If you want to use time switches for your instrumentation systems, you must have adequate knowledge about different types, such as digital time switches, industrial time switches and electrical time switches, and their working principles and applications. You can also consult different instrument suppliers to acquire detailed information on time switches.

For manufacturers of time switches and time switch distributors, it is always beneficial to update your knowledge about new technological developments in the field of instrumentation engineering. You can also seek an expert’s advice and join various associations for switch manufacturers.

To educate your workforce about time switches and relevant technology updates, you can:

1. Search for continual education programs about time switches
2. Read magazines that provide updates about the instrumentation industry
3. Join associations for manufacturers of time switches
4. Understand different standards and codes associated with industrial time switches

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about standards and codes related to industrial time switches

If you are a time switch manufacturer, you must understand different standards and codes related to industrial switches. You can buy these codes from the organizations that establish the standards in the field of instrumentation engineering.

I recommend: Refer to different time switch standards at the National Resource for Global Standards (NSSN), a search engine of global standards by American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM International) is one of the voluntary standards development organizations.

Join associations for manufacturers and distributors of time switches

Associations of time switch suppliers provide a platform for communication and interaction amongst the service providers and customers of different types of switches.

I recommend: Relay and Switch Industry Association (RSIA), an association run by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association, offers a platform for companies that manufacturer, produce or market relay and switch technologies and products. American Electronics Association is a non-profit organization representing all segments of the technology industry, including the instrumentation industry. You can also join NEMA, a trade association for the electrical manufacturing industry.

Interact with experts in the field of time switches

If you have a problem with your time switch or if you want to know which type of time switch best suits your requirements, you can get advice from experts who have been in the field of instrumentation engineering for many years.

I recommend: Seek an expert’s advice at Intota. AllExperts.com is another source where you can find solutions for your queries about time switches. You can find experts and consultants that provide legal advice to time switch manufacturers and distributors at eWitness.com.

A time switch provides time control and safety for numerous applications. Common functions of electrical time switches involve turning lights, machines and other devices on and off at pre-set intervals. Medical equipment, research labs, hotels and motels, restaurants, industrial settings and commercial and retail businesses use time switches to keep their business going.

Choices range from general to industrial time switches, with many models in between. The units differ in application, mounting and size with various features and programmability. When buying time switches consider the following:

1. Know your voltage requirements as electronic switch timers vary in power needs depending on general, commercial or industrial applications.

2. Consider multi-programmable units for large operations.

3. Look at the various options in time interval ratings from one minute to one year.

Action Steps
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Buy from time switch distributors and suppliers with a wide product line

Some distributors of time switches offer battery backup models, and inside and outside units. Wall time switch models often contain LEDs that flash before the lights go out.

I recommend: Order a daily time switch 100 to 240 VAC with surface or track mount at Steven Engineering. Contact the company from the phone number at the bottom of the page. Contact Lovato Electric, a distributor of time switches offering modular, DIN rail mount, plug-in and flush-mount in a variety of types, time control ranges and control power. Go to W.W. Grainger to order online electronic switch timers, multi-operation, wall and others.

Work with time switch manufacturers for products or solutions

Find a wide range of applications that these manufacturers of time switches provide. Some applications include light control, machinery, home, blower control and medical equipment. Options include heavier casings and automatic daylight saving time adjustments.

I recommend: Fill out the information request form at M.H. Rhodes/Cramer or click “Time Switches” from the sidebar for a panel mount, fan/light, wall mount, programmable or professional time switch. Enter your zip code to find a distributor of Intermatic electrical time switches or click “Contact Us”; select a product that includes 7-day electronic, astronomic, 24 hour and others with product code and specs.

Purchase industrial time switches for production and security

Applications for industrial switches include blowers, heaters, pumps, conveyors, electrical fences, process controls and security alarm systems.

I recommend: Select heavy duty timers, a mechanical time switch for industrial and commercial applications, shutoff timers and others at Westside Wholesale. Select an industrial timer that includes 40 amp quartz time switches with up to 96 programmable operations, synchronous or digital models at Borg General Controls; phone the number on product page for pricing or questions.

Get digital time switches for multiple functions

The models for these important switches include outdoor lighting, signal timer, cycle timer and water heater control, among others.

I recommend: Buy two-channel with daily and weekly programs, full year programmable, on delay and other digital time switches at AM Products. Contact NSi Industries for a wide selection of digital time switches; click “TORK” then “Digital Time Switches” from sidebar for product line.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some of the time switch manufacturers and distributors offer reseller and/or distributor prospects for potential clients. Look in the 'about us,' 'company info,' 'contact' or similar headings if this applies to your business model.

Time switches control the operation of lighting systems, water pumps and domestic machines. A time switch has a built-in timer that turns a circuit on and off, which can be useful in various applications, like home or office lighting systems, aquariums, streetlights, ovens and even washing machines.

Whether you want to use time switches for commercial or domestic purposes, you will need to know the various types of time switches to make a smarter business choice. This guide covers some of the important key terms, like clock switches, time delay switches, electronic and electromechanical timers, twist timers and solar dial time switches.

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Clock switches

Clock switches are useful for controlling various lights by switching them on and off at predetermined times. These are often used to make a home look occupied when it is not.

I recommend: You can refer to Lighting Associates, Inc. (PDF), a service provider in the lighting industry, for information about clock switches.

Time delay switches

Time delay switches provide a method for turning an appliance on or off after a predetermined amount of time, such as a coffee pot.

I recommend: wiseGEEK, an online resource, provides detailed information about time delay switches.

Electronic timers

An electronic timer is a control device that stays inactive until it receives an internal command. It stays on for a specific time interval before turning inactive.

I recommend: You can refer to GlobalSpec, an online resource, for information about electronic timers. Additionally, you can browse through Poolandspa.com for information regarding electronic timers.

Electromechanical timers

Electromechanical timers take electric inputs to operate a mechanical display, such as rotating wheels or knobs. An electromechanical timer is a device for automatically starting or stopping a machine or other device.

I recommend: Machine Design, a website by GlobalSpec, provides information regarding electromechanical timers.

Twist timers

A twist timer is a mechanical timer that has a spring loaded to unwind the predetermined time. Once the spring unwinds, the circuit breaks and shuts off the appliance. The appliance that the twist timer controls remains on for the set time.

I recommend: You can read through the explanation of twist timers at Lighting Systems, an online lighting encyclopedia by APOGEE Interactive, Inc.

Solar dial time switches

Solar dial time switches can be adjusted to allow an offset from dusk and dawn. The lights can be set to switch on at a predetermined time as required. These switches are useful in factories or warehouses, where lighting is required during night times.

I recommend: To know more about solar dial time switches, you can refer to English Street Lights Online, an informative website by Mike Barford. School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials (PDF), University of Newcastle upon Tyne, provides information about solar dial time switches.

Pneumatic switches

A pneumatic switch is a momentary time delay switch. The switch has a knob, which controls the time delay. When switched on, the switches' contacts are triggered and remain in that state for the time delay period.

I recommend: You can refer to ProcessRegister, an online buyer’s guide, for information regarding pneumatic switches.