Omron H3Y-2 Timer Relay — Specs, Variants & Buying Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
16 min read
Omron H3Y-2 solid-state ON-delay timer relay 8-pin plug-in for industrial control panels

Omron H3Y-2 Solid-State Timer Relay — Specs, Variants, and Buying Guide for Control Engineers

When a control engineer or panel builder searches for the Omron H3Y-2 timer relay, the decision is rarely about whether this type of device will work — it is about confirming the exact voltage suffix, time range, and socket compatibility before committing to an order. The H3Y-2 is a 2-pole DPDT plug-in ON-delay solid-state timer in the H3Y Series, available across multiple AC and DC supply voltages and a range of fixed time scales, all in a compact 8-pin plug-in format compatible with MY-style relay sockets. Get the full part number right and this is a straightforward, reliable building block; get it wrong and you are waiting on a reorder while the panel sits idle.

If you have already confirmed this is the correct variant, check current pricing and availability for the Omron H3Y-2 at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the Omron H3Y-2 — and Who Shouldn't

The Omron H3Y-2 is the right choice for panel builders, OEMs, and plant maintenance teams that need a simple, single-function ON-delay timer in an 8-pin plug-in footprint. Confirm all of the following before ordering:

  • Your available control supply voltage (AC or DC) matches one of the H3Y-2 rated voltage variants — AC and DC models are not interchangeable.
  • The required delay falls within the fixed time range of the specific suffix you are ordering (e.g., 10S, 60S, 30M) — ideally near mid-scale for accurate setting.
  • A 2-pole DPDT relay output rated at 5 A at 250 VAC resistive is sufficient for the circuits you need to switch.
  • Your panel uses an 8-pin socket compatible with H3Y-2 (such as Omron P2CF or P2RF series) and the pinout aligns with your existing wiring.
  • ON-delay is the only timing function required — the H3Y-2 does not provide OFF-delay, interval, or any other mode.

If you need four switched poles, select the H3Y-4. If the application requires multiple timing functions, programmable settings, or panel display, the H3YN, H3RN, or H3CR series are better fits — and the right specialist can help you cross-select quickly.

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Where the Omron H3Y-2 Fits in a Control System

The Omron H3Y-2 belongs to the H3Y Series of solid-state timers — a family of single-function plug-in ON-delay devices differentiated by pole count, body style, supply voltage, and time range. Within that family, the H3Y-2 is the 2-pole version, delivering two independently switched relay contacts (DPDT) that both change state together after the set delay. The H3Y-4 steps up to four poles for applications that need to switch more circuits simultaneously. The H3Y-2-B variant uses a black body associated with Push-In Plus socket types — body color is not interchangeable when the socket type differs. At the family level, all H3Y variants remain single-mode ON-delay devices; engineers who need OFF-delay, interval timing, or multiple modes should look at the H3YN, H3RN, or the more configurable H3CR series instead.

The H3Y-2 is designed to mount via an 8-pin plug-in socket, such as the Omron P2CF or P2RF series, which accepts DIN rail or panel-surface mounting. This form factor is identical to the footprint used by Omron MY series relay bodies, which means a large installed base of existing panels can accept an H3Y-2 without socket changes. The large transparent time-setting knob and LED status indication found on most H3Y-2 versions make field adjustments and status checks straightforward during commissioning and routine maintenance.

Typical System Architecture for H3Y-2 Deployments

The Omron H3Y-2 sits in the control-circuit layer of a panel, between the supply voltage source and the downstream loads or logic it sequences. Its role is to introduce a repeatable ON-delay between applying control power and switching its output contacts.

  • Control supply (24 VDC, 120 VAC, or other rated voltage) feeds the H3Y-2 power pins through the 8-pin socket.
  • The H3Y-2 monitors elapsed time from power application and closes its 2-pole DPDT contacts after the set delay.
  • Downstream control circuits — contactor coils, pilot lights, PLC input cards, or interlock relay coils — connect through the relay contacts.
  • External fuses or contactors are added in series with the relay contacts when load characteristics approach or exceed the 5 A at 250 VAC resistive contact rating.
  • The 8-pin socket (P2CF, P2RF, or equivalent) provides the physical interface to DIN rail or panel-surface mounting and the wiring termination point for installers.

