My First Time Installing a Micro-Air EasyStart 368

[@FireSprinklerTech]

This is not fire sprinkler related, but I wanted to share it in hopes it helps someone who is looking into buying an EasyStart. Thanks for watching. Please like and subscribe.

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I just ordered one. Can't wait to install it. I was an auto mechanic for 32 years so I think that I can figure it out. Just got out of a four day power outage. I have a Westinghouse WGen9500DF.

[@fattysgarage1754]

Best thing I ever installed. I installed right before hurricane Ian in 2022 and was able to run whole house 3 ton unit. My advice would be to change capacitor and contactor while you are in there and you will be good for many years. This saves your unit from pre mature failures and the A/C companies hate it. Nice video!

[@jdwilson-ig7uj]

This is exactly what I did this past weekend. The HVAC system is about 12 years old and I also have a backup generator. Having tested the A/C on generator last year, the current draw is w/in limits of the gen set, but you can hear the RPM is pulled down on startup. Ordered the soft-start and also updated the contactor (per AS/Trane). Replaced the capacitor with the appropriate size one from AmRad (through an Amazon market place dealer). Installed the replacement parts first to make sure it's all running then installed the soft start kit. In-rush current dropped (after initialization process) from ~81A to ~24A. Runs very quiet too. Also while I had it opened up, washed down the coils. It's expensive, but I think it will really pay off in the long-run with the life of the compressor and when on backup power.

[@SyFyJoe]

I installed one on our 3.5 ton unit about two months ago. Easy to install, good documentation. No more "clank" during startup. I cringe now when I hear my neighbors units starting. And I like the Bluetooth app. Any time the a/c is on, I can see how many amps were pulled during startup. Highly recommend. 👍

[@carapungo]

very good bro. I installed the same one three weeks ago for my 4 ton AC, I tested it with a WEN 11,000 watts generator, and it worked like a champ.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@slidewaze]

This is EXACTLY my set up too. Installed 2 years ago, got the WEN about a year ago. That WEN does a pretty good job. 👍

[@philiptevebaugh9654]

Glad to hear the WEN 11000 (I’ve the same) works well with this soft start. Was wondering before I purchased the micro air.

[@randyprice264]

A great and useful video. I chuckled when you dropped one of the cover screws on the gravel ... I was glad to see I'm not the only one that kind of thing happens to! And thanks for doing a good job showing us clearly the advantages we get by installing the Easy Start.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Glad you found this useful. I’m always suspicious of a video of someone working on something and they don’t drop or misplace something. Lol

[@sabianfirst]

Good install. I've had one for a couple years that I installed on a 4-ton Goodman. Installation instructions were very straightforward. Tested with my Duromax 13000 EH (10,500) portable generator and it works very well. Using a portable for whole-house is another topic. Micro-Aire does have excellent customer support through Hutch Mountain if you have any questions regarding install for your particular unit, and although the app seems limited (connection and live data only accessible during call for cooling), if you send diagnostic data they are right on it.
I also enjoyed the screw drop response; happens to the best of us. You did everything right (for a fire sprinkler tech haha. Don't be so hard on yourself). Good call with the cap discharge and terminal cleaning. For everyone reading, you need to purchase a replacement capacitor. I have replaced mine (and a backup) and it is very easy, cheap, and they DO fail (probably the first component to fail). If you are doing this install, just go ahead and replace your Start/Run cap at the same time.
I noticed that you have an outdoor home surface that prevents this, but as a side note if some of you have siding/framework to attach the EasyStart to on the house, this might be better for at least three reasons: 1. vibration from the condenser unit 2. if you need to replace your condenser, this EasyStart is not attached to it (OOPS! forgot about that soft-start). Just need to run some seal-tite and possibly extra conductors from the condenser panel to the wall where the unit is attached. For me, the included cord was run through seal-tite and the conductors were plenty long enough. 3. you can view the indicator lights on the unit in case of fault through the clear plastic cover that is attached to the wall, rather than hidden. This may be helpful for some in case there is an issue. This case is waterproof (do not open), and it really will not be better protected whilst trying to fit it into the electrical enclosure for your condenser. And that can be a pain in the butt all by itself. Not necessary to fit this large unit on the condenser itself, as long as you ensure waterproof conductor installation.
Another side note for those with older condenser compressors with suspect terminals at the pecker (S, R, C), I used a kit that works very well for this purpose, and I recommend it. Also requires good cleaning of what's left of your terminals if they are degraded. Hope this helps some:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TFK4587/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also, always clean your condenser coils by shield disassembly and regular hose pressure from inside out once a year!

