ICM870-32A Soft Start: Installation, Operation & Application Guide

Important Safety Information

High Voltage Warning

Always turn off power at the main service panel before installing.

Caution

The ICM870-32A must be mounted in an area protected from water and elements. Exposure can cause failure and electrical safety hazards.

Suitable for circuits capable of delivering not more than 5,000 rms symmetrical Amperes, 240 V maximum, when protected by a circuit breaker not exceeding 40 A, 240 volts maximum.

Installation must be performed by a certified HVAC technician or licensed electrician, adhering to local, state, and national electrical codes.

Application

The ICM870-32A is designed for Marine, Recreational Vehicle, HVAC, and commercial applications. It integrates compressor in-rush current reduction during startup, lowering peak demand on power sources like generators. The unit monitors system health (voltage, current, compressor startup, self-integrity) and initiates a 3-minute anti-short cycle routine with diagnostic fault information via an LED indicator upon fault detection.

Features

• Starting current reduction and self-learning algorithm
• Built-in start capacitor
• Over-current protection
• Over/under voltage monitoring
• Diagnostic indicators
• Sealed enclosure

Specifications

General

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

• SCCR: 5kA
• Ue = 240 VAC
• Ui = 240 VAC
• Uimp = 4kV
• 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 = 32A
• Over current limits: ICM870-32A = 40A

Environmental

• Ambient temperature: 40°C @ 32 FLA, 8 hour duty
• 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"

ICM870-32A Comparable Amperage Crosses

The ICM870-32A model crosses to comparable amperage models from the following manufacturers:

• Micro-Air (Easy Start)
• Dometic (Smart Start)
• Network RV (Soft Start)
• Hyper Engineering (Sure Start)
• Carlo Gavazzi (Smooth Starter) - SS230V1P16-32

Standard and Test Results

• UL 60947-1
• UL 60947-4-2
• CSA C22.2 NO. 60947-1
• CSA C22.2 NO. 60947-4-2
• IP65
• Altitude: 2000 m

LED Indicators

Start: Green • Run: Green • Fault: Red (flashing)

Flash Codes

Wiring Diagrams

For Residential A/C's

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the general wiring layout for residential air conditioning units. It shows the connection points for the Softstart unit, compressor contactor, compressor, and run capacitor. The ICM870 unit's wires (Red, Brown, Blue, Black) are connected to specific terminals on the compressor and capacitor to manage the startup sequence. The ICM870 unit connects between the line voltage (L1, L2) and the compressor's start/run windings, working in conjunction with the contactor.

Residential A/C Installation Steps:

• Step 1: Connect the ICM870 RED WIRE to the run capacitor terminal (c/common/T2).
• Step 2a: Disconnect the factory-installed compressor run wire from the contactor terminal (T2/L2).
• Step 2b: Splice the ICM870 BROWN WIRE to the compressor run wire previously disconnected in Step 2a. If a Start Capacitor or PTCR is present, additional disconnection steps may be required.
• 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).

For RV & Marine A/C's

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the general wiring layout for RV and Marine air conditioning units. Similar to residential units, it details connections to the Softstart, compressor, run capacitor, and overload switch. A key difference is the splicing of the ICM870 BROWN WIRE to the compressor run wire originating from the run capacitor's common terminal.

RV & Marine A/C Installation Steps:

• Step 1a: Disconnect the factory-installed compressor run wire from the common run capacitor / L2 terminal.
• Step 1b: Splice the ICM870 BROWN WIRE to the factory-installed compressor run wire disconnected in Step 1a. If a Start Capacitor or PTCR is present, additional disconnection steps may be required.
• Step 2: Connect the 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).

Note on Wiring: Special attention should be given to field wiring lead termination. All leads must terminate only at terminals suitable for minimum 90°C wire.

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 provides average conversions for Single-Phase Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Tonnage, BTU's, HP, and RLA. Refer to your user manual or service panel to determine your actual RLA before selecting an ICM870 model.

Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Loads – Average

* NOTE: For 3-ton units, use ICM870-32A if RLA exceeds 16A.

Contact Information

ICM Controls
7313 William Barry Blvd., North Syracuse, NY 13212
www.icmcontrols.com
800.365.5525