defrost control boards

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Defrosting A Commercial Freezer

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defrost controls

Today’s modern commercial freezers are designed to save time, money, and generally make life easier because they’re auto-defrosting.  That means there’s no build up of ice to take up valuable storage space, and there’s not the inconvenience of having to relocate perishable inventory while you turn off the freezer and let the ice melt.

HOW DOES DEFROSTING WORK?

Commercial freezers come with a defrost system controlled by a defrost control board that determines when to turn on the heater to melt ice build-up on the evaporator coils.  During a defrost cycle, the coils heat up to melt any accumulated frost or ice.  This allows the evaporator to maintain its optimal heat absorption and cooling functions. But defrost control boards aren’t foolproof. If the control board isn’t functioning correctly, the defrost cycle may not turn on causing frost to build up on the coils and, over time, inside the freezer.

When a defrost control board fails or malfunctions, the board must be replaced. If the ice build up is significant, you may need to manually defrost the freezer. You should plan to defrost when the ice thickness reaches ¼ or ½ inch, if not sooner. Otherwise, your freezer is working harder to cool your food, wasting energy, and increasing your electrical bill in the process. And because ice build-up obstructs air circulation, the temperature of your freezer is less likely to be consistent, which can pose a food safety risk and affect the quality of your inventory.

Read More: The Best Commercial Freezers of 2022

DEFROSTING DO’s

For best results, defrosting requires emptying the contents of your freezer.  This allows for better airflow. Move inventory to another freezer. Then turn off the freezer and leave the door open overnight so the ice can melt and water drain.  To help speed up the process, you can:

  • Place a fan in front of the open freezer door to direct warmer air into the space and speed evaporation of water.
  • Use a wooden or rubber scrapper to remove large chunks of ice but be careful not to scratch or damage the inside of the freezer or its components
  • Place bowls or containers of warm water on the freezer shelves to help ice melt faster
  • Carefully use a blow dryer to remove layers of frost or ice, but be certain to control the temperature and how long you direct heat. You don’t want to damage any gaskets or seals. And don’t stand in puddles while you are using the blow dryer.
  • Place warm/hot towels over areas of ice buildup.
  • Do clean your freezer space before restocking
  • Do ensure your freezer is cold again before putting any food back in it. This could take a few hours once it’s turned back on after defrosting.

DEFROSTING DON’Ts

  • Don’t leave the freezer turned out
  • Don’t close the freezer door while defrosting
  • Don’t use boiling water
  • Don’t use an ice pick, knife, or sharp utensil to scrape ice. You can easily cut yourself or damage the freezer.
  • Don’t wait until you can’t close the freezer door to finally address the ice buildup. Excessive ice in a refrigerator can drastically limit its effectiveness, making the appliance work harder and increasing its electricity consumption.
  • Don’t forget to wipe down the seals of your unit’s door.

Read More: Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer Market Growth at a Rate of 7.00% by 2029

REPLACE THE DEFROST CONTROL BOARDS

Before turning your freezer back on, replace the defrost control board.  ICM Controls manufactures top quality, cost-effective defrost controls to control the timing and duration of defrosting, with options to manage temperature, alarms, active or passive cycles. ICM550-ENC is a drag and drop replacement for several different control boards, includes a multi-functional timer, and is available with and without a weatherproof enclosure.

OEM vs. AftermarketICM Controls

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s The Difference?

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OEM vs. Aftermarket

Anyone who’s had a car repaired or their HVAC system or a home appliance serviced has probably heard the terms “OEM” and “Aftermarket” in reference to replacement parts. You may not have known what the difference was (besides price) and let your repair person or even insurance company make the final decision about which parts to use. Allow us to unmuddy the waters and give you the facts.

What is OEM?

OEM refers to “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” meaning that the parts are made by the manufacturer who built the equipment that needs the replacement part(s).

For example, if your Rheem gas furnace stops working and needs a new control board, the OEM replacement furnace control board made by Rheem (or their chosen surrogate) can be used to replace the original Rheem control board that came with your furnace when it was initially purchased and installed.

It fits into your furnace model perfectly because it was designed expressly for your Rheem furnace and other Rheem models.

Also Read: Market size of automotive OEM coatings

What is Aftermarket?

Aftermarket parts are made by a third-party company and are most often form, fit, and functional replacements for one specific manufacturer’s part.  Reputable aftermarket manufacturers, like ICM Controls, make replacement parts that are just as good if not identical to the part you need, but they’re not made by the same company that manufactured the original part that came with your equipment (although sometimes they are, more on that shortly).

