Time relays

What are time relays used for? Sometimes it may be that your structural conditions make it necessary to delay electrical switching processes. Perhaps you still have to walk through a dark garage after activating the light switch, or a motion detector should only be activated after you have left a room. In these and many other scenarios, the use of a time relay can be useful. This ensures that a certain function is only activated or deactivated after a certain period of time. You can set the length of this period of time on the relay.

What is a time relay?

Timing relays or delay relays are simple control relays that control defined events based on time sequences. The difference between a classic relay and a timer relay is when their output contacts open and close. In a control relay, this occurs when voltage is applied and removed from the coil. With the time relay, the contacts can open or close before or after a certain delay. The installation usually takes place in the control cabinet on the DIN rail.

 


TIP

The set time intervals can be set between milliseconds and hours depending on the relay.


 

Typically, the delay is initiated or triggered by one of two methods:

  • applying or switching off a control voltage
  • the occurrence of an impulse / trigger signal

 

What functions do time relays perform?

It is often difficult for the layperson to understand technical descriptions. When describing the functions of timing relays, we encounter terms such as control voltage, response delay, release delay, pulse shaping or make contact. In order to give you an understanding of how the time relays work, we describe the switching options below using simple examples.

To make our examples easier to understand: Always assume that you only switch a 'control voltage' on or off using a switch or button in order to set a switching process (scenario) in motion. However, the actual circuit goes via the relay. Pressing a switch or button when using a switching relay does not necessarily lead to an immediately visible action. You only tell the relay that the preset scenario should now run and that it has to carry out the corresponding switching at the desired time. The following ten scenarios are most commonly implemented with time relays:

Scenario 1 - The fallback delay

The release delay is also called switch-off delay.

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using the switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up. If you press the switch again (OFF), the light stays on and the set delay time starts to run on the timer relay. The relay keeps the current flowing. At the end of the time period, the relay breaks the circuit, turns off the light and goes into sleep mode. When the light is switched on again using the switch (ON), the process starts again.

Scenario 2 - The response delay

The response delay is also called switch-on delay.

Example: When the light is switched on using a switch (ON), the time set on the relay starts to run immediately. Only after the time has elapsed does this close the circuit and the light lights up. Now when you press the switch again (OFF), the relay will directly break the circuit, turn off the light and go into sleep mode. When the light is switched on again using the switch (ON), this process starts again. Depending on the model, after the response delay has been interrupted, the time that has already elapsed remains stored or is deleted.

Scenario 3 - The impulse controlled response delay

The switch-on delay is not triggered by a permanently applied control voltage, but by a pulse (briefly applied control voltage). These are also referred to as trigger signals.

Example: In contrast to scenario 2, a short impulse in the control voltage is sufficient to set the scenario in motion. You don't turn on a switch, but press a button, for example. A preset time starts to run at the relay and then it closes the circuit for a previously defined period of time. Then it goes back to sleep mode. You can usually set both time periods individually. A classic application is a door opener. To do this, briefly press a button. After the set time (this can only be milliseconds), the relay interrupts the circuit on the electromagnet of the door lock for e.g. 3 seconds. During this time, the door is open and visitors can enter. After these 3 seconds have elapsed, the relay automatically restores the power supply to the electromagnet and the door is locked again.

Scenario 4 - response delay and release delay

The circuits from scenarios 1 and 2 are combined with each other.

Example: When the light is switched on using a switch (ON), a set time immediately begins to run on the relay. Only after this period of time has elapsed does this close the circuit and the light begins to shine. If the switch is then actuated again (OFF) and the control voltage is thus interrupted, a set delay time begins to run. The relay keeps the current flowing. Only after the time has elapsed does the relay interrupt the circuit, switch off the light and go into idle mode. Depending on the model, after the response delay has been interrupted, the time that has already elapsed remains stored or is deleted. Depending on the relay, the response delay and release delay are either of the same length or can be set independently of one another.

Scenario 5 - The relay as a clock (starting with a pulse)

You know this from the turn signal in the car. It is a flasher relay.

Example: You press the switch (ON) and the relay closes the circuit immediately. The light glows. After a defined period of time, the relay interrupts the circuit and the light goes out. After another defined period of time, the relay closes the circuit again and the light shines again. This interval continues as long as the control voltage is present. Press the switch (OFF), interrupt the control voltage. The interval switching ends at the relay and it goes into the idle state.

