December Product Spotlight of the Month

517A Surge Protective Device

 

What is the ICM517A?

The ICM517A is a Type 2 (load side) Surge Protective Device (SPD) designed to protect valuable single-phase equipment by dissipating momentary voltage spikes and transient power surges. The 517 is also equipped with a custom cast aluminum, NEMA 4X rated case so that the homeowner is assured their ICM517Awill endure severe surge conditions better than plastic while protecting their equipment and containing the surge within the enclosure. With 100,000’s of ICM517’s installed in the field, ICM stayed true to the rugged & reliable design of the existing “go to” SPD!

The Details

Below is a list of further details that set our beloved ICM517A apart in the HVAC/R industry:

  • 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 and benefits, see our Sell Sheet.

 

Applications & Specifications

The ICM517A specifications are as follows:

Service voltage: 120/240 volt, single phase
Maximum surge current: 100,000 amps
Maximum energy dissipation: 1,020 Joules
Installation point: Electrical panel, electrical disconnect
Diagnostics: Green light indicates surge suppression is present
AC protection modes: L-L, L-N, L-G, N-G
Conduit connection: 3/4”

Weight: 1.18 lbs

Height: 1.75 in

Width: 3.06 in

Length: 5.0 in

 

Applications of the ICM517A include the protection of motors, electronics, air conditioning systems, appliances, refrigeration, and more.

For more information on the ICM517A product applications or specifications, see our Application/Install Guide

 

Limited Lifetime Protection Warranty

The ICM517A is one of our only products that qualifies for a limited lifetime equipment guarantee. For more information on our current warranty, visit our Limited Lifetime Protection Warranty.

 

Watch our Product Training Webinar on the ICM517A

 

 

Interested in Learning More

Reach out to freetrainings@icmcontrols.com to schedule a free product training of your choice for another time.

November Product Spotlight of the Month

 

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.

 

Introducing the NEW ICM2818 & ICM2820

Ready, Set, Replace

With the colder weather just around the corner ICM Controls wants you to be prepared for what’s in store. As we turn our furnaces on for the first time this year it’s important to pay attention to any LED lights that may be blinking on your current control board. This light can provide a first sign that your circuit board needs to be replaced soon.

 

Two types of furnace control boards

There are two types of furnace control boards used in the market today, a simple ignition control module and an integrated furnace control board. A simple ignition control module controls the gas valve, igniter and the flame sensing circuit while, the integrated furnace control boards encompass all the above and more, it also controls the furnace blower.

 

Understanding the Importance of a Furnace Control Board

As the temperatures begin to lower throughout the northern region of the United States furnaces will begin to run. Many of us think of a furnace as a large electrical piece of equipment however, did you know that this large piece of equipment is essentially being operated by a small furnace control board? The furnace control board is the brains of the operation, it tells the furnace when to kick the gas on, triggers the blower motor to turn on and moves air throughout the furnace to ensure it does not overheat, and finally, when your thermostat meets optimal temperature the control board will indicate when to turn off the gas too.

 

Knowing when to Replace Your Furnace Control Board

A furnace control board is a very integral part of the system, and it’s important to know when a replacement is needed. In most cases a furnace control board will have an LED indicator light that will notify you if something is wrong. If the control board’s diagnostic light is blinking, this means your control board has detected an issue with its circuit. If you see visible damage to the board as well such as burn marks or bad wires, this is also an indicate that the board needs to be replaced.

 

What Replacement Can I Use?

Replacements will vary on the type of furnace you own, and ICM Controls offers a quick reference guide for your convenience to assist in finding the best option to suite your needs. However, today we will be highlighting two of our newly launched direct replacement furnace boards for manufactured housing, the ICM2818 & ICM2820. These are direct replacements for the Nordyne/Nortek™ Furnace Models M1M (ICM2818) and MG1E (ICM2820).

  • Provided are the main features of these furnace boards:
    • 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 in troubleshooting

 

View Our Product Specification:

 

ICM2818

  • Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
  • Control Voltage: 18-30 VAC
  • Blower Motor: (M1MA): 1/5 HP (or 1/8), 120 VAC
  • 3-Ton (M1MB): 1/4 HP, 120 VAC
  • 4-Ton (M1MC): 1/2 HP, 120 VAC
  • 5-Ton (M1MD): 3/4 HP, 120 VAC
  • Inducer: 1/100HP (0.69A) @ 120V, 60 Hz
  • HSI: 0A @ 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz (resistive)
  • Gas Valve: 5A @ 24 VAC, 50/60 Hz (resistive)

 

ICM2820

  • Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
  • Control Voltage: 18-30 VAC
  • Inducer: 1/100HP (0.69A) @ 120V, 60 Hz
  • HSI: 0A @ 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz (resistive)
  • Gas Valve: 5A @ 24 VAC, 50/60 Hz (resistive)

For additional specifications and information on these products click here.

View Our Product Webinar to Learn More

Interested in Learning more? We have a pre-recorded webinar for the ICM2818 & ICM2820 available for your viewing pleasure on our YouTube channel.

In addition, we also offer product trainings with our experienced team. Reach out to freetrainings@icmcontrols.com to schedule a free product training of your choice today.

The ICM325A: Product Spotlight of the Month

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.

Weathering the Storm

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

ICM Controls Celebrates 40 Years

ICM Controls Celebrated Its 40 Year Anniversary

On Friday, September 20th, 2024 ICM Controls had the pleasure of celebrating its 40th anniversary. We are proud to serve and produce electronic controls for both the equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. Over the course of these 40 years, we have built a strong market position by continually introducing innovative products and refining our manufacturing processes.

ICM Controls prides itself on being able to swiftly transform a control concept into a prototype and seamlessly transition it into production.

As an American Made electronic manufacturer, ICM Controls takes great pleasure in our national identity and the quality we uphold. Our dedicated team of professionals at ICM Controls is fully committed to ensuring your satisfaction.

We cannot thank you enough for your continued dedication and unwavering support of ICM Controls and we look forward to delivering you exceptional service.

 

AHR Expo 2024 Press Kit

AHR Expo 2024 Press Release Kit