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Intrinsic Benefits of Hard Starts

Along with the starting benefits of these devices, there are a few other solid reasons for incor-

porating their use in an air conditioning system.

With the emphasis today on “GREEN” products, hard start kits qualify by saving energy and

lowering monthly bills. Reducing start time by as much as 50%; a system with a hard start

minimizes the “in-rush” current period during startup.

Up to 10 times more power is necessary to start a compressor than to run one.

During a hot summer, an air conditioning system can start up more than 4000 times.

It can also be said that hard start kits are a compressor’s fountain of youth. Compressor

start is its most difficult time. The impact of increased power during startup generates more

heat in the windings of the compressor. By starting a compressor up to 50% faster, stress is

minimized and life expectancy increases. Also, the introduction of a start capacitor increases

the power factor during startup by as much as 65%, thereby providing additional stress relief

for the compressor.

When many air conditioning systems startup, usually there is a noticeable dimming of lights.

This “flicker” is a byproduct of the increased energy necessary to start the compressor and

undersized wiring in the branch circuit. By reducing the startup time by as much as 90%, the

flicker is less apparent or completely eliminated.

Choosing the Right Hard Start

SUPCO

, the Pioneer of Hard Starts, offers the only complete line of hard start technologies.

• SPP Series PTC technology

• Elite Series 2-wire Electronic Potential Relay Technology

• Ultra Series 2-wire Mechanical Potential Relay Technology

• 3W Series 3-wire Mechanical Potential Relay Technology

The less informed may ask “why so many choices?” But industry veterans know that evolu-

tion of the air conditioning systems have made the various hard start advances necessary.

As previously stated, when a TXV is used, a Potential Relay Hard Start kit is recommended to

provide increased torque. The choice becomes whether to install a 3-wire or 2-wire potential

relay hard start kit.

In-Rush Current (Power) with SUPCO

Hard Start

Time (Seconds)

In-Rush Current (Power) without SUPCO

Hard Start

Time (Seconds)