Archive for category: FEATURED NEWS

ICM Controls is an electronics control, monitoring manufacturer putting your safety at the top of mind. Our fully integrated facility allows us an opportunity to ensure our products are the most technologically advanced in the field. Most recently, we have made a few adjustments to the ICM492C to increase its overall performance and accuracy. With these changes, the ICM492C, single-phase line voltage monitor has evolved to the ICM492D, single-phase line voltage monitor. Below we’ve provided a brief overview on the importance of line voltage monitoring as well as outlined updates to the product as well as.

Why is it important to monitor incoming voltage?

It’s important to monitor incoming voltage because when your system is subjected to prolonged periods of a voltage imbalance, the motor windings overheat, and you’ll shorten the lifespan of your motor or compressor. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you contact a utility company directly if there is an imbalance approaching 3% or greater.

Why Use a Line Voltage or Phase Monitor?

These are vital add-on investments that help to protect valuable equipment against voltage imbalance and other power anomalies, including high and low voltage, phase loss, phase reversal, rapid short cycling and more. The better line voltage monitors on the market, are programmable and have a digital display that let you get real-time read outs of the incoming power. Plus, they offer fault-memory, so you can get an idea of where to go looking for a problem when on occurs.

Important to Keep in Mind – Line Voltage Monitors are Wired in Parallel

It’s important to note that line voltage monitors are wired in parallel which means that it does not control the contactor. It merely monitors the power that is coming into the system.

Now Let’s Look at Our Single-Phase Line Voltage Monitor – ICM492D

The ICM492D continuously monitors incoming line voltage for faults and displays RMS voltage on the digital display. When line voltage is appropriate, the ICM492D will close COM and N.O. relay contacts. When incoming line voltage is outside of the user selected parameters, the ICM492D will close COM and N.C. relay contacts and indicate a fault condition by flashing FAULT on display. The SELECT menu has the following user adjustable settings: voltage set point, time delay, over voltage, under voltage, control mode, and response time. Time delay prevents system short cycling caused by transient faults and rapid power interruptions. The response time on the fault condition can be adjusted to help reduce nuisance trips from transient faults. When Control Mode setting is selected ON, the ICM492D will close COM and N.O. relay contacts only when control voltage is present at Control Voltage terminals. The relay contacts can be used to direct drive the load if the current rating is not exceeded.

 

Specifications – Knowing the Difference Between the ICM492C and ICM492D

Standard features of the ICM492C Include:

• Protects against over and under voltage, and rapid short cycling caused by transient faults and power interruptions
• 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)

ICM492D Includes the Above Advantages Plus More:

• Improved backlit digital display, easy to read in low light conditions
• Re-designed buttons for increased durability
• New micro-processor for improved accuracy
• Displayed voltage calibration feature to match the RMS value of a voltmeter

Moving Forward the ICM492D will be included in the new Sentry 3N1

With a focus on innovation, our newest product solution the Sentry3N1 contains our best-in-class ICM492. The Sentry3N1 itself provides both surge protection and line voltage monitoring for single-phase residential equipment, creating an all-in-one solution.

Key Roles that the ICM492 Plays in the Sentry3N1:

• Integral Anti-short cycle delay prevents short cycling the compressor and reversal of scroll compressors (some lower cost competitor options do not have this feature)
• Easy to read and set up
• Passive device wired in parallel with the line and breaks the contactor to shut down a load
• Within the assembly the voltage monitor is replaceable should it ever become damaged

 

To learn more about the ICM492D watch our pre-recorded webinar here:

For more product information we invite you to look at our ICM492 product page. We are currently in a transition period to the ICM492D and will be updating our website to reflect these changes momentarily. Please check our social media pages or email us at marketing@icmcontrols.com to show your interest.

 

 

ICM Controls prides itself on producing electronic controls for both the original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. Over the last few months ICM Controls has put innovation to the forefront of their developments. We are proud to announce that in February we launched the Sentry 3N1 and in March we were able to introduce the 3VMS. Both products exemplify advancements in the electrical field, making for two great all-in-one solutions for the end-user.

Sentry 3N1- Three Things in One Pack, the Ultimate Solution for Single-Phase

The Sentry 3N1, is an internal disconnect with voltage monitoring and surge protection, designed to protect against both surges and over/under voltage issues that can cause damage to circuit boards and motors in both residential and commercial single-phase 208/240 VAC HVAC equipment.

To make this device we’ve combined the benefits of our ICM Controls best-seller, the ICM517A single-phase surge protection device, and an ICM492 single-phase voltage monitor. In addition, this device is also equipped with an onboard disconnect breaker, providing homeowners with an easy and convenient way to break the power.

Why Use an ICM492 single-phase voltage monitor?

The ICM492 is one of ICM Controls’ best-selling single-phase line voltage monitoring devices. Designed to protect against low and high voltage conditions, and rapid short cycling due to voltage fault or power interruption. Its easy-to-use backlit display makes it user friendly to read and monitor voltage conditions, providing a simple and safe solution.

Paired with the ICM492 is the best-in-class ICM517A.

The ICM517A Single-Phase Surge Protective Device

The ICM517A is a type 2 surge protective device designed to protect valuable single-phase equipment by dissipating momentary spikes in voltage/current and transient power surges. The TMOVs inside of the device absorb and dissipate the surge (up to 100Ka per single event) to protect your valuable equipment. Its robust metal enclosure provides a secondary feature allowing it to contact high power surges as well.

As we sit back and take-a-look at the overall product we’ve taken two great products and combined them to make the best all-in-one single-phase solution!

Being keen on innovation ICM Controls didn’t stop here! We’ve also developed 3VMS for your three-phase commercial equipment.

With the commercial market becoming more sophisticated every year, there is a need for an electrical solution that manages the power source to keep equipment running efficiently.

The 3VMS from ICM Controls is a three-phase surge protective and voltage monitoring device. Built with our best three-phase surge protector the ICM530 and ICM450A line voltage monitor, this control can hold a punch!

The ICM530 is a thermally protected surge suppression device which allows for increased safety when the surge limit is reached, which believe it or not is about 150Ka (single event). Like the ICM517A the TMOVs of this surge suppressor also absorb and dissipate the surge protecting your larger equipment in the process.

Surge suppression isn’t the only thing we need to help protect our valuable equipment. We also need a line voltage monitor and ICM Controls has the right solution for that too!

ICM450A Three-Phase Line Voltage Monitor

The ICM450A is our superior line voltage monitor. It contains an integral anti-short cycle delay preventing short cycling the compressor and reversal of scroll compressors. It is also equipped with fault monitoring for high/low voltage, voltage unbalance, phase loss and phase reversal. It is a passive device that is wired in parallel with the line and breaks the contactor in order to shut down the load.

These great products are all combined within a NEMA type 4X enclosure, provides a weatherproof house for an all-in-one easy-to-install, pre-wired solution.

 

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!