VIOX FCT18-S Asymmetric Cycle Timer Relay

Introduction

The VIOX FCT18-S is a high-performance asymmetric cycle timer relay designed for applications requiring precise timing control with dual timing functions. This versatile timer relay offers exceptional flexibility with configurable Starting ON and Starting OFF modes, making it ideal for industrial automation, process control, pump systems, and various equipment requiring cyclical operation patterns.

As a professional-grade asymmetric cycle timer relay, the FCT18-S stands out in the market with its wide timing range, versatile operating modes, and robust design suitable for demanding industrial environments. Whether you’re looking to implement complex timing sequences or simple cyclical operations, the FCT18-S provides reliable performance with minimal time deviation.

Key Features and Benefits

Versatile Timing Functions

• Dual Starting Modes: Choose between “Repeat cycle Starting ON” and “Repeat cycle Starting OFF” modes to suit your specific application requirements
• Asymmetric Timing Control: Independently adjust T1 and T2 time periods for precise control of duty cycles
• Extensive Time Range: Offers an impressive timing spectrum from 0.1 seconds to 100 days, covering virtually any industrial timing requirement
• Precision Operation: Maintains time error less than 0.5% and repeat accuracy of 0.5%, ensuring reliable and consistent timing cycles

User-Friendly Design

• Simple Configuration: Easy-to-set timing dials with clear visual indicators
• Ratio Setting: Adjustable from 10% to 100%, allowing precise control of ON/OFF time ratios
• Visual Status Indication: Green LED for power supply status and red LED for relay operation status
• Comprehensive Wiring Diagrams: On-device wiring instructions simplify installation and setup

Robust Industrial Performance

• Wide Voltage Range: Compatible with power supplies from 12V to 240V AC/DC
• Strong Anti-Interference Capability: Enhanced resistance to electrical noise in industrial environments
• Extended Temperature Range: Operates reliably from -20°C to +60°C (-40°F to +85°F)
• DIN Rail Mounting: Standard DIN rail EN/IEC 60715 compatible for easy installation
• IP20 Protection: Suitable protection level for industrial control panels
• High Durability: 1×10⁷ mechanical life cycles and 1×10⁵ electrical life cycles

Operating Principles

The FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay operates in two fundamental modes, both providing cyclical timing control but with different starting behaviors:

Repeat Cycle Starting ON Mode

In this mode, the timing cycle begins with the relay in the activated state (ON). When power is applied to the UN terminals:

1. The relay immediately activates (R)
2. The timer counts down the T1 period
3. After T1 expires, the relay deactivates
4. The timer counts down the T2 period
5. After T2 expires, the relay activates again
6. The cycle repeats continuously as long as power is maintained

This mode is ideal for applications where equipment needs to start operating immediately upon power application.

Repeat Cycle Starting OFF Mode (Jumper A1-S)

In this mode, the timing cycle begins with the relay in the deactivated state (OFF). When power is applied to the UN terminals with the A1-S jumper connected:

1. The relay remains deactivated (R)
2. The timer counts down the T2 period
3. After T2 expires, the relay activates
4. The timer counts down the T1 period
5. After T1 expires, the relay deactivates again
6. The cycle repeats continuously as long as power is maintained

This mode is preferable for applications where a delay is required before the first operation begins.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Parameter	FCT18-S1	FCT18-S2
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, =-68°F)	0.05%/°C, at=20°C (0.05%/°F, =-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

Time Setting Options

The FCT18-S offers exceptional flexibility with 10 time range settings:

Time Range	Application Examples
0.1-1s	High-speed machine cycling, rapid process control
1-10s	Conveyor systems, sorting operations
0.1-1m	Equipment warm-up cycles, short process timing
1-10m	Material processing, mixing operations
0.1-1hr	Chemical processing, batch operations
1-10hr	Longer industrial processes, extended equipment cycling
0.1-1day	Daily maintenance cycles, day/night operation patterns
1-10day	Multi-day processing, extended cycling operations
3-30day	Monthly maintenance cycles, long-term processing
10-100day	Quarterly operations, extremely long cycle requirements

Ratio Setting Options

The ratio setting feature allows precise control of the relationship between T1 and T2 timing periods, with 18 ratio options from 10% to 100%:

Ratio Settings	Effect on Timing Cycle
10% – 25%	Short active periods with longer inactive periods
30% – 45%	Moderate active periods with longer inactive periods
50%	Equal active and inactive periods
55% – 70%	Longer active periods with moderate inactive periods
75% – 100%	Extended active periods with shorter inactive periods

Model Selection Guide

The FCT18-S model numbering system helps you identify the exact configuration needed for your application:

FCT18-S1W

• FCT18: Base model number
• S: Function type (Asymmetric cycle)
• 1: Output type (1 = 1 CO contact)
• W: Supply voltage (W = AC/DC 12-240V)

Available Configurations

1. Function

• S: Asymmetric cycle

2. Type of output

• 1: 1CO contact
• 2: 2CO contacts

3. Supply voltage

• A: AC230V
• D: DC24V
• W: AC/DC12-240V

Applications

The VIOX FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay excels in numerous industrial and commercial applications:

