Kickstart® Hard Start Devices

Before the invention of Kickstart® hard start devices, the only starting devices that were approved and recommended by compressor and equipment manufacturers consisted of a potential relay (as dictated by the compressor make and model) connected by multiple wires to a start capacitor (also dictated by the compressor make and model). With 365 different relay/capacitor combinations possible (73 potential relays x 5 start capacitors), HVACR contractors who wanted to be ready for any trouble-shooting situation were forced to carry multiple types of relays and multiple types of start capacitors in their service vehicles, which then had to be wired together with three wires by the contractor himself – a cumbersome, time consuming, and costly necessity.

Then, in 1989, Kickstart® hard start devices arrived in the marketplace. At first glance, Kickstart® hard start devices appear to be no different than the multitude of two-wire start-assists that have been on the market since the early 80’s. But a closer look reveals a high-quality potential relay combined with a high-quality start capacitor. It is this “true” potential relay that distinguishes the Kickstart® brand of hard start devices from other starting devices that still use timers, PTCR devices, or circuit boards. It is the unique patented design that allows a single potential relay to replace the multiple potential relay inventories without sacrificing quality.

With the development of high-efficiency compressors, the original TO-5 (now used for 1 to 3 ton) had to make room for the larger KS1 (for 3.5 to 5 ton). Then came the KS8 (for use in less demanding torque requirements), the MP1 (for use on Maneurop® compressors) and four KSTS models (KSTS216, KSTS238, KSTS243, KSTS324) for use on Bristol’s TS (Twin-Single) Compressors.
Ongoing research and development garners ever-increasing product approval from leading compressor and equipment manufacturers, thereby establishing the Kickstart® name as both pioneer and leader in the HVACR arena of starting devices.

What do Kickstart® devices do?
Kickstart® hard start devices utilize a capacitor/relay combination to allow your air conditioning and heat pump compressors to start with maximum efficiency thus reaching normal rated speed at up to ten times faster than compressors with no hard start device installed. During start-up, a typical compressor motor with no hard start device installed has an electrical efficiency rating (also known as "power factor") of less than 50%. That means only 50% of the available power is being utilized to start the unit. Under those conditions, the compressor has to work much harder and is exposed to a lot of excess heat that is generated with each and every start. With a Kickstart® device installed, the electrical efficiency is boosted to over 98% enabling all of the available power to reach the compressor for smooth, fast starts.

What are the benefits of having a Kickstart® device installed on my air conditioning or heat pump compressor?
The two main benefits of installing a Kickstart® hard start device are:

Life extension of your compressor
By reducing the duration of "inrush" current, Kickstart® hard start devices minimize the amount of damaging heat that compressor windings are otherwise subjected to during start-up. Over time, this reduced stress on insulation, wiring, and other critical components of the compressor has the effect of increasing its reliability and extending its useful life.

Reduced "light flicker" during compressor start-up
Air conditioning and heat pump compressors (especially those with higher SEER ratings), often produce the undesirable side effect of "light flicker" when they start-up. Because the Kickstart® hard start device brings the compressor to rated speed up to ten times faster than normal, energy consumption is minimized and noticeable "light flicker" is usually completely eliminated.

If hard start devices are so important to my compressor, why doesn’t my unit come with one already installed?
At one time, all single-phase air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration compressors were equipped with hard start devices at the factory. Several years ago, however, manufacturers decided to discontinue that practice for most air conditioners and heat pumps in an effort to reduce costs. Refrigeration compressors, on the other hand, were considered to be so critical to homeowners (due to potential food spoilage, etc.), that hard start devices continued to be installed to ensure reliable starts time after time.

Because the average homeowner is unaware of these developments, the makers of Kickstart® have teamed up with your local hvac service contractor to make sure you have the information you need to take the best care of your air conditioning equipment. With a Kickstart® device installed on your air conditioning or heat pump compressor, you can rest assured that your unit will start reliably with the least amount of energy consumption and stress each and every time.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website