Timer and Control Relay

What is a timer- / control relay?

A control and timer relay is an electromagnetic or electronic switch that serves as a link between a control (input) and an electrical consumer (load). The control relay uses a weak signal to open or close a physically separate, stronger circuit. It thus acts as an "interpreter" that converts small commands into large switching capacities and at the same time protects the control system from short circuits in the load circuit by means of galvanic isolation.

The time relay is an extension of this principle to include time logic. It does not switch immediately, but after a defined sequence – for example, delayed after the start signal or with a run-on time after switching off. In summary, these relays are the "logic building blocks" of a circuit: they decide when and how much current flows, protect the hardware, and automate processes without the need for a complex computer.

What are the characteristics of timer- / control relays?

• Galvanic isolation: They physically isolate the control circuit from the load circuit to protect sensitive components from high voltage or faults.
• Power amplification: With a minimal input current, very large electrical loads such as motors or heaters can be switched safely.
• Signal multiplication: A single input signal can simultaneously activate multiple contacts to control different parts of the system in parallel.
• Time control: Adjustable delays allow switch-on processes to be planned precisely or cooling run-on times to be implemented.
• High switching accuracy: Timer relays offer precisely defined switching points that guarantee reproducible control of machine processes.
• Compact design: Modern modules such as those from Zander offer high switching capacities in a minimum of space in the control cabinet.
• Integrated protective functions: Special variants monitor parameters such as temperature or speed and immediately shut down the system if limits are exceeded.
• Robustness: Unlike complex computer systems, they are insensitive to electromagnetic interference and extreme environmental conditions.
• Simple parameterization: Settings are usually made directly on the device using potentiometers or switches, without the need for programming.

What are the areas of application for timer -/ control relays?

• Industrial plant engineering: They control and monitor automated production lines without requiring a PLC for every simple logic function.
• Motor protection and pump control: Thermistor relays monitor the temperature of windings, preventing electric motors from burning out.
• Compressors and refrigeration technology: Fault indicator relays detect missing lubricants or impermissible pressures in order to prevent mechanical damage at an early stage.
• Heating and air conditioning systems: They are used for the safe control of heating elements and provide the necessary galvanic isolation from the control electronics.
• Safety-related systems: Special relays monitor ground faults in high-voltage neon systems or secure the operation of operating room doors. We also offer safety-related controllers/relays for this purpose.

Zander also supplies a variety of timing and control relays:

Miniature rectifier module for high performance with small dimensions.

Interface modules are useful for power amplification and galvanic isolation between the controls and load circuit.

If adjustable switch-on or switch-off relays are required on machines and plants, ZANDER timers are in demand because of their high accuracy.

Our fault relays ENQ prevent damage to machines and maintenance standstills. E.g. they record the absence of lubricant on compressors, excessive temperatures or speeds and switch off the plant before a damage occurs.

The same function is executed by the DHC thermistor motor protection relays. They ensure that an electro motor is stopped at the correct point of time if overheating is imminent.

In addition to the standard components, ZANDER also delivers a number of customer-specific variants and special solutions, e.g. monitoring relays for earth faults in neon systems or door control systems for operating theatres.

You will find the following features of our timers and control relays here:

*Zander also supplies safety timer

Interface Modules

The ZCoupling C1 is a relay with one changeover contact. ZCoupling C2 is a relay with 2 changeover contacts.

The DSRC4 module includes four relay interfaces that are completely independent of one another. As a result, the space requirement is much less as compared to the individual components.

Motor Protection Relay

The DHC is a temperature monitoring relay for electro motors. It evaluates the resistance values of the PTC resistor integrated in the motor coil. A zero-voltage safe electronic restart interlock ensures that the relay will remain locked upon activation even in the event of power failure, i.e. an uncontrolled restart will be avoided.

Fault Indicator System

The electronic ENQ4 fault indicator system offers a complete fault indicator unit for recording unapproved operating conditions such as excessive pressure or excessive temperature in a compact design.

ENQ are successfully used with compressors, automatic production machines, vehicles, heating systems and air-conditioners.

Several modules can be arranged next to one another in the form of a tableau.

Timer

The multi-function timers DMC and DVC with analogue time setting offer all the standard functions and time domains in one device. Moreover, DMC can be used as a sensor relay. A remote potentiometer connection is also available. The DZT operates as a star-delta time relay.

If an absolute digital time setting is necessary, ENS20 is the correct choice. ENS20 is a super-compact digital timer / digital counter, which can be easily programmed in all the standard functions and time domains, in which time can be set via a water-proof keyboard.

Safety Timer

Here you will find an overview of our saftey timer