Omron H3YN-2 Timer Relay — Selection Guide & Specs

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Omron H3YN-2 solid-state miniature timer relay plug-in DPDT 8-pin for industrial control panels

Omron H3YN-2 H3YN Solid-state Miniature Timer with Multiple Time Ranges and Multiple Operating Modes: Specs, Pricing, Wiring and Selection Guide

Controls engineers and panel builders searching for the Omron H3YN-2 timer relay are typically at the same decision point: they need a compact, plug-in time-delay relay with DPDT contacts and multiple operating modes, and they want confirmation that this specific part fits their panel supply voltage, socket type, and timing requirements before committing to an order. The H3YN-2 is a solid-state, multi-function timer offering ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, and flicker ON start modes in a single unit, with selectable time ranges from 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes via DIP switch, all in an 8-pin plug-in body compatible with Omron PYF08-series sockets. Getting the voltage suffix right — for example, H3YN-2 DC24 versus H3YN-2 AC100-120 — is the one step that separates a smooth installation from a frustrating parts return.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide.

Who Should Buy the H3YN-2 — and Who Shouldn't

The Omron H3YN-2 is right for you if all of the following are true:

  • Your panel supply voltage matches one of the available Omron voltage variants (e.g., 24 VDC, 100–120 VAC, 200–230 VAC) and you are specifying the full catalog code including that suffix.
  • You need exactly two changeover contacts (DPDT) with a contact rating of 5 A at 250 VAC resistive — no more poles are required.
  • Your timing requirements fall within the 0.1-second to 10-minute range covered by the standard H3YN-2 (not the extended-range H3YN-2-B).
  • You are mounting into an 8-pin socket compatible with the Omron PYF08A-E or PYF08A-N, or you are retrofitting an existing panel already using Omron MY-series relay bases.
  • ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, or flicker ON start — at least one of these four DIP-switch-selectable modes covers your sequence requirement.

If you need four poles (4PDT), the H3YN-4 on a 14-pin base is the correct model. If your application requires timing ranges beyond 10 minutes, the H3YN-2-B or H3YN-4-B variants covering up to 10 hours are the right starting point instead.

On this page:

What the Omron H3YN-2 Actually Does in a Control Circuit

The Omron H3YN-2 is a plug-in solid-state time-delay relay belonging to Omron's H3YN Miniature Solid-state Timer family. Unlike a programmable logic controller timer or a digital panel-mount timer with an LCD display, the H3YN-2 is an analog, socket-mount device that sits in a relay base and provides configurable timing functions without any programming. Its role is to introduce a controlled time delay or cyclic output into a control circuit — delaying a motor start, sustaining a solenoid after a trigger, or flashing an indicator beacon — entirely through hardware settings on two DIP switches and a front-panel adjustment dial.

What distinguishes the H3YN-2 from simpler single-function timers is the combination of four operating modes and multiple time sub-ranges in one part number. ON-delay holds the output open for the set period before closing; interval mode closes the output immediately and opens it after the timed period; flicker OFF start begins the cycle with the output open; and flicker ON start begins with the output closed. All four are selectable via DIP switch, meaning one stocked part can serve several different machine sequences. This multi-function capability is a key reason panel builders and MRO teams standardize on the H3YN-2 rather than carrying separate single-function timers for each circuit.

Within Omron's broader timer portfolio, the H3YN sits between the older H3Y single-function mechanical timer and the more feature-rich H3CR digital timer family. The H3YN is the answer when you want more than a single-function analog timer but do not need — or want to pay for — digital programming, multi-line displays, or DIN-rail clip-on modular housings. The 8-pin plug-in format means it installs and replaces in seconds with no rewiring, provided the socket is already in place.

Typical System Architecture for the H3YN-2

The H3YN-2 sits in the output or interposing layer of a low-voltage control circuit, taking a trigger from a PLC discrete output or pushbutton and switching a downstream load after the programmed delay.

  • Panel power supply (24 VDC, 120 VAC, or other voltage variant) feeds the coil supply terminals on the PYF08 socket.
  • PLC discrete output or hardwired control input energizes or de-energizes the timer coil via the socket's input terminals.
  • Omron H3YN-2 installed in the 8-pin socket performs the timing function and drives its DPDT contacts after the set delay.
  • DPDT output contacts (rated 5 A at 250 VAC resistive) switch the downstream load — motor starter coil, solenoid valve, contactor, or indicator lamp.
  • For inductive loads exceeding the contact rating, an interposing contactor is added between the H3YN-2 output and the final load.

Typical Applications and Deployment Scenarios

Delayed motor or contactor starts are among the most common reasons engineers reach for the Omron H3YN-2. On multi-motor conveyor or pump systems, staggering the start signals prevents simultaneous inrush currents from tripping upstream protection. Setting the H3YN-2 to ON-delay mode with a few seconds of time range gives each drive its own start window without requiring PLC logic changes.

Interval and off-delay control for fans, pumps, and solenoids is another high-frequency use case. A ventilation fan that must run for a fixed period after a machine cycle ends, or a lubrication solenoid that fires for a precise duration, are both served by the interval mode. The 0.1-second to 10-minute range covers the majority of these sequences in packaging, bottling, and material handling lines.

The flicker modes find regular use in panel indicator and beacon circuits. A flicker OFF start or flicker ON start output connected to a tower light or audible beacon gives maintenance-free cyclic signalling without a separate oscillator circuit. In building services and HVAC control panels, the same flicker modes handle pump alternation signals and alarm cycling.

Retrofit and replacement situations are where the H3YN-2's socket compatibility with Omron MY-series relay bases becomes practically important. A panel originally wired around mechanical or single-function timers on 8-pin bases can accept the H3YN-2 as a direct mechanical replacement, gaining multi-mode flexibility without any rewiring — provided the voltage variant matches.

