Omron H3CR-A8 Multifunction Solid State Timer

A. Product Overview

The Omron H3CR-A8 8-Pin Multifunction Timer 0.05s to 300h belongs to the H3CR-A family of solid-state multifunction timers. It uses an 8-pin plug-in configuration and is designed for applications requiring adjustable timing functions in machinery, control panels, and industrial automation systems.

Omron specifies five operating modes for the H3CR-A8:

1. A: ON-delay
2. B: Flicker OFF start
3. B2: Flicker ON start
4. E: Interval
5. J: One-shot

The H3CR-A8 operates using power supply start and does not provide an external input function.

Key Specifications

The timer supports time units including seconds, 10 seconds, minutes, 10 minutes, hours, and 10 hours, with selectable full-scale ranges of 1.2, 3, 12, and 30.

B. Working Principle

The Omron H3CR-A8 works by measuring a preset time after electrical power is applied.

Internally, the timer uses a power supply circuit, oscillation circuit, counting circuit, time range and unit selectors, operating mode selector, indicator circuit, and output circuit. Once powered, the timer begins operating according to the selected timing mode and preset time value.

The user first selects:

1. The required operating mode
2. The required time unit
3. The required time range
4. The final time value using the front adjustment knob

The H3CR-A8 then counts the selected duration. When the preset timing condition is reached, its relay contacts change state according to the selected operating mode.

For example, in ON-delay mode, the timer starts counting when power is applied. After the selected time has elapsed, the output relay operates. In Flicker modes, the output repeatedly switches according to the set timing. In Interval mode, the output operates for the preset duration. In One-shot mode, the timer generates a timed output operation.

C. Why is the Omron H3CR-A8 Used?

The Omron H3CR-A8 is used when an industrial electrical circuit requires an adjustable time delay or timed switching sequence.

Based on its five available operating modes, it is suitable for functions such as:

1. Delayed machine starting
2. Delayed relay or contactor operation
3. Repetitive ON and OFF control
4. Buzzer and alarm timing
5. Lamp flashing control
6. Timed machine operation
7. Sequential control
8. Conveyor timing
9. Motor control sequences
10. Packaging machine timing
11. Process cycle timing
12. Automatic equipment control

The wide 0.05 second to 300 hour range allows one timer platform to cover both short-duration and long-duration timing requirements.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Omron H3CR-A8 multifunction timer is suitable for machine manufacturers, industrial automation companies, electrical panel builders, OEM machine builders, system integrators, maintenance departments, manufacturing plants, packaging machine manufacturers, conveyor manufacturers, electrical contractors, automation engineers, industrial equipment manufacturers, production facilities, process control companies, and industrial distributors.

It is particularly relevant for users who need an 8-pin multifunction timer with a broad 0.05 second to 300 hour adjustable timing range.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Omron H3CR-A8?

The Omron H3CR-A8 is an 8-pin solid-state multifunction timer designed for industrial timing and automation applications. It is part of Omron's DIN 48 x 48 mm H3CR-A timer family.

2. What is the timing range of the H3CR-A8?

The standard H3CR-A8 provides an adjustable timing range from 0.05 seconds to 300 hours.

3. How many pins does the Omron H3CR-A8 have?

The H3CR-A8 uses an 8-pin configuration. Omron's model numbering specifies the number 8 for 8-pin models.

4. What operating modes are available in the H3CR-A8?

The H3CR-A8 provides five modes:

A: ON-delay
B: Flicker OFF start
B2: Flicker ON start
E: Interval
J: One-shot

5. Is the H3CR-A8 an ON-delay timer?

Yes. ON-delay is one of its five selectable operating modes.

6. Can the H3CR-A8 be used as a flicker timer?

Yes. It supports both Flicker OFF start and Flicker ON start modes.

7. Does the H3CR-A8 have relay output?

Yes. The standard H3CR-A8 uses a DPDT relay output.

8. What is the relay contact rating?

For the H3CR-A8 contact-output version, Omron specifies 5 A at 250 VAC or 30 VDC for a resistive load.

9. What supply voltage does the H3CR-A8 use?

The H3CR-A8 is available in supply variants including 100 to 240 VAC and 100 to 125 VDC, or 24 to 48 VAC and 12 to 48 VDC. The exact supply voltage must be specified when ordering.

10. Does the H3CR-A8 have external start, reset, or gate inputs?

No. Omron states that the H3CR-A8 models do not have an external input function. Timing is based on power supply operation.

11. How do I set the timing range?

The front panel includes a time range selector, time unit selector, operating mode selector, and time setting knob. Available time units include seconds, 10 seconds, minutes, 10 minutes, hours, and 10 hours.

12. What full-scale settings are available?

The standard H3CR-A8 provides full-scale selections of 1.2, 3, 12, and 30.

13. Can the H3CR-A8 be mounted on a DIN rail?

Yes. Omron specifies DIN track mounting, surface mounting, and flush mounting options. Appropriate sockets and adapters are ordered separately.

14. Which socket is suitable for the H3CR-A8?

For 8-pin models, Omron lists options including the P2CF-08, P2CF-08-E, PF085A, and P3G-08, depending on the required mounting and connection method.

15. What is the operating temperature range?

The specified operating temperature range is minus 10°C to 55°C, with no icing.

16. What is the protection rating of the timer?

The panel surface has an IP40 protection rating.

17. Where is the Omron H3CR-A8 commonly used?

It is commonly suitable for industrial control panels, machine automation, conveyors, packaging equipment, alarm circuits, repetitive switching, timed machine operation, motor control circuits, process equipment, and production machinery.