[@phatcowboy76]

"Herm" refers to hermetically. That's the compresssor. The compressor is hermetically sealed which means it's sealed so tight that no air can get in or out.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for watching and for the information.

[@AnotherPilot1]

I installed mine in late May…on a 17 year old 5-ton unit. It’s been flawless and it has curbed my start current by 45 percent. I now have 5500+ start cycles. I’m totally sold on this soft start circuit. This thing has buffered a number of thunderstorm related power failures that otherwise…the compressor would have had to absorb. This is a good idea from a lot of different perspectives. Good video…

[@madewithscraps]

I have 2 of these installed; one per unit on a 3 ton plus a 4 ton. They Function Flawlessly! When I checked the initial startup with a gauge, I was amazed at the massive reduction in amperage draw. I actually believe I could run my 4 ton off my 10,000 KW generator in emergency. I have one original installed Trane 12 SEER unit that is 29 years old now, and absolutely loves this Micro-Air. Proof that good maintenance saves money.

[@stevem2266]

Last week I just order two of them for my house. I heard about these as well about a month ago. All I see are great reviews about this item.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for watching. I'm really happy with them. Hopefully they last for many years.

[@slidewaze]

Excellent product. Have mine externally mounted for over 2 years now here in the desert of S Nevada. Makes the compressor happy and easily started on the genset. 4 ton AC

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Great to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@slidewaze]

@@FireSprinklerTech Thanks for posting this. Nicely done.

[@mongo1982]

I bought a Micro-Air a couple of months ago and installed it yesterday. It reduced my start-up amperage from 72 A to 24 A. It works exactly as advertised. Great product!

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for sharing. I’m still happy with mine.

[@waynerobinson3329]

Best installation video simple and to the point great job.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching.

[@takenusername]

Had me rolling when you dropped a screw
🤣🤣🤣

[@jdwilson8832]

This was very helpful. I have been concerned about the in-rush current on my two stage condenser unit. The fact that you ran your test with main and generator really helped. With the current heat, I wanted to test my 22kW (19.5 on NG though) under load of the AC. Although there is a start up cap in the condensor unit, when it kicks it, esp under the generator, you can hear it pull the gen set down. Another observation is that the my APC UPS units that keep the network running, also catch the events, even when the AC comes on running on gen set, it registers another event... that's enough to consider getting something in place to protect the genset and condenser u

[@bellfire694]

Sprinkler fitters are not dumb. . . I is one too. Lol

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Lol, we also have a good sense of humor. Thanks for watching!

[@pull-do6498]

I'm glad I'm not the other one that has kicked this around, yes, no, yes, no. I'll do it now after watching you,, and I'm a welder by trade, wish me luck,,,,,,

[@albertastorms]

Be aware, your running amps go up as the outdoor ambient temps get hotter, and even more so when the indoor ambient temp is too warm. This is why running your thermostat higher than 75° during heatwaves does not really save much more money on your power bill. Also when you do turn the thermostat back down when you get home or wake up, your ac will have to catch up so it will run awhile to bring that temp down. When I go on vacations I never shut my ac off or turn it too high in temp or I pay for it later in my bill. Same is true with the opposite situation for winter during cold snaps, your furnace has to heat that colder ambient air therefore you are paying for that gas to heat your home if you set your heat too low in winter. Also again paying for the furnace to catch up.

