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CIM14/UC24-240V

The multifunctional time relays of the CIM series are compact time relays with 9 time functions and 7 time ranges from 50 ms to 60 h for precise time and sequence control. Typical areas of application are step relays, staircase lighting controls and general multifunctional time relays in control and automation systems.
The wide supply voltage range from 24 to 240 V allows the devices to be used in various AC and DC applications. The CIM1 and CIM14 variants are equipped with electromechanical contacts, with the CIM14 being specially designed for applications with high inrush currents.
The CIM12 and CIM13 variants have solid-state outputs for AC and DC applications.
All models are available in industrial and railway versions, making them suitable for classic industrial applications as well as for use in rail vehicles and railway infrastructure.

Nominal voltage 24 V-240 V
Current type AC / DC (50 Hz)

Operating voltage range 16.8 … 250 V AC / DC
Frequency range 0; 16 ... 63 Hz
Power consumption AC / DC 1.2 VA / 430 mW
Nominal voltage 24 … 240 V AC / DC
Threshold voltage on input control B1 AC / DC 13 V / 15 V
Current consumption on input control B1 AC / DC < 22 mA / < 22 mA
Current consumption on supply A1-A2 AC / DC < 23 mA / < 23 mA

Conductor cross section control / main circuit 2.5 mm2, 2 x 1.5 mm2
Housing material PC
Ingress Protection IP 20
Nominal screw torque control / main circuit 0.5 Nm
Operation temperature -40 ... 60 °C
Storage temperature (no ice) -40 ... 85 °C
Weight 70 g

Overvoltage category III
Pollution degree 2
Rated test voltage control / main circuit 2.5 kV rms / 1 min
Rated test voltage open contact 1 kV rms / 1 min

Contact materials W + AgSnO2
Inrush current 800 A, 200 us / 165 A, 20 ms
Mechanical endurance (cycles) 5 000 000
Minimum load 100 mA, 12 V
Number of contacts 1 NO
Rated current 16 A
Rated load AC-1 4,000 VA
Rated voltage 250 V AC
Switching at zero crossing yes (td > 0.6 s)

Approvals UKCA,CE,EAC,cURus
Standards IEC/EN 61812-1

Timing range 50 ms … 0.6 s / 0.5 s … 6 s / 5 s … 60 s / 0.5 min … 6 min / 5 min … 60 min / 0.5 h … 6 h / 5 h … 60 h
Timing scale 0.6 s / 6 s / 60 s / 6 min / 60 min / 6 h / 60 h
Documents "CIM14/UC24-240V"

Nominal voltage 24 V-240 V
Current type AC / DC (50 Hz)

Operating voltage range 16.8 … 250 V AC / DC
Frequency range 0; 16 ... 63 Hz
Power consumption AC / DC 1.2 VA / 430 mW
Nominal voltage 24 … 240 V AC / DC
Threshold voltage on input control B1 AC / DC 13 V / 15 V
Current consumption on input control B1 AC / DC < 22 mA / < 22 mA
Current consumption on supply A1-A2 AC / DC < 23 mA / < 23 mA

Conductor cross section control / main circuit 2.5 mm2, 2 x 1.5 mm2
Housing material PC
Ingress Protection IP 20
Nominal screw torque control / main circuit 0.5 Nm
Operation temperature -40 ... 60 °C
Storage temperature (no ice) -40 ... 85 °C
Weight 70 g

Overvoltage category III
Pollution degree 2
Rated test voltage control / main circuit 2.5 kV rms / 1 min
Rated test voltage open contact 1 kV rms / 1 min

Contact materials W + AgSnO2
Inrush current 800 A, 200 us / 165 A, 20 ms
Mechanical endurance (cycles) 5 000 000
Minimum load 100 mA, 12 V
Number of contacts 1 NO
Rated current 16 A
Rated load AC-1 4,000 VA
Rated voltage 250 V AC
Switching at zero crossing yes (td > 0.6 s)

Approvals UKCA,CE,EAC,cURus
Standards IEC/EN 61812-1

Timing range 50 ms … 0.6 s / 0.5 s … 6 s / 5 s … 60 s / 0.5 min … 6 min / 5 min … 60 min / 0.5 h … 6 h / 5 h … 60 h
Timing scale 0.6 s / 6 s / 60 s / 6 min / 60 min / 6 h / 60 h
Approvals
Documents "CIM14/UC24-240V"

The right relay for LED applications

Quick selection between C10-A15, C7-W10, CHI14 and CHI34

Important: For LED luminaires, wattage is not the only deciding factor. When switched on, LED drivers can generate extremely high current peaks of very short duration. Relay selection must therefore consider both the rated current and the inrush current, including the pulse duration.

