Relay timer: the principle of operation of the 220V device with a turn-on delay, making by hand

The timer relay is an effective product designed to ensure the operation of all elements of the system for a specified period of time after turning on or off the power. This small device is capable of simultaneously controlling several devices, which is why it is often used in the most complex devices. You can make or buy such a mechanism yourself with minimal financial costs.

General information

In order for the device to work properly and perform all the provided functions, it is recommended to connect a time relay (220V) with a turn-on delay. Before starting its manufacture and installation, it is necessary to study in detail the device, the principle of operation, as well as the advantages and disadvantages. All this information will help you choose the most efficient model of the device for each specific installation.

Device and principle of operation

Relays are considered to be one of the most commonly used gadgets. They gained their popularity due to the accuracy and efficiency of their work. With their help, you can easily control voltages of various magnitudes, which helps to protect expensive devices from breakdowns and malfunctions.

In most cases, a temporary relay is used, consisting of the following elements:

1. Iron anchor. It is used to create low resistance to magnetic flux.
2. Wire reel. This structural part is wrapped around an iron core and helps to create a magnetic field.
3. Movable metal arrow.
4. Contacts, the number of which is determined by the requirements for the product.
5. Yoke hinges. These fixtures are used to attach the anchor.
6. Rigid spring. The part serves to hold the armature and is installed so that in the absence of electric current in the magnetic circuit, an air gap is created.

The principle of operation of a time relay is quite simple. Not only an experienced electrician will be able to understand the nuances, but also a beginner who sees the product for the first time.

The device operates in this way:

1. In the absence of electric current, one of the contacts is in the open position, and the other in the closed position. In some modern models, their number may increase depending on the functions provided by the manufacturer.
2. As soon as electricity appears in the circuit, the process of generating a magnetic field begins.
3. Thanks to him, the reinforcement is activated and the moving contact moves.
4. After turning off the power, the armature moves to its original position under the action of the emerging force. It is provided by a spring and its value is much less than magnetic.
5. When an electric current enters the coil, a diode passes through it and the energy of the decaying magnetic field is dissipated.

Advantages and disadvantages

A time relay with a turn-off delay (220V), like any other similar device, has several important advantages. Therefore, it is very popular and widely used in industry.

The most significant positive aspects of the device are as follows:

• wide range of time delays adjustment (from 0.1 seconds to 100 days);
• high accuracy of observance of time intervals;
• the ability to function both at low and high temperatures (from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius);
• availability of protection against industrial noise;
• mounting versatility (panel or DIN rail);
• the ability to connect conductors with different cross-sections (from 0.4 to 4 square millimeters);
• the ability to qualitatively perform its functions with various voltage parameters in the network.

Despite the many advantages, time delay relays have several disadvantages. They must be taken into account before choosing a device and starting to use it. Otherwise, you may encounter various problems that will significantly complicate the operation of the entire system and entail numerous breakdowns.

Disadvantages of timers include:

• the need for the most accurate installation and configuration;
• dependence on the presence of electric current in the network;
• fragility of the structure;
• difficulties in carrying out repair and preventive measures.

Varieties of products

Manufacturers of temporary relays offer consumers a large number of varieties of this device. They all have similar characteristics, but differ in how they work. This variety allows you to choose the best option that is suitable for certain equipment.

The most popular types of structures:

1. Electronic. These time relays are used much more often than others. They gained their popularity due to their small size, low electricity consumption, as well as the presence of useful additional functions. Such products are capable of monitoring processes with a minimum exposure (from 0.1 to 0.5 seconds). At the same time, they ensure uninterrupted operation for several weeks.
2. With pneumatic deceleration. This mechanical time switch can provide a delay of 0.4 seconds to 3 minutes. The device is equipped with a special pneumatic damper that allows you to control the sequential operation of conveyors and various machines. Pneumatic time relays are compact in size and allow easy replacement of main components. All this makes it possible to use several such products on one device.
3. With electromagnetic deceleration. The principle of operation of such devices is based on creating an operation delay, with a gradual increase in the main magnetic current. This relay can provide off delays from 0.5 to 1.4 seconds, and on delays from 7 to 11 hundredths of a second. The big disadvantage of such a device is the need for a direct current.
4. With anchoring mechanism. Such relays are rarely used, since they do not provide maximum time accuracy. Their work is provided by a built-in spring, which is wound under an electromagnet. On a special scale, the required response time of the contacts is set, which actuate the anchor mechanism.
5. Contactor. These timers are only used to control the operation of electric motors, refrigerators, aquariums and lighting systems. Their main feature is contacts, which are made of silver alloy. Among the disadvantages are fragility and a high level of noise generated during operation.

