In the world of industrial automation, the time relay is a small component with a massive responsibility. Whether it is controlling the star-delta startup of a 100kW motor or managing the pump cycles in a water treatment plant, the precision of a timer determines the stability of the entire system.
For panel builders and procurement managers, choosing the right manufacturer is a balancing act. Do you go with the expensive, established global giants for peace of mind? Or do you look for emerging manufacturing hubs that offer the same IEC standards at a fraction of the cost?
As a manufacturer with over a decade of experience in electrical control, VIOX Electric has analyzed the global supply chain. Here is our comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Time Relay Brands and Manufacturers dominating the market in 2026.
Global Manufacturing Landscape: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the list, it is important to understand the three main “schools” of relay manufacturing:
- The European School (Germany/Italy/Switzerland): Brands like Siemens and Finder. Known for extreme precision, compact DIN-rail designs, and strict adherence to IEC directives.
- The Japanese School: Brands like Omron. Known for unmatched longevity and electronics reliability.
- The Chinese School: Brands like VIOX. The world’s factory floor. Known for rapid iteration, high cost-performance ratio, and OEM flexibility for global distributors.
The Top 10 Time Relay Manufacturers
1. Omron (Japan)
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Best For: General-purpose industrial timing and longevity.
Omron is arguably the most recognized name in the timer relay market. Their H3CR Series has become the de-facto industry standard for plug-in timers. If you walk into any factory worldwide, chances are you will see an Omron timer in the control cabinet.
Key Advantage: Incredible reliability. Omron timers are known to outlast the machines they are installed in.
Star Product: H3CR-A Solid State Timer (Multifunction).
2. Finder (Italy)
Headquarters: Almese, Italy
Best For: Specialized relay applications and building automation.
Unlike other conglomerates that make everything from turbines to toasters, Finder is a specialist. They focus almost exclusively on relays and timers. This focus results in high-quality contacts and distinctively European design logic (often featuring their signature blue or orange branding).
Key Advantage: They offer one of the widest ranges of specialized timers, including staircase timers and astronomical time switches.
Star Product: 80 Series Modular Timers.
3. Schneider Electric (France)
Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Best For: Smart integration and IoT-ready panels.
Schneider’s Harmony range (formerly Telemecanique) represents the cutting edge of timing technology. They have been pioneers in integrating NFC technology into time relays, allowing engineers to set precise timing functions via a smartphone app before even powering up the cabinet.
Key Advantage: Innovation. Their NFC timing relays reduce setup errors and are perfect for mass-production panel builders.
Star Product: Harmony RE22 / RE48 Series.
4. ABB (Switzerland)
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Best For: Harsh environments and heavy industry.
ABB’s electronic timers (CT range) are built to withstand the rigorous demands of heavy industry, marine, and oil & gas sectors. They are designed to work seamlessly with ABB’s extensive line of contactors and soft starters.
Key Advantage: Robustness. Their devices often feature excellent vibration resistance and wide temperature operating ranges.
Star Product: CT-E and CT-S Electronic Timer Series.
5. Siemens (Germany)
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Best For: Complete system integration (PLC & Switchgear).
Siemens dominates the high-end automation market. Their SIRIUS 3RP timing relays are designed not just as standalone components, but as integral parts of the SIRIUS modular system. They fit perfectly alongside Siemens motor protection circuit breakers and contactors.
Key Advantage: Modularity. The “click-in” compatibility with the SIRIUS ecosystem saves wiring time for panel builders.
Star Product: SIRIUS 3RP25 Time Relays.
6. Crouzet (France)
Headquarters: Valence, France
Best For: Complex logic functions in small spaces.
Crouzet is a brand often favored by automation engineers who need to perform complex logic without upgrading to a full PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Their “Chronos 2” timers offer precision multifunction capabilities.
Key Advantage: Versatility in micro-control applications.
Star Product: Chronos 2 Timers.
7. Phoenix Contact (Germany)
Headquarters: Blomberg, Germany
Best For: Space-saving in crowded control cabinets.
As control panels get smaller, component size matters. Phoenix Contact excels here with their ETD-BL series, which packs full timer functionality into a housing that is only 6.2mm wide (the same width as a standard terminal block).
Key Advantage: Ultra-slim design. Perfect for retrofitting panels with limited DIN rail space.
Star Product: ETD-BL Ultra-Compact Timers.
8. Eaton (USA)
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland (Operational HQ in USA)
Best For: North American NEMA-standard applications.
For projects targeting the US market, Eaton is a powerhouse. Their TR series provides reliable timing functions that comply with both IEC and the stricter UL/NEMA standards often required in North American infrastructure projects.
Key Advantage: Strong compliance with UL/CSA standards and widespread availability in the Americas.
Star Product: ETR4 Timing Relays.