Some aftermarket manufacturers do make universal parts that are replacement parts for many different manufacturers’ products, but in general, this is done as a convenience to the technicians servicing a variety of brands.

It’s a good idea to understand who is making the aftermarket part you’re purchasing and where it’s being made.  There are less reputable suppliers out there who import low-quality aftermarket parts that don’t perform as intended and can affect the performance or lifespan of the equipment you’re repairing.

Also Read: The Projected size of the U.S. automotive aftermarket between 2020 and 2024

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Difference in Price

OEM parts tend to cost more than Aftermarket parts because they are manufactured to fit the specifications of a specific type of equipment, such as a gas furnace. Aftermarket parts can usually save you a little bit of money because they are designed to fit several different types of equipment and have fewer steps along the supply chain, which helps contain costs.

OEM parts go from the manufacturer to OEM to distributor to dealer to you and get marked up along the way, so everyone makes a profit. Aftermarket parts have fewer intermediaries, which can save you money.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Differences in Design, Quality & Functionality

OEM parts are exact replacement parts and were specifically designed to duplicate the part used when your equipment was first built. The quality of an OEM part is guaranteed to be the same (or at least strikingly similar) as the part already used on your equipment or vehicle.

Aftermarket parts are often reverse-engineered. Because of this, the quality can vary depending on the manufacturer and country of origin. This may mean the aftermarket part may not function exactly as needed or last as long.

American-made parts are generally regarded to be of better quality.

To complicate things a bit more, it’s important to note that aftermarket parts can be made by the same company that made them for your original piece of equipment.

ICM Controls supplies many OEM parts for an array of OEMs and the aftermarket. At ICM, many OEM and aftermarket parts are one and the same. The branded OEM part is identical to the aftermarket part.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Warranty & Availability

While replacement parts from various manufacturers have different warranty periods, OEM products tend to have the shortest warranty period – between 30 and 90 days. Aftermarket suppliers are usually more generous with their warranty period, offering up to a year after purchase.

This is not to say that there is an aftermarket replacement part option for every OEM part. In specific industries, like lawncare equipment, OEM parts rule, and there are very few aftermarket parts available.

OEM Parts Aftermarket Parts
Made by the equipment’s manufacturer Made by a third-party company
Good quality Quality can vary by manufacturer and where it’s made
More expensive Less expensive (no middle-man)
Better availability Only certain replacement parts are available
Shorter warranty period Better warranty

Which one should I choose?  OEM or Aftermarket?

The answer is “it depends” and hinges on what part you’re replacing in what kind of a system or equipment. Most maintenance specialists know when an OEM vs. Aftermarket part makes a difference, and they’ll tell you when it matters and when it’s perfectly okay to save some money. Some auto insurance companies only pay for aftermarket parts, but you can always elect to pay the difference if/when you believe the OEM part is the better choice.

Both OEM and aftermarket part manufacturers are regulated and inspected. The only difference is who makes the parts. Some people feel strongly about using OEM parts, particularly if they are repairing a new car or restoring an old one. Some people have no preference whatsoever and are focused on saving money where they can.

The best way to tell a quality aftermarket company from a less reputable one is to take a look at their offerings.  Do their parts come with warranties? Are there installation videos and helpful blogs on their website?

Do they offer technical support and have a customer service help-line that’s based in the US?  Aftermarket companies that look like they care about their parts and customers usually do.

Relevant Products:

Prepare for power surges

Prepare For Power Surges Says Electricity Providers

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Prepare for power surges
Among the growing number of consumer and industrial goods now in short supply, electricity will likely join that list alongside baby formula, semiconductor chips, building supplies, water, and aluminum.

As summer heats up and air conditioners work overtime to keep homes and businesses comfortably cool, the U.S. power grid may not have what it takes to keep the lights (and A/C) on for everyone. Rolling brownouts could be in the cards for anyone across the country.

State officials and media outlets warn consumers and businesses alike to plan for longer, more frequent outages.

Beyond the obvious (comfort, productivity, sanity), what else is at risk? Millions of dollars of electronics, appliances, and investments keep our homes and businesses running smoothly.

Read More: Electric Grid Operators Warn Of Potential Summer Blackouts   

What Causes Power Surges in Electronic Systems?

Sudden power surges can happen whenever electricity is cut off and immediately reconnected. When a large-scale power grid failure occurs known as a blackout, the jump of electricity coming back on can force too much current through your electronics, which can damage them, reduce their lifespan, and cause problems with your home or business’s investments.

Brownouts are another common grid-related issue. In a brownout, the voltage provided by the power supply drops below its standard value, but the electric service is not interrupted completely.

