Advanced technology time switches designed for easy programming and high clock-precision, are now available for industrial, commercial and domestic environments.

The devices are used to switch an electric circuit on or off at selected times during a pre-programmed time period. The analogue and digital time switches also have an automatic return facility and a permanent forced-switching on or off override control.

Legrand’s AlphaRex³ series has a standardised text-guided programming facility, with a digital display and backlight. There is a standard, single data key for all devices in the range, to allow for the transfer of programmes to other time switches and for creating back-up copies.

Clock precision can be programmed to the second, either directly on the time switch, or outside the distribution board using a computer and programming software. The clock can be programmed before despatch and the timer memory prevents settings from being lost. Once the unit has been programmed, the information remains installed even if the switch is not connected to power. The battery can be removed without disconnecting the time switch from the distribution board.

The time switches are available with standard and multiple functions; a daily or weekly programme facility; and a clock working-reserve of six years.

Typical applications for this series include industrial pump stations, security alarms, indoor and outdoor lighting, air conditioners, heating and ventilation systems and swimming pool heaters. The switches are also compatible with alternative renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels.

The time switches offer ‘plug and play’ installation, for daily and weekly programming. By setting the analogue switching-dial during startup, the time is automatically set using the fast-run mode. In the event of a power failure, the time is automatically reset.

The MicroRex devices feature analogue and digital dials, a five-year running reserve and 24-hour, seven-day time switches for German Institute of Standardization, or DIN, rail and wall mountings. The units have multiple programme time-settings, a light emitting diode status indicator, clockwork of 0.2 s/day and either a quartz or synchronous motor. In addition, there is an automatic, manual and advanced or over-ride facility.

The series is designed for use in a range of applications, including feed conveyors; sprinkler systems; short periods of controlled defrosting; periodic lubrication of machines and repetitive switching of pumps.

Additional time switches in the range are used in security installations, such as access points, electric fences and alarms; as well as in industrial installations, including pump stations, filters and conveyors. The switches are also used for lighting in commercial signage and street illumination. Time switches in agricultural applications are used for irrigation systems and for cyclical programmes, such as animal feed systems.