Time Switch 101: What is it and How Does it Work?

What is a Time Switch?

A time switch is an electronic device that provides control of loads with an automatic switch on and off after a preset time. The programmed switching on/off of loads provides energy savings compared to operations without a time switch, in which the loads would be on permanently.

Conserving electricity has become increasingly important as energy rates and shortages have increased. Consumers can find a number of ways to cut back on their electrical use. Any economy that wants to advance must therefore embrace time management and proper conservation of the electrical power supply. This can be achieved by limiting wastage in the limited power supply. A time switch can do it effectively.

Time switches are suitable for installation in residential and commercial buildings to control the lighting systems of shops, fountains, public gardens, schools, offices, heating systems and irrigation systems. They can be programmed daily, weekly and yearly.

There are two types of time switches: Analog and digital.

Analog (Mechanical) time switch

The analog (mechanical) time switch is programmed by moving the positions of the tappets and synchronized with a quartz battery or via the network frequency.

Digital time switch

The digital time switch is equipped with an LCD and sometimes with a programming key so that programs can be exchanged.

The digital time switches are more accurate, have smaller switching times and have many programming functions (impulsive, cyclical, random, holiday, etc) in regard to the analog time switches. Moreover, the absence of mechanical parts in motion ensures a longer running reserve (years, instead of hours).

How Does a Time Switch Work?

A time switch works by using an internal clock and timer mechanism to activate a relay that controls the power supply to the connected device.

The time switch has a display screen where you can set the on/off times for the device. It also has buttons that allow you to program the schedule, change the time, and adjust other settings.

When the set time arrives, the time switch activates the relay, which sends a signal to the connected device, turning it on. At the next set-off time, the time switch deactivates the relay, turning off the device. This process repeats according to the programmed schedule.

Some time switches also have a manual override function, which allows you to manually turn the connected device on or off, regardless of the programmed schedule.

The time switch gives a contact output regarding the time information. This contact output can then be used for various purposes. (Starting a motor, turning on a light, etc..)

Firstly, the time of the geography should be set to the time switch. After the time is entered, timing functions should be defined.

Applications of Time Switch

Time switches can be used in many applications. Some of the examples are listed below:

• The packing machine can be warmed up before the employees come to work so that work can begin immediately.
• The chimes can be sounded at the start of classes, at the lunch break and at the end of classes.
• The swimming pool water pump is regulated by a time switch which allows the various jets to be controlled separately.
• The pump that circulates the water is controlled by the electromechanical time switch according to the programmed setting.
• The convectors are automatically regulated by the time switch according to the program selected.
• The lighting and heating systems are controlled separately using a two-channel digital time switch.
• The artistically arranged lighting for the buildings and monuments in cities is controlled by the time switch, which provides a vast range of functions to suit the type of effect required.
• Irrigation pumps in the garden can be controlled using programmed time settings.

• Thanks to the time switch, the bells of a church are controlled with one of the various advanced functions allowing the user to regulate the intervals of time between one stroke and the next as required.
• The systems that pump the water in the fountains are controlled by the time switch which creates plays of water like a sparkling waterfall or an elegant spray in a very simple way.
• Advertising signs run at preset times thanks to a weekly or annual program defined by a time switch.
• Air circulation fans for special areas are automated by the ATe weekly time switch as established by the program settings.
• Road safety barriers for access to unauthorized areas on certain days of the year, for example, can be conveniently controlled by an hourly program in the time switch.
• To prevent unauthorized persons or animals from accessing areas during the night, the electric fence is controlled by the time switch which keeps it activated at preset times of the day.