How to install ICM870 Soft Start?
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- Опубліковано 1 бер 2023
- Fieldpiece SC440 True RMS Clamp Meter
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The ICM870 Soft Start is intended for RV, marine, residential and commercial applications. The ICM870 integrates compressor or motor in-rush current over startup time, thus reducing peak current demand on a power supply source by up to 70%.
The ICM870 will monitor system health including voltage, current, compressor startup and integrity. Utilizing a built-in self learning algorithm the ICM870 soft start delivers peak in-rush current per application.
Upon a fault condition, the ICM870 will halt operation and initiate a 3 minute anti-short cycle routine while providing diagnostic fault information by means of an LED indicator.
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Man, I need to install one of these on my wife's hair dryer. I swear, every time she's in there the lights start dimming like she's making Frankensteins monster. Thanks for the info...I may install one on my AC as well ;)
lol hahaha
😂
Genius 😂😂
I'd get a new dryer, lighter wattage on the label.
Tedd you're the man!!!... even a simpleton like myself can go ahead and install one of this nifty devices with no issues if they follow your very well explained to the point instructions. Keep up the good work brother! 😎
Installed a micro air brand two years ago. Been great so far. Installed it to be able to run my 3ton AC on a portable generator during hurricane season. Last year we got hit with Hurricane Ian here in SWFL . Lost power for about two weeks. Ran the whole house with AC on a portable generator thanks to soft start like these. I just recommend the ICM units to a few friends. Thanks for the great video.
Glad to know the experience was good with the micro air.
Crazy experience, I'm sure through the hurricane.
Glad you're here and glad you're okay.
Ditto on my unit. I’ve not had to go 14 days, but I have ran the entire house (2 ac units each with their own MicroAir ES) and they ran flawlessly. I’m pretty sure my bill is lower too since it’s reducing the running amps significantly.
@@modestcody123 The soft start kits only lowers the LRA / in rush amps......running amps are the same.
@@darknes7800 It doesnt lower the starting amps either.
@@modestcody123 Yeah sure your bill is lower, that thing must be a mini power station, Lol
I've used ICM Head pressure controllers, 3 phase voltage protectors and furnace control boards and have always had excellent results. I'm glad to see that they are making these soft starts. I'd been thinking about adding one to my RV's AC but other company's prices seemed exorbitant.
Glad to know your experience has been good, that's excellent.
Definitely for the r v
Better for the generator if you use one
It clearly says it’s not water proof or weatherproof. Glad you installed it on the inside unit .
I am glad I watched til the end where you mentioned that high-efficiency units already have soft-start features because that is what kind of unit I have. I really enjoyed the way you took us through the process. Not very often that I look at an instructional video and come away with so much confidence. Thank you.
You're welcome,
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the whole video
More videos to come
I installed it yesterday and it works great. No more loud motor start. Thanks for the video.
your welcome brother Thank you for watching
Hey Tadd I just wanted to say thanks for the great tip, I am in central florida and just installed a whole home generator and was concerned the a/c would trip. I think this whole install took me maybe 15 minutes. Great tip on checking the wiring diagram on the unit; a quick review of the diagram and this was plug and play. Again thanks so much!
That is awesome! Glad I could help.
Never tried one on AC units Tad, but you can bet the bank I’ll have one ordered tomorrow and on my units at my house by next week. Thanks for the insight. If I can see a change at my house I’ll be recommending to most of my PM customers for sure.
It's a pretty cool product I am very impressed and I'm very happy to have these and I may be able to get them direct for you I can let you know.
give me about a week to figure everything out. Would you be interested in that.
Wonder if more people would be interested
I will do some research
Thanks Mike
Let us know your direct price
Thx
Great video: I’ve installed two on my AC’s. I get the same inrush amp as you, 22.7amps! Awesome stuff!! Thanks.
The price has jumped already. I can't find it for less than 189 for the 16 amp version. I ordered one and I can't wait to install this. Thank you for the how to install video!!
Installed the 16A today, put the black wire on the wrong side of the contactor and killed my 3 year old central Texas capacitor. Not too bad of a lesson, now I’m familiar with replacing the capacitor and have a backup for when this new one fails 🙃
Thank you for the video!
Just installed it today. Thanks Taddy. What a difference in amp draw on start up!
I love watching HVAC videos . I've been an aircraft mechanic for 25yrs and I am looking to change my career to be able to work in daylight!
