First of all, let’s understand the two terms separately. Relays are electrically or electromechanically powered switches that control circuits. The relays can open or close circuits depending on the need.
Timers as the name suggests is a device to set time preferences. The timer helps when a function needs to be carried on for a specific time or needs to be delayed.
Relay timers combine the properties of these two and make an important part of various applications. The device is used in various households as well as industrial machines. Let’s dig deeper into the concept of relay timers.
What is a relay timer?
Combining the two terms relay and timer, we can easily understand what a relay timer is. So, a relay timer is a kind of switch that helps control circuits according to the set time preferences. A relay timer controls the opening and closing of single or multiple circuits at a particular time.
What are the benefits of relay timers?
Since we can control when a circuit will open or close and even set time, relay timers reduce a lot of hassle. Two of the most important benefits of relay timers are here.
Productivity:
A relay timer can help decide when the load will be transferred to the next step and that would prevent the stock from piling up on one destination. It will not only help prevent crowds at one place, but it will also increase the speed of the job which will automatically improve productivity at the end of the day.
Safety:
The time delay relay can help prevent accidents. The timer is efficient enough to close and open the circuit at the desired time which is not possible manually. Mistakes happen and that leads to accidents. With a time delay relay, you can rest assured that machines are getting enough ventilation on time.
What are the Major functions of a time delay relay?
The most important concern about a time delay relay is how it functions. These are some of the ways these timers function.
- On delay timers
- Off delay timers
- Interval on operate
- Flasher
- Repeat cycle
Applications of relay timers
Some of the important applications of relay timers are mentioned below
Furnace safety
The furnace chamber can contain some quantity of explosive vapors which need to be removed before starting the combustion. The air fan that operates on the delay relay timer helps manage that needed time component to perform the task of removing any flammable vapor which can lead to an accident.
Flashing light control
The power sent to the lamp is the result of the conjugation of two delay relay timers. The two, when combined, create the constant on/off frequency required for the flashing light mechanism.
Conveyor belt sequence delay
To prevent the load from piling on slow-moving or stopped conveyor belts, a time delay relay is used. The delay helps in reversing the sequence which makes the first one last and the last one first. The material thus keeps moving.
Motor soft start
The voltage goes completely down when big electric engines are stopped. Instead of turning the complete power on which can be a heavy load, the decreased voltage can be used to give the engine a soft start. It helps with less inrush current and prevents any accidents.
The time delay relays thus, work in a variety of ways and serve a wide number of applications. Not only do these save you from emergencies, but also help increase the productivity of your process. The relay timers can be used for any kind of task from controlling a simple circuit to managing some complex functions.