Typical Applications for the Omron H3Y-2

Delayed motor and pump starts are among the most common uses for the Omron H3Y-2. In facilities with multiple motor loads, staggering start times reduces simultaneous inrush current peaks and the voltage sag that can affect other panel loads. The H3Y-2 provides the repeatable ON-delay needed for this without requiring a PLC or programmable device.

Conveyor and feeder sequencing panels frequently use the H3Y-2 to ensure upstream equipment is confirmed running before a downstream belt or feeder is permitted to start. The single-function ON-delay design makes the circuit logic transparent to maintenance electricians who inherit the panel, reducing diagnostic time when troubleshooting.

Anti-short-cycling delay for compressors and pumps is another frequent deployment. Applying an ON-delay before a compressor or pump restart prevents rapid cycling that can damage equipment, and the H3Y-2's contact rating of 5 A at 250 VAC is well-suited to switching a control-level relay or contactor coil in this circuit.

In panels without PLCs, or in PLC panels where all discrete outputs are consumed, the H3Y-2 provides simple time-based interlock logic using hardwired relay circuits. Alarm annunciation delays — holding back an output signal until a process condition has persisted for a set time — are also a direct fit for this device's ON-delay function.

Application Typical Deployment
Motor start staggering H3Y-2 in series with motor contactor coil circuit; delays start on power-up to reduce inrush overlap
Conveyor sequencing H3Y-2 interlocks downstream conveyor start until upstream belt has been running for the set delay
Pump anti-short-cycling H3Y-2 blocks restart signal for a set period after pump stop, protecting against rapid cycling
Alarm annunciation delay H3Y-2 delays indicator or alarm output until process fault condition has persisted beyond nuisance threshold
Relay logic interlock (non-PLC panel) H3Y-2 used as a timing element in a hardwired relay ladder, providing timed enable or inhibit signals

Omron H3Y-2 Specifications and Variant Options

The specifications below cover the purchase-decision-relevant parameters that apply across H3Y-2 variants. Individual suffix selections determine supply voltage and time range — both must be confirmed against your specific panel requirements before ordering.

Parameter H3Y-2 Value Notes
Timing function ON-delay only Output contacts energize after set time when supply is applied; no OFF-delay or interval modes available
Output contacts 2-pole DPDT relay Both poles share the same timing; both change state simultaneously
Contact rating 5 A at 250 VAC, resistive Derate for inductive loads; use external contactors and surge suppression for larger or inductive loads
Supply voltage options Multiple AC and DC variants (e.g., 24 VAC, 100–120 VAC, 200–230 VAC; multiple DC voltages) AC and DC models are not interchangeable; verify marking on unit before installation
Time ranges Multiple fixed ranges by suffix (e.g., 10S, 60S, 30M and others) Select so required delay sits near mid-scale for best accuracy; confirm suffix before ordering
Mounting Plug-in, 8-pin socket Compatible with DIN rail or panel-mount sockets (e.g., Omron P2CF, P2RF series)
Status indication LED for power and output status (most versions) Aids commissioning and troubleshooting in the field
Operating ambient temperature Approximately -10 to +50 °C (verify exact value in manufacturer datasheet for your variant) Do not exceed range, particularly in sealed or high-ambient enclosures
Approvals UL, CSA, CE (verify per variant and destination market) CSA and UL listings are important for Canadian installations subject to electrical inspection
Body style Standard beige (H3Y-2) or black (H3Y-2-B) Black body H3Y-2-B is associated with Push-In Plus sockets; confirm socket type before substituting

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

Omron H3Y-2 Variant Comparison

Model Poles / Contact Config Timing Functions Time Range Flexibility Physical Format Relative Price Band
H3Y-2 2-pole DPDT ON-delay only Fixed by suffix (seconds to minutes/hours) 8-pin plug-in Low to mid
H3Y-2-B 2-pole DPDT ON-delay only Fixed by suffix 8-pin plug-in (Push-In Plus socket) Low to mid
H3Y-4 4-pole ON-delay only Fixed by suffix 8-pin plug-in Low to mid
H3YN / H3RN Typically 2-pole or 4-pole Multiple (ON-delay, OFF-delay, interval, and others) Extended or selectable ranges Plug-in Mid
H3CR Series Varies Multi-function, configurable Wide, programmable Panel-mount or DIN Mid to higher

If your application requires four switched poles or any timing function beyond ON-delay, the H3Y-4 or H3YN are the logical next steps — check current availability and variant options at LeadTime.ca and the team can help confirm the right model for your panel.

