VIOX FCT18-Bta Off-delay Timer Relay with Summation Control Signal

Introduction to the FCT18-Bta Off-delay Timer Relay

The VIOX FCT18-Bta is an advanced off-delay timer relay designed for precise timing control in industrial automation, manufacturing, and process control systems. This versatile timing relay offers exceptional flexibility with its summation control signal feature, allowing complex timing sequences through the cumulative addition of multiple input signals.

Built for reliability in demanding environments, the FCT18-Bta provides accurate timing functions with an error margin of less than 0.5%, making it ideal for applications where precision is critical. Its wide time setting range from 0.1 seconds to 100 days covers virtually any industrial timing requirement, while the comprehensive power supply compatibility (12-240 VAC/DC) ensures seamless integration into almost any electrical system.

Understanding Off-delay Timer Relay Functionality

The FCT18-Bta operates on the off-delay timer principle, one of the most widely used timing functions in industrial control systems. Unlike standard timers, an off-delay timer relay maintains its output in an active state while the input signal is present and continues to hold this state for a predetermined period after the input signal is removed.

How the FCT18-Bta Off-delay Function Works:

1. Initial State: When power (Un) is applied to the relay, the output remains inactive.
2. Triggering: When the control signal (S) is activated, the output relay (R) immediately switches to active state.
3. Off-delay Timing: When the control signal (S) is removed, the timer starts counting.
4. Summation Feature: With the unique summation control capability, the FCT18-Bta adds together multiple input pulses (t1 + t2 + … + tx) to create a total timing period (T).
5. Completion: After the set delay time expires, the output relay returns to its inactive state.

This timing behavior makes the FCT18-Bta particularly valuable in applications requiring precise equipment shutdown sequences, cooling periods, or delayed process transitions.

Key Features and Benefits of the FCT18-Bta Off-delay Timer Relay

Extensive Time Range Flexibility

• Wide timing spectrum: From rapid 0.1-second intervals to extended 100-day periods
• 10 selectable time ranges: 0.1-1s, 1-10s, 0.1-1m, 1-10m, 0.1-1hr, 1-10hr, 0.1-1day, 1-10day, 3-30day, 10-100day
• Precise ratio adjustment: 18 ratio settings from 10% to 100% for fine-tuning within each time range

Superior Electrical Specifications

• Universal power supply: Compatible with 12 to 240 VAC/DC systems
• Low power consumption: Only 3.5VA (AC) or 2.0W (DC)
• Generous voltage tolerance: -15% to +10%
• Reliable contact ratings: Up to 16A per contact for demanding loads

Enhanced Durability and Performance

• Impressive mechanical life: 10 million operations
• Substantial electrical life: 1 million operations at rated load
• Excellent temperature stability: 0.05%/°C temperature coefficient
• High timing accuracy: Time deviation of just 0.1%
• Repeat accuracy: Within 0.5% for consistent performance

Robust Environmental Specifications

• Wide operating temperature range: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
• Storage temperature range: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
• IP20 ingress protection: Protection against solid objects larger than 12mm
• High-altitude capability: Operates reliably at elevations up to 2200m
• DIN rail mounting: Standard EN/IEC 60715 compatibility for easy installation

User-friendly Design

• Integrated LED indicators: Green for power supply, Red for relay status
• Intuitive dial settings: Easily adjustable time and ratio controls
• Compact dimensions: 90mm × 18mm × 64mm space-efficient design
• Lightweight construction: Approximately 90g for easy handling
• Clear wiring diagrams: Printed on the device for simple installation

Technical Specifications

Model Variants

The FCT18-Bta is available in multiple configurations based on the following coding system:

FCT18-Bta (1) (2) (3) (4)

1. Function
   • Bta: Off-delay with summation control
2. Output Type
   • 1: 1CO contact (one changeover contact)
   • 2: 2CO contacts (two changeover contacts)
3. Supply Voltage
   • A: AC 230V
   • D: DC 24V
   • W: AC/DC 12-240V (universal power supply)
4. Control Signal
   • N: NPN (negative switching)
   • P: PNP (positive switching)

Detailed Specifications Table

Parameter	FCT18-Bta1	FCT18-Bta2
Input Terminal	A1-A2	A1-A2
Voltage range	AC 230V / DC24V / AC/DC 12-240V	AC 230V / DC24V / AC/DC 12-240V
Power consumption	AC 3.5VA/ DC 2.0W	AC 3.5VA/ DC 2.0W
Voltage tolerance	-15% ~ +10%	-15% ~ +10%
Supply indication	Green LED	Green LED
Relay indication	Red LED	Red LED
Time ranges	0.1s-100days	0.1s-100days
Time setting	Button	Button
Time deviation	0.1%	0.1%
Repeat accuracy	0.5%	0.5%
Temperature coefficient	0.05%/°C, at=20°C (0.05%/°F, at=68°F)	0.05%/°C, at=20°C (0.05%/°F, at=68°F)
Output contact	1×SPDT	2×SPDT
Rated current	1×16A	2×16A
Mechanical life	1×10⁷	1×10⁷
Electrical life	1×10⁵	1×10⁵
Ambient Temperature	-20 … +60°C / -40 … +85°C	-20 … +60°C / -40 … +85°C
Mounting	DIN rail EN/IEC 60715	DIN rail EN/IEC 60715
IP Rating	IP20	IP20
Stripping length	7mm (0.28in)	7mm (0.28in)
Installed altitude	≤2200m	≤2200m
Pollution level	2	2
Max cable size	AWG13-20 0.4N·m	AWG13-20 0.4N·m
Dimension	90mm×18mm×64mm	90mm×18mm×64mm
Weight	about 90g	about 90g
Standards	GB/T 14048.5, IEC60947-5-1, EN6812-1	GB/T 14048.5, IEC60947-5-1, EN6812-1