That's awesome glad to hear my friend thank you for watching
Mine is arriving this week. I had to change out the cap and fan last year. This year will be the year of love for my AC unit. Thanks for showing this in a video. I really appreciate it. :)
Update, cleaned the unit, installed the soft start, piece of cake. The PIA was reinstalling the coil surround. Ugh
excellent news thank you for watching
@@TaddyDigest I can barely hear the compressor kick on. I also installed a brinmar sound cover for the compressor. It’s blowing nice cold air out of the registers. Thanks again for showing how to do this. Very concise
Well a few month after installation update. ICM is dead, so no LED lights, no compressor running. Removed soft start and went back old skool, and system works.
I don’t recommend supplyhouse for those out there. I bought this soft start from them 3 months ago. It failed, no refund available, but replacement to be sent out after they receive the defective product back at my cost of $23..00. So I am not happy with supplyhouse and I have no confidence in the longevity of the 870 soft start after viewing several posts from unhappy people that bought it through Amazon. There seems to be something that happened with the build quality. Tad, what’s your impression? Worth it? Or is it a roll of the dice? Since you’re in the industry it would be nice to get an opinion. Thanks
In 33 years, I have seen disconnects simply wired around where the disconnect is essentially a junction box, or one of the legs wired around because of a melting situation etc, and they, for whatever reason, didn't change the disconnect. So....everything I ever disable gets confirmed with a hot stick before I touch a wire. I'm the nervous type. :) Great video.
Great advice! I had a rental property and someone had wired around the disconnect.
I'm nervous like you and it saved me from a nasty surprise.
Thank you so much for this video! It worked flawlessly on my 2.5T ac unit. Now I can run the ac off of solar and not only the grid🎉
You're welcome I am so glad this video was helpful to you.
Taddy, I just installed two of these on my units today and I'm amazed at the inrush reduction....
Excellent adrian Glad to hear this my friend
This soft start is actually not bad in cost compared to other brands. Good find👍 I also like the fact it’s pretty compact
You added the word “pretty”.
@@mrBDeyehow observant of you..
@@randybobandy9828 You are smarter than me. Exactly how is it pretty compact?
It’s not a soft start. It’s a scam. Just use a hard start.
@@jman0870 not the same thing 🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️
Thank you so much! I was stuck on my install, but following your instruction using the schematic I was able to complete my install. The issue I had was, there was no red wire coming off my compressor; it was yellow. Thanks again, subscribed! ✌🏾👊🏾
You're welcome my friend so glad this video helped
Sounds like a great product Tad ... Thx for sharing that info with us ...
Any time!
Ted is my hero. Always direct with the info, no fancy shenanigans.
Thank you my brother
@@TaddyDigestTad is …. da best. 👍
Thank you for the detailed descriptions Taddy, especially for the electric installs. The why's, what's and where's . Have a blessed rest of the day.
Glad to help
Tad love your videos you explain things so easy easy to learn from great job keep them coming . Luis from Chicago
Thank you Luis
I appreciate you
Thanks Ted, awesome Video
Going to make changes to my two compressors for a cold storage
This guy was the absolute BEST ever describing how to install step by step, very smart guy!!!
thanks 👍 😊
@@TaddyDigest Dont put one in, there junk and dont do what these guys say they do.
Thank you !!
I’m not an HVAC professional but I can tell you that an AC or heat pump inrush current creates a lot of problems with computer equipment. It makes the power supply dirty. Inrush current has created a lot of problems with my computers.
Fortunately I’m getting a high seer unit which should address this.
Great install tutorial. Good presentation and straight forward.
Thank you so much for show us how to install. U daaa man. :). And for being honest about prices :). Thank you 😊
You're welcome thank you so much for watching
Hi Tad, from Michigan here, this is the best ICM soft start video out there. You double checking the schematic for the correct wire colors was essential
Thank you my friend play appreciate the compliment and appreciate you watching.
This thing is B.S. and junk. They all are. It does NOT reduce anything. Using $50 clamp meters to measure modified sinewaves which fools the meter, and thinking the same motor with the same torque load on it now runs on one quarter of the current, is the findings of a fool.
Thanks, this is nice for half the price of others
This is fantastic information.
Outstanding explication, especially the "not for mini-splts" ad on at the end. Thanks
You're welcome thank you for watching
Wow I've installed 521 hard start kits I never seen the amperage drop that much that's a good product thanks for showing it
soft start not hot start / hard start. different shit.
I kept seeing these at the part houses but never had the time to read the box while I was there. Thanks you, very informative.
Glad you enjoyed!