Expert Verdict: Is the Omron H3Y-2 Right for Your Panel?

The Omron H3Y-2 earns its place on approved parts lists for a straightforward reason: it does one thing — ON-delay timing — reliably, in a compact 8-pin plug-in body that fits directly into the MY-style sockets already installed in a large installed base of industrial control panels. The 2-pole DPDT relay output rated at 5 A at 250 VAC resistive, combined with availability across multiple AC and DC supply voltages and multiple fixed time ranges by suffix, makes it a genuinely versatile drop-in building block for panel builders, OEMs, and maintenance teams standardizing on a simple, familiar timing component. For delayed motor starts, conveyor sequencing, pump anti-cycling, and basic relay-logic interlocks, the H3Y-2 is appropriately specified and easy for technicians at any level to understand and replace.

The honest limits are just as clear. The H3Y-2 is a single-mode device — there is no ON-delay plus OFF-delay, no interval mode, no repeat cycle, and no front-panel digital display. Applications that have outgrown hardwired relay logic and need programmable timing, precise digital setpoints, or extended time ranges beyond the available suffixes should look first at the H3YN or H3RN series for multi-function capability, or at the H3CR series for more configurable timing in a panel-mount body. Safety-critical circuits requiring timed outputs also fall outside the scope of the H3Y-2 — those applications require dedicated safety-rated timing devices. Two poles may also be a hard constraint: if the schematic calls for four simultaneously switched circuits, the H3Y-4 is the correct choice, not a pair of H3Y-2 units.

From a procurement perspective, the H3Y-2 in common voltage and time range variants is generally available through specialist automation distributors with short lead times for the most frequently specified combinations. Less common suffixes — less-standard DC voltages or very long or very short time ranges — may require a scheduled order or cross-border sourcing. The most consistent field problem with this product is not the device itself; it is ordering the base H3Y-2 without confirming the voltage and time range suffix, which leads to a mismatch that is entirely preventable at the point of order. Working with a specialist distributor who can validate the full part number against your panel documentation before the order ships is the practical safeguard. View the Omron H3Y-2 product page at LeadTime.ca to confirm current availability for the specific variant you need.

For volume pricing, lead time confirmation before committing a build schedule, or help confirming socket compatibility, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the Omron H3Y-2

Across automation communities — including Reddit engineering forums, PLCTalk, PLCS.net, MrPLC, and distributor Q&A sections — model-specific discussion threads for the Omron H3Y-2 were not found in meaningful volume at the time this article was researched. That absence is not a red flag; a product that does not generate complaint threads or "do not buy" posts in major forums generally indicates it is not causing widespread field problems. It also means there is limited aggregated user experience to draw on when you are trying to avoid a wrong-part order, which is exactly the situation where specialist advice becomes the practical substitute for community knowledge.

The ordering mistakes that consistently affect plug-in timer relays of this type — and that engineers and buyers should verify before placing any H3Y-2 order — center on the full part number, not the base model. Selecting only "H3Y-2" without the voltage suffix and time range suffix is the single most common source of mismatched devices in the field. The H3Y-2 in AC100–120 with a 10S time range and the H3Y-2 in DC24 with a 60S range are physically similar but electrically incompatible in each other's panel position. When community feedback is sparse, the Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist below is the most reliable guide available — and the LeadTime.ca team can cross-check your full requirements against available stock before the order is placed.

A second area where specialist input adds value is socket compatibility. The standard beige H3Y-2 and the black-body H3Y-2-B are not universally interchangeable in existing panels — the body color corresponds to socket type, and using the wrong body in an existing socket can produce unreliable contact engagement or physical misfit. If a panel has a mix of socket generations, confirming the exact socket model before ordering a replacement timer saves a return shipment. These are the practical details that do not appear in forum threads but matter significantly at the panel level.

