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Rojony Khatun
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Last updated: September 10, 2025

Contactor in Digital Timer Wiring Diagram & Setup Guide

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Single Phase digital Timer

Single Phase digital Timer

Programmable timer switch that allows automatic ON/OFF operation of electrical loads on a set schedule

[single-phase-digital-timer]
Single Phase Motor 1Hp

Single Phase Motor 1Hp

Single-phase electric motor with 1 horsepower

[single-phase-motor-1hp]
Single Phase Contactor

Single Phase Contactor

Electromagnetic switch designed for controlling single-phase electrical loads

[single-phase-contactor]

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Digital Timer Switch in Motor Wiring

Learn how a digital timer drives a contactor to switch high-load circuits automatically—safe wiring, step-by-step setup, testing, and FAQs.

Relay switch connection

Connect the output of the timer to A1 / A2 of the contactor coil, the main supply through the MCB/RCCB to the load. The load is automatically switched on/off by the timer.
Boouppp and configure a temporary ON/OFF program. Check coil voltage at A1A2 with ON. Shuts off cleanly and pulls out when OFF. Measure load voltage/current; verify phase/neutral polarity, earth continuity, and MCB/RCCB trip operation. Adjusted timer clock, weekday schedule, and manual/auto mode. Attach tight terminals, ferrules/labels, and mount a control-side fuse when not installed.

Relay assembly diagram

In a digital timer wiring diagram, a contactor indicates the manner in which a programmable timer regulates high current loads in a safe manner. The digital timer controls the scheduling, whereas the contactor turns the main power on and off between motors, pumps, heaters, or lights. The contactor coil (A1/A2) is fed by the output of the timer; on energizing, the main contacts close and provide power to the load, and on de-energizing, the contacts open to isolate it.
Common circuit: Supply MCB/RCCB Digital Timer (control), Supply Contactor Coil, and Contactor Main Contacts Load. Neutral and earth should be properly wired, and a control fuse should be installed to cover the timer circuit. This process decreases manual operation, eliminates arcing at low-voltage switches, and increases reliability and energy efficiency with precise schedules. It is suited to water pumps, street/area lighting, HVAC, and industrial machinery.

Work / Installation (Inputs → Outputs)

Input: Main supply → MCB → RCCB.

  • Feed phase/neutral from RCCB to the digital timer (power).
  • Use the timer’s relay output to supply the contactor coil A1; connect A2 to neutral (or opposite for DC coils).
  • Route the main phase through the contactor’s L1/L2/L3 → T1/T2/T3 (use one pole for single-phase). Connect neutral directly to load (or via a pole if 2-pole contactor).
  • Bond protective earth to all metal enclosures and to the load. Output: When the timer closes its relay, the coil energizes, contactor closes, and the load receives power per schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions - Digital Timer Switch in Motor Wiring:

What does the timer do in this setup?

It schedules ON/OFF times and energizes the contactor coil.

Why use a contactor instead of a switch?

Contactors safely switch higher currents and reduce arcing.

Which terminals on the coil?

A1 and A2 are the coil terminals for AC/DC as rated.

Can I run a single-phase load?

Yes, route phase through one or two poles and neutral as required.

Do I need an MCB/RCCB?

Yes, MCB for overload/short and RCCB for leakage protection.

What coil voltage should I choose?

Match the control supply (e.g., 230V AC or 24V DC).

Can I add a manual override?

Yes, use the timer’s MAN/AUTO or add a selector across the coil.

How to protect the timer relay?

Use the contactor for load switching and a small fuse on control.

What about surge suppression?

Use RC snubber/varistor or diode (for DC) across the coil.

Where is it used?

Pumps, lights, heaters, compressors, and HVAC fans.

Rojony Khatun

Rojony Khatun

CalculatorToolsProject

Rojony Khatun is the creator of a free online tools website designed to simplify everyday and engineering-related calculations for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The platform offers a wide variety of basic and advanced calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators, helping users solve problems quickly and accurately.