ICM CONTROLS ICM870-9A Soft Starter User Guide

ICM870-9A Soft Starter

Specifications

  • Type: Semi-Conductor Soft-Start Motor Controller
  • Form: 2, Bypassed Controller
  • Motor Control: Solid State
  • Input Voltage: 240 VAC nominal (195 VAC)
  • Model: ICM870-9A/16A Soft Starters

Product Usage Instructions

Important Safety Information

CAUTION: The ICM870 should not be mounted
against a residence or dwelling. It must be installed inside a
metal cabinet or a NEMA Type 3R Metal enclosure that houses the
compressor.

Installation of the ICM870 soft start should only be carried out
by a certified HVAC technician or licensed electrician in
compliance with local, state, and national electrical codes.

WARNING: When using the ICM870 with a
generator, ensure it is properly sized for the application to avoid
dangerous conditions.

Application

The ICM870 models have comparable amperage crosses with selected
manufacturers. Consult the manufacturer’s documentation for more
information.

Wiring Diagram for Installation

Refer to the provided wiring diagrams for general layout and
specific instructions on connecting the ICM870 soft start:

  1. Connect the ICM870 RED WIRE to contactor terminal T2.
  2. Splice the ICM870 BROWN WIRE to the compressor run wire.
  3. Connect the ICM870 BLUE WIRE to the run capacitor
    terminal.
  4. Splice the ICM870 BLACK WIRE to the compressor Common and
    L1.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

If any issues arise during installation or operation, refer to
the diagnostic indicators and flash codes provided in the manual.
Ensure regular maintenance checks to keep the soft starter
functioning optimally.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can the ICM870 soft start be installed by anyone?

A: No, installation must be done by a certified HVAC technician
or licensed electrician.

Q: What should I do if the diagnostic indicators show abnormal
operation?

A: Refer to the manual for troubleshooting steps and contact a
professional if needed.

Q: Is it necessary to disconnect existing start capacitor and
relay before installing the ICM870?

A: Yes, disconnect any existing start capacitor and relay before
installing the ICM870 for proper functionality.

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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 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

· Uimp = 4kv

· Ue = 240 VAC

· FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B: 2021, Class B

· Ui = 240 VAC

· Pollution degree 3

Solid State motor control
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″ · ICM870-9A LRA: 22 · ICM870-16A LRA: 84

ICM870-9A/16A Soft Starters

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
HIGH VOLTAGE DANGER ­ Always turn off power at the main service panel before installing.
CAUTION: Never mount the ICM870 against a residence or dwelling. The ICM870 must be mounted inside the metal cabinet which houses the compressor or a NEMA Type 3R Metal enclosure.

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: If the ICM870 is to be used with a generator, consult a licensed electrician or qualified professional to properly size the generator for your application. Using an undersized generator or invertor with the ICM870 soft start can result in a dangerous condition.
Suitable for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than 5,000 rms symmetrical Amperes, (Convient à des circuits produisant au plus 5,000 A eff. )240 V maximum when protected by a circuit breaker having not more than 40 A, 240 volts maximum

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 by means of an LED indicator.

ICM870 COMPARABLE AMPERAGE CROSSES

The ICM870 models cross to the comparable amperage models from

the following manufacturer’s:

· Micro-Air (Easy Start)

· Network RV (Soft Start)

· Dometic (Smart Start)

· Hyper Engineering (Sure Start)

· Carlo Gavazzi (Smooth Starter)

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 1 2 3 4 5
Rapid

Flash Conditions High or low voltage Compressor not sensed or open fuse
High current Compressor start error Invalid operating frequency Normal start delay active

Coil
Coil

FOR RESIDENTIAL A/C’s FOR RV & MARINE A/C’s

WIRING DIAGRAM (GENERAL LAYOUT)

WIRING DIAGRAM (GENERAL LAYOUT)

Figure 1

Control Voltage

Soft Start

Black Red Blue Brown

Legend: S = Start

! Splice

C = Common

(Step 2B)

H = Hermetic

R = Run

OL = Overload Switch

Line Voltage
L1 L2

Compressor Contactor

T1

T2 ! NOTE (Step 2A)

Remove the Compressor

Run Winding Wire from T2

of the Contactor and Splice

to the ICM870 Brown Wire

OL
C RS Compressor

HC
Run Cap

Figure 2

L1

L2

Black

Red

Soft Start

Blue Brown

OL

! Splice (Step 1B)
Legend: S = Start C = Common H = Hermetic R = Run OL = Overload Switch

C RS
Compressor

Step 1A
HC Run Cap

! NOTE Remove the Compressor Run Winding Wire from
Common (C) of the Run Capacitor and Splice to the Brown Wire of the ICM870 Soft Start

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

TYPICAL INSTALLATION HVAC
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 contactor terminal 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 Splice the ICM870 BLACK WIRE > to the compressor Common and L1

WIRING DIAGRAM FOR TRANE & AMERICAN STANDARD HVAC UNITS Figure 3

Black

OL

Orange Red

C RS
Compressor

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

INSTALLATION FOR RV & MARINE Step #1 Connect ICM870 RED WIRE > to the run capacitor (c/
common/L2) terminal. Step #2 a) Disconnect 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 #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)
WHICH MODEL DO I NEED?
ICM870-9A: For AC’s with a Compressor Rated Load Amps (RLA) of up to 9A ICM870-16A: For AC’s with a Compressor Rated Load Amps (RLA) of 9.1-16A ICM870-32A: For AC’s 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, BTU’s, HP, and RLA. Please refer to your user manual or service panel to determine your actual RLA before deciding which model ICM870 you need.

SPLICE red to brown wire of ICM870

Compressor Contactor

T2 T1 L2 L1

Black

Red CH

Legend:

Blue Red Brown

ICM870 Soft Start

F

S = Start C = Common

Capacitor

H = Hermetic R = Run

OL = Overload Switch

Brown Purple Black

OUTDOOR FAN

Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Loads ­ Average

Size

BTU

RLA

ICM870 Model

Up to 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

7313 William Barry Blvd., North Syracuse, NY 13212 www.icmcontrols.com

800.365.5525
LIAF288-8

Type of Document
LIAF288-8_ICM870-9A-16A_Instruction_8.5×11 (2 pages)

Revision History

Revision
E

Revised by
PH

Which area or section of the document was changed?
The Warning, Caution and Electrical Voltage has been updated with new verbiage

Summary (List the change that was made within the document.)
New warning, caution and electrical voltage information has been added to be more precise/descriptive. Added “Recreational HVAC” to application section. Added French verbiage and LRA. Updated typical install step one and RV and Marine switched step 1 and 2. Updated voltage symbol.

LIT P/N
LIAF288-8

ICM P/N
ICM870-9A-16A

Size
8.5×11 (2 pages)

Created by
PH

MKT Signoff
PH

Date
12/23/2024

ENG Signoff
JF

Date
1/14/25

Agency Signoff
MR

Date
1/ 15/ 25

DOC ID# / Revision
000-29-4329/ Rev E

Date Added to DC

ELEC TECH Signoff

Date

BOM

JF

Documents / Resources

ICM CONTROLS ICM870-9A Soft Starter [pdf] User Guide
ICM870-9A, ICM870-16A, ICM870-9A Soft Starter, ICM870-9A, Soft Starter, Starter

References

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