Reduced voltage may seem better than having no voltage, but brownouts can be worse than blackouts in many cases. Electrical devices are designed for a specific voltage range and can suffer damage when exposed to a voltage that is too high or too low.

Power grids aside, epic summer thunderstorms with lightning strikes can result in the same damaging effects. Your standard North American electronic devices are rated for 120 volts.

A major lightning strike creates an electromagnetic pulse that can send millions of volts into a building or home’s electrical panel, wiring system, and connected devices, frying them instantly.

Read More: Large Parts Of The U.S Risk Blackouts Due To Heat Extreme Weather 

Installing A Whole-Home Surge Protector

While many people have point-of-use surge protector strips on televisions, computers, and gaming equipment, most people forget about protecting larger appliances like their HVAC system, freezer, pool system, or even their commercial machinery.

The most effective solution is a whole-home surge protector that protects the circuits directly at the electrical panel, modulating and controlling your home’s power. A surge suppressor will help protect your electronics from internal and external power surges.

Don’t let transient power spikes get the best of you. Protect your investments. ICM Controls offers a complete catalog of Surge Protective Devices and Line Voltage Monitoring Relays designed for single and 3-phase applications.

Relevant Products:

Power Surge Protection Devices:

ICM517  –  (Single-Phase 120/240 VAC, Type 2 Surge Protective Device. Max surge current 100,000 amps, NEMA 3R Rated Metal Enclosure)

Whole home:

ICM518  –  (Split/Single-Phase 240 VAC, Type 1 & Type 2 Whole Home Surge Protective Device. Max surge current 100,000 amps, NEMA 4X Rated Enclosure)

ICM530  –  (3-Phase Delta 240V & WYE 120V/208V, Type 1 & Type 2 Surge Protective Device. Max surge: 150,000 amps, NEMA 4X Rated Enclosure)

ICM531  –  (3-Phase Delta 480V Or WYE 277V/480V, Type 1 & Type 2 Surge Protective Device. Max surge: 150,000 amps, NEMA 4X Rated Enclosure)

ICM532  –  (3-Phase Delta 600V Or WYE 346V/600V, Type 1 & Type 2 Surge Protective Device. Max surge: 150,000 amps, NEMA 4X Rated Enclosure)

ICM533  –  (3-Phase Delta High Leg 120V/240V, Type 1 & Type 2 Surge Protective Device. Max surge: 150,000 amps, NEMA 4X Rated Enclosure)

Voltage Monitors:

ICM492  – (Single-Phase 90/240 VAC, Line Phase Monitor, LCD Display, 5-fault memory diagnostics fault identification)

ICM450A – (3-Phase Line Phase Monitor, LCD Display, 25-fault memory diagnostics fault identification)

ICM450A+ PLUS – (3-Phase Line Phase Monitor, LCD Display, 25-fault memory diagnostics fault identification, and Modbus communication)

Combination Voltage Monitor / Surge Protection:

ICM493  –  (Single-Phase 200/240 VAC, Line Phase Monitor w/ built-in Surge Protection, NEMA 3R Rated Metal Enclosure)

ICM launches comprehensive line-up of surge protective devices

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Offering Multiple Configurations in Single and Three-Phase Protectors

November 8, 2021 – Syracuse, New York – Expanding on the success of its best-selling ICM517 Single Phase Surge Protector and its extensive Line Voltage Monitor offerings, ICM Controls recently launched a new, comprehensive lineup of Surge Protective Devices in multiple configurations, designed with the HVAC/R, Appliance, Electrical, and Pool & Spa markets in mind.

 

Proudly made in America, the expanded lineup includes an additional single-phase option (ICM518) along with four different configurations of a three-phase SPD’s (ICM530, ICM531, ICM532, and ICM533). Both the ICM518 and the ICM530 series can be installed as a Type 1 or Type 2 and come in a NEMA Type 4X watertight plastic enclosure for both outdoor and indoor installation.

 

The ICM518 is a UL-Listed Type 1 & 2 surge protective device for 240 VAC Split Phase configuration. When a surge occurs, the ICM518 will absorb the surge up to the limits expressed in the specifications section of the guide. The ICM518 incorporates thermal protection on the surge elements (TMOVs), which allows for safe disabling of the surge protector when a surge exceeds the thermal limits of the device. A status light on the ICM518 identifies proper operational status when illuminated.

 

THE ICM530s are a series of Type 1 and Type 2 three-phase surge protective devices for three-phase Delta, three-phase Wye, or Delta High-leg configurations. When a surge occurs, the ICM three-phase surge protective device 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.

