# Error about electrical signal or noise

## Before you move on

You went through [run-qc-test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/run-qc-test "mention") and your BactoBox® setup passed.

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. Did the [QC test fail](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qualification-fails)? Does your BactoBox® [not even power on](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-fails)?

See also [bactobox-r-acting-up](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/bactobox-r-acting-up "mention").

<img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FlOSev6abpBJfI7mjY8KU%2Ffile.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=5302eb64-7db4-4ce7-94b5-fd6ec9420b05" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## The measurement triggers an error about electrical signal or noise

You run the *Measure* program but it gives an error about the electrical signal or noise instead of a concentration.

{% hint style="info" %}
Error codes **1000–1199** (both inclusive) relate to the electrical signal or electrical noise.
{% endhint %}

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Check for leaks

Look for droplets or moisture especially near:

* The inlet and outlet of your BactoBox® (where you connect the tubing kit).
* Inside the flow cell compartment (under the flow cell cover). Remove the flow cell to see if there are droplets or moisture underneath.

See [installation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation "mention") for details.

**Power off your BactoBox® if you find a leak inside the flow cell compartment**. Wipe off the liquid with a dry cloth. Wait for it to dry thoroughly. Perform a [QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) to ensure that your BactoBox® didn't take permanent damage.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check that everything is correctly in place

Ensure that the tubing kit and external filter is tightly connected to your BactoBox®.

Press down on the flow cell to ensure that is properly in place. Press down *hard* to be sure.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FLqiDfliWi5aLLP9OblFV%2Fflow-cell--simple-outline--click-into-place.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c716ac4b-79e4-4e6f-a4fc-accce74afc32" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>You hear two clicks during <a href="../../getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell">flow cell installation</a>. Afterwards, it should just feel slightly springy when you press the center part of the flow cell (no more click sounds).</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Replace the flow cell

Replace the [flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/flow-cell). See [install-flow-cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell "mention") for details.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F9fSahLafs4SK5XmLc2pn%2Finsert-flow-cell--short.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=f63fbfd8-72f2-461e-bd61-ac9f1bf103ee" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with your new flow cell in place and a [new QC vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Double check how you prepare your sample

Try to [dilute your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-100) more and measure again.

In general, double-check how [you prepare your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample) for use with BactoBox®.  Especially the part about how you  [get the conductivity into the allowed range](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-concentration). While the page is about *electrical conductivity*, the same method (dilute your sample more) also apply to errors about *electrical signal* or *electrical noise*.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Tried all of the above

Did you try all of the above and nothing helped?

This is a hardware issue with your BactoBox® setup. [Contact our support team](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/contact-our-support-team) to discuss the matter further. Make sure to mention it if you found:

* A leak inside the flow cell compartment
* Sign of corrosion or deterioration inside the flow cell department
* Broken or loose inlet/outlet (where you connect the tubing kit to your BactoBox®)
* Rattling or loose components
* In general, hardware damage of any kind

If possible, include pictures of the problem. This helps us help you faster!