Time relay

You have probably repeatedly encountered the words: "timer", "time relay" in various texts, articles or other sources of information. Due to ignorance, it is possible to inadvertently put an equal sign between them due to ignorance. After all, both products can be configured and with their help you can automatically perform some action. Both the timer and the relay can control the load or other electrical equipment (device, module, device, etc.). Judging by these descriptions, they are quite similar.

So what is the difference between them?

Let us try to clarify this point briefly. The main difference is that the timer must be tied to the current time and will subsequently control the load according to the set schedule. The time relay is not tied to the current time. It only binds to the set voltage without needing to bind to the current time. For the time relay, it does not matter what the current real time is at that moment, what day of the week, what time of day - day or night. Whenever voltage is applied to it, it will react according to the selected settings - accordingly in response. As already mentioned above, the principle of operation of the timer is the second. It is necessarily tied to the current time and manages the load according to the set program. The common thing between the timer and the time relay is that after applying voltage, they can automatically control the electrical load. For the sake of fairness, we note that this classification is conditional, since there are timers ("for pillar cells") that are not tied to the current time. But this is rather an exception. The main trend is the second.

Let's take a look at what timers and time relays are represented in our assortment matrix.

Timers from our assortment can be structurally and functionally classified as follows:

Modular and output;
Electromechanical and electronic;
With and without power reserve;
Single-channel and two-channel;
Daily, weekly, astronomical;
With power reserve and without power reserve;
Time relays are classified as follows:

Single and multi-functional;
Domestic use and for control circuits of automated and ventilation systems.
It can have a huge number of applications. In everyday life, timers and time relays can be used for various purposes and tasks. It is not possible to list all application options within this article. We will give only some of the most common examples of use. Timers (set by time) can be used to control indoor and outdoor lighting, building lighting, illuminated advertising, and more. In addition, they can be used to save electricity consumption. For example: in large industrial enterprises with large loads in a situation of using multi-tariff meters and corresponding payment for electricity. With the help of a timer and accompanying switching devices (contactors), it is possible to turn off the inclusion of powerful electrical loads during the morning and evening peak hours. The plant pays more favorable prices, as the daily load consumption schedule is equalized, which is more favorable for the plant's power grids and the country's entire energy system as a whole.

Timers for general lighting control of stairwells also perform the function of saving energy and saving electricity. Normally, the light in the stairwell entrances stays on all night until morning. Staircase lighting control timers (electromechanical and electronic) turn on the general lighting for a certain time, then turn it off automatically. The light is turned on and off only when necessary, and not all night until morning - the economy is obvious. These timers are controlled using bell buttons. A person enters each floor, presses the bell button and the stairwell lighting turns on, the person descends, leaves the building, then the lighting automatically turns off with a selected time delay.

Time relays (not related to the current time) also have multiple usage options. They can be used in AVR circuits, for switching in star/delta circuits, switching with and without time delay, with the ability to hold the contact group without auxiliary voltage for a set time. Sometimes there are many "unforgettable options" for using relays. For example, the unbalanced cycle relay is used not for industrial cycle or supply and exhaust ventilation system control, but for controlling a sound device connected to a garden scarecrow to scare away birds. In general, as many people as there are options for using these devices. However, the rules for installation, electrical safety and operation must be observed in all variants of use. This will be the key to the long and reliable operation of these devices.

You can buy a time relay from our online store, and information about availability and costs from sales managers.