I used several large motors (or bulbs) as a load for my ACM and nothing happened (or I only get a “blip”) when I pressed the Start button. Whats wrong?
The protection circuitry of the ACM will turn everything off within microseconds if the surge current rating is exceeded. Motors and bulbs have a very large starting current and several used together can exceed the surge current ratings of the ACMs. To prevent this you can use additional ACMs in parallel, fewer motors or bulbs, substitute a different type of load, or use an inrush current limiter (ICL) to suppress these large surge currents. We’ve successfully used the Thermometrics Model CL-101 Inrush Current Limiter (16A max., steady-state), available from DigiKey (part #KC024L-ND) and other sources. Be aware that ICLs can get very hot, up to 175ยบ C., during normal use. Before using this ICL, or any other, be sure to download its data sheet and fully understand how to properly and safely specify, install, and use an inrush current limiter in your application. Do not use an ICL unless you’ve taken all proper precautions.
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