What ICM Controls does

ICM Controls is a privately held US-based electronic manufacturer founded in 1984 and headquartered in North Syracuse, New York, specializing in advanced controls and power protection solutions for HVAC/R, electrical, pool and spa, data center, marine, and recreational vehicle applications. The company's product portfolio spans surge protective devices (single-phase and three-phase SPDs, up to 150kA maximum surge capacity), line voltage monitors (single-phase and three-phase), universal and OEM-specific furnace control boards (replacements for Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Lennox, Nordyne, Rheem, Reznor, and others), universal defrost controls, soft starters (reducing in-rush current by up to 70%), A2L refrigerant detection systems, head pressure controls, and motor/fan controls. Core proprietary technologies include thermally-protected MOV (TFMOV) surge protection, speed-of-sound A2L refrigerant detection, NFC-based configuration via the ICM OMNI mobile app, and Modbus RS485 communications for building management integration. The company also produces an "obsolete/legacy products" catalog for discontinued OEM controls, leveraging a cross-reference database covering 200+ OEM brands.

ICM Controls operates a vertically integrated manufacturing model in the USA with ISO certification, claiming over 10 million units sold and 40+ years of industry experience. Revenue is generated exclusively through hardware sales across two segments: OEM (custom product development for manufacturers such as Rheem and Airxcel) and Aftermarket (replacement products distributed through wholesalers). The company distributes exclusively through a US network of HVAC/R wholesalers including Ferguson, Baker Distributing Company, and Peirce Phelps, supplemented by an Amazon marketplace presence for select products. Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed, and select products carry limited lifetime warranties with connected equipment coverage. Recent strategic emphasis is on regulatory compliance products tied to the US transition to A2L refrigerants (R454B, R32) and integrated combination devices that bundle surge protection with voltage monitoring in single SKUs.

Name

ICM Controls

Legal name

ICM Controls

Website

https://icmcontrols.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

US-based manufacturer of electronic controls and power protection devices for HVAC/R, electrical, and specialty applications, distributing through a nationwide network of HVAC wholesalers and OEM partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

HVAC/R Controls and Power Protection

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Safety & Security Electronics Manufacturing (Safety relays, E-stops, light curtains, access control) (IMAGAGAG), Motor Drive & Motion Control Electronics Manufacturing Services (VFDs, servo drives, controllers) (IMAGAGAJ)

Keywords

• Surge protection devices
• Line voltage monitors
• Furnace control boards
• HVAC/R controls manufacturing
• Soft starters compressors

Headquarters

HQ city

North Syracuse

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. HVAC/R Control Products: Manufacture and sale of control devices for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems including furnace control boards, defrost controls, fan controls, and motor starters
2. Surge Protection Devices (SPD): Production and sale of single-phase and three-phase surge protective devices for protecting HVAC equipment, motors, and electronics from power surges
3. OEM and Aftermarket Products: Custom product development and manufacturing for OEM partners as well as replacement aftermarket products for multiple equipment brands
4. Specialty Controls: Sale of specialized controls including A2L refrigerant detection systems, voltage monitors, soft starters, and combination devices

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ICM Controls manufactures and sells electronic controls and power protection devices for HVAC/R equipment, surge protective devices (SPDs), line voltage monitors, furnace control boards, defrost controls, soft starters, fan/blower timers, head pressure controls, and A2L refrigerant detection systems. Products serve OEM partners (custom builds) and the aftermarket (direct cross-reference replacements for Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, Nordyne, York, White-Rodgers and 200+ other brands). All products are designed and assembled in the USA through vertically integrated manufacturing facilities.

