EasyStart Home AC Wiring

Step 1: Identify the components

The two components shown in Figure 1 are used to connect your EasyStart. Locate these components in your air conditioner. Some compressors have additional components and may have a circuit board. Power typically comes from the bottom of the contactor, usually from a breaker or fuse panel. Disconnect power (turn off the breaker) before connecting EasyStart.

Figure 1 Description: An image showing a run capacitor and a contactor within an air conditioning unit. Arrows point to the run capacitor and the contactor.

Step 2: Mounting the unit

EasyStart can be mounted on any flat surface, horizontally or vertically. It can also be mounted with the clear cover pointing up. If mounted vertically, the wire entry must face downwards.

Step 3: Identify the capacitor terminals

Three terminal run capacitors

Many compressors have three-terminal run capacitors. These capacitors feature labels on top, such as "HERM" (Hermetic), "FAN", and "C" (Common). Use these labels to identify connection points, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Description: An image of a three-terminal run capacitor with labels HERM, FAN, and C clearly indicated by arrows.

Two terminal run capacitors

Two-terminal capacitors are harder to identify as they are not labeled. Locate a wire connecting the contactor to the capacitor. This wire is typically connected to the "C" terminal and should remain in place. The other unmarked terminal is the "HERM" terminal. For this guide, "HERM" and "C" terminals will be referenced for all capacitor types.

Figure 3 Description: An image showing a two-terminal capacitor and its wiring connections to a contactor. An arrow indicates a wire going from the contactor to the capacitor.

Step 4: Removing start devices

Examine the HERM terminal group (Figure 4). If only a single yellow wire is connected to the HERM terminal, the compressor has no start components, and you can proceed to the next step. If multiple wires are present, identify which wire, if any, connects to a start device (e.g., relay, start capacitor, PTC device). Remove this start assist wire from the HERM terminal at both ends, leaving other HERM wires undisturbed. If a PTC or hard start device is present, the entire device can be removed.

Figure 4 Description: An image focusing on the HERM terminal group, showing a single yellow wire connected to it.

Step 5: Check for compressor monitoring systems

Some systems include a monitoring circuit that verifies compressor operation and provides feedback (e.g., lights, fault indication) if the compressor fails to start. These systems usually have a control board in the electrical box with a fault chart. If your system has such a board, you may need to disable the start delay in EasyStart to prevent artificial faults. Refer to Appendix 1 for details on compressor monitoring system changes if required.

Step 6: Connecting the ORANGE wire

Connect the EasyStart ORANGE wire to the HERM terminal.

Step 7: Connecting the BROWN wire

Follow the wire connecting the "C" terminal on the run capacitor to the contactor. Disconnect the compressor's "R" terminal wire from the contactor (this is often a heavy gauge wire connected to a screw terminal or a quick connect, as shown in Figure 5). Connect this disconnected wire to the EasyStart BROWN wire. Ensure only these two wires are connected together.

Figure 5 Description: An image showing wiring connections to a contactor. An arrow points to a wire that needs to be disconnected from the contactor's "R" terminal.

Step 8: Connecting the WHITE wire

Connect the EasyStart WHITE wire to the contactor terminal where the wire was removed in the previous step. This is typically a screw terminal on the contactor.

Note: For compressors with an RLA over 18 amps, use a ring, fork, or direct wire connection under the screw instead of a spade connection, matching the original installation method.

Step 9: Connecting the BLACK wire

Contactors have two electrically separate halves, each connected to a voltage line. The red wires are typically connected to one side, and black wires to the other. Wire colors may vary. Connect the EasyStart BLACK wire to the side of the contactor where the EasyStart WHITE wire is NOT connected, using an available connection point (Figure 6).

Figure 6 Description: An image showing wiring connections to a contactor. An arrow indicates the connection point for the BLACK EasyStart wire, on the opposite side from where the WHITE wire is connected.

Step 10: Learning

Start the air conditioner on AC mains power. The fan should turn on, followed shortly by the compressor. EasyStart is now installed. The compressor can be cycled normally to complete the learning process. If testing on a generator or alternate power source, ensure the compressor has started at least five times before using that source.

Appendix 1: Compressor monitoring system changes

These changes apply ONLY if your system has a compressor monitoring system, typically indicated by a circuit board with LEDs or a display for faults. Consult any instructions within the electric box for fault meanings. If no such board or instructions exist, do not make these changes.

IMPORTANT: Instructions differ between Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth models. Do not remove the cover of Bluetooth models. Using incorrect methods may prevent proper unit function.

Models without Bluetooth

For non-Bluetooth models: First, place shorting jumpers from the six-pin header onto pins 1 and 3, and pins 4 and 6, as shown in Figure 7. Next, cut JMP2 on the circuit board. This disables the timer and starts the compressor immediately. Circuit boards may vary visually, but the process remains the same.

Figure 7 Description: An image of a circuit board showing a six-pin header labeled JP1 with jumper placement instructions (1-3 and 4-6). It also highlights a component labeled JMP2, indicating it should be cut.

Models with Bluetooth

For Bluetooth models: Ensure the system has power to disable the starting delay before installation. Turn off the air conditioner breaker. Connect the black and white EasyStart wires to the line input side of the contactor, as indicated by yellow arrows in Figure 8. Tape or wire nut the brown and orange EasyStart wire ends to prevent electrical contact. Turn the air conditioner breaker back on.

Open the smart device application (Android or Apple). To connect, enter "EasyStart_" (case-sensitive, including the underscore) in the designated box and press return. The "Connect to EasyStart" button will enable. Press it to connect to the starter; the screen will then show the starter's ID.

Navigate to the relearn tab. Slide the switch for "No pwr on delay" to "ON". Set "SCPT (minutes)" to 1. Press "send settings to EasyStart". Exit the app, turn off the air conditioner breaker, disconnect the white and black EasyStart wires, and continue with the installation.

Figure 8 Description: An image showing wiring connections to a contactor for a Bluetooth model. Yellow arrows point to the line input side of the contactor where the black and white EasyStart wires should be connected.

Appendix 2: Maintenance

The EasyStart box and entry points are water-tight and can withstand normal rain. Avoid pressure washing, as the box is not rated for high-pressure water jet cleaning. Cleaning can be done with a mild soap and water solution.

Appendix 3: Additional Resources

For further information on EasyStart, troubleshooting, or assistance, visit the Micro-Air website at https://www.micro-air.net.