Archive for category: FEATURED NEWS

Spring has officially kicked off, and with warmer weather just around the corner it’s important to ensure your equipment is ready for this change in seasonality.  AC units will begin to be turned on once temperatures soar above 60-degrees causing a rush of current to your equipment. To reduce this initial inrush of current to your motor at start-up it is recommended that a soft start be put in place. This will allow your equipment not only to operate more efficiently, but it will also minimize stress, as it gradually ramps up the voltage to the run winding. Applying this low cost “insurance policy” reduced wear and team overtime, increasing the life expectancy of your AC unit.

What is a Soft Start?

A soft start is a device used with alternating current motors to temporarily reduce the startup current of the motor by reducing torque, which aids the motor when starting from a locked rotor condition and improving motor efficiency.

During this process, the input voltage is ramped up slowly, which allows the motor to start with less stress, providing a much quieter startup.

How Does a Soft Start Work?

ICM Controls, a leading, domestic electronics manufacturing company specializing in electronic controls company invented to ICM870, a leading soft start in the industry. The ICM870 soft start includes internal pulse protection, an internal start capacitor, and internal start relay, over current protection and over voltage protection.

In the same circuit, there is a start/bypass relay, which is vital for a full voltage resumption across the induction motor once it gets to a fully rated speed.

When powering up your unit, silicon-controls rectifiers (SCR)/thyristors activate, restricting the voltage and then relax as the unit reaches full power. This keeps the motor’s head down and reduces overall strain.

Selecting the Right Soft Start

Refer to your service panel or user manual to determine your actual RLA rating:

• ICM870-9A: For use with a compressor load amp rating (RLA) of up to a maximum of 9A
• ICM870-16A: For use with a compressor load amp rating of 9.1-16A maximum
• ICM870-32A: For use with a compressor load amp rating pf 16.1-32A maximum

ICM870 Series

The ICM870 series soft starts ARE compatible with 2-stage HVAC units. If your 2-stage unit has two compressors, you will need two ICM870 units. The ICM870 Soft Start is intended for residential, commercial, RV & marine 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%. Effectively reducing power draw to the A/C, the ICM870 utilizes a built-in self-learning algorithm to deliver the optimal in-rush current per application. The ICM870 will monitor system health including voltage, current, compressor startup and integrity. Upon a fault condition, it will halt operation and initiate a 3-minute anti-short cycle routine while providing diagnostic fault information by means of an LED indicator.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Reduces in-rush current/draw necessary at startup by up to 70%
• Prolong the life of the A/C by reducing excessive torque, wear and tear
• Built-in dynamic start delay
• Reduce loud noises, light flickering, and breaker trips
• Built-in self-learning algorithm
• Over-current protection
• Over/under voltage monitoring
• Built-in start capacitor
• LED fault indicators
• Ultrasonic sealed tamper-proof enclosure
• Installation hardware is included

Supporting Documentation:

• Sell Sheet ICM870-9A/16A
• Sell Sheet ICM870-32A
• Installation Guide ICM870-9A/16A
• Installation Guide ICM870-32A
• Trifold Brochure
• Installation Video

The Sentry 3N1: Product Spotlight of the Month

This month’s product spotlight is none other than the new and innovative Sentry 3N1, disconnect with internal voltage monitoring and surge protection. The Sentry 3N1 combines the benefits of a ICM517A single phase surge protective device, and an ICM492 single phase voltage monitor while incorporating a disconnect breaker into one easy to install solution, creating one cohesive product to protect and guard your equipment.