They aren’t soft starts. They are scams. Just use a hard start. A soft start is a basic drive that ramps a motor up. 🙄
@@jman0870 what are you taking about and where did you graduate?!? A hard start increases inrush current to reduce the start up time of the motor and that's why they have relays so the motors don't overheat/over amp. A soft start decreases inrush current helping extended the parts lifespan.
They are not scams
Thank you Chris.
@@dawildcatz87 LMAO hard starts don't increase inrush! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
A hard start uses a potential relay to bring a start capacitor in parallel with the run capacitor to counteract the massive amount of inductive reactants created on startup that naturally pushes the voltage and current out of phase on startup, massively reducing inrush.
A soft start is a VERY BASIC vfd that uses pulse width modulation to "ramp" a motor to full speed. Those “soft starts” are glorified hard starts that learn the precise amount of time to drop a start capacitor into line. They have a start capacitor in them if you every took one apart 🤣🤣🤣
Stay in school super tech
I almost bought a Micro-Air.. Glad I found this video first. Thanks for the info!
your welcome Glad you watched it 😊
Micro air are double the price. Would be nice to see UA-camr install on a 5 ton AC
Installing one on a Mobil home outside unit would be a good video if you get the chance to. I installed 15A one on my Advent RV AC and it's working great. Sound of start up is smooth. Like your video.
Good afternoon,
I wanted to ask you about a follow up to the icm870-16a. How is the quality of the construction? Also what is the life span of the ICM870? Is the ICM870 better than the Micro Air? Your thoughts. Thank you for your time.
once again u killing it Taddy Bear
Taddy 🐻 is winning Yess
Great stuff gotta get me one 👍🏼
For the record, ICM 870 is retailing for over $200 when tax is included, more if you add in shipping charges.
No but I'm going to test the existing cap, remove the existing HOT START and try and do this install. Thanks for the great video!
You're welcome my friend
I emailed ICM asking about the 32amp version. To my surprise I got an email from Zach at ICM and spoke with him on the phone. I told him I saw your video about their product. I think these will be very popular soon. Michael, Phx AZ
That's awesome news very cool brother
Hey Taddy, have you heard anything about why the ICM870-32a isn't available? We had a meeting with our distributor and the salesman for icm and the distributor placed an order but never heard anything after that. I was wondering if they found an issue. Icm870-32a isn't even on Amazon any more and nobody has seen any ever in Phx. We were looking forward to the noise reduction on start up because almost half of the houses here have units on roofs, even flat roofs.
Thank you for the video. Great information.
your welcome Let me know if you have any questions
I am here to help
Nothing like a helpful black widow from time to time.
I never knew something like this existed. When you start it up gradually, then definitely things will last longer! Super Idea. It's a great investment, better than calling someone out when it breaks.
Oh it will break, and the hvac guy will be disconnecting your bandaid box to get your system running again. Dont put one in.
Not every installation requires the features that the micro air offers. The micro air does allow diagnostic information to be sent to the company, the units firmware can be upgraded through the phone connectivity. Customized adjustments or firmware can be made if there is an issue. The micro air logs quite a bit of information which can be read through the phones Bluetooth connection.
The ICM unit looks good and it’s probably sufficient for many installs.
DIY people who live where the units are installed are more likely to use the connectivity features
Hey Tad i want to thank you for the tip on the icm870 put one on my trailer with a 13,500 and now i don't need but one of my Honda 2000i to run my ac.
That's great news I love to hear that thank you for telling me your experience
I did not now this was a thing..we’ve got an old window style air con unit that wakes us when it switches off & on, be great to have it quieter.
Fantastic information, thanks!
You're welcome thank you so much for watching
Thank you sir, have a blessed day América
Looks like it might help when running a generator. That could be a game changer.
yes exactly
Thorough information Ted thank you!👍🏼I’m around 2yeas into commercial hvac. My question is how can I avail tech support?
Good stuff man. Learned something. Thank you!!
Glad to hear it!
HVAC SINCE 1985 and i learn some thing new every day..
Thanks for this video. If you go to the manufacturer video he’s got it all wrong. Never mentions splicing brown with Run wire. They obviously wired it up, it didn’t run then a tech came along and installed it for them and they just edited and posted
Installed this item today. Thank you, the video made it super easy and I love the result. No more hard hit upon start-up. 👍
WARNING!!!
UPDATE: The unit literally caught on fire and damn near burned down the condenser and possibly my house. Breaker tripped.
