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©2020 Micro-Air Corp.
Rev 1.5
The Short Cycle Timer
EasyStart has a timer that prevents EasyStart from restarting the compressor for three or five
minutes from the time the compressor is stopped and includes failed start attempts. This helps prevent
damage to the compressor and start capacitor due to repetitive starting. This timer is also necessary to
ensure pressure equalization occurs before the next start. This timer remains active even after EasyStart
has lost power. EasyStart units with revision B21 and later have a three minute timer.
EasyStart will display a short cycle trouble light if power is applied before the timer has elapsed.
Since most thermostats will apply power earlier than the short cycle delay expiration, it is a common
occurrence to see these lights indicating a short cycle. Once the timer expires, the compressor will start
and operate normally and the fault lights will be cleared. This condition is not a problem but is normal
operation that does not require troubleshooting.
Certain marine and home systems may not require this timer so it can be disabled. See the
product operating manual for details on disabling the timer for these systems.
Troubleshooting New Installations
If your EasyStart is new and it has never run on shore or AC utility power
and you can’t get it
running this section is the place to start. Most times installers have already checked the wiring several
times by the time they read this. This section is a comprehensive look at each connection and what to
look for to help find what may have been missed during installation. Please take the time to consider
this a fresh look at what you have already checked.
1.
Are you powered by a power source that will normally start the compressor?
We recommend starting the compressor on adequate AC utility power but some
systems only have generator power available. If this is the case then you must use a higher-
wattage generator that can reliably start the compressor without EasyStart for the learning
starts.
In cases where you have no choice but to use a smaller generator, always make sure
that when conducting the 5-start learning process, any economy mode is turned OFF. After
the 5-start learning process is completed, economy mode can be turned back on.
2.
Is the thermostat set for cooling with the set point below the ambient (room)
temperature?
Quite a few customers just turn on the breaker and expect the compressor to start
without checking the thermostat!
3.
Is the compressor running?
Since the compressor starts very smoothly many people don’t realize the compressor is
running over the noise of the fan. Turn off the breaker and wait 5 minutes. Place your hand
on the side of the compressor and have an assistant turn on the power. The fan should start
and shortly thereafter the compressor should start. Note if the compressor attempts to start
and shuts off continue with steps 4 through 7.