Why LED loads have special requirements

LED drivers contain input capacitors. When switched on, these can cause a current for a few microseconds or milliseconds that is many times higher than the normal operating current. When several drivers are connected in parallel, their inrush currents can add up. As a result, the contacts of a relay may weld or wear prematurely despite the low power rating of the LED load.

Information required for selection

1 LED driver or luminaire type and quantity per switched contact
2 Operating voltage and rated current of the total load
3 Inrush current per driver: inrush current AND pulse duration in µs/ms
4 Relay contact: 1 NO, 1 CO or 3 NO contacts / multiple load paths
5 Mounting method and control voltage: plug-in or DIN rail; AC/DC coil voltage
6 Time function required: e.g. switch-on/switch-off delay, staircase lighting or step switch function

Product overview

C10-A15
When a plug-in changeover contact is required and the inrush current remains moderate.
C7-W10
When a plug-in normally open contact is required for very high inrush currents of short duration.
CHI14
When a single-pole LED group is switched in a distribution board or a high inrush-current reserve is required.
CHI34
When a three-phase application or three load paths must be switched together. Also features a semiconductor auxiliary contact and manual operation.
CIM14
When an LED load needs to be switched on a time-dependent basis. Multifunctional time relay for DIN rail with 1 NO contact, high inrush current capacity and time ranges from 50 ms to 60 h.

Product comparison

Product Mounting Contacts Rated current Inrush current Contact material Typical application
C10-A15 Plug-in 1 CO 10 A 120 A / 20 ms AgSnO2 Moderate LED load requiring a changeover contact
C7-W10 Plug-in 1 NO 10 A 500 A / 2.5 ms Tungsten pre-contact + delayed AgNi contact High inrush current of short duration, industrial applications / plug-in
CHI14 DIN rail 1 NO 16 A 800 A / 200 µs
165 A / 20 ms
Tungsten pre-contact + AgSnO2 contact
Zero-voltage switching
Single-pole LED groups, distribution boards, high reserve
CIM14 DIN rail 1 NO with pre-contact 16 A 800 A / 200 µs
165 A / 20 ms
Tungsten pre-contact + AgSnO₂ contact
Zero-voltage switching
LED loads with timing function; multifunction timer relay, 9 functions, 50 ms to 60 h
CHI34 DIN rail 3 NO + 1 Aux. NO 16 A 800 A / 200 µs
165 A / 20 ms
Tungsten pre-contact + AgSnO2 contact
Zero-voltage switching
Three load paths / three-pole applications; semiconductor auxiliary contact + manual operation

Note: The inrush-current rating must always be considered together with the corresponding pulse duration. A rating of 500 A / 2.5 ms is not necessarily better or worse than 165 A / 20 ms. The load curve of the LED driver must match the relay rating. Do not approve an application based on wattage alone. If necessary, request the driver data sheet and have the application technically assessed.

Checking the LED group

A. Rated load Determine the total operating current of all LED drivers connected in parallel. It must remain below the permissible rated current of the relay.
B. Inrush current As a conservative initial estimate: number of drivers × inrush current per driver. At the same current level, the driver’s pulse duration must be shorter than the specified pulse duration of the relay.
C. Contact configuration Check whether 1 CO, 1 NO or 3 NO contacts are required. A relay that is electrically suitable may still be functionally unsuitable.
D. Mounting Define the required socket or DIN-rail mounting and select the appropriate coil voltage.
E. Time function If a time function is required, specify the desired function and time range. For LED loads with a high inrush current, the CIM14/UC24-240V is intended for this purpose.

Example

Example: 8 LED drivers rated at 60 W each, with an inrush current of 20 A per driver for 300 µs.
Total power: 480 W. The rated load is not critical for any of the four relays.
Conservative inrush-current estimate: 8 × 20 A = 160 A for approximately 300 µs.
Result: Despite the low wattage, the C10-A15 is not the first choice. The C7-W10 is suitable for the high, short-duration current peak. For DIN-rail mounting, the CHI14 is also a robust choice and reduces the inrush current through zero-voltage switching.

Customer checklist for reliable approval

The following information can be requested directly from the customer or the LED-driver manufacturer:

Required information Customer value / information
1 LED-driver manufacturer / type
2 Number of drivers per relay contact
3 Load supply voltage
4 Rated current per driver / total
5 Inrush current per driver [A]
6 Inrush-current pulse duration [µs/ms]
7 Switching frequency
8 Contact function / number of load paths
9 Control voltage and mounting method
10Desired time function / range

Limitations of the quick selection guide

Both the rated current and the inrush current must remain within the product limits.