Making a relay with your own hands

To get a high-quality relay and save some money, you need to make such a device yourself. For this you do not need to spend a lot of time and have any professional knowledge. For a beginner in this business, it is enough to have basic physical knowledge and a general idea of ​​the principle of operation of the device.

Selection of materials and tools

To work on the relay, you will need a minimum amount of available materials that can be bought in specialized stores in any locality. Their cost is relatively low, which makes it possible to make a relay even for people with little financial resources.

The work will need the following items:

• a wooden board of a suitable size;
• nails about 100 mm long;
• a coil of copper wire;
• metal strip;
• thyristors;
• pliers;
• hammer.

Step-by-step instruction

All homemade time relays are made according to the same principle. It is important for the master to adhere to it and try to perform each stage of the work as efficiently as possible. Only in this case it is possible to achieve the desired result and complete the work in the shortest possible period of time.

Procedure:

1. A wooden board is taken and nails are carefully driven into it with a hammer. This must be done so that they enter the tree only halfway. It is important to avoid any bends and uneven spacing between two adjacent nails. You can correct the mistakes made with pliers.
2. Copper wire is slowly wound around a long nail. This should be done from the bottom up. Once the entire leg is wrapped around, it is necessary to secure the wire to the cap. It is important to leave a few millimeters at each edge so that later it is convenient to adjust the magnitude of the magnetic field.
3. The pliers are used to reshape the metal strip. It folds so that one of the edges is above the head of the nail.
4. The resulting product is securely attached to the wooden base.
5. One end of the wire of a self-made electromagnet is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the other to the negative. As a result of these manipulations, the nail should come into contact with the metal strip.
6. One clip attaches to the metal strip and the other to the bottom of the nail.
7. The device is complemented by thyristors, which will help the device to work for a long period.
8. The electromagnet is turned on and the product is connected to the power source.
9. The connected time relay is configured and tested for functionality. If you find any inaccuracies, you should turn off the device and fix the problem.

A self-assembled time relay is ideal for controlling the operation of lighting fixtures, as well as turning on and off small household appliances.

Selection criteria for purchased products

If there is no desire or opportunity to make the relay yourself, then you can buy a ready-made design. You can find it in stores specializing in the sale and repair of electrical appliances. In this case, the monetary costs will be much higher than when making by hand, but temporary losses will decrease.

The main selection criteria:

1. Delay range. This is the main parameter to consider when purchasing a time relay. It is determined based on the purpose of the device and the characteristics of its operation.
2. Switching current type. The relays are capable of switching both direct and alternating current. In the first case, it is recommended to buy devices of the DC type, and in the second - AC. In some cases, the best option would be to use universal products marked with AC / DC.
3. Degree of protection. Depending on the place of installation of the relay (outdoors or indoors), it is necessary to choose certain models. Devices that will be located in an open space must have an additional protective case and have an IP40 index. A product with an IP20 index is suitable for placement inside a building.
4. Maximum switched current. If the purchased device will be used in household appliances, then experts advise choosing those models that are capable of switching the load in the range from 10 to 16 A.
5. Connectivity. Most modern products can be connected to two elements at the same time. So the operation of the time delay relay can be controlled from 2 locations located at different ends of the room.
6. Dimensions. Professionals advise buying the most compact devices, as it will be easier for them to find a place to install.
7. Installation method. In some cases, it is necessary to control this parameter, since many models need to be mounted on a DIN rail.

The timing relay is a useful and effective device. With its help, you can control the operation of the entire system and prevent the occurrence of any failures. With proper installation and following all the recommendations of professionals, you can significantly increase the life of the equipment and avoid most problems.