Wiring and Installation Overview for the Omron H3Y-2

  • Always isolate control power and apply lockout/tagout before inserting or removing the H3Y-2 from its socket; confirm with a meter that all control voltages are off before handling.
  • Verify the voltage and time range markings on the H3Y-2 unit itself match the panel schematic and available supply voltage before inserting — do not rely on the box label alone.
  • Insert the H3Y-2 firmly into the 8-pin socket, confirming keying and orientation align with the socket diagram; for DC-supply variants, supply polarity must match the pin assignments specified in the manufacturer wiring diagram.
  • Connect load circuits through the relay contact pins (common, normally open, normally closed) per the panel schematic; the contact rating is 5 A at 250 VAC resistive — add external fuses, contactors, or surge suppression where loads approach or exceed this rating or are inductive.
  • After power restoration, verify LED status indication, observe the relay contact change of state after approximately the set delay, and adjust the front knob as needed — document the final setpoint in the panel record for future maintenance reference.

Full wiring diagrams and installation procedures are available in the Omron H3Y Series manufacturer datasheet. Engineers requiring complete step-by-step configuration guidance should refer to that documentation directly.

Compatible Sockets and System Components for the Omron H3Y-2

The Omron H3Y-2 requires an 8-pin plug-in socket. The following socket families from Omron are compatible with the standard H3Y-2 beige body and should be confirmed against your panel wiring before ordering:

  • Omron P2CF-08 — DIN rail mounting socket for 8-pin plug-in devices including H3Y-2 and MY relay series
  • Omron P2RF-08 — Surface (panel) mounting socket for 8-pin plug-in devices
  • Omron P2RF-08-E — Surface mounting socket with hold-down clip for vibration applications
  • Push-In Plus compatible sockets — Required for H3Y-2-B black body variant; not interchangeable with standard P2CF/P2RF for this body style

If existing panel sockets are unknown or unmarked, verify the pin count, keying, and mounting style before ordering either the timer or a replacement socket.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before Ordering the Omron H3Y-2

The following checklist is drawn directly from engineering best practice for this product family. Confirm every item before submitting your order to avoid mismatched parts and project delays:

  1. Confirm supply type and range: AC vs DC and the exact rated voltage marking (e.g., AC100–120, AC200–230, DC24).
  2. Verify the time range printed on the unit or in the part number (e.g., "10S", "60S", "30M") matches the required delay.
  3. Check that a 2-pole DPDT output is sufficient for the number of circuits you must switch; if you need 4 poles, H3Y-4 is required instead.
  4. Ensure your control panel uses an 8-pin socket compatible with H3Y-2 (e.g., Omron P2CF/P2RF series) and that pinout matches.
  5. Confirm ON-delay mode is acceptable; do not use H3Y-2 where OFF-delay or other functions are required.
  6. Check contact load (voltage, current, AC/DC) against the 5 A at 250 VAC resistive rating; use external protection and contactors for larger loads.
  7. Verify ambient temperature and enclosure conditions fall within the datasheet ranges.
  8. Ensure the product variant has required approvals (UL, CSA, CE) for the target installation, especially for Canadian projects.

If any item on this list cannot be confirmed from available documentation, contact LeadTime.ca before ordering — confirming the full part number against your schematics at the point of order is far less costly than a wrong-part return and reorder delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I select the correct H3Y-2 voltage and time range for my panel?

Start with the control power available at the timer socket — confirm AC or DC and the exact voltage level from panel documentation, then select the matching H3Y-2 voltage suffix (e.g., AC100–120, AC200–230, DC24). For time range, determine the required delay and choose a suffix whose maximum scale puts your setpoint near the mid-point of the knob travel — this gives you the most accurate and adjustable setting. The H3Y-2 time range suffix (such as 10S, 60S, or 30M) is fixed by variant and cannot be changed in the field.

Can the Omron H3Y-2 replace a failed timer from a different brand in an existing panel?

The H3Y-2 can serve as a functional replacement for other 8-pin plug-in ON-delay timers provided the socket pinout is compatible, the supply voltage matches, and the time range covers the required delay. Pinout compatibility between different manufacturers' 8-pin timer relays is not guaranteed — verify pin assignments against both the H3Y-2 datasheet and the original device's documentation before substituting. If the existing socket is a non-Omron type, confirm physical fit and pin mapping before installation.

