Time Relay

What is a Time Relay?

A time relay is a normal relay, which triggers with a delay. A relay is used to switch off a circuit with a potentially dangerous voltage from a safe distance. A time relay additionally has the possibility to control its time. This increases the safety and allows a number of circuits for comfort and usability.

What does a Time Relay do?

A time relay switches an electric circuit after a previously determined period into another state. There are three different types of Relay:

• Opener
• Closer
• Change

Depending on which type of relay is used, the circuit is switched off, on or changed after a certain period.

How does a Time Relay work?

There are different approaches for the functionality of a time relay. The duration of the position or delay before the circuit change determines the design of the time relay. These electric components are distinguished as follows:

• Electromechanical
• Electronic

The electromechanical version prevents the magnetic switch in a relay to be triggered immediately by a delay mechanism. Electric engines with worm drives, hydraulic or pneumatic devices or clocks are used depending on the size of the component.

Solely electric time relays use analog or digital signal generators with a corresponding delay programming.

A typical application for a time relay is a light in a stair case. After triggering the light switch, the switching off is delayed. This allows to set up a simple arrangement in an electronic circuit.