Macromatic’s Time Delay Relay Function Guide

Important questions to ask.

Understanding the differences between all the functions available in time delay relays can sometimes be a daunting task. When designing circuits using time delay relays, several questions must be asked.

• What initiates a time delay relay?

• Does the timing start with the application or release of voltage?

• When is the output relay energized?

What is the difference between a control relay & a time delay relay?

Time delay relays are simply control relays with a time delay built in. Their purpose is to control an event, based on time. The difference between relays and time delay relays is when the output contacts open and close:

• With a control relay, the output contacts open and close when voltage is applied and removed from the coil

• With a time delay relay, the contacts can open or close before or after some time delay

A time delay relay needs a trigger.

Typically, time delay relays are initiated or triggered by one of two methods:

• Application of input voltage

• Opening or closing of a trigger signal

These trigger signals can be one of two designs:

• A control switch (dry contact), i.e., limit switch, push button, float switch, etc.

• Voltage (commonly known as a power trigger)

Caution:
Any time delay relay that is designed to be initiated with a dry contact control switch trigger could be damaged if voltage is applied to the trigger switch terminals. Only products that have a "power trigger" should be used with voltage as the trigger.

Useful definitions

Input Voltage - control voltage applied to the input terminals. Depending on the function, input voltage will either initiate the unit or make it ready to initiate when a trigger is applied.

Trigger Signal - on certain timing functions, a trigger is used to initiate the unit after input voltage has been applied. As noted above, this trigger can either be a control switch (dry contact switch) or a power trigger (voltage).

Output (Load) - every time delay relay has an output (either mechanical relay or solid state) that will open and close to control the load.

Note: The user must provide the voltage to power the load being switched by the output contacts of the time delay relay.

Learn more about Macromatic's Time Delay Relays functions.