[@RetiredSignDude]

This is not quite accurate. Since temperature loss/gain (to the outside) is a function of relative temp differences. to the extent that you can narrow the differences, you will save *some* money.

[@DuckEDeluxe]

Thank you for making this 💯

[@boeing757pilot]

Good video... HERM means hermetically sealed.. In other words, your compressor...

[@dannyspiker1549]

For folks looking for a little less expensive version I installed the IMC870-16A. Does not have Bluetooth capabilities but works very well.
Just make sure to purchase correct one for the size of unit you have.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for the comment. I wanted to use the IMC because it looked like it would do the same job for much cheaper. I think they were around $180 or so. I couldn't find any information on if the IMC could be switched to a different unit after the learn process. My A/C units are 27 years old and I will need to replace them soon. I knew the Micro-Air can be put into a re-learn process using the Bluetooth.
The other reason was that the IMC is not 100% watertight due to the connector on it. I knew I would have to mount mine outside of the A/C unit.

[@projectswithjw]

The ICM delays the compressor for 4 minutes on every single start cycle. Micro-air is better.

[@sarah-kenorum2852]

IMC vs Micro-Air is like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Lexus..At the end of the day you get what you pay for.

[@jpenn727]

I have this soft start too. Works great!

[@barrymurray8264]

Thanks ! Helped a lot !

[@phakeAccount]

Don't you love when you knock something on the ground and even though it should be right there it actually went all the way to China

[@WSmith2024]

Sounded like your generator handled the load just fine, but good to have the soft start anyways.

[@dennisdoty523]

I would bet that you voltage is a little hotter on the generator than on the utility thus higher voltage = less current... Sounds Great though. Softstarts should be included in all AC units.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

when you accidentally drop a small screw into rocks or grass, a Strong Magnet comes in handy.
just drag it slightly above the area.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I would have put a new capacitor on there when doing the install.

[@rodneyreizenstein3153]

So, It sounds like the Soft Start controls how the AC unit starts. The device starts the fan first, and then starts the compressor second. that would reduce the startup AMPs.

[@no_handle_required]

Unexpected tickle. hahahah. Everybody who's every worked on electrical knows that phrase.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Lol, I'm glad you heard that. Thanks for watching.

[@rcinfla9017]

Your fan is drawing a lot of current. 4.5 amps for condenser fan is very high. Maybe the fan run capacitor is bad. I am assuming fan is also running on 240vac. One to two amps would be more normal.
Maybe a good idea to replace that rusty old run capacitor.
FYI, the Easystart will mask a bad compressor Run capacitor. Normally if compressor Run cap goes bad the compressor will not start, but with Easystart's startup capacitor it will start compressor but compressor will draw more run current.

[@iamnoone.]

I've installed one a year ago, and it works great and easy to install. The power bill has gone way down

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Great to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@dontblameme6328]

Soft start has very little affect on overall power consumption and won't lower your bill noticeably. It's high amps for a fraction of a second. Equates to pennies.

[@iamnoone.]

@dontblameme6328 Well, I disagree. It did drop my power bill not by pennies but an average of 50.00 a month, every month, and over a year, and it added up to pay for itself.

[@RetiredSignDude]

@@iamnoone. OP was correct. Perhaps you're running your unit less, or the weather is different. Or the sun is lower in the sky. There is exactly NO way that a soft start can lower your bills by more than a few pennies per month. If you are on a generator, get one. It will also extend the life of your unit w/ or w/o a generator. You reduce your start-up amperage by a lot, for a part of a second. Physics suggest that the energy saved from this slow ramp-up will be lost in the following seconds. It takes x amount of energy to start the compressor- the soft start merely spreads the start energy over a few extra seconds. Bottom line: life on ANY compressor (city power or generator) will be lengthened, Energy usage will be unchanged. A lot of generators cannot deliver sufficient amperage to START the unit, but any generator can run it.

[@iamnoone.]

@RetiredSignDude I have nothing to prove to you all. I installed it, it worked, and my power bill is lower. It's been in use for a full year, so the sun has nothing to do with it, and this year has been hotter than last year. All I know is that it's paid for itself in one year. My final word on this matter

[@davidtn227]

Can you link all of the connectors you used?

