ICM CONTROLS ICM870-9A Soft Start Motor Controller Installation Guide

Type: Semi-Conductor Soft-Start Motor Controller, Form 2, Bypassed Controller
Features: Starting current reduction and self-learning algorithm, Built-in start capacitor, Over-current protection, Over/under voltage monitoring, Diagnostic indicators, Sealed enclosure

Product Usage Instructions

Important Safety Information

CAUTION: The ICM870 must be mounted in an area where it will not be exposed to water or the elements. Exposure to water can cause control failure and pose electrical safety hazards.

WARNING: Installation must be done by a certified HVAC technician or licensed electrician in compliance with electrical codes.

Application

The ICM870 soft starters are suitable for use on circuits capable of delivering not more than 5,000 rms symmetrical Amperes, 240 V maximum when protected by a circuit breaker having not more than 40 A, 240 volts maximum.

Wiring Diagram

Refer to the wiring diagrams provided for the general layout of connecting the ICM870 soft starter to your system. Ensure proper connections as per the instructions.

Installation Steps

Step #1: Connect the ICM870 RED WIRE to the run capacitor terminal (C/Common/T2).
Step #2:
1. Disconnect the factory-installed compressor run wire from the contactor terminal (T2).
2. Splice the ICM870 BROWN WIRE to the compressor run wire previously disconnected.

Step #3: Connect the ICM870 BLUE WIRE to the run capacitor terminal (H/Hermetic/Start).

INTRODUCTION

INSTALLATION, OPERATION & APPLICATION GUIDE

For more information on our complete range of American-made products – plus wiring diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and more- visit us at www.icmcontrols.com.

FEATURES

Starting the current reduction and self-learning algorithm

Built-in start capacitor
Over-current protection

Over/under-voltage monitoring
Diagnostic indicators

Sealed enclosure

SPECIFICATIONS

Semi-Conductor Soft-Start Motor Controller, Form 2, Bypassed Controller

SCCR: 5kA
Ue = 240 VAC

Ui = 240 VAC
Uimp = 4kv

FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B: 2021, Class B
Pollution degree 3
Input (L1, L2) – 100-240 VAC 50/60Hz
Over voltage limits: 115 VAC nominal = 140 VAC, 240 VAC nominal = 264 VAC
Under voltage limits: 115 VAC nominal = 95 VAC, 240 VAC nominal =195 VAC

Outputs: Compressor

Solid state/relay
Current: Max. nominal = 9 FLA for ICM870-9A, 16 FLA for ICM870-16A
Over current limits: ICM870-9A = 11.25A, ICM870-16A = 20A

Environmental:

Ambient temperature:
- 40°C @ 16 FLA, 8-hour duty
- 50°C @ 16 FLA, Temporary duty –
- F = 30% (3 mins ON and 7 mins OFF); S = 6 (6 cycles per hour)
Storage temperature: -40°F to 149°F (-40°C to 65°C)
Humidity: 0-95% non-condensing
Enclosure: IP65

Dimensions: 7.94” x 4.20” x 2.10”
Screw hole center points: 7.36” x 2.97”

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING – Always turn off power at the main service panel before installing.

CAUTION: The ICM870 must be mounted in an area where it will not be exposed to water or the elements. Exposure of the ICM870 soft start to water can cause failure of the control and is a risk for fire or other electrical safety hazards.
Suitable for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than 5,000 rms symmetrical Amperes, 240 V maximum when protected by a circuit breaker having not more than 40 A, 240 volts maximum
CAUTION: Installation of any ICM870 soft start must be done by a certified HVAC technician or licensed electrician. All installations are to be done in accordance with local, state, and national electrical codes.

WARNING: Using an undersized generator or inverter with the ICM870 soft start can result in a dangerous condition. Always size your generator or inverter appropriately for your application.

APPLICATION

The ICM870 is intended for Marine, Recreational Vehicle, and commercial applications. The ICM870 integrates compressor in-rush current over startup time, thus reducing peak current demand on a power supply source (generator or other).
The ICM870 will monitor system health, including voltage, current, compressor startup, and self-integrity.

Upon a fault condition, the ICM870 will halt operation and initiate a 4-minute anti-short cycle routine while providing diagnostic fault information through an LED indicator.

ICM870 COMPARABLE AMPERAGE CROSSES

The ICM870 models cross to the comparable amperage models from the following manufacturers.