 

“ICM continues to position itself as a leader in equipment protection. We recognize the flexibility our customers need and have created multiple configurations to meet this demand across a number of market applications,” said ICM Vice President Zachary Kadah. “Because ICM is so vertically integrated, we’re able to keep costs low, product performance high, and pass along added value to our customers.”

 

ICM’s entire catalog of surge protectors is available for immediate purchase:

 

Three- Phase SPDs
ICM530 240VAC (Delta) or 120/208VAC (Wye), NEMA Type 4X
ICM531 480VAC (Delta) or 277/480VAC (Wye), NEMA Type 4X
ICM532 600VAC (Delta) or 347/600VAC (Wye), NEMA Type 4X
ICM533 120/240 VAC (Delta High-Leg), NEMA Type 4X
Single-Phase / Split Phase SPDs
ICM517 120/240 VAC, NEMA 3R
ICM518 240 VAC, NEMA Type 4X

 

 

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About ICM Controls

 

ICM Controls is a leading, ISO Certified manufacturer of electronic controls for the HVAC-R market and other industrial applications. Backed by over 35 years of design, engineering, and custom manufacturing expertise, ICM supports its network of suppliers, OEM and aftermarket distributors, and customers. Through its commitment to customer experience and vertical integration, ICM creates true partnerships. ICM is headquartered in Syracuse, NY.

Installation of the ICM493 single-phase line voltage monitor

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The ICM493 is an advanced, single-phase line voltage monitor with a bank of surge arresters for added protection against lightning strikes. Includes a built-in 40A contactor. Housed in a NEMA Rated 3R enclosure for outdoor installations. UL Recognized. Installs easily between the service disconnect and the condensing unit. Ideal for Mini-Splits or other valuable, single-phase equipment.

  • Protects against over and under voltage, rapid short cycling caused by transients, and high-power surges
  • Ideal for inverters, mini-splits, and other condensing units
  • Easy to view, backlit digital display
  • Bank of five L-L Surge Arresters
  • Built-in 40A Contactor
  • Waterproof, NEMA–rated 3R enclosure for outdoor use
  • Easy installation and setup

 

Learn more about the 40A model here

Learn more about the 60A model here

Or find distributor near you

ICM Controls Reports Record Sales Growth During FY2021

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ICM Controls Reports Record Sales Growth, Improved Delivery Metrics, and Capital Improvements During FY2021

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 29, 2021 (Newswire.com) – ICM Controls President & Chief Executive Officer Joseph Bonacci recently disclosed positive fiscal year 2021 performance results for the Syracuse, New York-based electronic controls designer and manufacturer. Highlights include a 30% growth in ICM’s annual sales and increased on-time delivery by 20%. Bonacci also noted the company’s substantial investment in millions of dollars of capital equipment, including automation machinery, and the addition of two new facilities—a 14,000 ft2 manufacturing facility and a 4,000 ft2 warehouse facility—all part of ICM’s continued commitment to vertical integration, speed to market, and providing high-quality, American-made products.

As a provider of parts for equipment used on the front lines to stop the spread of coronavirus, ICM Controls was granted an exemption from New York State’s 100% workforce reduction mandate and was able to remain operational throughout the pandemic. A change in last year’s sales strategy also bolstered growth as ICM expanded beyond its leading position in the HVAC industry and began aggressively targeting five new vertical markets: Appliance, RV, Marine, Pool & Spa, and Electrical.

In a year when businesses across multiple sectors are reporting decreased sales and reduced profits due to COVID, Bonacci credits the company’s performance to ICM’s ability to pivot on the fly. “2021 wasn’t a normal year for anyone in business. ICM is certainly no exception,” shared Bonacci. “However, a lot of businesses would be thrilled just to break even, but ICM was able to grow our market share and expand our market presence in a way that allows us to maintain the quality and value of our product portfolio and the satisfaction of our customers as priorities. I’m incredibly proud of every member of the ICM team. This kind of success would be commendable any year, but during a global pandemic, it’s really exceptional.”

ICM Vice President Zachary Kadah echoed this, saying, “ICM is known as an American manufacturer that delivers speed to market without jeopardizing quality. The ICM Team showed up every day through a pandemic to demonstrate our abilities last year and continues to do so now. We are proud to prove there is success making it in America.”

ICM designs and manufactures all of its products at its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Central New York, where it essentially combines three factories under one roof – captive printed circuit board fabrication, fully-automated electronic assembly, and captive injection molding, making ICM Controls one of the most vertically integrated facilities in the country. In light of pandemic-related shipping delays and import restrictions, ICM’s vertical integration and US-based manufacturing were competitive advantages.