[@dannyspiker1549]

Can this be mounted externally if need be?

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Yes, the enclosure is IP65 rated which means it can have direct weather contact. It can be mounted in any position except with the wiring harness pointing up.

[@njgrplr2007]

I know two HVAC techs and neither of them knew a thing about soft starters. Makes me wonder.

[@mark8684]

Does it work on 2-stage compressor A/C units like my Carrier? If so, how?

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Yes it does, but I don't know how. Here is a link that might help you.
www.micro-air.com/kb-easystart/article_presales/easystart_Two-Stage_Compressor_Motor.htm

[@jonathanlee6444]

are there any downsides to using this micro air soft start?

[@1971chadwick]

Where can you buy the replacement caps for my easy start? I have the 368-x48 Blue. I'm going to opt for the 440 vs. 370. Thanks.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

I'm not sure what size you would need, but I found the replacement capacitors on their site. I'm not sure if they are for the 368 because the link says 366. Here is the link. Hope this helps.
www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/start-capacitors-for-easystart-366

[@RetiredSignDude]

@@FireSprinklerTech In any case, 440v caps work exactly perfectly in 370v systems- you just cannot UNDERSIZE the capacitor voltage.

[@WhowereEpsteinsclients]

Ive had to disconnect two so far this year because they failed.

[@SteveM-426]

I've heard of some Failing because the used too small of a unit. What did you find? I've also heard that the indoor blower starts and runs for a few minutes while the start up of the outdoor unit was delayed. Thanks for the info!

[@JetFire9]

Just installed 2 Flex units and one catastrophically failed after 2 days. At least one big capacitor blew and created condensation inside. It caused the compressor to violently shake as it still tried to start it. Anyone else have this happen?? Support confirmed a failed capacitor. Why did it keep trying to start the unit and stress the compressor??

[@edwardbarnett6318]

Same thing happened to me today. Flex unit blew two small capacitors. Support just sending new unit. No reason for why this happened .

[@JetFire9]

@@edwardbarnett6318 What is your serial number?

[@JetFire9]

@@edwardbarnett6318 What is your serial number?

[@JetFire9]

@@edwardbarnett6318 How many tons is your HVAC?

[@edwardbarnett6318]

3.5

[@pinballguru]

Great video, I am sold and need 2 . What part of Texas are you?

[@FireSprinklerTech]

I just bought mine from their website. I know there are cheaper brands out there as well, so you may want to look into that.
Unfortunately I don't live in Texas. I live in the people's republic of Illinois

[@cflodragon]

What model Klein clamp meter are you using?

[@FireSprinklerTech]

CL220

[@vtran1082]

Might be helpful to show us the diagram of your ac also
I'm a sprinkler fitter also in Texas! Sup bro. Put that pipe in asap.

[@FireSprinklerTech]

I didn't realize the Gopro didn't get a good view of the diagram. I'm glad to have other Fitters watching. I just started this channel a couple months ago so I'm trying to get subscribers. Thanks for watching.

[@stevekline5608]

I just had a soft start installed because tech said it would take care of the banging sound at start up and shut down. It had no effect on either. Did I get scammed?

[@RetiredSignDude]

The banging sound is the contactor clicking on/off, It is harmless. It is a cheap part and you can replace it yourself- but I wouldn't bother

[@stevekline5608]

The unit is right outside our bedroom window so at night it can wake us up.@@RetiredSignDude

[@rcinfla9017]

A lot of clamp-on amp meters are not very accurate for startup surge current. They require time to average peak and there is not much time for startup surge current. Typical startup surge last for about 0.4 second. If your line AC voltage slumps too much during surge current due to wiring voltage drop from breaker panel, startup will be a bit longer in time. If compressor has a hard start issue it can last over 1 second which often trips compressor internal overcurrent protection.
If you don't have too long a wire run to breaker panel you should see close to Locked Rotor Amperage (LRA) of compressor during startup period.
A good example of issue with meter is if you add a hardstart kit (start cap and relay). Hardstart kits actually slightly increases starting surge current but shorten the length of time, down to about 0.2 seconds. If your clamp-on meter shows a lower startup surge current when you put on hardstart kit it is due to meter error not having enough time to average a peak reading with the shorter startup time period.
Easystart is a combination of hard start capacitor, giving higher startup torque to motor, and voltage ramping softstart to reduce surge current. Just a voltage ramp softstarter will reduce surge current but will also make the time of startup longer.

