COVER STORY
Timeguard’s new NTTHDS 24 Hour/7 Day Compact Digital Heavy Duty Timeswitch supports 8A inductive and 20A resistive loads.
Timeguard’s designers have proven that a high specification doesn’t have to mean big and ugly.
electrical components like solenoids, transformers and electric motors to produce a magnetic field. Converting current into a magnetic field consumes a large amount of current when the machinery is first energised. Voltage and current are out of phase, creating a secondary voltage that opposes the supply voltage, which can cause power surges when the load is turned on or off. This creates special challenges when designing switches for cycling processes. Resistive loads - typically heating and lighting - are also becoming more challenging for electrical designers as customers want to control higher current devices. Standard domestic plug-in timers, typically rated at 13A, generally use a relatively small relay, which may be sufficient for normal use around the home, but they are prone to damage or may have a shorter operating life when used with higher current appliances. As a result, 16A and 20A switches are increasingly popular for both domestic
and commercial/industrial jobs to ensure a good safety margin. Ease of use, aesthetics and installation: Yes, even behind-the-scenes, looks matter. Slimline and compact models are offered across the range, and there is an increasing focus on ease of use, enabled by new chip designs and enhanced with large, clear backlit LED displays. Extra convenience can be provided with boost buttons, which have transitioned from purely domestic models to the commercial range over the years. Users can get an extra hour or two of power at the press of a button without needing to touch the programming - let alone change it inadvertently. Easy installation is also crucial, with screws and plugs included in the pack, along with clear instructions. Volt-free or dry contacts should be a given, as these mechanical components are isolated from the circuit they control, providing the option to switch lower voltage appliances.
“Extra convenience can be provided with boost buttons, which have transitioned from purely domestic models to the commercial range over the years.”
Making fused spurs work harder:
Don’t forget you can replace any 13A fused spur with a version that includes digital time control. Seven-day and 24-hour options are available to choose from, and boost buttons make it even easier for users to control their usage. There’s also a Wi-Fi option using the global de facto standard TuYa App. IP66 versions are also available.
Check out the products at your favourite wholesaler, or find out more at www.timeguard.com
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 13
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