Archive for category: FEATURED NEWS

ICM325A: Product Spotlight of the Month

This month’s product spotlight is the ICM325A single-phase Universal Head Pressure Control. This device is designed to control head pressure on a heat pump or HVAC unit by controlling the condenser fan speed, thus allowing the heat pump or air conditioner to operate even when the temperature outdoors is too low for normal operations.

 

Head Pressure Control in Low Ambient Conditions

As the weather begins to drop throughout most of the United States it’s important to ensure our HVAC systems are prepared for this change too. To help our HVAC systems in these cooler climates it’s important to keep your high side pressure up. If head pressures fall too low there will not be enough pressure to operate the system properly, which could lead to short cycling. It is recommended that if you’re running a unit in low ambient conditions that you also have a low ambient control installed to help keep these pressures from falling too low. Without a low ambient control in place, you could run into costly repairs, poor cooling and wasted energy.

 

Stay One Step Ahead with ICM325A

Designed to control head pressure by controlling the condenser fan speed the ICM325A is a useful tool this shoulder season. Using a probe, it senses the condenser temperature or pressure and varies the power output to the condenser fan motor which will cause it to slow down or speed up, ensuring that the unit operates properly.

 

In addition, the ICM325A also Features

• Inputs for two temperature sensors or two pressure sensors
• Heat pump bypass for full speed operation in heating mode
• Jumper selectable cool active reversing valve enabling
• Jumper selectable control voltage enabling
• Universal input voltage 120-600 VAC
• Universal Control voltage 24-240 (jumper enabled)
• Capable of controlling more than 1 motor to a maximum of 10 amps

Applications & Specifications

• The ICM325A specifications are as follows:
• Line voltage: 120 – 600 VAC
• Control voltage: 24-240 VAC (Jumper enabled)
• Motor 2 Output: 10A maximum
• Frequency: 50-60 Hz
• Operating temperature: -40ºF to +167ºF (-40°C to +75°C)
• Temperature sensor: ICM386
• Pressure sensor: ICM380
• Heat pump reversing valve input: 24-240 VAC (Heat active default / jumper enabled cool active option)
• Mounting:
  • Surface mount using (4) #8 screws – The ICM325A should be surface mounted to a clean metal or other thermally conductive surface for maximum heat dissipation
• Motor:
  • The ICM325A is intended to be used with single phase permanent split capacitor motors which are capable of having the input voltage varied.

For more specifications and features click here

Equipped with NFC Technology

The ICM325A allows the user to establish and adjust desired head pressure control parameters using their mobile phone. More impressively, the user can instantly apply the new set-points to the device without the use of wires via NFC Technology.

Download the “ICM Omni” app from the Google Play Store or Apple store Today!

Watch our Product Training Webinar on the ICM325A

Interested in Learning More

ICM Controls has partnered with HVAC Know It All Gary McCreadie who has produced multiple videos highlighting the ICM325A along with its unique features and benefits. We also have a podcast available, where former ICM Controls Regional Sales Manager, Keith Clark and Technical Support, John Fannetti give us the inside scoop on the importance of keeping your high pressure up when temperatures fall below 50 – degrees Fahrenheit.

Hurricane season is still prevalent throughout most of the United States, which means many of our larger electronics are at risk of being damaged. In some instances, with enough notice of a storm you can simply shut off some of these devices altogether, but that might not be at the top of mind under server circumstances. ICM Controls has both single and three surge protection devices which can serve as a great preventative option for you.

 

Have an Inclement Weather Plan

If you’re notified that a storm is headed towards your residential or commercial real estate, ICM Controls wants you to be prepared and your larger expensive electronics to be protected. With each storm there is a chance that a surge could happen causing severe damage to your systems and their surroundings making for a costly repair.

 

How Can a Hurricane Cause a Power Surge?

A category 3 or 4 hurricane can contain wind speeds ranging from 111-156mph which could cause significant structural damage knocking out power lines potentially causing a surge to unprotected electronics.

Hurricanes can cause surges to happen in several ways; from falling trees bringing down power lines and high speeds knocking over poles. This abrupt rush of electrical current creates an inrush which most systems are not equipped to handle on their own. Without additional protection this elevated current can overload the system damaging circuit boards, AC or heat pump compressors, motors, wires, capacitors and many other parts making for an expensive repair or new purchase.

 

Reducing the Impact of a Surge

ICM Controls has several single and three phase surge protection devices available to help reduce the impact in the event of a power surge.

Provided is some insight into notably our tried and true ICM517A single-phase surge protection device which has been designed to protect valuable single-phase equipment by dissipating momentary voltage spikes and transient power surges. Applications include the protection of motors, electronics, air conditioning systems, appliances, refrigeration and more.

The 517A is constructed in a robust cast aluminum enclosure for maximum durability, this NEMA Type 4X rated indoor/outdoor installation enclosure offers a superior level of protection from corrosion and extreme environments. To view the full product specifications of ICM517A, click here.

In addition, we have our ICM530 series what are four models of type 1 and type 2 three-phase surge protection devices for three-phase Delta and three-phase Wye configurations.

When a surge occurs, the ICM three-phase surge suppressor will absorb the surge up to the specified limitations of the device. ICM incorporates superior thermally protected metal oxide varistor technology into the three-phase surge suppressors, which allows for safe disabling of the surge elements when a surge exceeds the thermal limits of the device. There is a single status light on the controls which identifies operational status when illuminated.

The ICM 3-phase surge suppressors can be installed as a Type 1 or Type 2 device for both indoor and outdoor applications. To view our fill product specifications of the ICM530 series, click here.

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ICM Controls manufactures both OEM and aftermarket products under its own brand names for HVAC, Electrical, pool & spa, marine, and recreational vehicle markets.

We manufacture a wide range of Surge Protection Devices, Line Voltage Monitors, Fan Blower Controls, Time Relays, Defrost Boards, and Universal Furnace Control Boards. We have worked closely with some of the world’s most renowned business giants for decades. To learn more, visit www.icmcontrols.com