Macromatic TE-8816U vs TE-8812U Multi-Function Timing Relays Compared

Timing Relay Comparison

Macromatic TE-8816U vs TE-8812U Multi-Function Timing Relays Compared

The Macromatic TE-8816U and its sibling the TE-8812U are identical 17.5mm multi-function DIN-rail timers except for one thing: contact configuration. The TE-8816U is SPDT; the TE-8812U is DPDT. Here's which output you need.

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Quick answer

The TE-8816U and TE-8812U are the same multi-function 12-240V AC/DC timer. The only difference is the output. The TE-8816U has one SPDT contact; the TE-8812U has a DPDT contact (two isolated poles). Choose SPDT for a single timed circuit and DPDT when you must switch two isolated circuits from one timed event.

Macromatic TE-8816U Time Delay Relay, Multi-Function, 12-240V, SPDT
Macromatic TE-8816U Time Delay Relay, Multi-Function, 12-240V, SPDT
Macromatic TE-8812U Time Delay Relay, Multi-Function, 12-240V, DPDT
Macromatic TE-8812U Time Delay Relay, Multi-Function, 12-240V, DPDT
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Product CodeTE-8816UTE-8812U
HighlightsSingle SPDT contact, 15A, 10 functionsDPDT: two isolated poles from one timer
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The Bottom Line

If your application switches one circuit, a single contactor, interlock, valve, or PLC input, the TE-8816U is the correct and more economical choice with its single SPDT contact. Step up to the TE-8812U when you need two isolated poles (DPDT) to drive two separate circuits from the same timed event, such as dropping a load while signaling a separate control system or lighting a pilot on a different supply. Both parts are electrically and functionally identical otherwise: universal 12-240V AC/DC, 10 selectable functions, 0.1-second-to-10-day timing, 15A pilot-duty contacts, and the same 17.5mm DIN footprint. Don't overbuy the DPDT if a single contact does the job; don't underbuy the SPDT and end up adding an interposing relay later.

What the Macromatic TE-8816U does and how it works

The TE-8816U is a multi-function timer that measures a delay against your selected function, then transfers its output relay. You set the function (which of the 10 modes), the timing range (one of eight, from 100ms-1s up to 1-10 days), and the multiplier within that range.

  • Two LEDs give you status: green when input voltage is present, red blinking during timing and steady once the output is energized.
  • Reset time is 150ms max, so it re-arms quickly between cycles.
  • Repeat accuracy is +/-0.2% and setting accuracy is 5%, which is typical for a dial-set timer rather than a keypad unit.

The green/red LED pair is the fastest way to troubleshoot in the field: if green is on but red never lights, your trigger or input isn't reaching the timer. Confirm input voltage is within the 12-240V AC/DC operating window before suspecting the unit.

SPDT vs DPDT: matching the output to your circuit

This is the whole decision between these two parts.

  • SPDT (TE-8816U): one common, one normally-open (NO), one normally-closed (NC); a single changeover contact. Use it to switch one load or feed one signal.
  • DPDT (TE-8812U): two changeover poles, mechanically ganged but electrically isolated from each other. You can switch two separate circuits, on different voltages or supplies, from one timed event.

Both carry 15A @ 240V AC, 1/3 HP @ 120V AC, 3/4 HP @ 240V AC, and a B300 pilot-duty rating. Minimum switching is 100mA @ 5V AC/DC, so both work for low-level PLC signals as well as motor pilot loads. If you're driving one contactor coil, SPDT is enough. If you must drop that coil AND simultaneously tell a PLC or annunciator on a separate circuit, the DPDT saves you a downstream interposing relay.

Caution: the two DPDT poles are isolated contacts, not isolated by a barrier rated for mixing hazardous voltages carelessly. Follow Macromatic's wiring diagram and applicable code (NEC/local) when combining different supplies on adjacent poles.

The 10 functions and eight timing ranges explained

Both units share the identical function set. Common uses:

  • On Delay: output transfers after the set time once input is applied.
  • Off Delay: output transfers when input is removed, after the delay.
  • On/Off Delay: separate delays on energize and de-energize.
  • Interval / One Shot: fixed timed output on power-up or trigger.
  • Retriggerable One Shot (Watchdog): each trigger restarts the timer. Output drops only if triggers stop.
  • Repeat Cycle (On 1st / Off 1st): flasher/oscillator behavior for cycling loads.
  • Pulse Generator: fixed 0.5-second output pulses.
  • Memory Latch: acts as a latching relay.

