ICM Soft Start Install

[@mslane1106]

Main reason for installing a softstart is to allow a generator (or perhaps solar assist) to power the ac unit during an emergency. Reducing startup amps and consequently lower starting power (watts, volts times amps) results in a much lower startup power demand from an emergency generator preventing such from being overloaded.

[@Hunter-rt6cf]

Thanks for posting. This is my exact AC setup, so this makes me much more confident on the installation process. As it’s been 4 months, how is it the ICM soft start holding up? Out of curiosity, what generator are you using?

[@chrisarnone7896]

Seems to be holding up really well. The Generator I have is a Ryobi 6500W( 8500W Peak). (Nothing too special). I have a short on modifying it to run on natural gas. Really easy setup. If you like to know more let me know.

[@mslane1106]

Why did you install the unit outdoors? It is not weatherproof. Either install under the electric panel or encase the unit in an outdoor, weatherproof box.

[@chrisarnone7896]

the enclosure is IP 65 rated Sealed Enclosure. per the Website (Link above)

[@sidewayz24]

Thank you for this. How do I bypass the Coresense on a armana for a ICM870-16A. I asked the company and they never got back to me and the part just came in. Is it as simple as unplugging it?

[@chrisarnone7896]

From the web site. NOTE: The ICM870 Series Soft Starts are NOT recommended to be used with air conditioners or heat pumps which have control boards that sense compressor current and perform a lock out for fault conditions. Any Air Conditioner or Heat Pump which has a Comfort Alert control board or an Emerson Core Sense Module installed are not directly compatible for use with the ICM870 Series Soft Start. The Emmerson Core Sense modules can be bypassed when using the ICM870 Series Soft Starts. Unfortunately, the Comfort Alert cannot be bypassed and therefore ICM870 cannot be used.

[@malarchuk]

The play back speed makes this unwatchable

[@EdwardGoodwin-n4r]

Very sloopy install

[@RadioRich100]

This thing is B.S. and junk. They all are. It does NOT reduce anything. Using $50 clamp meters to measure modified sinewaves which fools the meter, and thinking the same motor with the same torque load on it now runs on one quarter of the current, is the findings of a fool.

[@chrisarnone7896]

The idea of this device is not to save on the power but to allow for a lower inrush current draw from the AC unit. this will allow a lower amperage device like a generator to be able to start the AC. sorry you think they are Crap, maybe you don't know what they are used for. These have been used to years on Rv/campers for the use of generators to start the larger AC systems. The Meter doesn't lie as far as the inrush current is, regardless what you think of a "cheap" meter. For what it is worth, It works as intended to be able to run a lower powered generator.

[@RadioRich100]

@@chrisarnone7896 They are crap. Your measurements are invalid and they DONT lower any current or the motor wouldnt turn.

[@chrisarnone7896]

@@RadioRich100 Cool man! thanks for watching. Sounds like you have had a bad day. or burned by one of these things.