Are you gonna sue?
maybe you messed up with the wiring, and it shorted out then tripped the circuit breaker.
woah any more info here? I just bought one today and you scared the crap out of me
the ICM caught fire? just making sure you weren't talking about the micro-air
@@michaeloneil3239 So after talking to the manufacturer and the Amazon seller. This was a definitely NOT supposed to happen (obviously) and is an issue, but I also messed up.
I was advised to but the 16v by a friend of mine who does HVAC. I think he thought I had a 3ton unit, but I only have a 1.5Ton unit (Trane). It was working fine for 2.5 days. Green light was on. Came home and smelled that "Just let the smoke out of electronics" smell... and oh boy. It burned badly. The entire compartment was toasted, but the ICM unit was completely melted and charred.
Regardless, the ICM was wrongly sized to the condenser, but NEVER should have burst into flames as mine did.
I have received a refund from the seller, but not sure what to do at this point.
Wow. I'm so buying one for my heat pump. Instant suscriber😂❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for the review 👍
You're welcome thank you for watching
If you are not in a peak demand market, EasyStart will not save any money on your bill but is still can provide benefits like reduced surging and brownouts, quieter starts, and operation on smaller power sources.
Ayyyyy this product isn't even out!!!!! at least this what ICM870-32A.....
Everyone was out of stock. I brought one one ebay for about $200. Money is no problem. Thanks for your video. Love your info. This will save me money on my unit and electrical bill. Thanks 😀
Im afraid this will do nothing to lower your electrical bill, like, not even a little.
You're right. It will not save you money on your electric bill.
I learned that I need to put a soft-start on my AC compressor.
Excelent video 💯💯
Thank you brother
Those are pretty good for the money but if your compressor has a rating close to the max fla then go with the next model up.. they use cheapo “dingfing” starting caps in them and have under rated bus fuses inside which the units are sealed..
Roque here, watching from KSA, from Philippines,,.
That's awesome
great work brother👍👍👍
Thank you so much 😀
Most portable generators can't handle the startup load of an HVAC unit so people use their generators to run smaller window units, fans, or small heaters to stay comfortable during an extended power outage.
With a soft start you can use a smaller portable generator to run your HVAC during the outage.
Here in "hurricane alley" a soft start is a must.
This thing is B.S. and junk. They all are. It does NOT reduce anything. Using $50 clamp meters to measure modified sinewaves which fools the meter, and thinking the same motor with the same torque load on it now runs on one quarter of the current, is the findings of a fool.
California... great video, love how you explain. Thank you man. God bless you, provide you and love ones in great shape and health.
there are different features between the ICM and Microaire. Good info thanks
It would be nice to mention the differences, since you know.
@@jonbartosch1903 I posted the differences but for some reason they were deleted. My comment was deleted Not sure why.
Great video, thank you for showing this. Hard start vs soft start? I usually install a hard start capacitor on my units. They are cheaper ($50) and get the job done (Amrad). On my 3T York, the LRA is 83.9Amp but with the Amrad I get 21Amp, pretty good. Let me know your thoughts and keep the good job!
Also note that the reduction in Amp draw depends on your system. On my former R22 the hard start amp drop wasn't great. On my 410a York, it's way much. Scroll compressor vs piston?
What's the difference between the hard start and soft.
@@jeffreyrood8755 A hard start capacitor provides a quick burst of energy to start the compressor motor reducing the Amp drown, while a slow start capacitor provides a gradual increase in energy to help reduce stress on the motor. In both cases, it reduces the wears and tears on the system.
@@jeffreyrood8755 My question as well. Huge price difference
Thanks for your follow up interest. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to try. The HVAC company I purchased the ICM870 from refunded total cost plus shipping when I sent it back. He discontinued selling the control and sent back all his remaining stock to the manufacturer? Haven’t had a chance to to reorder from another source. Going to hold off a little and monitor feedback from other users. Can’t believe I’m the only one that has experienced this problem?
Just added this soft start per your instructions and it worked great, came down from 84 amps to 30 amps at start, now is 27 amps at start after a few cycles, I noticed the compressor is quieter, also tried to run it with my Generac EXL 8000, 13500 starting watts connected to main panel, of course, with the emergency set up at main panel, running 5 ceiling fans and refrigerator inside my home and 1 ceiling fan and another refrigerator at the garage at the same time also with a few led lights and started the ac with little effort, no hiccups, thanks to your advise now I can relax thinking about my AC running again in emergencies.
Great video 👍
Tad great video. This is a lot easier start on your compressor. It also can prevent lights dimmimg on HVAC unit start.