Product overview

ICM Controls is a manufacturer of advanced controls and power protection solutions for the HVAC/R, electrical, pool & spa, data center, marine, and recreational vehicle industries. The product portfolio centers on a broad range of electronic control devices for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Core product categories include: (1) Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) such as the ICM517A, ICM517A-Lite, and combination devices like Sentry3N1 and 3VMS that combine surge protection with voltage monitoring; (2) Line Voltage Monitors including the ICM450A/ICM450A PLUS+ for three-phase and ICM492D/ICM493 for single-phase applications; (3) Furnace Control Boards serving as OEM replacements for major brands including Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Lennox, Nordyne, Rheem, and Reznor; (4) Universal Defrost Controls like the ICM-UDefrost with NFC configuration; (5) Soft Start/Motor Starters including the ICM870 series (9A, 16A, 32A) that reduce compressor in-rush current by up to 70%; (6) A2L Refrigerant Detection Systems with MODBUS communication for safety monitoring; (7) Head Pressure Controls, Fan/Blower Controls, Time Delay Relays, and Multi-Functional Timers. The company also offers accessories including temperature sensors (ICM386), pressure transducers (ICM380), and various replacement components. ICM Controls provides both universal products and brand-specific replacement boards, with vertically integrated manufacturing in the USA and over 40 years of industry experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ICM495 Disconnect with Surge Protector UL Listed electrical disconnect combined with internal surge protection for HVAC systems, heat pumps, refrigeration units, and pool pumps. Available in 30A fused and 60A non-fused models with 100kA maximum surge current and 20kA nominal discharge, using thermally protected MOVs in a NEMA 3R enclosure.
• ICM517A Surge Protective Device NEMA Type 4X enclosed Type 2 Surge Protective Device for single-phase equipment. Cast aluminum enclosure, 100,000A maximum surge current, and 1,020 Joules energy dissipation. Designed for residential, commercial, and institutional HVAC/R applications.
• ICM517A-Lite Surge Protective Device Compact Type 2 Surge Protective Device for single-phase equipment with ultrasonically welded NEMA Type 4X enclosure, 60,000A maximum surge capacity, and 612 Joules energy dissipation. For residential and light commercial HVAC/R applications.
• Sentry3N1 Combination Device (SPD + Voltage Monitor) Combines the ICM517A-LITE single-phase surge protector with the ICM492D single-phase voltage monitor and onboard disconnect breaker in one unit. Protects 208/240 VAC HVAC/R equipment against power surges and over/under voltage.
• 3VMS-60-208 Combination Device (208VAC Three-Phase) Combines the ICM450A PLUS+ programmable 3-phase line voltage monitor with the ICM530 three-phase SPD in a single enclosure for 208VAC HVAC/R equipment. Protects against surges and voltage faults on three-phase equipment with up to 150kA maximum surge capacity.
• 3VMS-60-480 Combination Device (480VAC Three-Phase) Combines the ICM450A PLUS+ programmable 3-phase line voltage monitor with the ICM531 three-phase SPD in a single enclosure for 480VAC HVAC/R equipment. Protects against surges and voltage faults on three-phase equipment.
• ICM493 Single-Phase Line Voltage Monitor with Surge Single-phase line voltage monitor with surge arresters providing protection against brownouts, lightning strikes, power outages, and power grid faults. Includes built-in 40A contactor and NEMA 3R enclosure. For residential and light commercial HVAC/R equipment.
• ICM450A / ICM450A PLUS+ Three-Phase Line Voltage Monitor Programmable three-phase line voltage monitors that protect motors from phase unbalance, over/under voltage, phase loss, and phase reversal. The PLUS+ variant adds a real-time clock for fault timestamping and a Modbus RS485 communication port for BMS integration.
• ICM492D Single-Phase Line Voltage Monitor Single-phase line voltage monitor protecting equipment against low/high voltage conditions and rapid short cycling. Backlit digital display, adjustable parameters, and 5-fault memory.
• ICM402 Three-Phase Line Voltage Monitor Low-cost three-phase equipment protection monitor. Monitors for phase reversal, phase loss, and phase unbalance with LED indicators. For commercial HVAC/R and equipment applications.
• ICM-UDefrost Universal Defrost Control Board Universal time and temperature defrost board for heat pumps. Configurable via NFC using the ICM OMNI mobile app on Apple or Android devices. Monitors low/high pressure switches, brownout detection, and sensor health.
• ICM870-32A Soft Starter Soft starter for residential, commercial, RV and marine applications. Reduces compressor in-rush current by up to 70%. Features self-learning algorithm, over/under voltage monitoring, and built-in start capacitor. For compressor loads up to 32A RLA.
• ICM870-9A / ICM870-16A Soft Starters Soft starters for smaller compressor loads. ICM870-9A supports up to 9A RLA; ICM870-16A supports 9.1-16A RLA. Reduces in-rush current and extends A/C lifespan for residential and small commercial applications.
• ICM-UA2L-24C-DUAL A2L Refrigerant Detection System Universal refrigerant detection system for R454B and R32 mildly flammable A2L refrigerants. Provides rapid-response compressor lockout and system fan activation on leak detection. Includes dual-port Modbus communication with refrigerant sensors and optional alarm contacts.
• ICM-A2L-Sensor A2L Refrigerant Leak Sensor Dual refrigerant leak sensor using speed-of-sound technology to detect mildly flammable A2L refrigerants (R454B, R32). Fast response time, no calibration required, robust solid-state design with IP54 rating. Uses the Sensata RGD-02ML00 multi-refrigerant sensor.
• ICM325A Universal Low Ambient Head Pressure Control Universal low ambient head pressure control ensuring optimal condenser fan speed for maximum efficiency. NFC configuration via the ICM OMNI app, dual temperature/pressure sensor inputs, and universal 120-600 VAC input.
• ICM550-ENC Weatherproof Multi-Functional Defrost Timer Weatherproof enclosed multi-functional defrost timer with NEMA 4X rating. Adjustable 15 minute to 23 hour 45 minute defrost cycle, timed or manual termination, and high-power relay outputs.
• ICM550 Multi-Functional Defrost Timer Board Multi-functional timer control board for defrost cycle management with Mode A (load off during cycle) and Mode B (load on during cycle) operation. For commercial refrigeration systems.
• ICM2920 Goodman Replacement Furnace Control Board Integrated furnace control board replacement for Goodman furnaces. Controls induced draft blower, circulating blower, gas valve, ignitor, and flame sensor with diagnostic LED fault indication.
• ICM282B Carrier Replacement Furnace Control Board Furnace control board replacement for Carrier HK42FZ series. Controls gas valve, ignitor, blower motor, inducer, humidifier and air cleaner with diagnostic LED.
• ICM2820 Nordyne Replacement Furnace Control Board Furnace control board replacement for Nordyne. Controls induced draft blower, circulator blower, gas valve, ignitor, and flame sensor with ECM blower output.
• ICM2812-KIT Universal Furnace Control with Cable Harnesses Universal replacement board with cable harnesses replacing over 200 SKUs including White-Rodgers 50M56U-843. Hot surface ignition control with LED fault indication.
• ICM493-60A Single-Phase Line Voltage Monitor with Surge (60A) Single-phase line voltage monitor with surge arresters for larger systems. Includes built-in 60A contactor, NEMA 3R enclosure, and fault history recording. For larger residential and commercial HVAC/R equipment.
• ICM711 GE 2.3 ECM Motor Speed Control Speed controller for GE 2.3 ECM motors. Supports automated control via 0-10 VAC input or manual potentiometer control with RPM feedback for HVAC applications.
• ICM2918 Universal Intermittent Pilot Gas Ignition Control Universal intermittent pilot gas ignition control module. Field service replacement for many flame rectification type IPI modules with switch-selectable pre-purge and ignition trials.
• ICM1501/ICM1502/ICM1503 Oil Primary Controls Family of intermittent ignition oil primary controls for residential oil-fired burners with 15-, 30-, or 45-second safety timing variants. Uses Cadmium Sulfide flame detectors.
• ICM318 Goodman OEM Replacement Defrost Board Goodman OEM replacement defrost board. Low-cost defrost control with fixed 10-minute defrost time and pin-selectable interval times.
• ICM386 Temperature Sensor (70-100°F) Temperature probe accessory for use with the ICM325A head pressure control. 70-100°F temperature range.
• ICM380 0-500 PSI Pressure Transducer Optional 0-500 PSI pressure transducer for ICM325A, ICM330, and ICM333 head pressure controls with 1/4 inch SAE female flare.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 70% reduction in in-rush current at startup with ICM870 soft starters
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FergusoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor HVAC/R distributor partner featured on ICM Controls website as a key distribution partner for ICM products
• RheemcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor HVAC manufacturer and distributor partner featured in ICM Controls partner section
• Baker Distributing CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional HVAC/R distributor partner serving the Eastern United States
• Peirce PhelpscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMid-Atlantic HVAC/R distributor partner featured in ICM Controls partner network
• AirxcelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHVAC and appliance manufacturer partner serving the RV and marine markets