Timing ranges are 100ms-1s, 1-10s, 0.1-1min, 1-10min, 0.1-1hr, 1-10hr, 0.1-1day, and 1-10days. Pick the range that brackets your target, then set the multiplier. A value near the middle of a range gives more usable resolution than stretching an adjacent range to its limit.

TE-8816U vs TE-8812U at a glance

SpecificationTE-8816UTE-8812U
Output contacts15A SPDT (1 pole)15A DPDT (2 poles)
Input voltage12-240V AC/DC12-240V AC/DC
Functions10 multi-function10 multi-function
Timing range0.1 sec - 10 days0.1 sec - 10 days
Rating15A @240V, 1/3 HP @120V, 3/4 HP @240V, B30015A @240V, 1/3 HP @120V, 3/4 HP @240V, B300
Minimum switching100mA @ 5V AC/DC100mA @ 5V AC/DC
Housing / mount17.5mm, 35mm DIN17.5mm, 35mm DIN
Repeat accuracy+/-0.2%+/-0.2%
Electrical life70,000 ops70,000 ops

Common Mistakes (and the Fix)

✗ Buying DPDT when only one contact is used
✓ If a single circuit is switched, the SPDT TE-8816U is correct and leaner.
✗ Specifying SPDT then adding an interposing relay for a second signal
✓ If two isolated circuits are needed, order the TE-8812U DPDT up front.
✗ Assuming separate AC and DC part numbers exist
✓ Both accept universal 12-240V AC/DC: one part covers your control voltage.
✗ Stretching a timing range to hit a value at its limit
✓ Select the range that brackets your target for usable multiplier resolution.
✗ Switching below the minimum contact rating
✓ Stay above 100mA @ 5V AC/DC so contacts wet reliably on low-level signals.
✗ Ignoring inductive load stress on the contacts
✓ Add a snubber/MOV on coils; the 70,000-op electrical life drops under heavy loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Macromatic TE-8816U?

The TE-8816U is a 17.5mm multi-function DIN-rail time delay relay with universal 12-240V AC/DC input and a single 15A SPDT output. It offers 10 selectable timing functions and ranges from 0.1 seconds to 10 days.

What's the difference between the TE-8816U and TE-8812U?

Only the output contacts. The TE-8816U has one SPDT contact; the TE-8812U has a DPDT contact (two ganged, isolated poles). Every other specification, voltage range, functions, timing ranges, ratings, accuracy, is identical.

Is the Macromatic TE-8816U SPDT or DPDT?

The TE-8816U is SPDT (single-pole, double-throw); one changeover contact. If you need double-pole double-throw output, order the TE-8812U instead.

What voltage does the TE-8816U accept?

Universal 12-240V AC or DC on a single part. Operating range is -15% of 12V up to +10% of 240V, so there's no separate AC and DC version to stock.

What timing functions do these relays support?

Both offer 10 functions: On Delay, Off Delay, On/Off Delay, Interval, One Shot, Retriggerable One Shot (Watchdog), Repeat Cycle (On 1st and Off 1st), Pulse Generator, and Memory Latch. Timing spans 100ms to 10 days across eight selectable ranges.

How do they mount?

Both snap onto standard 35mm DIN rail in a 17.5mm-wide housing. The half-width footprint fits two units in the space of a typical full-width timer.

How long do the contacts last?

Macromatic rates both at 10,000,000 mechanical operations and 70,000 electrical operations. Electrical life falls with heavier or inductive loads, so size the load below the 15A / horsepower ratings and use snubbers on inductive loads to protect the contacts.

Terms Worth Knowing

SPDT
Single-pole double-throw: one common with one normally-open and one normally-closed contact; one changeover.
DPDT
Double-pole double-throw: two isolated changeover poles operated together from one relay.
Multi-function
A single timer that field-selects among several timing modes instead of a dedicated single-mode unit.
B300 pilot duty
A UL contact rating class for control-circuit switching up to 300VA make/break at 120-300V AC.
Retriggerable One Shot
Watchdog mode: each trigger restarts the timer; output drops only when triggers stop.
Repeat Cycle
Oscillator mode that cycles the output on and off repeatedly at the set interval.