What are the most common failure modes for the H3Y-2 and how do I diagnose them?

The three most commonly reported failure patterns for plug-in solid-state timers of this class are: no output switching (typically caused by a wiring error, wrong supply voltage applied, or overloaded contacts that have welded or worn); inconsistent timing (most often linked to supply voltage instability, ambient temperature at the edge of the operating range, or a timer approaching end of life after high cycle counts); and the relay failing to energize at all (frequently traced to an incorrect voltage variant installed in the socket). Start diagnosis by confirming supply voltage at the socket pins matches the timer's rated voltage marking, then check the LED indicator — if the LED is on but contacts are not switching, suspect contact wear or overload.

Is the Omron H3Y-2 rated for Canadian electrical inspections?

CSA and UL approvals are available on applicable H3Y-2 variants, which is the standard requirement for devices installed in Canadian panels subject to electrical inspection. CE marking covers European regulatory requirements. Always confirm the approval markings on the specific variant you are ordering match the requirements for your target installation — approval scope can vary between suffix configurations, and this is particularly important for regulated industries and commercial building applications.

Can I use two Omron H3Y-2 units instead of one H3Y-4 if I need four poles?

Two H3Y-2 units can provide four switched contacts but require two separate sockets and two independent timing adjustments — the timing knobs on two individual units are not mechanically linked and will not track each other identically over time or with temperature variation. Where four contacts must change state simultaneously and at precisely the same setpoint, the H3Y-4 with its single timer mechanism and four-pole output is the correct solution. Using two H3Y-2 units as a workaround introduces timing variance and increases panel space and wiring complexity.

How do I confirm the time range is appropriate before installing the H3Y-2?

The time range is printed on the unit label and encoded in the part number suffix — for example, a unit marked 10S has a maximum scale of 10 seconds, while one marked 30M has a 30-minute maximum. For best accuracy and adjustability, the required delay should fall between approximately 30% and 70% of the full scale. If the required delay is near the minimum or maximum of the scale, consider ordering a different time range suffix to keep the setpoint in a more controllable and repeatable portion of the knob range.

Why Order the Omron H3Y-2 Through LeadTime.ca

  • Global shipping — LeadTime.ca sources and ships Omron H3Y-2 variants worldwide, not limited to any single region or country.
  • Variant confirmation — the team can cross-check your required voltage, time range, and socket type against available inventory before the order is placed, reducing wrong-part returns.
  • Specialist sourcing for less common suffixes — unusual voltage or time range configurations that are not standard stock can be sourced and scheduled with lead time guidance provided upfront.
  • Volume and project pricing — contact LeadTime.ca for volume orders, BOM-level pricing, and spares inventory planning for multi-panel projects.
  • Responsive quote turnaround — fast response for urgent MRO replacements and planned project orders alike.

Omron H3Y-2 — At-a-Glance Summary

  • Product: H3Y Series Solid-state Timer, 2-pole (ON-delay) — single-function plug-in timer relay
  • Output: 2-pole DPDT relay, rated 5 A at 250 VAC resistive load
  • Timing function: ON-delay only — contacts close after the set time when supply voltage is applied
  • Supply voltage: Multiple AC and DC variants by suffix (e.g., 24 VAC, 100–120 VAC, 200–230 VAC, and multiple DC voltages); AC and DC models are not interchangeable
  • Time ranges: Fixed by part number suffix (examples: 10S, 60S, 30M); select so setpoint falls near mid-scale
  • Mounting: 8-pin plug-in socket (Omron P2CF or P2RF series or equivalent); DIN rail or panel surface mount via socket
  • Operating temperature: Approximately -10 to +50 °C (confirm exact limit from manufacturer datasheet for your variant)
  • Approvals: UL, CSA, CE available on applicable variants — confirm for your installation market
  • Key differentiation from H3Y-4: 2 poles vs 4 poles — same single-function ON-delay operation
  • Key differentiation from H3YN/H3RN/H3CR: H3Y-2 is ON-delay only; those families offer multiple timing modes and greater configurability
  • Most common ordering error: Ordering base model without confirming voltage suffix and time range suffix against panel documentation

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