9. VIOX Electric (China)
Headquarters: Yueqing, China
Best For: Cost-effective Industrial Solutions & OEM Customization.
While the brands above represent the “Old Guard,” VIOX Electric represents the modern, high-quality manufacturing capability of China. VIOX has become a go-to partner for distributors and panel builders who need Tier-1 performance without the Tier-1 price tag. Unlike giant conglomerates that have 20-week lead times, VIOX specializes in agility.
Key Advantage:
- Cost Efficiency: Typically reduces BOM (Bill of Materials) costs by 30-40% compared to Schneider or Omron equivalents.
- Direct-to-Factory: We offer Low MOQ customization (private labeling, custom voltage ranges) that big brands simply refuse to do.
- Wide Range: From DIN-rail multifunction timers (FCT18 Series) to classic plug-in motor timers (AH3 Series).
Star Product: FCT18 Multifunction Time Relay (12-240V AC/DC Wide Voltage).
10. Macromatic (USA)
Headquarters: Wisconsin, USA
Best For: Problem-solving and specialized monitoring.
Macromatic is a niche player that excels in solving specific electrical problems. They focus heavily on voltage monitoring relays and specialized time delay relays that handle unique functions other manufacturers overlook.
Key Advantage: Deep technical support and solutions for niche problems (like Alternating Relays for pumps).
Star Product: TD-7 Series.
How to Choose: A Quick Selection Framework
Knowing the brands is only step one. How do you select the right relay for your specific panel?
1. Match the Function to the Load
Do you need the fan to run after the switch turns off? That is Off-Delay. Do you need a motor to wait 5 seconds before starting? That is On-Delay.
Learn more: If you are unsure about the difference, read our detailed guide: Time Delay Relays: Complete Guide to Types & Functions.
2. Check the Voltage and Mounting
Are you using a 24V DC control circuit (common in PLC panels) or 230V AC? Also, do you need a DIN Rail mount (for modern cabinets) or a Plug-in mount (for easy replacement)?
Learn more: For a deep dive on voltage selection, check: Timer Relay Voltage Selection Guide (12V/24V/120V).
3. Verify the Manufacturer
Not all “cheaper” relays are built the same. When sourcing from outside the big 5 brands, you must verify the contact material (Silver Alloy is best) and mechanical life cycles.
Learn more: We have compiled a checklist for vetting suppliers here: Time Relay Manufacturer Selection Guide.
Conclusion
If your project requires a specific brand specification (e.g., “Must use Siemens”), your choice is made for you. However, for the majority of B2B distributors and panel builders, the priority is finding a balance between reliability and profit margin.
- For pure innovation: Choose Schneider.
- For legacy reliability: Choose Omron.
- For competitive advantage: Choose VIOX Electric.
At VIOX, we help electrical businesses optimize their supply chain. Our time relays are tested to the same rigorous IEC 61812-1 standards as the global giants, but we deliver them with faster lead times and better pricing.
Ready to reduce your control panel costs?
[Contact VIOX Team] today for a quote on our FCT18 Series or to discuss your OEM requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I directly replace an Omron H3CR with a VIOX FCT18 in an existing control panel?
A: Yes. The VIOX FCT18 is designed to be pin-to-pin compatible with industry-standard 8-pin and 11-pin plug-in timers like the Omron H3CR series. However, always verify the control voltage and contact rating (Amps) before replacement to ensure it matches your specific circuit requirements.
Q2: Do VIOX time relays comply with international safety standards like IEC or UL?
A: Absolutely. As a professional manufacturer, our relays are tested to meet the IEC 61812-1 standard for timing relays. For projects requiring UL certification for the North American market, we offer specific models that meet UL 508 industrial control equipment requirements.
Q3: What is the main difference between an “On-Delay” and “Off-Delay” time relay?
A:
- On-Delay: Timing starts when power is applied. The contacts switch after the set time. (Commonly used for staggered motor starting).
- Off-Delay: Timing starts when power is removed (or a trigger signal is lost). The contacts switch back to the original state after the delay. (Commonly used for cooling fans that must run after a machine stops).
Q4: Why is the wide-voltage range (12V-240V AC/DC) important for modern panels?
A: Wide-voltage models like the VIOX FCT18 significantly reduce your inventory costs. Instead of stocking five different timers for 24V DC, 110V AC, and 230V AC systems, you only need one unit that automatically adapts to the input voltage, making it ideal for global export projects.
Q5: How does the lead time of VIOX compare to global brands like Schneider or Siemens in 2026?
A: While global conglomerates currently face 16-24 week lead times due to supply chain complexity, VIOX maintains a 4-6 week production cycle for standard orders. For OEM/Private labeling, we offer rapid prototyping that allows you to test and approve designs in as little as 10 days.
