Time Delay Relays

Plug-In

Macromatic offers one of the widest varieties of plug-in time delay relays (sometimes referred to timing relays or timers) on the market today. Does your application require a non-programmable product with the exact function & time range you need, or a programmable multi-function timing relay with multiple time ranges for the ultimate in flexibility? Select time delay relays with an economical analog-set or pick digital-set time delays for increased setting accuracy.  Choose between time delay relays with 10 ampere, SPDT or DPDT output ratings & pin configurations. Our products work with industry standard 8 & 11 pin octal sockets.

Need a time delay relay with fixed time delays, remote time delay adjustments or special pin configurations? We can do most of these modifications on many of our products within normal lead-times and without special set-up fees.

  Standard
TR-5 Series
Time Ranger® Programmable
TR-6 Series
Time Ranger®
True Off Delay

TR-606 Series
Time Ranger®
Digital-Set Multi-Function Programmable

TD-7 Series
Time Ranger®
Digital-Set Multi-Function Programmable

TD-8 Series
  Plug-In Time Delay Relays- Standard TR-5 Series Plug-In Time Delay Relays- Time Ranger Programmable TR-6 Series Plug-In Time Delay Relays- Time Ranger Digital-Set Multi Function Programmable TD-7 Series Plug-In Time Delay Relays- Time Ranger Digital Set Multi Function Programmable TD-8 Series
Functions On Delay, Interval On, Flasher,
Off Delay, Single Shot, Watchdog,
Falling Edge Single Shot, Repeat Cycle,
On/Off Delay, True Off Delay, On Delay/True Off Delay & Delayed Interval

On Delay, Interval On, Flasher, Off Delay, Single Shot, Watchdog, True Off Delay, Repeat Cycle & Delayed Interval

Single function or multi-function

True Off Delay 10 field-selectable functions in one unit (also available in selected single function versions) 16 field-selectable functions in one unit (also available in single function versions)
Timing Ranges 11 separate timing ranges from 0.2 seconds to 2 hours 0.05 second - 100 hours 0.1 second- 30 minutes 50ms - 999 hours with Pushbutton Thumbwheels for digital set 50ms - 10,230 hours with DIP-Switches
for digital set
Input Voltages 12V DC, 24V AC/DC, 120V AC/DC & 240VAC 24-240V AC & 12-125V DC 12V DC, 24V AC/DC, 120V AC/DC & 240VAC 12V DC, 24V AC/DC, 120V AC/DC & 240VAC 12V DC, 24V AC/DC, 120V AC/DC & 240VAC
Output Contacts 10A DPDT & 10A SPDT 10A DPDT or 10A SPDT 10A DPDT 10A DPDT 10A DPDT

 

Issue:

What is the difference between On Delay, Off Delay, Single Shot, Interval On and all these other time delay functions?

Solution/Resolution:

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, questions such as what initiates a time delay relay, does the timing start with the application or release of voltage, when is the output relay energized, etc., must be asked.

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 & close: on a control relay, it happens when voltage is applied and removed from the coil; on time delay relays, the contacts can open or close before or after some time delay.

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.

To help understand, some definitions are important:

  • 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 & close to control the load. Note that the user must provide the voltage to power the load being switched by the output contacts of the time delay relay.

Below are both written and visual descriptions on how the common timing functions operate. A Timing Chart shows the relationship between Input Voltage, Trigger (if present) and Output. If you cannot find a product to fit your requirements or have any questions, Macromatic's Application Engineers offer technical information along with product selection and application assistance. Either e-mail or call us at 800-238-7474 for help. 

NOTE: not all functions are available on any of our multi-function products.  Please check the catalog pages or specification sheets of each multi-function product to confirm what functions are included.