Source: eibabo®, Finder 83.02.0.240.0000 time relayImage: Finder 83.02.0.240.0000 time relay

Scenario 6 - The relay as a clock (starting with a pause)

This scenario is similar to scenario 5, it just starts with a pause, not an impulse.

Example: You press the switch (ON) and the preset pause time starts to run on the relay. Only then does the relay close the circuit. The light glows. After a defined period of time, the relay interrupts the circuit and the light goes out. The break time begins again. Then the relay closes the circuit again and so on. This interval continues as long as the control voltage is present. Press the switch (OFF), interrupt the control voltage. At the relay, the interval switching ends immediately and it goes into idle mode.

Scenario 7 - The fleeting switch-on relay

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using a switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again. It goes into sleep mode even if control power is still present (switch still ON). This scenario can only be repeated if the switch has been actuated (OFF) after the wiping time has elapsed. If the switch is confirmed (OFF) during the wiping time, the control voltage is interrupted and the relay also interrupts the circuit immediately. The rest of the wipe time is deleted. The process can start over.

Scenario 8 - The fleeting switch-off relay

Example: When switching off the control voltage using a switch (OFF), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again and goes into the idle state. This scenario can only be repeated if the switch has been actuated (ON) after the wiping time has elapsed. If the switch is confirmed (ON) during the wiping time, control voltage is applied again and the relay interrupts the circuit immediately. The rest of the wipe time is deleted. The process can start over. A classic use case: you leave a building in the dark and switch off the main light. The orientation lights turn on and you have time to leave the building. After that, the orientation light also switches off automatically.

Scenario 9 - The fleeting on and fleeting off relay

The circuits from scenarios 7 and 8 are combined with each other.

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using a switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again. It goes into sleep mode even though control power is still present (switch still ON). When the control voltage is switched off using the switch (OFF), the relay closes the circuit again and the light lights up again for the specified wiping time. When this expires, the relay breaks the circuit, turns off the light and goes into sleep mode.

Scenario 10 - The time relay as a pulse shaper

The application of the control voltage (regardless of whether it is long or short) is converted into a switching process of the same length.

Example: You press a switch (ON) to start the scenario. The relay closes the circuit for a previously defined period of time. The light glows. After the time has elapsed, the relay opens the circuit again and goes into the idle state. The light goes out. It is irrelevant whether you press the switch again while the light is on (OFF) or whether you do this much later, when the light has already gone out. The process only starts again when control voltage is applied again (switch ON).

This is how you save

Many of the scenarios described can be implemented with multifunction time relays. So you are always flexible and only have to invest in one device.


In addition, it is also possible to combine several time relays with one another in order to create corresponding dependencies. Please refer to the product descriptions to find out whether additional functions such as a two-stage response delay or switch-off pre-warning can be implemented with a relay.

Here in the eibabo® technology store you will find many inexpensive products for the field of control technology and automation technology. If you are interested in the implementation of these or similar circuits, you can get all the relays, switches, buttons and cables you need from us. Buy high-quality time relays from well-known brands such as ABB, Doepke, Dold, Eaton, Eltako, Omron, Metz, Schalk, Siemens and Ziehl. Use one of our many payment methods and benefit from fast, worldwide shipping.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Relays > Timer relay you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Cover hood
  • DIN rail time switch
  • Front installation
  • Impetus
  • Itemized list
  • Mechanically
  • Multifunction module
  • ON-delay relay
  • Panel mount
  • Plug-in relay
  • Pulse shaping
  • Relay module
  • Relay modules
  • Response delay
  • Retarder
  • Staircase
  • Staircase lighting
  • Switch-off delay
  • Terminal cover
  • Time block
  • Timer
  • Timer relay
  • Timer switch
  • Universal relay
  • Universal voltage
  • Wipe-off
  • Wipe-on
  • Wiping relay


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Time relays:

  • ABB
  • Doepke
  • Dold
  • Eaton
  • Eberle
  • Finder
  • Göring
  • Legrand Bticino
  • Limot
  • Maico
  • Metz
  • Murrelektronik
  • Omron
  • Phoenix
  • Pilz
  • Rockwell
  • Schalk
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Tele
  • Theben
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland


 
What are time relays used for? Sometimes it may be that your structural conditions make it necessary to delay electrical switching processes. Perhaps you still have to walk through a dark garage... read more »
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Time relays - control devices for delayed switching

What are time relays used for? Sometimes it may be that your structural conditions make it necessary to delay electrical switching processes. Perhaps you still have to walk through a dark garage after activating the light switch, or a motion detector should only be activated after you have left a room. In these and many other scenarios, the use of a time relay can be useful. This ensures that a certain function is only activated or deactivated after a certain period of time. You can set the length of this period of time on the relay.