Micro-Air (Easy Start)
Dometic (Smart Start)
Carlo Gavazzi (Smooth Starter)

Network RV (Soft Start)
Hyper Engineering (Sure Start)

STANDARD AND TEST RESULTS

UL 60947-4-2

IEC 60947-4-2: 2020
CAN ICES-003(B) / NMB-003(B)
IEC 61000-4-2, Class 3 air, Class 2 contact

IEC 61000-4-3, Class 3
IEC 61000-4-4, Class 3
IEC 61000-4-5, Class 3

IEC 61000-4-6, Class 3
IEC 61000-4-8, Class 4
IEC 61000-4-11, Class 2

Altitude: 2000 m
9A: AC-58b: 9-180: 420
16 A: AC-58b: 16-180: 420

IP65

LED INDICATORS

START = Green
RUN = Green

FAULT = Red (flashing)

FLASH CODES

Flashes	Flash Conditions
1	High or low voltage
2	The compressor is not sensing or open fuse
3	High current
4	Compressor start error
5	Invalid operating frequency
Rapid	Normal start delay active

WIRING DIAGRAM

(GENERAL LAYOUT)

Legend:

S = Start
C = Common
H = Hermetic

R = Run
OL = Overload Switch

WIRING DIAGRAM (GENERAL LAYOUT)

Legend:

S = Start
C = Common

H = Hermetic
R = Run
OL = Overload Switch

Special attention should be made to the termination of the field wiring leads, only at terminals suitable for a 90°C wire at a minimum.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

NOTE: For Trane or American Standard units, T1 and T2 are labeled differently from Figure 1. Wire according to Figure 3 for those units.
Step #1 Connect the (ICM870 RED WIRE) > to the run capacitor terminal (c/common/T2). See Figure 3 for Trane and American Standard (on these units, the common will be T1).

Step #2 a) Disconnect factory installed compressor run wire from the contactor terminal (T2). See Figure 3 for Trane and American Standard (removal of the compressor run wire on these units will be from T1 on the contactor).
b) Splice the (ICM870 BROWN WIRE) > to the compressor run wire previously disconnected in (Step 2A)
If there is a Start Capacitor and/or Start Relay already in place, disconnect them prior to installing the ICM870.

Step #3 Connect the (ICM870 BLUE WIRE) > to the run capacitor terminal (herm/hermetic/start)
Step #4 Connect or splice the (ICM870 BLACK WIRE) > to the contactor terminal (T1). See Figure 3 for Trane and American Standard ( on this model, the ICM870 BLACK wire will connect to T2).

INSTALLATION

Step #1 a) Disconnect factory factory-installed compressor run wire from the common run capacitor / L2 terminal
- b) Splice the ICM870 BROWN WIRE > to the factory-installed compressor run wire previously disconnected in step #1A.
- If there is a Start Capacitor and/or Start Relay already in place, additional steps will be required to disconnect them.

Step #2 ICM870 RED WIRE > to the run capacitor (c/common/L2) terminal
Step #3 Connect the ICM870 BLUE WIRE > to the run capacitor (herm/hermetic/start) terminal
Step #4 Splice the ICM870 BLACK WIRE > with the factory-installed compressor Overload Switch wire (OL/L1)

WIRING DIAGRAM FOR TRANE & AMERICAN STANDARD HVAC UNITS

NOTE: On American Standard and Trane units, T1 & T2 are labeled differently from the ICM870 instructions. In those cases, the wire is as seen below.

WHICH MODEL DO I NEED?

ICM870-9A: For ACs with a Compressor Rated Load Amps (RLA) of up to 9A
ICM870-16A: For ACs with a Compressor Rated Load Amps (RLA) of 9.1- 16A

ICM870-32A: For ACs with a Compressor Rated Load Amps (RLA) of 16.1- 32A
This chart reflects average conversions of Single-Phase Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Tonnage, BTUs, HP, and RLA. Please refer to your user manual or service panel to determine your actual RLA before deciding which ICM870 model you need.

Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Loads – Average

Size	BTU	RLA	ICM870 Model
3 Ton *	36,000	16	16A
4 Ton	48,000	22	32A
5 Ton	60,000	26	32A
6 Ton	72,000	32	32A

NOTE: For 3-ton units, use ICM870-32A if RLA exceeds 16A
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I encounter high current or low voltage flashing codes?
- If you encounter high current or low voltage flashing codes, check for compressor start errors and ensure there are no open fuses. Verify the operating frequency and inspect for any abnormal start delays.
Can I use the ICM870 soft start on residential A/C units?
- Yes, the ICM870 soft start is suitable for use on residential A/C units as well as RV & Marine A/C units. Follow the wiring diagrams provided for proper installation.

Documents / Resources

ICM CONTROLS ICM870-9A Soft Start Motor Controller [pdf] Installation Guide
ICM870-9A, ICM870-16A, ICM870-9A Soft Start Motor Controller, Soft Start Motor Controller, Start Motor Controller, Motor Controller, Controller

References

User Manual

ICM CONTROLS ICM870-9A Soft Start Motor Controller