The pulse duration forms part of the inrush-current specification and must not be ignored.

When LED drivers are connected in parallel, their inrush currents may add up. For borderline applications, a measurement or manufacturer specification should be used.

A technical assessment is required if the inrush current is unknown, the switching frequency is unusually high, the load is a DC load or special environmental conditions apply.

This selection guide does not replace the current data sheet or an application-specific approval.

If you are unsure: Send the LED-driver data sheet, the number of drivers and the required contact function to Technical Support. This information enables the relay selection to be checked quickly and transparently.

Time Relay

There are two ways to retrofit an existing industrial relay with timing functions.
Time cubes are ideal when a socket and relay are already installed and only a single timing function needs to be added. The time cube is simply plugged between the socket and the relay and adjusted via DIP switch or potentiometer. It is available for industrial relay series C2 and C3, as well as for the Long Life series C2x and C3x.

Alternatively, time modules can be used. These modules are inserted into the socket’s module compartment and, compared to time cubes, offer more timing functions and longer setting ranges. They are available for sockets S3-M0, S3-M0R, S3-M1, S3-M1R, S5-M, and S5-MR and are compatible with industrial relays C3 and C5, as well as Long Life relays C3x.

Both solutions allow time relays to be configured with up to three changeover contacts – more than is usually possible with standard time relays.

The process is the same for almost all time relays. First, select a function using the potentiometer. Each letter (A, E, W, K, etc.) stands for a specific function, which is described on the side of the relay or on the package insert.

Next, select the time range, whereby the selected range always corresponds to the maximum value. The last potentiometer is then used to fine-tune the time setting. For example, if you want to set a 30-second switch-off delay, it would look like this:

Function: A

Time range: 60 seconds

Fine adjustment: On a scale of 0-6, the potentiometer is then set to 3 (6 = 60 seconds, 3 = 30 seconds, 1 = 10 seconds).

E – On delay

The function provides a delayed switching ON of the output.
When S switches ON, the time t starts.
After t expires, the output R switches ON.
If S switches OFF before t ends, R stays OFF.

A – Off delay

The function provides a delayed switching OFF of the output.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON immediately.
When S switches OFF, the time t starts.
After t expires, the output R switches OFF.

F – On and off delay

The function provides a delayed switching ON and a delayed switching OFF of the output.
When S switches ON, the on delay t₁ starts.
After t₁ expires, the output R switches ON.
When S switches OFF, the off delay t₂ starts.
After t₂ expires, the output R switches OFF.

W – One shot leading edge

The function provides a fixed output pulse on the leading edge of the trigger.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON for time t.
After t expires, R switches OFF, independent of S.
When S switches OFF, R switches OFF.

N – One shot trailing edge

The function provides a fixed output pulse on the trailing edge of the trigger.
When S switches ON, R does not change.
When S switches OFF, the output R switches ON for t.
After t expires, R switches OFF.

Q – One shot leading and trailing edge

The function provides fixed output pulses on both the leading and trailing edges of the trigger.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON for t1.
After t1 expires, R switches OFF.
When S switches OFF, the output R switches ON again for t2.
After t2 expires, R switches OFF.

K – Pulse shaping

The function provides a fixed output pulse independent of the input duration.
When S switches ON (pulse or continuous), the output R switches ON for t.
During t, S has no influence on R.
After t expires, R switches OFF.

L – Pulse shaping, retrigger

The function provides a fixed output pulse that restarts when retriggered.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON for t.
If S triggers again during t, the time t restarts from zero.
After the final t expires, R switches OFF.

M – Puls shaping

The function provides a fixed output pulse after S switches OFF.
When S switches ON, R remains OFF.
When S switches OFF, the output R switches ON for t.
After t expires, R switches OFF.

B – Indicator, pulse start

The function provides periodic ON and OFF switching starting with an ON pulse.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON for time t, then switches OFF for time t.
R switches ON and OFF periodically until S switches OFF. R switches OFF with S.

B1 – Indicator, pulse start, trailing pulse

The function provides periodic ON and OFF switching starting with an ON pulse and ending with a trailing pulse.
the output R switches ON for time t, then switches OFF for time t.
R switches ON and OFF periodically until S switches OFF.
When S switches OFF, the output R switches ON once more for t, then R switches OFF.