Installation and Wiring Guide

Wiring Options

The FCT18-Bta offers two control signal options to accommodate different system architectures:

NPN Configuration

• Input terminals: A1 (DC+ / AC L), A2 (DC- / AC N), S (Signal)
• Control signal connection between S and A2
• Output terminals: 11, 12, 14 for single contact model
• Output terminals: 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 24 for dual contact model

PNP Configuration

• Input terminals: A1 (DC+ / AC L), A2 (DC- / AC N), S (Signal)
• Control signal connection between S and A1
• Output terminals: 11, 12, 14 for single contact model
• Output terminals: 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 24 for dual contact model

Installation Guidelines

1. Mount the relay on a standard 35mm DIN rail according to EN/IEC 60715
2. Ensure proper ventilation around the device
3. Maintain minimum clearance of 10mm from adjacent devices
4. Use wire stripping length of 7mm (0.28in)
5. Tighten terminal screws to 0.4N·m torque
6. Select appropriate wire gauge (AWG13-20)

Time Setting Procedure

The FCT18-Bta features an intuitive dual-dial setting system for precise time control:

Step 1: Select Time Range

Using the upper rotary switch, select one of the 10 time range options:

• 0.1-1s
• 1-10s
• 0.1-1m
• 1-10m
• 0.1-1hr
• 1-10hr
• 0.1-1day
• 1-10day
• 3-30day
• 10-100day

Step 2: Set Ratio Percentage

Using the lower rotary switch, select the percentage of the time range (from 10% to 100%):

• 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%
• 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%

Example Settings:

• For a 5-second delay: Select 1-10s range and 50% ratio
• For a 2-hour delay: Select 1-10hr range and 20% ratio
• For a 45-day delay: Select 10-100day range and 45% ratio

Dimension

Applications of the FCT18-Bta Off-delay Timer Relay

Industrial Automation

• Conveyor belt control: Ensuring conveyor systems continue running for a set time after sensor signals cease
• Machine shutdown sequences: Allowing auxiliary systems to continue operating after main power is removed
• Cooling systems: Maintaining fan operation for a predetermined period after equipment shutdown
• Sequential operations: Coordinating multiple process steps with precise timing intervals

Building Management

• Ventilation control: Extended fan operation in bathrooms or kitchens after light switches are turned off
• Stairwell lighting: Maintaining illumination for a comfortable exit period after button press
• Security systems: Delayed activation or deactivation of security components in access control systems
• HVAC coordination: Sequencing heating/cooling equipment operation with proper timing delays

Energy Management

• Load shedding: Sequentially disconnecting non-critical loads during power constraints
• Generator systems: Coordinating cool-down periods for emergency generators
• UPS coordination: Managing orderly shutdowns during power transitions
• Solar/alternative energy: Controlling equipment timing during variable energy availability

Process Control

• Chemical dosing: Ensuring accurate timing in chemical addition processes
• Mixing operations: Controlling agitation timing after material additions
• Batch processing: Managing sequential operations in manufacturing processes
• Water treatment: Coordinating pump operations and treatment cycles

Special Feature: Summation Control Signal

The FCT18-Bta’s distinctive summation control capability represents a significant advancement in timer relay technology. This feature allows the relay to accumulate multiple input signals (t1 + t2 + … + tx), creating a combined delay period (T) that represents the sum of all individual signals.

This functionality is particularly valuable in applications where:

• Process variables determine optimal timing needs
• Multiple operator inputs influence timing requirements
• System events must accumulate to trigger subsequent actions
• Flexible timing adaptations are needed based on runtime conditions

Why Choose the VIOX FCT18-Bta Off-delay Timer Relay?

Superior Reliability

With timing error less than 0.5%, temperature stability of 0.05%/°C, and a mechanical lifecycle of 10 million operations, the FCT18-Bta delivers consistent performance in demanding industrial environments.

Exceptional Versatility

The combination of wide time ranges (0.1s to 100 days), flexible power supply options (12-240 VAC/DC), and dual control signal configurations (NPN/PNP) makes the FCT18-Bta adaptable to virtually any timing control application.

Ease of Implementation

Clear wiring diagrams printed on the device, intuitive dial controls, and standard DIN rail mounting ensure straightforward installation and setup without specialized tools or training.

Advanced Features

The summation control signal capability provides sophisticated timing control options not available in standard timer relays, allowing for complex timing sequences with minimal component requirements.

Compliance and Quality

Manufactured to meet rigorous international standards including GB/T 14048.5, IEC60947-5-1, and EN6812-1, the FCT18-Bta ensures reliable operation and compatibility with global electrical systems.

Conclusion

The VIOX FCT18-Bta off-delay timer relay with summation control signal represents a perfect balance of precision, versatility, and reliability for industrial timing applications. Its wide range of timing options, universal power supply compatibility, and unique summation control capability make it an ideal solution for both simple and complex timing control requirements.

Whether used in manufacturing automation, building management systems, energy control applications, or process coordination, the FCT18-Bta delivers consistent, accurate timing performance in a compact, user-friendly package. With its proven reliability and advanced features, this timer relay provides engineers and system integrators with a powerful tool for implementing sophisticated timing control strategies while maintaining simplicity of installation and operation.

For more information about the FCT18-Bta off-delay timer relay or to discuss your specific timing control application needs, contact VIOX technical support or visit our website at viox.com.