Omron H3BF-N8 Solid-State Twin Timer

Technical Overview

The Omron H3BF-N8 220 VAC is an 8-pin solid-state twin timer featuring independent ON- and OFF-time settings. It supports multi-range time configurations from 0.05 seconds up to 30 hours, enabling high flexibility for repeating cycle controls in demanding industrial environments. It operates in a Flicker OFF start mode and exhibits high immunity against power supply waveform distortion caused by nearby inverters or motor drives. Panel mounted installations achieve an IP40 ingress protection rating to protect internal electronics from dust and minor water spray.

Key Features

Independent ON- and OFF-time configurations enable long-ON/short-OFF or short-ON/long-OFF combinations [1.1.6].
Wide time ranges from 0.05 s to 30 h selectable across standard scale selectors.
Flicker OFF start operating mode for reliable periodic cycling.
Equipped with standard DPDT relay contacts rated up to 5 A at 250 VAC resistive load.
Excellent noise immunity against power waveform distortion caused by motor inverters.
Standard 1/16 DIN compact profile (48 x 48 mm face) with IP40 panel surface protection.
Certified globally under UL508, CSA C22.2, CE, and CCC safety standards.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Operating Voltage	220 VAC
Frequency	50/60 Hz
Operating Voltage Range	85% to 110% of rated supply voltage
Power Consumption	Approx. 7.0 VA (1.6 W) at 220 VAC
Output Type	Relay contact (DPDT)
Contact Rating	5 A at 250 VAC, resistive load (cosφ = 1)
Timing Range	0.05 s to 30 h
Reset Time	0.1 s max.
Accuracy of Operating Time	±0.3% FS max.
Insulation Resistance	100 MΩ min. at 500 VDC
Dielectric Strength	2,000 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 min (between current-carrying metal parts and exposed non-current-carrying parts)
Enclosure Rating	IEC: IP40 (panel surface)
Ambient Temperature	-10°C to 55°C (no icing)
Pin Count	8-pin octal round plug

Industrial Applications

1. Industrial Conveyor Chain Lubrication Cycle Control

The timer regulates automated chain-drive lubrication systems. It can be set to activate a 220VAC lubricating pump for a brief period (e.g., 5 seconds) and remain deactivated for a prolonged period (e.g., 2 hours) repeatedly.

Problem Solved

Eliminates complex PLC installations for basic time-cycling tasks, preventing continuous over-lubrication (which leads to system slippage and oil waste) or under-lubrication (which risks catastrophic mechanical chain wear).

Flicker OFF startDPDT contact outputRepeat cycle timerIndependent ON- and OFF-time

2. Sedimentation Prevention in Chemical Mixing Tanks

Chemical holding tanks require periodic agitation to ensure compounds do not separate or settle. The H3BF-N8 drives a motor starter contactor to run the tank's paddle motor for 10 minutes every 4 hours.

Problem Solved

Minimizes industrial power usage by avoiding continuous agitation motor operation, using the IP40-sealed dial interface to allow floor operators to make rapid process adjustments without programming software.

Flicker OFFRelay DPDTIP40 enclosureAnalog dial adjustment

3. Automated Air Compressor Condensate Purging

Air compressor receiver tanks accumulate water. The timer drives a 220VAC pneumatic solenoid valve to open for 3 seconds every 1 hour to discharge the accumulated moisture under high-vibration environment conditions.

Problem Solved

Ensures automatic moisture removal without operator intervention, with high industrial noise immunity protecting the timer's accuracy from motor-drive inverter spikes.

Noise immunitySolenoid controlDPDT outputFlicker OFF start