ELECTRONIC STAIRCASE TIMERS: LIGHT WHEN YOU NEED IT

Electronic staircase timers are relays with resettable timing that are most commonly used for the management of lighting in passageways and stairways of multi-occupancy buildings.

These devices provide for an adjustable lighting on-time over time-scales ranging from 30 seconds to 20 minutes, making them the ideal solution for optimizing the lighting of hallways, staircases and corridors. In addition to timed and customized management and depending on the timer function selected, staircase timers are also well suited for integration into new or existing simple control systems, where they can add to the convenience and safety of the installation – whilst at the same time ensuring optimal energy usage.

GENERAL OPERATION OF A STAIRCASE TIMER

Pressing any button or momentary switch connected to the timer will turn on the connected lamps. The lighting interval will be determined by a pre-set time period, which once having elapsed, will then turn the lights off automatically.

THE FINDER RANGE

The Finder range of staircase timers – recognized and used all over the world – encompasses five different types of device, featuring multifunction and single-function, all with a modular width of 17.5mm and a 16A maximum load capability.

These products are distinguished from each other primarily by the type and number of functions offered.

The multi-function devices comprise:

Type 14.11, featuring 4 functions (RI, IT and BE) which can be selected via the front rotary knob. It also features a reset button for centralized shutdown.
Type 14.71, characterized by 3 different functions selectable via the front selector.
Type 14.01, this product has 8 functions (BE, ME, BP, MP, IT, IP, RI and fixed light) and therefore stands out as being the most versatile of the entire range.

The single-function staircase timers comprise:

Type 14.81, particularly suitable for stairwell applications, combining the management of the timing (with an adjustment ranging from 5 seconds to 20 min) with the “staircase maintenance” function.
Type 14.91, which is a single-function staircase timer relay that has all the terminal connections on the same side.

DUPLICATE TERMINALS

The Type 14.01 and 14.71 multifunction staircase timers, which thanks to duplicate Neutral (N) and pushbutton return terminals (3) makes them ideal replacements for older generation devices.

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THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FINDER STAIRCASE TIMER RANGE

These Finder devices have been designed to meet all types of installation needs and have a function or combination of functions for most applications, from the simplest to the most complex.

Available functions:

(BE) Staircase timer. On initial impulse the output contact closes and timing starts for the pre-set duration; subsequent impulses during the timing period will extend the timing period by the full pre-set value. On expiry of the time delay, the output contact opens.

(ME) Staircase timer + Staircase maintenance. In addition to the Staircase timer function (BE), an impulse of ≥ 5 seconds will close the output contact for 60 minutes, after which time the contact will open. Ideal for maintenance or cleaning activities. The 60 minute timing can be interrupted by a further impulse of ≥ 5 seconds.

(BP) Staircase timer with early warning. On initial impulse the output contact closes and the timing starts for the pre-set duration. After the timing period, the output contact blinks off once; 10 seconds later the contact blinks off twice, and after a further 10 seconds the contact opens. During the pre-set and 20 second warning time, it is possible, by a further impulse, to extend the time by the full pre-set value.

(MP) Staircase timer with early warning + Staircase maintenance. In addition to the Staircase timer function (BP), an impulse of ≥ 5 seconds will close the output contact for 60 minutes, after which time the contact will open. Ideal for maintenance or cleaning activities. The 60 minute timing can be interrupted by a further impulse of ≥ 5 seconds.

(IT) Timing step relay. On initial impulse the output contact closes and timing starts for the pre-set duration; On expiry of the time delay, the output contact opens. During the timing period it is possible to immediately open the contact with a further impulse.

(IP) Timing step relay with early warning. On initial impulse the output contact closes and timing starts for the pre-set duration; After the timing period, the output contact blinks off once; 10 seconds later the contact blinks off twice, and after a further 10 seconds the contact opens. During the pre-set and 20 second warning time, it is possible to immediately open the output contact by a further impulse.

(RI) Step relay. After every impulse, the output contact changes state – alternately switching from open to closed and vice versa.

Light ON. With this function set the output contact stays permanently closed.

>> SEE THE FUNCTIONS ACCORDING TO PRODUCT TYPE

ZERO CROSSING

All the products in the Finder staircase timer range have Zero Crossing technology – a technology that ensures contact closure occurs when the phase voltage is passing through zero thereby protecting the contacts and as a result increasing the electrical life of the relay.

The effect of this technology results in a low switch-on inrush current through the output contact, greatly reducing any tendency for the contacts to weld/stick – ensuring optimal device life.

Across the Finder catalogue you can find several other devices, both for the industrial, and the residential and commercial sectors, which boast the zero crossing feature. These include: