes, cheapest first Where Bad Line usually leads ## Pre-installation site check. Book a visit [What the job involves](https://applianceinstallation.center/services/diagnostic-visit/) ## GE appliances. GE installs are the everyday ones: a refrigerator onto its water line, a range onto gas or a 240-volt outlet, a dishwasher under the counter, a laundry pair. [GE appliance installation](https://applianceinstallation.center/brands/ge/) More GE codes [⊃ (backward C)](https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/ge-sabbath-oven/) [H2O](https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/ge-h2o/) Power and wiring on other makes [Gaggenau E:9001](https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/gaggenau-e9001/) [Monogram Bad Line](https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/monogram-bad-line/) GE builds this ### Cold storage Setting a new refrigerator, freezer, wine or beverage unit or ice maker into its opening: measured, connected to water, leveled and started. GE builds this ### Cooking appliances Hooking up ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves and hoods: gas connectors leak-tested, anti-tip brackets fastened, ducts sized and the first light checked. GE builds this ### Dish care Fitting a new dishwasher or dish drawer under the counter: supply line, drain loop or air gap, power, mounting brackets and a first test cycle. ## In GE's own words > This code displays when power is applied to the unit but it has not been wired correctly. Contact an installer or electrician to correct the mis-wire and the oven will function normally. [GE Appliances support — Range & Wall Oven Error and Function Codes](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=16238) Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. GE documents Bad Line on its electric range and wall oven control platform; it is not printed on gas models, which use a different ignition and control layout. ## GE Bad Line appliance installation, where we come out. The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered. [All service areas](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/) [Tampa Bay](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/) FL · 31 areas - [Hyde Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/hyde-park/) - [Davis Islands](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/davis-islands/) - [Palma Ceia](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/palma-ceia/) - [Westchase](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/westchase/) - [Carrollwood](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/carrollwood/) - [Belleair](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/belleair/) - [St. Pete Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/st-pete-beach/) - [Palm Harbor](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/tampa-bay/palm-harbor/) [Orlando](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/) FL · 30 areas - [Winter Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/winter-park/) - [Windermere](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/windermere/) - [Dr. Phillips](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/dr-phillips/) - [Bay Hill](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/bay-hill/) - [Lake Nona](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/lake-nona/) - [Heathrow](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/heathrow/) - [Celebration](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/orlando/celebration/) [Miami / South Florida](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/) FL · 47 areas - [Brickell](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/brickell/) - [Coconut Grove](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/coconut-grove/) - [Coral Gables](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/coral-gables/) - [Pinecrest](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/pinecrest/) - [Key Biscayne](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/key-biscayne/) - [Aventura](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/aventura/) - [Sunny Isles Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/sunny-isles-beach/) - [Bal Harbour](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/bal-harbour/) - [Miami Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/miami-beach/) - [Golden Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/golden-beach/) - [Weston](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/weston/) - [Boca Raton](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/boca-raton/) - [Palm Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/south-florida/palm-beach/) [New York Metro](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/) NY · 75 areas - [Upper East Side](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/upper-east-side/) - [Upper West Side](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/upper-west-side/) - [Tribeca](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/tribeca/) - [SoHo](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/soho/) - [Greenwich Village](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/greenwich-village/) - [Battery Park City](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/battery-park-city/) - [Brooklyn Heights](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/brooklyn-heights/) - [Park Slope](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/park-slope/) - [DUMBO](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/dumbo/) - [Forest Hills](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/forest-hills/) - [Great Neck](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/great-neck/) - [Southampton](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/southampton/) - [Scarsdale](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/new-york/scarsdale/) [Houston](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/) TX · 36 areas - [River Oaks](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/river-oaks/) - [Memorial](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/memorial/) - [Tanglewood](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/tanglewood/) - [Greater Heights](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/greater-heights/) - [Kingwood](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/kingwood/) - [Bellaire](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/bellaire/) - [Bunker Hill Village](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/bunker-hill-village/) - [Piney Point Village](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/piney-point-village/) - [Hunters Creek Village](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/hunters-creek-village/) - [Sugar Land](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/sugar-land/) - [Cinco Ranch](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/cinco-ranch/) - [The Woodlands](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/the-woodlands/) - [West University](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/houston/west-university/) [Chicago](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/) IL · 50 areas - [Lincoln Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/lincoln-park/) - [Near North Side](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/near-north-side/) - [West Loop / Near West Side](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/west-loop-near-west-side/) - [Wilmette](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/wilmette/) - [Winnetka](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/winnetka/) - [Glencoe](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/glencoe/) - [River Forest](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/river-forest/) - [Oak Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/oak-park/) - [Hinsdale](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/hinsdale/) - [Lake Forest](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/lake-forest/) - [Highland Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/highland-park/) - [Gold Coast](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/gold-coast/) - [Lakeview](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/chicagoland/lakeview/) [Los Angeles](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/) CA · 95 areas - [Beverly Hills](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/beverly-hills/) - [Bel Air](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/bel-air/) - [Holmby Hills](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/holmby-hills/) - [Brentwood](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/brentwood/) - [Pacific Palisades](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/pacific-palisades/) - [Santa Monica](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/santa-monica/) - [Hancock Park](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/hancock-park/) - [Studio City](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/studio-city/) - [Calabasas](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/calabasas/) - [Manhattan Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/manhattan-beach/) - [Palos Verdes Estates](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/palos-verdes-estates/) - [Pasadena](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/pasadena/) - [San Marino](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/san-marino/) - [Malibu](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/los-angeles/malibu/) [San Diego](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/) CA · 31 areas - [La Jolla](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/la-jolla/) - [Carmel Valley](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/carmel-valley/) - [Point Loma](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/point-loma/) - [Del Mar](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/del-mar/) - [Rancho Santa Fe](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/rancho-santa-fe/) - [Coronado](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/coronado/) - [Encinitas](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/encinitas/) - [Solana Beach](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/san-diego/solana-beach/) [San Francisco Bay Area](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/) CA · 74 areas - [Pacific Heights](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/pacific-heights/) - [Presidio Heights](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/presidio-heights/) - [Russian Hill](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/russian-hill/) - [Noe Valley](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/noe-valley/) - [Sea Cliff](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/sea-cliff/) - [Hillsborough](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/hillsborough/) - [Atherton](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/atherton/) - [Woodside](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/woodside/) - [Palo Alto](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/palo-alto/) - [Los Altos Hills](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/los-altos-hills/) - [Tiburon](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/tiburon/) - [Piedmont](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/piedmont/) - [Marina](https://applianceinstallation.center/locations/bay-area/marina/) For the heart of your home. ## Questions about Bad Line. ### Can I clear Bad Line myself? Turn the circuit breaker off before touching anything at the back of the unit. If it comes back, it needs a visit. ### Does Bad Line mean the new cooking appliance was damaged in shipping? No. GE ties this message specifically to how the unit is wired, not to shipping damage. Correcting the electrical connection at the back of the unit is the documented fix. ### Can I clear a Bad Line message myself by resetting the breaker? Resetting the breaker alone will not clear it, because the underlying wiring has not changed. GE's own guidance is to have an installer or electrician correct the connection first. ### Will a Bad Line message come back after the wiring is fixed? GE's documentation says the unit functions normally once the mis-wire is corrected, so a message that returns after that work is done is worth mentioning to the installer rather than assumed to be the same issue repeating. --- **[Read on the site: GE Bad Line — a wiring problem, not a broken cooking appliance](https://applianceinstallation.center/error-codes/ge-bad-line/)** **[Book a visit with ApplianceInstallation.center](https://applianceinstallation.center/schedule/)**