ICM Controls Soft Start Motor Controller 32A – ICM870-32AUpgrade your vehicle's electrical protection with the ICM870-32A Soft Start Motor Controller from ICM Controls — engineered for superior performance in automotive, RV, marine, and HVAC applications.
This advanced 32A soft start controller reduces in-rush current by up to 70%, minimizing startup surge to protect sensitive compressors, relays, and electrical systems. Whether you're powering an RV A/C unit, automotive cooling system, or off-grid HVAC setup, this unit ensures smooth, quiet motor startup with less wear and tear.
Built with a start capacitor and dynamic delay system, it effectively reduces noise, prevents light flicker, and avoids circuit breaker trips. The self-learning algorithm automatically adjusts to your compressor's behavior for reliable operation every time.
Safety comes standard:
Overcurrent protection
Over/under voltage monitoring
LED fault indicators for fast diagnostics
Designed for tough environments, the IP65 waterproof, tamper-proof enclosure withstands harsh conditions, making it ideal for outdoor automotive or mobile installations. Plus, it includes all necessary mounting hardware for quick, hassle-free setup.
Refer to your service panel or the appliance user manual to determine your actual RLA (Rated Load Amps) before selecting a model.
Model Compressor RLA (Rated Load Amps) Suggested use ICM870-9A Up to 9.0 A maximum Small compressors / systems under 9 A RLA ICM870-16A 9.1–16.0 A Medium compressors / systems 9.1–16 A RLA ICM870-32A 16.1–32.0 A Larger compressors / systems 16.1–32 A RLA Important — do not upsize without confirming RLA:
Do NOT assume it's acceptable to replace an ICM870-9A or ICM870-16A with the larger ICM870-32A when you are unsure of the compressor RLA or when the measured current is close to the upper limit of the ICM870-16A. Upsizing in this way defeats the inrush reduction benefits on smaller systems (under 16 A) and raises the over-current trip threshold — for example, the ICM870-32A allows a ~20 A overcurrent trip point versus ~11.25 A on the ICM870-16A. Choose the ICM870 model based on the compressor RLA or by consulting the size-vs-tonnage chart supplied with your equipment.
If you are experiencing issues with your product or need help confirming the correct model, please contact ICM Product Support:

Tip: If you don't have the RLA handy, check the appliance nameplate or the service panel documentation. When in doubt, contact product support rather than upsizing — it keeps your system safer and preserves the soft-start benefits.