In this article, we aim to elucidate the concepts and applications of electrical timers. Please continue to accompany us through this electrifying journey.
About Electrical Timers
Electrical timers, also known as time relays, bear the responsibility of controlling a circuit for a specified period of time. In other words, they act as time regulators between two different functions within a circuit. These timers find abundant applications across various industries.
Generally, electrical timers are utilized in automation panels, timing circuits, control systems, automatic device startups, heavy-duty three-phase motor startups, switching from star to delta configurations, and more.
What is an Electrical Panel Timer?
Electrical timers are tools that, upon setting a specific time, direct the signal towards the output once that time has elapsed. These timers come in various types, some of which will be discussed further in the article.
Types of Electrical Timers in Industry
Electrical timers can be divided into various categories and types. Typically, these timers are classified into two groups: analog timers and digital timers. Each of these categories provides a form of delay in connection and disconnection.
In this article, we intend to explain the types of timers for you. These types include pneumatic or air timers, hydraulic timers, thermal timers, electromechanical timers, relay timers, programmable electronic timers, rail-mounted dial timers, digital timers, timers branded by Omron, timers branded by Brenna, and more.
Pneumatic or Air Timers
Pneumatic timers are essentially a type of mechanical timers that do not require electricity. These timers are composed of a normally closed contact and a normally open contact, and their function varies based on the use of these contacts.
It can be said that pneumatic timers were previously more commonly used and were introduced to the market by two brands, Telemechanique and Schneider. However, nowadays, electronic timers have gained more attention compared to pneumatic timers.
Hydraulic Timers
As the name suggests, hydraulic timers operate based on hydraulic principles, which involve controlling and utilizing oil pressure. This type of timer is also known as a delay-on timer. When connected to power, a certain amount of oil is displaced inside the relay. To return the oil to its initial position, a specific amount of time is required, which is recognized as the timer duration.
Thermal Timers
Thermal timers utilize bimetallic equipment and leverage their properties. When electrical current passes through the timer, the bimetallic material gradually heats up and sends a command to either disconnect or connect the circuit. The precision of these timers is of paramount importance, as they exhibit slight inaccuracies due to their mode of operation and are influenced by air and environmental conditions.
Electromechanical (Motor) Timers
This type of timer is comprised of a small motor that rotates a disc in front of a microswitch using gear wheels. You can set the position of the disc at the moment of activation. Upon powering the motor, the timer’s operation begins. After the rotation and contact of the disc with an external projection set at the configured time, the motor stops and ceases operation, sending an appropriate signal.
Multi-Range Relay Timers
These types of timers are among the most widely used ones, designed with 8-pin and 11-pin configurations based on the required number of contacts. They utilize relays, which need to be purchased along with their corresponding bases.
The main advantage of these timers over other models is the presence of multi-range capability and support for a high voltage range. This timer model doesn’t have the time limitations of previous models and can cover a range from 0.05 seconds to 300 hours. Additionally, this timer is programmable, enabling the creation of delay in either disconnection or connection.
Programmable Electronic Timers
Programmable electronic timers are a type of timer designed for very short durations and consist of a coil and a capacitor. When the capacitor is charged and its voltage reaches the relay’s connected voltage, the relay is activated. Then, after the relay is activated and the charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through the relay’s normally open contact, the relay is deactivated. In this type of timer, changing the capacitance results in adjusting the desired setting time.
Dial Rail Timers
This analog timer comes with a rechargeable battery and is programmable for daily scheduling and adjusting time for summer and winter settings. The minimum setting time for this timer model is 15 minutes, and its daily error is less than one second. It supports a voltage range of 110 to 220 volts and is mountable on a rail. This timer is considered the best analog timer available in the market in terms of application and performance with the most features.
Digital Electrical Timers
One of the widely used types of timers is digital timers, which are adjustable using up/down keys. With these timers, scheduling can be easily managed.
In this type of timers, the likelihood of errors is very low; in other words, digital timers operate very accurately. Therefore, you can use these timers for time setting without any concerns.
Additionally, these digital timers feature display screens that present information clearly. You can view past time values, default times, time changes, and other relevant information on these displays.
Brenna Brand Timers
Brenna Timer Manufacturing Company has been active since 1984 and is considered a leading producer of electrical timers. Besides, this brand produces various other products such as electronic relays, cathodic protections, corrosion monitors, industrial heaters, mega-drives, transformers, and other items.
Brenna brand timers, like Omron brand timers, come with diverse advantages and applications. The use of these timers in electrical panels is vital, and you can easily install and utilize them.
Omron Brand Electrical Timers
Omron Corporation has over 75 years of experience in producing electrical timers. This company offers a range of digital, analog, and other types of electrical timers that can be mounted on panels and rails.
The extensive variety of these products enables their use in any field. Each Omron timer has unique features that are essential to be informed about when purchasing.
These timers have relay and transistor outputs and can operate in industrial environments. Additionally, they have the capability to work independently with on/off functionality.
Tips for Purchasing Electrical Timers
When purchasing an electrical timer, consider the following points:
1) Usage Location
2) Power Supply Voltage
3) Maximum Current of Timer Output Contacts
4) Operating Mode in terms of delay in disconnection or delay in connection and the type of operation
5) Type of connection and installation of the timer on the panel
6) Desired Dimensions
7) Required Time Range and the need for repeatability capability.
We appreciate your companionship until the end of this article. We are looking forward to your feedback, and if you need to purchase industrial electrical equipment, you can benefit from the experience and consultation of our experts.