About ICM Controls

ICM Controls is a leading, ISO Certified manufacturer of electronic controls for the HVAC-R market and other industrial applications. For more information, visit. ICMControls.com

ICM Controls Expands Into 5 New Vertical Markets

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SYRACUSE, N.Y., October 6, 2020 (Newswire.com) – ICM Controls, a leading ISO Certified U.S.-based manufacturer of electronic controls, announced a major shift in its sales strategy to expand beyond its leading position in the HVAC industry and begin aggressively targeting five new vertical markets: Appliance, RV, Marine, Pool & Spa, and Electrical.

In support of its new growth initiative, the company also announced the addition of Roy Cramer, Thomas Victorin, and Michael St. Joseph to its sales team, as well as the promotion of Anish Donald to Global Project Manager. Cramer will serve as the National OEM Sales Manager for the HVAC and Appliance industries, and Victorin will serve as the National Sales Manager for both the OEM and Aftermarket for the RV, Marine and Pool & Spa industries. St. Joseph is the company’s new Eastern Regional Sales Manager in support of all divisions. They join a seasoned sales team that includes Mike Tracy, National Sales Manager for the HVAC and Appliance aftermarket, and Everett Mastrich, Western Regional Manager. Tracy is also the company’s acting Central Regional Manager.

“ICM is long-known for the quality of its product and the knowledge of its expert employees,” said ICM Controls President Joe Bonacci. “This expanded team ensures we have the leadership and sector knowledge to hit the ground running in these new markets as well.”

Roy Cramer joins ICM Controls from Probes Unlimited, where he spent more than a decade as their lead Sales Engineer calling on OEM accounts in the HVAC and Appliance industries. Thomas Victorin comes from Dometic Group, where he held the position as Chief Electrical Engineer for the past 6+ years. Michael St. Joseph previously worked for Carel USA for nearly 10 years, serving as Managing Director during his last five years with the company. Anish Donald has been with ICM Controls for almost three years as a Systems Engineer before his promotion to Global Project Manager.

“We already manufacture controls for several prominent OEM customers in each of these markets,” said Zach Kadah, Vice President for ICM Controls. “Additionally, a lot of our branded aftermarket controls that we sell to the HVAC industry cross over to these other markets already. With a concerted effort from our Sales & Marketing teams, our goal is to quickly capture market share and become a major presence across all industries.”

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ICM Controls is headquartered in North Syracuse, NY. For more information on ICM Control’s complete range of American-made products, plus wiring diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and more, please visit ICMControls.com.

 

 

ICM Controls Launches 3 New Replacement Furnace Control Boards

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SYRACUSE, N.Y., September 15, 2020 (Newswire.com) – ICM Controls, a leading ISO-certified, American-made manufacturer of electronic controls, announces the launch of three new replacement furnace control boards. The ICM2811, ICM2812, and ICM2813 control boards are ETL-listed and affordable, high-quality OEM replacements for popular Goodman Mfg., White-Rodgers, and Lennox models.

The ICM2811 is a form, fit, and functional replacement for the Goodman PCBBF110/S, PCBBF123/S, 0130F00005/S, PCBBF112/S, B18099-26/S and compatible boards. The ICM2812 is a low-cost, board-only replacement for the White-Rodgers 50M56U-843 universal replacement board. Installers who prefer to order the control board complete with an assortment of cable harnesses can also order the ICM2812-KIT, making it a replacement for more than 150 additional OEM boards.

“In marketing the ICM2812, we wanted to give the contractor the flexibility to buy and stock up on just the replacement board or the entire kit,” said Kevin Jobsky, Senior Marketing Manager for ICM Controls. “White-Rodgers has done a sound job in building up an install base for its universal board, but contractors shouldn’t be forced to spend a lot of extra money on extraneous parts packaged into the OEM kit that is just going to end up in a landfill. ICM2812 allows contractors to buy exactly what they need.”

The ICM2813 is a form, fit, and functional replacement to the Lennox SureLight™ board, including part numbers 10M9301, 12L6901, 56L8401, 68M0801, 83M00, and compatible models.

“With the ICM2811, ICM2812, and ICM2813, ICM has three winners that should be very popular with wholesalers and contractors across the country,” said Jobsky.

ICM Controls has been manufacturing quality replacement controls for more than 36 years. Its vertically integrated manufacturing facility located in Central New York features a state-of-the-art printed circuit board shop, auto- and hand-assembly areas, plastic injection molding operations, design, and engineering services, as well as a renowned tech service department and call center for field support.

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ICM Controls is headquartered in North Syracuse, NY. For more information on ICM Control’s complete range of American-made products, plus wiring diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and more, please visit ICMControls.com.