What is a time relay?

Timing relays or delay relays are simple control relays that control defined events based on time sequences. The difference between a classic relay and a timer relay is when their output contacts open and close. In a control relay, this occurs when voltage is applied and removed from the coil. With the time relay, the contacts can open or close before or after a certain delay. The installation usually takes place in the control cabinet on the DIN rail.

 


TIP

The set time intervals can be set between milliseconds and hours depending on the relay.


 

Typically, the delay is initiated or triggered by one of two methods:

  • applying or switching off a control voltage
  • the occurrence of an impulse / trigger signal

 

What functions do time relays perform?

It is often difficult for the layperson to understand technical descriptions. When describing the functions of timing relays, we encounter terms such as control voltage, response delay, release delay, pulse shaping or make contact. In order to give you an understanding of how the time relays work, we describe the switching options below using simple examples.

To make our examples easier to understand: Always assume that you only switch a 'control voltage' on or off using a switch or button in order to set a switching process (scenario) in motion. However, the actual circuit goes via the relay. Pressing a switch or button when using a switching relay does not necessarily lead to an immediately visible action. You only tell the relay that the preset scenario should now run and that it has to carry out the corresponding switching at the desired time. The following ten scenarios are most commonly implemented with time relays:

Scenario 1 - The fallback delay

The release delay is also called switch-off delay.

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using the switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up. If you press the switch again (OFF), the light stays on and the set delay time starts to run on the timer relay. The relay keeps the current flowing. At the end of the time period, the relay breaks the circuit, turns off the light and goes into sleep mode. When the light is switched on again using the switch (ON), the process starts again.

Scenario 2 - The response delay

The response delay is also called switch-on delay.

Example: When the light is switched on using a switch (ON), the time set on the relay starts to run immediately. Only after the time has elapsed does this close the circuit and the light lights up. Now when you press the switch again (OFF), the relay will directly break the circuit, turn off the light and go into sleep mode. When the light is switched on again using the switch (ON), this process starts again. Depending on the model, after the response delay has been interrupted, the time that has already elapsed remains stored or is deleted.

Scenario 3 - The impulse controlled response delay

The switch-on delay is not triggered by a permanently applied control voltage, but by a pulse (briefly applied control voltage). These are also referred to as trigger signals.

Example: In contrast to scenario 2, a short impulse in the control voltage is sufficient to set the scenario in motion. You don't turn on a switch, but press a button, for example. A preset time starts to run at the relay and then it closes the circuit for a previously defined period of time. Then it goes back to sleep mode. You can usually set both time periods individually. A classic application is a door opener. To do this, briefly press a button. After the set time (this can only be milliseconds), the relay interrupts the circuit on the electromagnet of the door lock for e.g. 3 seconds. During this time, the door is open and visitors can enter. After these 3 seconds have elapsed, the relay automatically restores the power supply to the electromagnet and the door is locked again.

Scenario 4 - response delay and release delay

The circuits from scenarios 1 and 2 are combined with each other.

Example: When the light is switched on using a switch (ON), a set time immediately begins to run on the relay. Only after this period of time has elapsed does this close the circuit and the light begins to shine. If the switch is then actuated again (OFF) and the control voltage is thus interrupted, a set delay time begins to run. The relay keeps the current flowing. Only after the time has elapsed does the relay interrupt the circuit, switch off the light and go into idle mode. Depending on the model, after the response delay has been interrupted, the time that has already elapsed remains stored or is deleted. Depending on the relay, the response delay and release delay are either of the same length or can be set independently of one another.

Scenario 5 - The relay as a clock (starting with a pulse)

You know this from the turn signal in the car. It is a flasher relay.

Example: You press the switch (ON) and the relay closes the circuit immediately. The light glows. After a defined period of time, the relay interrupts the circuit and the light goes out. After another defined period of time, the relay closes the circuit again and the light shines again. This interval continues as long as the control voltage is present. Press the switch (OFF), interrupt the control voltage. The interval switching ends at the relay and it goes into the idle state.

