Description
The DiversiTech SSH3T SoftStart Home is a compressor soft starter for central air conditioners and heat pumps up to 3 tons (32,000 BTU). It works by controlling the inrush current at compressor startup, eliminating the hard-start surge that causes flickering lights, tripped breakers, and the audible thump that’s common when compressors kick on. The result is a smoother, quieter startup that’s easier on the compressor, the electrical system, and the equipment running on the same circuit.
The SSH3T is particularly valuable in two situations: generator operation and solar/battery systems. Standard AC compressors draw several times their running amperage at startup — enough to overwhelm undersized generators or deplete battery reserves. The SSH3T reduces that startup draw to a level most backup power sources can handle, making it possible to run central air during outages without upgrading the generator or sacrificing other loads.
The module housing is sealed in epoxy resin for indoor or outdoor mounting. Wiring is straightforward and faster than most competing soft starters. CE and ETL listed. Compatible with 110VAC (90–135VAC) and 220VAC (187–226VAC) single-phase systems.
Features:
- ELIMINATES HARD START SYMPTOMS — Stops the jarring thump, flickering lights, and tripped breakers that happen when a central AC or heat pump compressor starts. Low-amp soft starting ramps the compressor up gradually instead of hitting full inrush current all at once, reducing mechanical and electrical stress on every startup cycle.
- COMPATIBLE WITH GENERATORS AND SOLAR SYSTEMS — Allows your central AC or heat pump to start and run on a backup generator or solar energy system without overwhelming the power supply or straining battery reserves. Sized for 110VAC (90–135VAC) and 220VAC (187–226VAC), 1-phase systems up to 3-ton / 32,000 BTU.
- HELPS EXTEND COMPRESSOR LIFE — Reduces the amp spike at startup that causes premature wear on compressor windings, contactors, and capacitors. Fewer hard starts means less stress on the most expensive component in the system over its service life.
- EASIER AND FASTER TO INSTALL — Epoxy-sealed module housing is rated for indoor and outdoor installation. Designed to install quicker than competing soft starters. Installation instructions available at softstarthome.com/support. CE and ETL listed (Intertek).
- SPECIFICATIONS — For central AC and heat pump compressors up to 3-ton (32,000 BTU) | 110VAC (90–135VAC) & 220VAC (187–226VAC), 1-phase | Unit dimensions: 5-3/4″H x 3″W x 2″D | Unit weight: 1 lb. 5.2 oz. | UPC: 860010067352 | SoftStart Home is a trademark of NetworkRV LLC dba SoftStart.
Mark Suarez (verified owner) –
The device was installed easily and worked Starting up my Nordyne 2.5 ton heat pump using my 8 year old PowerMate 6800 running watt/ 8200 surge watt portable gasoline generator for about 1 day during a recent power outage. The generator has a 50amp 220/240v outlet and is wired to the whole house using a manual transfer switch. However, the next day it did not start the heat pump. No breakers on the generator nor the breakers for the heat pump were tripped. But the light on the soft start turned from green (normal) to red. Shortly afterwards the grid power came back on and the soft start has been working normally since but only off the grid power. I’ve been too busy lately to try and figure out why the soft start did but then later failed to start the heat pump using what should be a more than adequate 6800 running watt gasoline generator. It is important to note, during the outage and after the soft start failed to run the heat pump off the generator, I was able to run my whole house and a 14,000 btu, 115v window AC off that same generator before the grid power came back on. Obviously I had the power to my electric cook stove, water heater and clothes dryer off during this power outage. I’ll get a multimeter that includes a hertz (cycle) function and test to see if the generator is indeed producing 220 to 240 volts at 60 cycles.
Kyle Halverson (verified owner) –
I have softstarts on my RV air conditioning units. Purchased this for my home. Quick easy 5 minute install. (After talking to my soft start rep who I have on speed dial). Works perfectly and will make my new Lennox home air conditioning compressor last for many long years. HIGHLY RECOMMEND soft start for both RV and home applications!