ICM203 - Delay On Break Relays (DOB), ICM (Best Sellers), TIME DELAY RELAYS

ICM203 - Delay On Break Relays (DOB), ICM (Best Sellers), TIME DELAY RELAYS

Q: I need a scenario to help me understand. Power is applied to the unit, its remains closed for a specified time then opens until power is cut again?

This timer begins counting when the power goes off. It will not close until the set time has run out. If the power has been removed for longer than the set time, it will close within about 2 seconds when power comes on. This also prevents some wear tear on thermostat contacts (if they are mechanical contacts) because the final closing (making of the circuit) occurs in the delay timer, not the thermostat. Once the power is interrupted for any reason, the ICM203 opens until the set time has run out. Hoping this helps.

Q: Is this a 12v unit suitable for automotive applications?

No, this unit is for alternating current (AC) use only. Automotive applications are always direct current (DC).

Q: Will this hold up to protect a full-size refrigerator compressor?

According to the ICM 203 manufactures sheet I have the max output rating is 1.5 amps. I'm going to say way too small for any refrigerator compressor's direct power. Maybe you can put this in another part of the circuit with lower current, like a relay or thermostat, that triggers the compressor to start. That is the way these are typically installed on air conditioners, where you put this in the low power circuit that closes the relay that starts the compressor. So if the relay circuit is delayed/open, then the compressor wont start until this device closes that circuit.

Q: What is a good delay setting for an outside A/C unit?

The answer of 5 minutes is not necessarily right. I can guess that's the setting used by pros to avoid callbacks.Assuming the problem is tripping of the Condenser breaker, then the solution is to allow the head - high side - pressure to bleed down enough to equalize the system. Setting for 5 minutes, when 30 seconds to one minute would be enough, can be very much a nuisance. If the circulation blower runs immediately on restoration of house power, then 1 minute should be enough. Here's a way to tell without gauges - go to the inside coil location, with condenser running, listen to the hiss or gurgle where the tubing goes into the housing. Shut the power off to the furnace or air handler and see how long it takes for the sound to stop. Add 15 - 30 seconds to that and that is where to set the timer. The setting of course will not be all that accurate.Test by turning off the same furnace / air handler switch or breaker for 3 -5 seconds, then on, to see if the condenser breaker still trips.

Product ID: 5172837

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⚡Delay on Break Timer

🔌Universal Voltage

⏱️Adjustable Timing

Frequently Bought Together

ICM Controls ICM203 Delay on Break Timer, 18-240 Vac, 1.25" Height, 2" Width 2" Length

VEXUNGA AC Capacitor 45+5 uF 45/5 MFD 370 or 440 or 450 VAC CBB65B Dual Run Start Capacitors for Air Conditioner Compacitor Motor or Compressor Fan or Condenser Straight Cool

BOJACK 2 Poles FLA 40 Amp Coil 24 VAC Air Conditioner Condenser Compressor Contactor AC Definite Purpose Contactor

Description

⏳ Don't let short cycles steal your time!

BUILT TO LAST - Engineered for durability, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding environments.
EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION - Enjoy a hassle-free setup with a simple 2-wire hookup.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT - Safeguard compressors from costly damage with our advanced lockout feature.
VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Designed to work seamlessly across a wide voltage range (18-240 Vac).
CUSTOMIZABLE PERFORMANCE - Easily adjust timing to fit your specific operational needs.

The ICM Controls ICM203 Delay on Break Timer is a robust solution designed to protect compressors from damage due to rapid short cycling. With its universal voltage compatibility, simple 2-wire installation, and adjustable timing, this timer is perfect for professionals seeking reliability and efficiency in their HVAC systems.

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

I need a scenario to help me understand. Power is applied to the unit, its remains closed for a specified time then opens until power is cut again?

Is this a 12v unit suitable for automotive applications?

Will this hold up to protect a full-size refrigerator compressor?

What is a good delay setting for an outside A/C unit?

Reviews

K**E

Works Great after Experimenting.

I installed today, and of course I wanted to test if it worked. I turned on the AC and let it run for 5 minutes, then I pulled the breakers to look like I lost power. Then I turned back on quickly. Looking at my Nest Thermostat on my phone and standing outside, the Nest turned Blue that it was cooling. But the compressor did not come on. After 6 minutes which is the setting I used, the compressor started up. So it works as designed and it will save my compressor from all the power outages I have been experiencing. Thank You ICM !

10.07.2024

A**R

Quality

Made in the USA

20.06.2025

D**N

Works great.

Using this relay to keep my air conditioner from short cycling due to power fluctuations during storms.

11.02.2025

C**B

ICM-203

Item was considerably cheaper than what Granger charges for theirs. Would purchase again from vendor.Installed one years ago on old condenser , and we get alot of thunderstorms and power surges.

6.02.2013

J**S

used to prevent short cycling AC

Our ac system constantly trips the freeze stat due to poor design and install by previous owners. Short of replacing an expensive newer system or throwing more money at supposed fixes I tried this to give the system plenty of time to equalize before cycling the compressor again. The new freeze stat was supposed to give more than a few minutes to reset but in reality it is two to three minutes. The thermostat was also supposed to prevent short cycling but it does not. To any hvac pros who might read this we have had five highly recommended companies out to service and troubleshoot at the expense of 2000$ with only modest results.I recommend this device. For us it has worked as intended.

4.07.2024

M**3

Does it's 'job' well...just be careful.

Essential add-on to an A/C Unit for those hot & humid summer nights when the A/C cycles far to often for the 'health' of the compressor. Consider pre-assembling a simple jumper (Pic#1) to make the connection between the contactor-relay and the delay timer much easier & safer. If you have never worked around capacitors before, seriously consider getting someone who is familiar with this equipment to install it. Your compressor will thank you for the new timer.

28.07.2024

K**F

Works as should

Bought as a replacement part for my furnace blower motor timer relay works great saved me $300

5.04.2024

J**R

Wrong Item Shipped. Time delay highly non-linear.

In 2018 I ordered two ICM-203s and received one ICM-203 and one ICM-102. I should have checked order when I received it -- too late now so for $6 I just ordered a second one. Lesson learned.Time delay is difficult to adjust at the low end. When set for .03 minutes you actually get 0 time delay. At the next mark higher, the time is a few minutes so just keep this in mind. Probably okay for intended application in HVAC.For information, the voltage drop when on and powering a 360mA load is 4.4 Vac. When off, the trickle current is 47mA.

18.06.2019