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• White-Rodgers (Emerson Electric): Emerson's White-Rodgers division is the most direct competitor in residential and light-commercial HVAC controls, including furnace control boards, voltage monitors, and ignition modules — directly overlapping ICM's replacement board catalog and aftermarket channel.
• Supco: Supco is a direct peer in HVAC/R aftermarket components, including voltage monitors, relays, and electronic controls, often stocked alongside ICM products at HVAC distributors.
• Functional Devices: Functional Devices manufactures relays, enclosures, and power control devices for building automation and HVAC/R — a closely comparable product set in form factor and channel, targeting the same electrical contractor and OEM buyers.
• Symcom: Symcom specializes in motor and pump protection relays, voltage monitors, and alternators — directly overlapping with ICM's ICM450A three-phase line voltage monitors and motor starter products.

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell International: Honeywell offers a broad portfolio of HVAC/R controls, building automation, voltage monitoring, and surge protection products. While much larger and more diversified, it competes head-on with ICM across furnace controls, motor protection, and surge devices sold through the same distributor channel.
• Carrier Corporation: Carrier is a major HVAC OEM and an ICM customer/partner, but also produces its own furnace controls, defrost boards, and voltage monitors — competing with ICM in both OEM-direct and aftermarket replacement channels.
• Littelfuse: Littelfuse is a broad incumbent in circuit protection including surge protective devices, thermal protection, and relays — overlapping with ICM's TFMOV-based SPD portfolio and competing at electrical distributors.
• Eaton: Eaton's electrical business manufactures surge protective devices, motor controls, and industrial control components that compete with ICM's SPD and three-phase voltage monitoring products at electrical distributors.

Emerging players

• Distech Controls: Distech Controls focuses on building automation and HVAC controllers, including programmable controllers and Modbus-connected devices — adjacent to ICM's Modbus-equipped products and increasingly overlapping in building management system integration.
• Mars Motors & Controls: Mars manufactures HVAC motors, motor speed controls, and start components including ECM controllers and relays — closely aligned with ICM's ICM870 soft starter and ICM711 motor speed control lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@icmcontrols9960/featured
• Xx.com/icmcontrols
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/icm-controls

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ICM Controls