Source: eibabo®, Finder 83.02.0.240.0000 time relayImage: Finder 83.02.0.240.0000 time relay

Scenario 6 - The relay as a clock (starting with a pause)

This scenario is similar to scenario 5, it just starts with a pause, not an impulse.

Example: You press the switch (ON) and the preset pause time starts to run on the relay. Only then does the relay close the circuit. The light glows. After a defined period of time, the relay interrupts the circuit and the light goes out. The break time begins again. Then the relay closes the circuit again and so on. This interval continues as long as the control voltage is present. Press the switch (OFF), interrupt the control voltage. At the relay, the interval switching ends immediately and it goes into idle mode.

Scenario 7 - The fleeting switch-on relay

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using a switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again. It goes into sleep mode even if control power is still present (switch still ON). This scenario can only be repeated if the switch has been actuated (OFF) after the wiping time has elapsed. If the switch is confirmed (OFF) during the wiping time, the control voltage is interrupted and the relay also interrupts the circuit immediately. The rest of the wipe time is deleted. The process can start over.

Scenario 8 - The fleeting switch-off relay

Example: When switching off the control voltage using a switch (OFF), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again and goes into the idle state. This scenario can only be repeated if the switch has been actuated (ON) after the wiping time has elapsed. If the switch is confirmed (ON) during the wiping time, control voltage is applied again and the relay interrupts the circuit immediately. The rest of the wipe time is deleted. The process can start over. A classic use case: you leave a building in the dark and switch off the main light. The orientation lights turn on and you have time to leave the building. After that, the orientation light also switches off automatically.

Scenario 9 - The fleeting on and fleeting off relay

The circuits from scenarios 7 and 8 are combined with each other.

Example: When the control voltage is switched on using a switch (ON), the relay closes the circuit and the light lights up for a previously defined period of time (wiping time). The relay then automatically interrupts the circuit again. It goes into sleep mode even though control power is still present (switch still ON). When the control voltage is switched off using the switch (OFF), the relay closes the circuit again and the light lights up again for the specified wiping time. When this expires, the relay breaks the circuit, turns off the light and goes into sleep mode.

Scenario 10 - The time relay as a pulse shaper

The application of the control voltage (regardless of whether it is long or short) is converted into a switching process of the same length.

Example: You press a switch (ON) to start the scenario. The relay closes the circuit for a previously defined period of time. The light glows. After the time has elapsed, the relay opens the circuit again and goes into the idle state. The light goes out. It is irrelevant whether you press the switch again while the light is on (OFF) or whether you do this much later, when the light has already gone out. The process only starts again when control voltage is applied again (switch ON).

This is how you save

Many of the scenarios described can be implemented with multifunction time relays. So you are always flexible and only have to invest in one device.


In addition, it is also possible to combine several time relays with one another in order to create corresponding dependencies. Please refer to the product descriptions to find out whether additional functions such as a two-stage response delay or switch-off pre-warning can be implemented with a relay.

Here in the eibabo® technology store you will find many inexpensive products for the field of control technology and automation technology. If you are interested in the implementation of these or similar circuits, you can get all the relays, switches, buttons and cables you need from us. Buy high-quality time relays from well-known brands such as ABB, Doepke, Dold, Eaton, Eltako, Omron, Metz, Schalk, Siemens and Ziehl. Use one of our many payment methods and benefit from fast, worldwide shipping.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Relays > Timer relay you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Cover hood
  • DIN rail time switch
  • Front installation
  • Impetus
  • Itemized list
  • Mechanically
  • Multifunction module
  • ON-delay relay
  • Panel mount
  • Plug-in relay
  • Pulse shaping
  • Relay module
  • Relay modules
  • Response delay
  • Retarder
  • Staircase
  • Staircase lighting
  • Switch-off delay
  • Terminal cover
  • Time block
  • Timer
  • Timer relay
  • Timer switch
  • Universal relay
  • Universal voltage
  • Wipe-off
  • Wipe-on
  • Wiping relay


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Time relays:

  • ABB
  • Doepke
  • Dold
  • Eaton
  • Eberle
  • Finder
  • Göring
  • Legrand Bticino
  • Limot
  • Maico
  • Metz
  • Murrelektronik
  • Omron
  • Phoenix
  • Pilz
  • Rockwell
  • Schalk
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Tele
  • Theben
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland
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Schneider Electric - RE22R2MYMR - Multifunction relay - Timer relay 0,05...1080000s AC 24...240V RE22R2MYMR
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