Industrial Automation

• Machine Control: Implement precise cycling for automated machinery
• Process Timing: Control sequence timing in manufacturing processes
• Conveyor Systems: Manage material flow with timed operation cycles

HVAC Systems

• Ventilation Control: Timed cycling of exhaust and supply fans
• Air Quality Management: Programmed operation of air purification systems
• Heat Recovery Systems: Optimized cycling for energy efficiency

Water and Fluid Systems

• Pump Control: Alternating pump operation for even wear distribution
• Irrigation Systems: Timed water distribution cycles
• Water Treatment: Process timing for chemical dosing and filtration

Lighting Control

• Industrial Lighting: Programmed on/off cycles for energy savings
• Warning Systems: Flashing or alternating warning lights
• Display Lighting: Timed display illumination patterns

Energy Management

• Load Cycling: Distribute power demands through timed cycling
• Backup Systems: Programmed testing of emergency power systems
• Energy Reduction: Cyclical shutdown of non-critical systems during peak periods

Installation and Wiring Guide

The FCT18-S features an easy installation process with clear wiring diagrams directly on the device. Follow these guidelines for proper installation:

Repeat Cycle Starting ON Mode

1. Connect power supply to terminals Un (A1-A2)
2. Output relay terminals:
   • Terminal 15-18 (NO contact)
   • Terminal 15-16 (NC contact)
3. Ensure no jumper is connected between A1-S

Repeat Cycle Starting OFF Mode

1. Connect power supply to terminals Un (A1-A2)
2. Output relay terminals:
   • Terminal 15-18 (NO contact)
   • Terminal 15-16 (NC contact)
3. Install jumper between terminals A1-S

Additional Wiring Notes

• Ensure proper voltage selection according to model
• Use appropriate wire gauge (AWG13-20)
• Maintain stripping length of 7mm (0.28in)
• Follow local electrical codes for proper installation
• Mount on standard DIN rail (EN/IEC 60715)

Configuration Steps

Setting up the FCT18-S for your specific application is straightforward:

1. Select Operating Mode:
   • For Starting ON: Leave A1-S disconnected
   • For Starting OFF: Connect jumper between A1-S
2. Set Time Range:
   • Use the top dial to select the appropriate time range from 0.1s to 100days
3. Set Ratio Percentage:
   • Use the bottom dial to set the desired ratio between T1 and T2 (10% to 100%)
4. Fine-Tune Settings:
   • Make adjustments as needed based on observed performance
   • Allow for break-in period to ensure timing stability

Dimension

Troubleshooting Guide

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Relay doesn’t activate	No power supply	Check input voltage and connections
	Incorrect wiring	Verify wiring against diagram
	Defective unit	Replace timer relay
Inconsistent timing	Fluctuating power supply	Stabilize input power
	Environmental interference	Shield unit from interference sources
	Temperature extremes	Ensure operation within specified temperature range
Relay stuck in one state	Contact welding due to overload	Check load is within rated capacity, replace unit
	Internal component failure	Replace timer relay
LED indicators not functioning	Power supply issue	Check power supply and connections
	LED failure	Replace timer relay if under warranty

Maintenance and Care

The FCT18-S is designed for minimal maintenance, but following these guidelines will ensure optimal performance:

• Regular Inspection: Periodically check for loose connections and signs of overheating
• Dust Removal: Keep the unit clean from dust and contaminants
• Environment Control: Maintain ambient temperature within specified range
• Load Verification: Ensure connected loads remain within rated capacity
• Replacement Planning: Consider preventive replacement for critical applications before reaching end of electrical life

Compliance and Certification

The VIOX FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay complies with multiple international standards:

• GB/T 14048.5: Chinese National Standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
• IEC60947-5-1: International standard for control circuit devices and switching elements
• EN6812-1: European standard for electrical equipment

Why Choose VIOX FCT18-S?

The VIOX FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay offers several advantages over competing products:

• Superior Precision: 0.5% time accuracy exceeds industry standards
• Extended Timing Range: 0.1s to 100 days covers virtually any application requirement
• Versatile Power Supply: 12-240V AC/DC capability reduces inventory requirements
• Robust Environmental Tolerance: Wide operating temperature range (-20°C to +60°C)
• Clear Visual Indicators: Dual LED indicators for power and relay status
• Compact Design: 90mm x 18mm x 64mm saves valuable panel space
• Long Service Life: 10 million mechanical operations for extended reliability
• Simple Configuration: Intuitive dial settings for time range and ratio

Conclusion

The VIOX FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay represents a professional-grade solution for industrial timing control applications. With its versatile configuration options, wide timing range, and robust design, it provides reliable performance for even the most demanding industrial environments. The easy setup, clear indicators, and comprehensive documentation make it an ideal choice for both OEMs and end-users seeking precise cyclical timing control.

Whether you need to implement complex pump cycling, machine operation sequences, or any application requiring precise asymmetric timing control, the FCT18-S delivers consistent, accurate performance with minimal maintenance requirements. Its compliance with international standards ensures compatibility with global industrial systems, making it a versatile addition to your control system inventory.

For further information, technical support, or to place an order for the VIOX FCT18-S asymmetric cycle timer relay, please contact our technical support team or visit our website.