 

Overall Features and Benefits of the Sentry 3N1 include:

• All in one voltage monitor and surge suppressor with 40amp breaker
• Field replaceable components (Pre-wired for 240 VAC)
• Field Programmable Voltage Monitor with backlit display
• Onboard 40amp contactor for Inductive loads
• Pre-wired ICM517A surge suppression device with cast aluminum enclosure for secondary safety, rated at 100,000 amps maximum surge capacity
• NEMA type 4X /IP66 enclosure
• Internal 40amp Breaker included
• Made in USA

 

Click here to view our Sell Sheet

Click Here to view the Application Guide

View How We Compare to the Competition

 

Coming Together as One: Surge Protection and Line Voltage Monitor

The Sentry 3N1 is designed to provide a convenient way for techs and homeowners to break power connection and protect against surges and over/under voltages that could cause damage to equipment.

 

More information on the difference between surge protection and line voltage monitoring can be found here. (Link to Weathering the Storm Blog)

 

ICM517A Single-Phase Surge Protection Device

The ICM Controls best-in-class ICM517A serves as one of the protectors in the Sentry 3N1. The ICM517A is built to withstand the high impact of a major surge event which could cause instantaneous damage or even failure to expensive equipment. This device has a maximum surge capacity of 100,000 amps, essentially providing you with a low-cost insurance policy built to protect the compressor and other equipment from those harmful transient surges.

 

Below is a list of further details for the 517A:

• Built to withstand the high impact of a major surge event
• Constructed in a robust Cast Aluminum enclosure for maximum durability
• Features a redesigned rivet sealed molded case with an internal gasket
• NEMA Type 4X rated for indoor/outdoor installation
• Features a thinner, more compact profile than previous versions
• Updated to the latest addition of UL Standards, including UL Rated Powder Coating for superior corrosion resistance
• Withstands effects of prolonged UV exposure better than ABS plastics
• Easy Install & Proudly Innovated in America

For more information on product features, benefits and specification see our Sell Sheet and Installation/Application Guide.

ICM492 Single-Phase Digital Line Voltage Monitor

ICM492 is another great product to help in protecting your most valuable investments. It’s designed to protect single-phase equipment from both low and high voltage conditions, and rapid short cycling due to voltage fault or power interruptions.

Additional features include:

• Easy-view, backlit digital display
• Adjustable voltage set point
• Adjustable anti-short cycle time delay
• Adjustable response time
• Control mode (optional)
• 5-fault memory
• Universal line voltage input
• Heavy duty SPDT relay output
• Universal control voltage input (for integrating a thermostat)

For more information on product features, benefits and specification see our Sell Sheet and Installation/Application Guide.

Additional Safety

Continuing with the third line of defense included in the Sentry3N1 is our circuit breaker. This onboard circuit breaker provides a secondary safety and is better suited for inductive loads as compared to a latch relay which could latch in the “on” position, creating a potential safety hazard.

Featuring:

• Thermal-Magnetic inverse time-delay over-current release type “C” Tripping curve.
• Network frequency 50/60 Hz
• 2-pole
• 4 AWG to 18 AWG Solid or Stranded wire accepted
• Short circuit breaking rating of 10kA at 240VAC

 

To Learn More About the Sentry 3N1 Watch Our Training Webinar Below:

Register Today for Our Phase 2 Webinar:

The low temperatures most of us are experiencing throughout the United States can cause a threat to not only ourselves but also to our everyday appliances. These fridged temperatures we’re facing can cause appliances to not only work less efficiently but can also lead to freezing, cracking and/or even an explosion. During the months of November – April it’s important to take extra precaution to help protect your appliances from unforeseen damaged due to the cold.

Here’s some insight as to how the cold affects appliances such as washing machines and refrigeration, and what measures we can take to get the most out of our equipment during these cold days ahead.

 

How Cold Weather Affects Refrigeration

Our fridges and freezers are one of the most used appliances within the household. However, with most households having an average of 2.55 people in them it can be hard to fit all your groceries into one place. Therefore, some of us also have a refrigerator or freezer in our garages or basements to help hold the overflow items. Although, it is nice to have some additional storage space, it’s also important to keep in mind that if temperatures drop below 60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit your fridge might not cycle as frequently. This is mainly due to the thermostat on the refrigerator not calling for the proper cooling and defrost cycles to take place, which could ultimately lead to your refrigerator or freezer to stop working. If you can regulate your temperatures in these colder areas of your home, it could save you from having to repair and/or replace these larger appliances.