[@joemanderson01]

Yeah buddy, you might want to have went ahead and change that capacitor out just for shits and giggles but good job other than that
😅 honestly, they really need to change that whole condenser out probably the system. 😝

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for watching. I agree, I'm going to replace the capacitors. I have been saving up to replace both HVAC systems. Both units were installed in 1996, but still run great. I'm going to kick the can down the road as long as I can. Unfortunately, everything needs replaced including the ductwork $$$

[@leiferickson713]

Don’t fix what ain’t broke.

[@bizzfo]

Same here, 1996 Carrier builder grade 3 ton R22. Going strong! It’s cliche but true, they don’t build them like they used to.

[@jameschuke4104]

Obviously your unit is about wore out hi amps n capacitor all old the generator people should of put that on there when installed

[@Robshamsterteam]

Power wall is cheaper than those generators and you don’t have that problem and it’s quiet

[@glycyldi]

How well does the Powerwall work during a multi day outage?

[@larrygoldman2530]

Exactly@@glycyldi

[@larrygoldman2530]

A battery wall is no where near as good as a natural gas fired generator.

[@tedhicks5431]

Do they make one for 3ph

[@davedarden]

I asked the company. They do not make 3-phase soft starters.

[@jarrodstrobelight1782]

From what I know about motors, is 3 phase motors have the extra leg and they don't need any help from a capacitor. I think all Alternating current motors do better with 3 phase.

[@RadioRich100]

This thing is B.S. and junk. They all are. It does NOT reduce anything. Using $50 clamp meters to measure modified sinewaves which fools the meter, and thinking the same motor with the same torque load on it now runs on one quarter of the current, is the findings of a fool.

[@thegreatbookofanchorages]

I tried to watch your video but got motion sickness half way through from all the camera movement. I couldn't see where you made the connections half the time. Sorry, but not helpful

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Sorry if I gave you vertigo. I need to work on my camera skills. Thanks for making it half way through. There is a link in the description to a video that Micro-Air made that is more of a how to install video. You might find that helpful.

[@chuckandsusan2543]

@@FireSprinklerTech many thanks. I have looked at the Micro-Air videos.

[@chrissipple1018]

Stay with fire sprinklers. This was way too long, did not need to know with and without the generator. Just need to how to install the device. See instructions.

[@sabianfirst]

What a bot response thanks. This absolutely helps others. Any other bolts of intelligence?

[@alross18058]

at least once a year you should check the capacitor for correct microfarads because they go bad over time. for some reason, Klein meters will not register Hertz on those generators

[@FireSprinklerTech]

Thanks for watching. I ordered two new capacitors today.

[@alross18058]

@@FireSprinklerTech when replacing a cap they will be marked 370 or 440 volts. you can always jump up to a 440 from a 370 but not from a 440 down to a 370

[@FireSprinklerTech]

@@alross18058 Thanks for the information. The one I ordered is rated 440/370, I assume it is a 440 and they marked this way to simplify things?

[@RetiredSignDude]

@@FireSprinklerTech I keep mine inside the unit. When the old one goes, the new one is 6" away. If I sell the house, maybe the newer homeowner will recognize genius when he sees it.

[@RetiredSignDude]

@@FireSprinklerTech Yes. Back in the day, people would reject 440 as being 'wrong.' Stupidly, So now manufacturers label them more friendly. Really, a 370 will work in all but commercial units, but the manufacturers got tired of needless returns,.