How to Set Up the ICM 493 Surge Suppressor

Kalos Services Service Manager Jesse Claerbout explains how to set up the ICM 493 surge suppressor. Everything in this video is based on our company's preferred installation and setup.
MOV surge suppressors don't offer full protection, but they are the best financially feasible residential options on the market. To get the most out of your MOV surge protector, you should make sure it has a short, well-connected ground and proper wiring. MOVs can fail when they take large hits or several small hits over time; when MOVs fail, it's best to replace all surge suppressors.
The backside of the surge suppressor contains all the wiring. The left-hand side monitors voltage, and the right-hand side sends voltage to the condensing unit. Once the ICM 493 understands that the voltage is in line from the left, the board activates the contactor, which sends voltage to the load connected at the right (the compressor and condenser fan). The board also has a three-amp low-voltage fuse. The ICM 493 also has four Tapcon screws, though the upper left one can be tricky to access. Ideally, the ICM 493 should be perfectly level and have its outsides (against the wall) sealed with silicon to prevent water and bugs from getting in through the back.
To begin programming the ICM 493, press the "SETUP" button to scroll through the settings. It will ask you to input the line voltage (208 or 240).
The control will then ask you to input the over/under-voltage percentage. We typically set that value at 5%; when the control detects more or less than 5% of the line voltage, it will open the contacts.
You can also set an anti-short time delay, which we normally set for two minutes (it starts at 30 seconds).
Reset mode can be set for one trial or auto; that is something to discuss with the customer and see what they want.
Allowed MOV fails can be set for four or five. Four shuts off the unit when only one MOV is remaining, and five allows the unit to keep running even when all five fail. Setting the ICM 493 to five MOV fails will prevent nuisance shutdowns. MOVs or metal-oxide varistors work by directing the current to ground during high-voltage events.
To calibrate the ICM 493, hold the up and down arrows simultaneously until the line voltage starts to flash. Then, use the RMS meter to check the line voltage between L1 and L2. Once the voltage has been dialed in, press "SETUP" again to make the ICM 493 start; it should display the remaining MOVs and the line voltage when you press the appropriate buttons.
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[@rj.parker]

I like the ICM’s four strikes and your out feature, redundant movs on the disconnect with their $7500 guarantee (wonder if anyone actual collects on surge suppressor warranties), but I wonder about both system’s grounding path and the electronics in the ICM box itself. It may be an academic argument, but I lean to protecting the whole house at the incoming panel since ground paths are better and there is a chance to prevent dangerous voltages and frequencies from finding their way back to the inverter from the comm wires. At some point opto isolation should be designed into the comm networks by the OEMs.

[@ia9988]

Should be set at 4 failed MOVs and have it Disconnect. This forces the customer to call for service to Diagnose. Upon discovery that 4 MOVs have failed, that would be a definite Sign of an Issue or perhaps just age. It would then allow for the 5th one to be Selected for continued operation to Retain Protection with the customer being notified of the issue and requirement to replace the controller due to Damage. How frequently this would happen is Unknwon of course but cheaper to replace the ICM493 than anything in the condensing unit. The Bad part is once that 5th MOV burns out.... Zero protection left with continued Operation. So moral of all of this.... Set it to 4. Leave 5 for restoring operation while ordering a replacement ICM493.

[@lawrence6115]

Thank you. Good video

[@jimkelso9528]

Lack of info with dialog sucks. Thanks for the vague overview I like the presence of the other surge protector, with no mention.

[@mamumonkan]

there is a 40A and a 60A version ... my Compressor draws 45Amps. Which one do I need ? thanks !

[@cast1070]

Hi what if I am getting a reading of 252v. Can I adjust to higher then 240

[@johnwhite2576]

You did not show how to actually attach wires inside - does panel have to come off ? Where do he wires enter the box ??

[@MrRealtalkME]

Can you do a video on the icm450

[@wiley9190]

Why did you use two surge protectors?

[@baivabmitra376]

To make money from the customer!

[@TershBlissett]

The intro says why there are two on the system...

[@NotOurRemedy]

@@TershBlissett these things get to 140F while in sunlight with you guys. Mine does every afternoon.

[@TershBlissett]

@@NotOurRemedy, is yours in morning, afternoon or all day sunlight? Mine is in morning sunlight and doesn't get hot. I guess I need to confirm that during the summer though...

[@NotOurRemedy]

@@TershBlissett afternoon. Late in the day. On a 4 ton a PUMY. Around 145F

[@billcowhig5739]

Why didn't you install the ICM493 upstream of the disconnect, to put it closer to the power source where the surges should be greater? Also, you said it needed a good ground, but the electronics board isn't grounded. At least I couldn't find where the board was grounded. And if you installed it upstream of the disconnect, the equipment grounding conductor would be shorter and closer to the CB panel. Is there a good reason why you installed it just before the equipment?

[@NotOurRemedy]

These get hotter than 140F commonly for anyone else?