 

How cold weather affects washing machines

For most of us located near the ICM Controls headquarters of Syracuse, NY, we are facing temperatures as low as -1 this week. Did you know that these extremely low winter temperatures could affect how we do laundry? If you’ve done your wash recently and seem to think the job is just not getting done, you could be right! Laundry detergent requires water to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, if not warmer. If the temperature in your washing machine is below 60 degrees, there’s a chance that the detergent is not dissolving properly. Although, the “cold” setting helps save money and energy it’s important to understand what setting are needed to ensure your detergent is dissolving based on your specific weather conditions. Otherwise, you’ll be using more water than necessary without achieving the end goal of having clean clothes. All in all, if you’re experiencing negative temperatures outside it might be beneficial to rely more on the “warm” or “hot” water setting to effectively and efficiently wash your clothes.

Thank you for reading our tips and tricks!

What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a device that is typically fixed outside of your home and is designed to keep your house at a comfortable temperature by moving warm air into your home in the winter and out during the summer. It takes in thermal energy and transfers it from a cold state to a hot state (in the winter months and the opposite in the summer) using a refrigeration cycle.

How does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps take in heat from the air or ground, also known a thermal energy and transfer it into a heat exchanger (tube and fin, shell and tube, or braze plate) that contains liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant works to absorb the outdoor heat and transfer a liquid state into a low-pressure, low-temperature gas.

 

See image below to view the complete cycle:

Different Types of Heat Pumps:
There are roughly four heat pump options to choose from. These include: air-to-air, air-to-water, ground source and water source heat pumps. Below we’ll look at how air-to-air and air source heat pumps work.

Air-to-air heat pumps are one of the most common heat pumps used today. They operate similar to an air conditioning unit. Let’s take a look into some of the options below.

When set in a heating mode the cool air is brought in through the compressor, where refrigerant is kept. This then makes its way into the indoor heat exchanger where cool air is blown in removing some of the thermal energy and providing heat into the room. As this heat is removed, the refrigerant will condense into a liquid and goes into the indoor heat exchanger. This heat exchanger transforms the liquid to a warm gas. The liquid refrigerant will then make its way through the non-return valve (expansion valve), filter, drier and another non-return valve (expansion valve), leaving the refrigerant at a low pressure, low temperature state. The cold refrigerant is then put through the outdoor heat exchanger which blows ambient air over the mixture, warming it up to a boil carrying away the thermal energy.

Air-to-Water Heat Pumps work very similar to a “air-to-air” heat pump but without the reversing valve. The high pressure and high temperature refrigerant passes through a plate heat exchanger and enters into the hot water tank. Cool water enters the heat exchangers through the tank and as it passes through the heat exchanger it absorbs heat from the hot refrigerant and leave the at a higher temperature. As the refrigerant gives up its heat to the exchanger it leaves cool. It then passes through the filter, sight glass, and expansion valve. This now liquid/vapor mixture passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (where ambient air is entered into the system) causing the refrigerant to boil, this refrigerant vapor is then sucked back into the compressor to repeat the cycle. The hot water tank will then push hot water throughout the radiator, sinks and showers throughout.

Is it Too Cold for a Heat Pump to Work in the Winter?
Contrary to most beliefs, air source heat pumps work very well in cooler climates. At about 25 degrees, most heat pumps when installed correctly will still be more efficient than your tradition furnace or boiler.

Things to Consider:
1. Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuel to create heat, which will help reduce your monthly gas bill as well as assist in preserving our environment.
2. Heat pumps have one of the lowest carbon emissions of any heat source
3. Heat pumps are designed to work efficiently in cold climates such as New York
4. Most heat pumps also double as a cooling system in the summer

 

ICM2818 & ICM2820: Product Spotlight of the Month

This month’s product spotlights are the new ICM2818 & ICM2820 form, fit and function direct replacement furnace boards for manufactured housing.

