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Device is the property of PG&E. Tampering with or disabling the device is prohibited by PG&E. For additional information, please call 1-866-908-4916.
Device may not allow air conditioner compressor to produce cool air for up to five minutes after power is restored to the air conditioner and load control switch.
- Load Control Switch (LCS)
- Approved devices
- Frequently asked questions
How does an LCS work?
Each air conditioner naturally cycles on and off to maintain a set temperature in the home. The Eaton LCS cycling device is a timer and switch used to manage the operation of air conditioning compressors on conventional residential systems, small commercial split systems, and package units/heat pumps.
The device cannot turn on an air conditioner. It can only open the circuit and keep the thermostat from turning on the air conditioner with the intent to manage/reduce electricity demand during peak load periods.
The utility meter sends a Zigbee radio frequency signal to the LCS. This establishes the maximum 30-minute runtime period for the device.
The air conditioner will continue to run during these high usage periods, but use less energy.
The device incorporates a circuit board and Zigbee communications module enclosed in a water-tight, high-impact poly-carbonate box. This box is usually installed near the air conditioning compressor. This device functions with central air conditioning systems and is not designed for window-style or small space units.
What happens when LCS devices are used?
Pacific Gas and Electric’s SmartAC Program helps manage electrical consumption during periods of peak load capacity from May to October. It also helps reduce the need to operate more expensive and less efficient powerplants. By easing the demand on the power grid, SmartAC customers can help keep California’s energy clean while keeping power reliable.
- Pacific Gas and Electric will install a device known as an LCS (Load Control Switch) on or near a customer’s air conditioner or heat pump system. During periods of high demand, usually the hottest days from May through October, Pacific Gas and Electric may call an “event”. This means Pacific Gas and Electric will cycle your air conditioner or heat pump compressor off for defined intervals. The indoor fan will remain on circulating already cooled air. The SmartAC program is 100% voluntary.*
*The device contains a customized adaptive algorithm that realizes the run time of a compressor. When an event is called by the utility, the LCS will allow the compressor to run for a predetermined percentage of time for each hour the event is in progress. For example, Pacific Gas and Electric is using 50% true cycle strategy for single-family residences. This means the air conditioner will cycle in 15-minute increments during the predetermined period—50% on and 50% off. If the air conditioner is running 50 minutes of every hour, the device will allow the air conditioner to run a total 12.5 minutes every half hour. The device protects against short cycling and ensures compressor cool down requirements are met.