Also by minimizing lock rotor amps you now have the ability to run your air conditioner on a lot smaller generator because you need a lower surge start current. I ordered one from Tad already to put on my unit.
Can't wait to see this. It doesn't save on power bill because you still have the same running amps. Lock Rotor Amps typically two short to be measured by power company from a demand perspective as the are usually on a 30 min rolling window or in BCES case one hour block standpoint, but great compressor saver, quieter start, less likely to dim lights, and smaller generators.
Great job Tad.
Scott Owens
General Manager
Benton County Electric System
P.S. Tad been watching your videos great content. Be happy to answer any power company questions from your followers.
Can't wait to get put on mine.
You see these in a lot of larger commercial motors and we and many power company's require them on a certain hp or larger.
Excellent information
From a great source
Thank you my friend
Wow thank all 3 of you. Now I have a little more knowledge
So, although this wouldn't save any money on your utility bill, it could produce savings through a prolonged compressor life?
Thanks for the great instructions . I bought 3 of the 870.16 for my 2 3 ton carrier units . 2 have failed in less than 10 days . The third is still going good , but im thru with this product . it's half price than micro air and i guess u get what u pay for . Im done with the 870-16
I wonder what happened
That's not good
Thank you for sharing this with me
I'll show the picture of the failed unit but don't know how . . basically it exploded
In mine, the ICM870 internal 100uf motor starting capacitor exploded and leaked. I was able to open the box with a heat gun and I replaced the capacitor and the fuse. It is working fine again.
Thanks!
No problem!
Thanks, man. Gonna be installing the ICM-870 32A version at the end of July when I can get a hold of one (seem to be OOS online everywhere).
Why do HVAC pros recommend hard starts if the issue is the "hard start" noise and harshness?
Yeah, they're like $15, but don't the hard starts decrease the life of the compressor? (so money grab and earlier replacement?)
I like the quiet operation of these soft starts and the fact that my compressor will (should) last longer.
Your video is super helpful. I'm going to be looking at my ac unit to see if I can install one.
Glad it was helpful!
So another question I have is that there seems to be a small circuit board. I think its the heat pump circuit board but not sure and was wondering if you had any idea @@TaddyDigest. The model of central air I have is CH14NB090-A looks to be a 2.5 ton. If you got an email i can send you the pictures. Thanks again!
Can I call or book a private session with you. I installed my icm 870 and upon starting up it flashed repeatedly for 4 mins then went green. I looked it up and that is normal as they stated on newer models it does that. After the ax turned off then a few mins later on again it flashed 3 flashes the. Paused then 3 flashes then paused and so on and so forth until the compressor kicked on and then it went green. The code reads high current
You can click the join button and become a level one member. And I will give you my email and you can send me some pictures and I can check it out for you.
Let me know when you join in I will send you my email.
Q. With the ICM870 installed, is there a need for a delay-on- make relay on the contractor control wire ???
Appreciate the video! how would I go about finding out what amp ICM870 I need, the 16 or 32 if ALL my info on the inside of my panel is illegible lol.... every single thing is faded off the sticker.
Harry Homeowner here...I love the idea of a soft start for my older ac unit. (great video too) So my question is this- I have a 19yr old Carrier ac unit which shows:
-5 ton
-RLA 28.8
-185.0 LRA
The thing starts so violently and probably gonna get a new fan motor and redo the foundation...
However would you suggest using the ICM16A, even though my RLA is 28.8 or should I just go for the more expensive Micro Air ASY-368-X72Blue, which is rated for all the above specs.....?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Doesn't seem like the ICM16A would cut it, although evidently there is a newer 32A unit coming soon. The Micro-Air X72 is probably a safer bet
It is good see people sharing knowledge
Thanks
But I have a question:
I have an home a/c 5 - 6 tons. Is there some specifics model for my unit or it is an standard unit for any ac?
Thanks
Did you check the existing capacitor to ensure mf levels? In the begining there was a hard start kit. I understand there was an existing hardstart, but it was there for a reason. I would have replaced the run capacitor and installed this soft start kit. I would have also liked to see a comparison vid of a hard start kit vs this unit and start and run capacitor set up vs this unit as well. Nice vid.
Thanks! I pay 💰 those who teach me something. I wish the people I’ve taught over the last 40 years as instructor doing jobs for them!!!
PROSIT
Wow amazing thank you my friend
You are awesome I really appreciate you
@@TaddyDigest now I have to put my ole electronics cap on
Volts that make ya Jolt ⚡️ Amps that make ya Dance 💃
Great video. I don’t really feel comfortable messing with electricity, so I would hire someone to do this for me. Can an electrician do this or should it be an HVAC tech, and what would be the expected rate for adding this component? Thanks.