 

The ICM2818 and ICM2820 are both furnace control board which are designed to control the functions of the furnace including the induced draft blower, circulator blower, gas valve, ignitor, and flame sensor based on inputs from a thermostat and various sensors in the furnace. The ICM2818 and ICM2820 controls will also detect faults and communicate the faults while in service and display the faults through its on-board LED as well as employ a timed safety lockout when the conditions warrant.

 

How these new furnace Control Board Works:

The thermostat first calls for heat by energizing the “W” terminal. The control energizes the induced draft motor and waits for the pressure switch to close and runs the inducer for a 45 second pre-purge time. After the inducer pre-purge, the control energizes the Hot Surface Ignitor. After the Hot Surface Ignitor warm up period, the control energizes the main gas valve. Once the burner lights, flame must be proven by the flame sensor and the Hot Surface Ignitor turns off. Once the flame is proven, the control begins a 30 second On-delay then energizes the main blower at the HEAT speed. When the thermostat demand for heat is satisfied, the control de-energizes the gas valves. The inducer output remains on for a 30 second post-purge period. The indoor blower motor is de-energized after a 120 second blower off delay. Upon a fan call (G) from the thermostat, the cool speed blower will activate.

 

Features that make the ICM2818 & ICM2820 stand out:

• Controls furnace operation including the function of the induced draft blower, circulating blower, ignition sequence, gas valve, and flame sense
• Monitors system safeties to properly lock out operation when there is a safety fault
• Detects and communicates faults using diagnostic LED to aid troubleshooting
• Form, fit, and functional replacement for the OEM boards listed as a cross

 

Direct Replacements for the Nordyne/Nortek Furnace Models M1M and MG1E:

ICM2820 Specifications:

• Input:
  • Line Voltage: 120VAC
  •  Control Voltage: 18-30VAC
  • Frequency: 60Hz and 50Hz
  • Fuse Rating: 3 A
• Output:
  • ECM Output Relay:
    • Heat N.O. – 1A max @ 24 VAC
    • Cool N.C. – 1A max @ 24 VAC
  • Inducer – 1/100 HP (0.69A) @ 120VAC
  • HSI – 6.0A Resistive @ 120 VAC
  • Gas valve – 0.5A @ 24 VAC
• Environmental:
  • Operating Temperature: -40° to 80°C
  • Storage Temperature: -40° to 85°C
  • Humidity: 5% – 95% R.H. (non-condensing) at +55°C
  • Flame spread: UL # MH 15387 VOL. 1, SEC.10

 

ICM2818 Specifications:

• Input:
  • Line Voltage: 120VAC
  • Control Voltage: 18-30VAC
  • Frequency: 60Hz and 50Hz
  • Fuse Rating: 3 A
• Output:
  • Relay Contact Ratings:
    • Heat N.C. – 12 FLA/30 LRA @ 120 VAC
    • Cool N.O. – 13.8 FLA/36 LRA @ 120 VAC
  • Inducer – 0.69A @ 120VAC
  • HSI – 6.0A Resistive @ 120 VAC
  • Gas valve – 0.5A @ 24 VAC
• Environmental:
  • Operating Temperature: -40° to 80°C
  • Storage Temperature: -40° to 85°C
  • Humidity: 5% – 95% R.H. (non-condensing) at +55°C
  • Flame spread: UL # MH 15387 VOL. 1, SEC.10

 

For more specifications and features of Norydne Replacement Boards click here

Watch our Product Training Webinar on the ICM2818 & ICM2820

Interested in Learning More

Reach out to freetrainings@icmcontrols.com to schedule a free product training of your choice for another time. View our Product Launch Blog as well for a brief overview of Furnace Control Boards.