Time Delay Relays Application Data Definition: Time Delay is defined as the controlled period between the functioning of two events. A Time Delay relay is a combination of an electromechanical output relay and a control circuit. The control circuit is comprised of solid state components and timing circuits that control operation of the relay and timing range. Typical time delay functions include On-Delay, Repeat cycle (starting off), Interval, Off-Delay, Retriggerable One Shot, Repeat cycle (starting on), Pulse Generator, One Shot, On/Off Delay, and Memory Latch. Each function is explained in the table below. Time delay relays have a broad choice of timing ranges from less than one second to many days. There are many choices of timing adjustments from calibrated external knobs, DIP switches, thumbwheel switches, or recessed potentiometer. The output contacts on the electromechanical output relay are direct wired to the output terminals. The contact load ratings are specified for each specific type of time delay relay. 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 does the output relay come on 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 will open or close before or after a pre-selected, timed interval. Typically, time delay relays are initiated or triggered by one of two methods: application of input voltage (On Delay, Interval On, Flasher, Repeat Cycle, Delayed Interval & Interval/Flasher). opening or closing of a trigger signal (Off Delay, Single Shot & Watchdog). 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). To help understand, some definitions are important: Input Voltage: Control voltage applied to the input terminals (see wiring diagrams below). Depending on the function, input voltage will either initiate the unit or make it ready to initiate when a trigger signal is applied. Trigger Signal: On certain timing functions, a trigger signal is used to initiate the unit after input voltage has been applied. As noted above, this trigger signal can either be a control switch (dry contact switch) or a power trigger (voltage). Output (Load): Every time delay relay has an internal relay (usually mechanical) with contacts that open & close to control the load. They are represented by the dotted lines in the wiring diagrams. Note that the user must provide the voltage to power the load being switched by the output contacts of the time delay relay. The following tables contain both written and visual descriptions on how the common timing functions operate. A Timing Chart shows the relationship between Input Voltage, Trigger Signal (if present) and Output Contacts. 5/2 Magnecraft Solution Guide 105A Magnecraft Solution Guide 105A SECTION 5FUNCTION DEFINITION TABLE Function Operation Timing Chart A. When the input voltage U is applied, timing delay t begins. Relay contacts R U ON DELAY change state after time delay is complete. Contacts R return to their shelf state on Power On when input voltage U is removed. Trigger switch is not used in this function. t t R off B. When input voltage U is applied, time delay t begins. When time delay t is U REPEAT CYCLE complete, relay contacts R change state for time delay t. This cycle will repeat tt t Starting Off on until input voltage U is removed. Trigger switch is not used in this function. tt t R off C. When input voltage U is applied, relay contacts R change state immediately U INTERVAL and timing cycle begins. When time delay is complete, contacts return to shelf t t Power On state. When input voltage U is removed, contacts will also return to their shelf R state. Trigger switch is not used in this function. Input voltage U must be applied continuously. When trigger switch S is closed, D. OFF DELAY relay contacts R change state. When trigger switch S is opened, delay t begins. U S Break When delay t is complete, contacts R return to their shelf state. If trigger switch close S S is closed before time delay t is complete, then time is reset. When trigger open tt switch S is opened, the delay begins again, and relay contacts R remain in on R their energized state. If input voltage U is removed, relay contacts R return to off their shelf state. E. Upon application of input voltage U, the relay is ready to accept trigger signal S. RETRIGGERABLE U Upon application of the trigger signal S, the relay contacts R transfer and the ONE SHOT preset time t begins. At the end of the preset time t, the relay contacts R return to close S open their normal condition unless the trigger switch S is opened and closed prior to tt time out t (before preset time elapses). Continuous cycling of the trigger switch S on at a rate faster than the preset time will cause the relay contacts R to remain R off closed. If input voltage U is removed, relay contacts R return to their shelf state. F. When input voltage U is applied, relay contacts R change state immediately U REPEAT CYCLE and time delay t begins. When time delay t is complete, contacts return to t t t Starting On their shelf state for time delay t. This cycle will repeat until input voltage U is on tt R off removed. Trigger switch is not used in this function. G. Upon application of input voltage U, a single output pulse of 0.5 seconds is U PULSE delivered to relay after time delay t. Power must be removed and reapplied to Pulse Pulse on GENERATOR repeat pulse. Trigger switch is not used in this function. t t R off H. U Upon application of input voltage U, the relay is ready to accept trigger signal ONE SHOT S. Upon application of the trigger signal S, the relay contacts R transfer and close S open the preset time t begins. During time-out, the trigger signal S is ignored. The t t on relay resets by applying the trigger switch S when the relay is not energized. R off I. U Input voltage U must be applied continuously. When trigger switch S is closed, ON/OFF DELAY time delay t begins. When time delay t is complete, relay contacts R change close S Make/Break S open state and remain transferred until trigger switch S is opened. If input voltage U t t on is removed, relay contacts R return to their shelf state. t t R off J. U Input voltage U must be applied continuously. Output changes state with every MEMORY LATCH close trigger switch S closure. If input voltage U is removed, relay contacts R return to S Make S open their shelf state. on R off U = Input Voltage S = Trigger Switch R = Relay Contacts t = Time Delay 5/3 Magnecraft Solution Guide 105A Magnecraft Solution Guide 105A SECTION 5