Timers
Industrial Timing and Control Solutions
Timers are devices or mechanisms used to measure and control the passage of time. They are widely used in various applications where time-based operations, scheduling, or timing functions are required. Timers can be either mechanical or electronic, and they come in different forms and configurations depending on the specific application.
Industrial timers are essential components for managing the duration of electrical loads, sequencing automated processes, and ensuring energy efficiency within commercial and manufacturing environments. For engineers and procurement professionals, selecting the correct timing technology involves evaluating the required precision, the frequency of adjustments, and the mechanical durability of the unit. Our comprehensive range of timers includes mechanical, digital, and specialized tripper models designed for integration into access control systems, HVAC circuits, and industrial machinery.
The implementation of reliable timing controls allows for the automation of lighting, ventilation, and security protocols, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing operational costs. Each timer category in our inventory is engineered to provide consistent performance across various voltage requirements and environmental conditions.
Engineering and Procurement Specifications
When specifying a timing solution for an industrial or commercial project, technical personnel must evaluate the following parameters:
- Switching Capacity: Verify the contact ratings for resistive and inductive loads. It is critical to ensure the timer can handle the inrush current of motors or the steady state draw of large lighting arrays.
- Input Voltage: Timers must be matched to the facility power supply, with common options including 24VDC, 120VAC, and 240VAC. Universal voltage models are also available to simplify inventory management.
- Timing Resolution: Determine if the application requires the coarse adjustments of a mechanical tripper or the sub second precision of a high end digital module.
- Mounting Configuration: Select the appropriate form factor for the installation, such as standard wall box mounting, surface mounting, or 35mm DIN rail integration within a control panel.
- Memory Retention: For electronic models, ensure that the unit features non volatile memory or a long life lithium battery to prevent the loss of schedules during a primary power failure.
Housings/Enclosures
Housings/Enclosures →
Spring Wound Timers
Spring Wound Timers →
Interval Timers
Interval Timers →
Digital Timers
Digital Timers →
Captive Tripper Timers
Captive Tripper Timers →
Timer Product Classifications
Housings/Enclosures
Protective housings and enclosures are critical for maintaining the operational integrity of timing components in harsh environments. These enclosures are manufactured from high impact polycarbonate or heavy duty steel to protect internal electronics from dust, moisture, and physical impact. For industrial applications, we provide NEMA and IP rated housings that facilitate secure mounting on walls or DIN rails. These units often feature transparent covers to allow for visual inspection of the timer settings without exposing the terminals to the atmosphere. Proper enclosure selection ensures compliance with electrical safety codes and extends the service life of the control components.
Spring Wound Timers
Spring wound timers represent a reliable, non electronic solution for interval timing. These mechanical devices do not require a constant power source to operate the timing mechanism, as they utilize a manual wind up spring to count down a predefined duration. They are commonly specified for ventilation fans, heaters, and lighting in areas where a simple, intuitive user interface is required. The absence of complex electronics makes these timers highly resistant to electrical noise and power surges. They are available in various timing increments, typically ranging from 15 minutes to 12 hours, and feature robust switch contacts capable of handling high inductive loads.
Interval Timers
Interval timers are designed to energize a load for a specific period following a manual or automated trigger. Unlike standard clocks, these units focus on the duration of an event rather than the time of day. In industrial settings, interval timers are utilized for chemical dosing, heat sealing, and spot welding where precise cycle times are mandatory for quality control. Our interval timers offer high repeatability and are available in both analog dial and digital formats. They can be configured for "one shot" operation or programmed to restart based on external sensor inputs, providing flexible logic for complex automation sequences.
Digital Timers
Digital timers provide the highest level of precision and flexibility for modern industrial control. These units feature liquid crystal displays (LCD) and programmable microprocessors that allow for to the second accuracy. They support complex scheduling, including 7 day programming, holiday offsets, and astronomical tracking for outdoor lighting systems. Digital timers are ideal for access control applications where specific entry points must be secured or released at precise times. Most models include internal battery backups to maintain programming during power outages and offer multiple output channels to control independent circuits from a single interface.
Captive Tripper Timers
Captive tripper timers, also known as mechanical plug in timers or segment timers, utilize a rotating dial with physical "trippers" to set the on and off periods. Each tripper typically represents a 15 or 30 minute interval. This design allows for multiple switching cycles within a 24 hour period and provides a clear visual representation of the schedule. Because the trippers are captive within the dial, they cannot be lost or misplaced, making these timers ideal for high traffic industrial environments. These units are frequently used for pool pumps, industrial water heaters, and security lighting where a daily repeating schedule is required with minimal ongoing maintenance.
Technical Support and System Integration
We provide comprehensive technical data sheets for all timer products, including terminal wiring diagrams, maximum load charts, and programming manuals. Our engineering team is available to assist in selecting the most efficient timing technology for your specific application, whether you are retrofitting an existing control panel or designing a new automation system. All timing components are tested to meet international safety standards, ensuring a reliable and durable solution for your facility’s power management and control requirements.
Manufactures
Access Control Sales has selected our suppliers based on decades of experience. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of applications but always high quality and consistency. We look for suppliers that offer CSA, UL or CE certification, long warranties and responsive lead times. We assist our partners by stocking common items for local distribution as well as offering customer support through technical help and custom applications.