Rate for adding this component depends on where you're at and the company. You choose could be a hundred dollars or could be up 2 hundred dollars
An electrician could definitely install this but I would get an hvac technician
Great video boss!
switching from micro air stat
Can you explain why the 16 amp version shown is good for the 22 amps measured on the test?
Watching your video inspired me to run out and pick up one. My unit is about 15 years old and runs good. Had to replace the cap a couple of years ago but that’s it. Installed the ICM870 16A. My compressor 208-230V 13.6LRA and 76LRA so I believe I have the right one. As you mentioned wiring couldn’t be any easier. When I press in the control relay all I get is a low hum. Any ideas what’s going on? Went back to original wiring and compressor works normally. Suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks
Any suggestion why the ICM870 doesn’t work?
Hey Joe, I saw this on the manufacturer website. May be the reason. " ICM870-16A: For AC’s with a Compressor Load Amp Rating (RLA) of 9.1-16A -
* Note: The ICM870-16A will handle a condenser up to about 2-1/2 tons "
What size is your condenser? Not sure if that is the same size as the unit? Mine is a 4ton unit, not sure if it will work on mine.
Apologize if I sound ignorant, just getting into DIY HVAC.
Hi Jason, Thanks for taking the time to respond. After about 4 days I was able to get some assistance from Tech Support at ICM. I emailed tech pics of condenser specs and wiring schematic. Tech said ICM870-16 was sized correctly. When I energized the contractor no lights lit. Line voltage was 240VAC top and bottom of contractor. All wiring was correct turns out I may have got a bad one. I reordered another and hoping for success. I really want this control to work! Joe
@@joetakayama1866 any luck with the replacement unit?
Is the 32A version worth it as I read that the 32A has a 4 min delay which causes your ac to blow hot air in your home at start up for the first 10 min? Or do you recommend a different brand for a 3.5 ton ac?
Thanks. Interesting device. Is this necessary for setting up a generator hook-up. Also, what differences would I run ito for a heat pump. Might be worth content latter. Thanks. OBTW I am in NC and am running a hybrid heat pump/ gas pack/ AC in North Carolina.
I was also wondering how this would fare with a genset hookup, as it looks like it has some sort of frequency detection. Some gensets will drop freq a tad and likely set this feature off. curious though.
Tad do they have these available for 120 V. loads also?
How do you choose an amp rating on these? I’m rocking a 30 yr old XE-1000 AC and a 27 y/o Luxaire HP in my 143 y/o house.
Does this have any change to the full cycle kw usage?
I have a small RV park and my electric bill is mostly demand charges. I have been trying to figure out a way to reduce demand. I can't control individual usage and easy start is not an option. Do you think using an inverter with a battery would reduce demand ? I have actually had to turn away one night campers because the demand fee for one night can be as much as $70, the same as one month. Any suggestions. I know this has nothing to do with the soft starter but I have no one else to ask. Thanks Ken.
great video! we saw most of You-tubers touch 2 terminals to drain the capacitor but you did not do it. Is it safe to do so? thanks
These are crucial for battery-powered solar backup systems.
I have a Bryant high-efficiency Puron system. Does that have a soft start on it thank you for your time and also great video.
These aren’t soft starters. They are scams. Hard starts do the exact same thing and cost far less.
Could you expand on which model one might need. Is there a chart or something that would tell me weather I need the 9amp or 16amp. Thank you.
I would like to know this as well
The RED wire from the ICM needs to connect directly to the contactor terminal that the capacitor common wire goes to. The reason is this:
the gauge of the wire to the capacitor common may(in most cases) be smaller than the gauge of the ICM Red wire. If the ICM Red wire is connected to the capacitor terminal it forces the compressor current to go through a smaller wire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW I love my ICM870-16a!
if a smaller wire is connecting L2 to C, how is the ICM pushing current back on it? The device controls the inrush to the comp motor, it does not provide a current source to push back against L2.
You are exactly correct on RED wire ICM to contactor terminal L2 (run side) and not off the C terminal at the capacitor. Even so, the ICM 870 looks very gimmicky, though it may be a good application on low voltage situation, generator power, or multiple equipment simultaneous starting. On a single AC unit, as the video shows, it is totally unnecessary, especially where a hard start/potential relay (about $50) is installed. The ICM 870 reliability and longevity, 5 years from now, is also a question mark.