Function Operation Timing Chart
ON DELAY
Delay on Make
Delay on Operate
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is energized. Input voltage must be removed to reset the time delay relay & de-energize the output. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
INTERVAL ON
Interval
Upon application of input voltage, the output is energized and the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized. Input voltage must be removed to reset the time delay relay. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
OFF DELAY
Delay on Release
Delay on Break
Delay on De-Energization
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the output is energized. Upon removal of the trigger, the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized. Any application of the trigger during the time delay will reset the time delay (t) and the output remains energized. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
SINGLE SHOT
One Shot
Momentary Interval
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the output is energized and the time delay (t) begins. During the time delay (t), the trigger is ignored. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized and the time delay relay is ready to accept another trigger. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
FLASHER
(Off First)
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t). At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized and the sequence repeats until input voltage is removed. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
FLASHER
(On First)
Upon application of input voltage, the output is energized and the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t). At the end of the time delay (t), the output is energized and the sequence repeats until input voltage is removed. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
ON/OFF DELAY Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized. When the trigger is removed, the output contacts remain energized for the time delay (t2). At the end of the time delay (t2), the output is de-energized & the time delay relay is ready to accept another trigger. If the trigger is removed during time delay period (t1), the output will remain de-energized and time delay (t1) will reset. If the trigger is re-applied during time delay period (t2), the output will remain energized and the time delay (t2) will reset. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
SINGLE SHOT FALLING EDGE Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the output remains de-energized. Upon removal of the trigger, the output is energized and the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized unless the trigger is removed and re-applied prior to time out (before time delay (t) elapses). Continuous cycling of the trigger at a rate faster than the time delay (t) will cause the output to remain energized indefinitely. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
WATCHDOG
Retriggerable Single Shot
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the output is energized and the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized unless the trigger is removed and re-applied prior to time out (before time delay (t) elapses). Continuous cycling of the trigger at a rate faster than the time delay (t) will cause the output to remain energized indefinitely. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
TRIGGERED ON DELAY Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is energized and remains in that condition as long as either the trigger is applied or the input voltage remains. If the trigger is removed during the time delay (t), the output remains de-energized & the time delay (t) is reset. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
REPEAT CYCLE
(OFF 1st)
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of this time delay, the output is de-energized and the sequence repeats until input voltage is removed. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
REPEAT CYCLE
(ON 1st)
Upon application of input voltage, the output is energized and the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is de-energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of this time delay, the output is energized and the sequence repeats until input voltage is removed. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
DELAYED INTERVAL
Single Cycle
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of this time delay (t2), the output is de-energized. Input voltage must be removed to reset the time delay relay. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
TRIGGERED DELAYED INTERVAL
Single Cycle
Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of the time delay (t2), the output is de-energized & the relay is ready to accept another trigger. During both time delay (t1) & time delay (t2), the trigger is ignored. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
TRUE OFF DELAY Upon application of input voltage, the output is energized. When the input voltage is removed, the time delay (t) begins. At the end of the time delay (t), the output is de-energized. Input voltage must be applied for a minimum of 0.5 seconds to assure proper operation. Any application of the input voltage during the time delay (t) will reset the time delay. No external trigger is required. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
ON DELAY/ TRUE OFF DELAY Upon application of input voltage, the time delay (t1) begins. At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized. When the input voltage is removed, the output remains energized for the time delay (t2). At the end of the time delay (t2), the output is de-energized. Input voltage must be applied for a minimum of 0.5 seconds to assure proper operation. Any application of the input voltage during the time delay (t2) will keep the output energized & reset the time delay (t2). No external trigger is required. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
SINGLE SHOT-FLASHER Upon application of input voltage, the time delay relay is ready to accept a trigger. When the trigger is applied, the time delay (t1) begins and the output is energized for the time delay (t2). At the end of this time delay (t2), the output is de-energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of the time delay (t2), the output is energized and the sequence repeats until time delay (t1) is completed. During the time delay (t1), the trigger is ignored. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
ON DELAY-FLASHER Upon application of input voltage, the time delay begins (t1). At the end of the time delay (t1), the output is energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of this time delay (t2), the output is de-energized and remains in that condition for the time delay (t2). At the end of the time delay (t2), the output is energized and the sequence repeats until input voltage is removed. Understanding Time Delay Relay Functions
PERCENTAGE Upon initial application of input voltage, the output is energized and time delay (t1) begins. Time Delay (t1) is adjustable as a percentage of the overall cycle time (t2). At the end of time delay (t1), the output is de-energized for the remainder of overall cycle (t2-t1). The sequence then repeats until input voltage is removed. If input voltage is removed and reapplied, the timing cycle will continue from where it left off when the input voltage was removed. A setting of 100% energizes the output continuously while a setting of 0% de-energizes the output continuously.
PERCENTAGE (NO MEMORY) Upon initial application of input voltage, the output is energized and time delay (t1) begins. Time Delay (t1) is adjustable as a percentage if the overall cycle time (t2). At the end of time delay (t1), the output is de-energized for the remainder of overall cycle (t2-t1). The sequence then repeats until input voltage is removed. If input voltage is removed and reapplied, the timing cycle will be reset. A setting of 100% energizes the output continuously while a setting of 0% de-energizes the output continuously.

Macromatic's Time Delay Relays Knowledge Base contains general and technical industry articles to help you learn more about Time Delay Relays.

This process will assist you in selecting the correct product for your application. Just answer the following questions and we will lead you to the product best suited for your needs. Should you require additional assistance, contact Macromatic Technical Support at 800-238-7474.

What type of Mounting Configuration?

[Start Over]

  • Plug-in: used with 8 or 11 pin octal sockets. Allows for easy replacement without having to remove any control wiring. Macromatic sockets can either be mounted on 35mm DIN track or to the panel with two screws. All Macromatic plug-in time delay relays are UL Component Recognized (UR) & most are UL Listed when used with the appropriate Macromatic socket.
  • Encapsulated: typically selected when low-cost and/or compact size is preferred. Also used when solid state output is required for high-duty cycle applications. All products are encapsulated for protection against harsh environments. All Macromatic encapsulated time delay relays are UL Component Recognized (UR).
  • 1/16 DIN: normally selected when the application calls for accessibility of the display and/or switches without opening the panel door. The product is mounted in the door and uses back-mounted sockets for wiring. However, they can also be base or track-mounted using a standard octal socket. All Macromatic 1/16 DIN time delay relays are UL Listed.
  • 17.5mm Modular: narrow compact design is ideal for saving space in control panels. These products are designed for easy snap-on mounting to 35mm DIN track. All Macromatic 17.5mm time delay relays are cULus Listed.

Click on the appropriate photo to learn more about the specific product offerings:

Plug-in Encapsulated 1/16 DIN 17.5mm Modular

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