Triggered Delay-On-Release

A relay is an electromagnetic device that activates electrical equipment and electronic devices. Relays are critical for the reliable operation of consumer appliances and electronics, medical equipment, industrial machinery, automotive electrical systems, and more. To meet such a wide range of uses, relays are designed in various configurations.

Time delay relays control events based on time. Triggered delay-on-release is one of the most popular types of time delay relays. Engineered with a built-in time delay, this design is particularly useful for equipment that must be activated at specific time intervals. Also known as off-delay timers, these relays remain open in the “off” position until triggered by a specific electrical signal. When the signal is received, the contacts in the relay close, completing the circuit and activating the desired equipment.

Relay operations are defined by three factors:

Input: Input voltage is the electrical current applied to the input terminals of the relay. When the input current is applied, the relay will either initiate operation or wait for the trigger signal, depending on the relay design.
Output: Output refers to the current that flows between contacts within the relay and out to the controlled equipment.
Trigger: For timed delays, like triggered delay-on-release, a trigger signal separate from the input voltage is applied to activate the system at the desired time. The trigger can either be a control switch or direct voltage.

Why Are Triggered Delay-on-Release Relays Important?

With triggered delay, input voltage enters the relay, but it is not applied to the connector until the trigger is activated. Trigger activation allows the current to flow through the relay and activate the equipment. When the trigger is deactivated, the energy output is removed, the equipment stops, and the cycle repeats after the timed delay.

The unique timed delay mechanism of a triggered delay enables better control and energy efficiency throughout the activation process. You can control load size and operation timing, which enhances your overall production efficiency.

Triggered release relays also allow you to operate equipment and machinery without the need for direct human intervention. In many cases, this improves workplace safety by automating tasks that would be dangerous for humans. For example, triggered delay-on-release relays can be used to ventilate combustion chambers at regularly scheduled intervals to prevent the buildup of noxious and flammable gases.

Products with Triggered Delay-on-Release Relays

Amperite specializes in the development and production of time delay relays, control devices, and flashers for OEM equipment. We aim to provide top-tier custom products specifically engineered to meet the unique needs of your application. Our extensive line of triggered delay-on-release products includes:

CR TDR: Our CR TDR product features solid-state analog circuitry with delay-on-release timing. Available with fixed or knob adjustable timing, the CR TDR offers either SPST or SPDT relay output contacts. We offer multiple CR TDR models with timing ranges from 1 to 600 secs.
CR10 TDR: The CR10 TDR model is distinguished by its DPDT (2 Form C) relay contacts. This design features solid-state analog circuitry, delay-on-release timing, and fixed or knob controls. Models are available with timing ranges from 1 to 600 secs.
DCR10 TDR: Using solid-state CMOS digital circuitry, our DCR10 TDR is a triggered delay-on-release with DPDT (2 Form C) relay contacts. This model is also fixed or knob adjustable, with timing ranges between 0.1 sec. to 1000 hrs.
STB TDR: Our highly durable STB TDR model incorporates solid-state digital circuitry with no moving parts. The STB TDR offers fixed or field adjustable relays, with delay timing ranges from milliseconds to hours. This design requires a continuous load current of at least 2 amperes, which can be increased up to 10 amperes on custom relays.

Applications of Triggered Delay-on-Release Relays

The versatility of triggered delay-on-release relays makes them ideal for a wide variety of applications, including:

Laundry equipment: Delay-on-release timers are often used to operate commercial washers and dryers for specified lengths of time.
Park rides: Rides at amusement parks and carnivals are designed to operate for a set amount of time. The relay automatically opens at programmed intervals and shuts down the ride at the proper time.
Office equipment: Photocopiers, fax machines, and scanners can overheat with frequent use. These machines use delay-on-release mechanisms programmed to run a cooling fan for a specific period of time after an operation is complete.
Elevator and train doors: Delay-on-release relays are used to ensure the safety of elevator and train passengers by delaying door closure until a certain amount of time has passed since the last passenger entered or exited the carriage.
Lighting: Automatic lighting in office buildings, home garages, and automotive interior lights and headlights operate using a triggered delay-on-release. The relay keeps lights on to allow people to find their belongings, locate keys, lock doors, and exit the space before the lights go out.
Image exposure: Cameras for photography, medical imaging, and scientific research are operated on a delay-on-release, which allows light to enter the lens for a set window of time.
Pumps and motors: Delay-on-release enables automated operation of pumps and motors for industrial machinery and irrigation systems. The relay can be set to activate and shut off the pump or motor for the desired time.
Industrial manufacturing: Off-delay timers allow conveyor belts, dispensing equipment, and furnace fans to operate within set intervals, streamlining the overall manufacturing process.
Warning systems: Alert systems for car seatbelts, emergency vehicles, and walk-in refrigerators utilize various time delay relays to draw people’s attention to a safety issue.