B2 – Indicator, interval start

The function provides periodic ON and OFF switching starting with an OFF interval.
When S switches ON, the output R remains OFF for t, then R switches ON for time t.
R switches ON and OFF periodically until S switches OFF. R switches OFF with S.

G – On delay single shot

The function provides an output pulse after a delay.
When S switches ON, the delay t₁ starts.
After t₁ expires, the output R switches ON for t₂.
After t₂ expires, R switches OFF.
During t₂, S has no influence on R.

H – On delay single shot

When S switches ON, the delay t₁ starts.
After t₁ expires, the output R switches ON for t₂.
After t₂ expires, R switches OFF.
When S switches OFF, R switches OFF

I – Repeat cycle timer, pulse start

The function provides periodic ON and OFF switching starting with an ON pulse.
When S switches ON, the output R switches ON for t₁.
After t₁ expires, R switches OFF for t₂.
Afterwards R switches ON and OFF periodically according to t₁ and t₂.
When S switches OFF, R switches OFF.

P – Repeat cycle timer, interval start

The function provides periodic ON and OFF switching starting with an OFF interval.
When S switches ON, the delay t₁ starts, and R remains OFF for t₁.
After t₁ expires, the output R switches ON for t₂.
Afterwards R switches ON and OFF periodically according to t₁ and t₂.
When S switches OFF, R switches OFF.

Y - Star–delta timer

The function provides automatic switching from star operation to delta operation.
When S switches ON, the time t starts, and the star output R switches ON.
After t expires, the star output switches OFF and the delta output switches ON.
When S switches OFF, both outputs switch OFF.

S - Step-on / Step-off switch

The function provides stepwise switching with each activation of the trigger.
Each time S switches, the output R changes state for time t.
The trigger has no time-dependent influence.

LS - Step-switching (staircase lighting timer)

The function provides timed activation with optional stop and reset control.
When S is triggered, the time t starts, and the output R switches ON.
When S is triggered again, the time t stops and R switches OFF.
WhenS is triggered again, the time t resets and starts again immediately.
When t expires, the output R switches OFF.

U – Pulse sequence monitoring

The function provides monitoring of pulse separation and triggers an alarm if pulses are too close together. If the separation becomes smaller than the set time tP, an alarm output is activated after an additional delay tV. The monitoring starts with S1 or S2.
If the pulse separation of P is smaller than tP, an alarm output is activated after the alarm delay tV.
If the pulse separation is larger than tP, no alarm is triggered.
The start‑up behaviour depends on the selected input S1 (Monitoring begins immediately with the first pulse. There is no suppression of alarm monitoring during start‑up.) or S2 (Monitoring begins after the short‑out time tA to prevent false alarms during system start-up)

V – Pulse sequence monitoring

The function provides monitoring of pulse separation and triggers an alarm if pulses are too far apart.
The monitoring starts with S1 or S2.
If the pulse separation of P is larger than tP, an alarm output is activated after the alarm delay tV.
If the pulse separation is smaller than tP, no alarm is triggered.
The start‑up behaviour depends on the selected input S1 (without start‑up short‑out tA) or S2 (with start‑up short‑out tA).

How can I prevent re‑activation for a defined time after switch‑off?

A re‑activation lockout ensures that a load cannot be switched on again for a defined time after being switched off, even if further impulses are present. Typical applications include device protection, limiting switching frequency or enforcing minimum off‑times. This function can be implemented easily using two time relays, without any special functions.

Example with 2× CIM1/UC24–240 V

Requirement

  • A pulse switches the load on.
  • The load must remain switched on for 15 min.
  • After that, the input must be locked for 2 h.

Time relay settings

Relay 1 (R1): CIM1/UC24–240 V
Function: Off‑delay (A)
Time: 15 min

Relay 2 (R2): CIM1/UC24–240 V
Function: Off‑pulse (N)
Time: 2 h

Operation

When time relay R1 receives a pulse at input B1, its contact 15/18 closes and starts the off‑delay (A).
The load is switched on and remains active for 15 min.
At the same time, a continuous signal is applied to input B1 of the second time relay R2 via the closed contact of R1.
After the 15 min have elapsed, contact 15/18 of R1 opens again.
This falling edge triggers the off‑pulse (N) function on R2.
The normally closed contact of R2 interrupts the supply of R1 for 2 h.
During this time, R1 is blocked and cannot switch again.
Incoming impulses have no effect.
After the 2 h have elapsed, the contact of R2 closes again.
R1 is released and the system is ready for the next cycle.


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