Application Typical Deployment
Multi-motor conveyor start sequencing ON-delay mode, time range set to seconds, one H3YN-2 per motor starter in panel
Post-cycle ventilation fan run-on Interval mode, triggered by machine cycle relay, drives fan contactor coil
Indicator beacon or tower light cycling Flicker OFF or ON start mode, output directly driving lamp or beacon load
Valve or actuator sequencing on process skid ON-delay mode, 8-pin socket on DIN-rail backplate, 24 VDC supply variant
MRO replacement of existing Omron 8-pin timer Direct socket swap using matching PYF08A-E or PYF08A-N, voltage variant confirmed to panel supply

Key Specifications and Variant Comparison

Parameter Value / Options Notes
Function type Multi-function solid-state time-delay relay: ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, flicker ON start Mode selected by DIP switch before commissioning
Contact configuration DPDT (2-pole, double-throw) Contact rating: 5 A at 250 VAC resistive typical
Supply voltage options AC: 24 VAC, 100–120 VAC, 200–230 VAC; DC: 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC (variant-specific) Voltage must be specified in full catalog code, e.g., H3YN-2 DC24
Time ranges (standard H3YN-2) 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes, multiple sub-ranges selectable by DIP switch For longer ranges see H3YN-2-B
Mounting / form factor Plug-in, 8-pin base — compatible with Omron PYF08A-E, PYF08A-N sockets Not for direct panel screw-mount; socket required
Degree of protection IP40 Must be installed inside a suitable enclosure
Insulation / dielectric 100 MΩ min. insulation resistance at 500 VDC; conforms to EN 61812-1, IEC 60664-1 Confirm exact values for chosen voltage variant in Omron datasheet
Approvals CE, EMC directives; UL and CSA listings where applicable by voltage variant Verify approval marks for your specific voltage variant before ordering
Indicator LED power-on indicator Confirm presence and behavior for specific variant in datasheet
Approximate weight Approx. 50 g Check datasheet for exact dimensions for panel layout planning

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

H3YN-2 Variant and Family Comparison

Model Contacts Socket / Pins Time Range Best For
H3YN-2 DPDT (2PDT) 8-pin (PYF08) 0.1 s to 10 min Standard panels, short-to-medium delays, multi-mode flexibility
H3YN-2-B DPDT (2PDT) 8-pin (PYF08) 1 min to 10 h Applications requiring long delays in the same compact socket
H3YN-4 4PDT 14-pin 0.1 s to 10 min Circuits requiring four changeover contacts from a single timer
H3YN-4-B 4PDT 14-pin 1 min to 10 h Four-pole circuits with extended timing requirements
H3CR family Varies by model Panel-mount / DIN-rail Extended, digital Applications needing digital precision, display, and advanced functions

If your application requires four changeover contacts or time delays beyond 10 minutes, the H3YN-4 or H3YN-2-B are the correct choices — check current availability and confirm the right variant at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Is the H3YN-2 the Right Timer for Your Panel?

The Omron H3YN-2 earns its place as a go-to timer for controls engineers and panel builders who need proven, analog timing in a compact 8-pin plug-in body. It delivers four operating modes — ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, and flicker ON start — and multiple DIP-switch-selectable sub-ranges within the 0.1-second to 10-minute span, all in a single stocked part. For OEM machine designers standardizing on Omron relay sockets, for MRO teams managing spares across many machines, and for panel builders retrofitting existing 8-pin relay bases, the H3YN-2 hits the sweet spot of simplicity, flexibility, and sourcing reliability. You are not paying for a digital display or a fieldbus interface you do not need; you are getting the core timing functions that cover the vast majority of industrial control sequencing requirements.

That said, the H3YN-2 has real limits that are worth naming honestly. The standard version tops out at 10 minutes — applications needing delays measured in hours belong on the H3YN-2-B or H3YN-4-B. If your circuit requires four changeover contacts, the H3YN-2's DPDT output is insufficient and the H3YN-4 on its 14-pin socket is the correct selection. Engineers who prefer pushbutton digital programming, LCD readouts, or DIN-rail clip-on modules will find the H3YN-2's analog DIP-switch-and-dial configuration less satisfying, and should look at the H3CR family instead. These are not failures of the product — they are simply the boundaries of what this part was designed to do well.

From a procurement standpoint, common voltage variants such as H3YN-2 DC24 and H3YN-2 AC100-120 are typically stocked by major industrial distributors and available for fast shipment. Less common voltage variants and the extended-range B versions may require factory ordering and carry longer lead times. This is where ordering through a specialist distributor pays off: a team that knows the Omron catalog can confirm whether your preferred voltage variant is on the shelf, suggest an in-stock alternative if it is not, and catch voltage-suffix errors on your purchase order before the parts ship. Check current pricing and stock for the H3YN-2 at LeadTime.ca before finalizing your BOM.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the H3YN-2

Across forums including PLCTalk, PLCS.net, MrPLC, Reddit r/PLC, and distributor Q&A sections, the Omron H3YN family draws consistently positive sentiment. Users describe the H3YN line as reliable and hard to wear out in day-to-day industrial duty. The praise most frequently cited is the convenience of the multi-function, multi-range design: one stocked part number covers several timing scenarios, which reduces the number of different timer SKUs a panel shop or maintenance storeroom needs to carry. The plug-in compatibility with Omron MY-series relay sockets is equally appreciated — engineers replacing a failed timer or upgrading a single-function unit report that the physical swap takes minutes when the socket is already wired.

The community complaints that do appear are almost entirely about ordering and configuration mistakes rather than product defects. The most recurring frustration is discovering, at installation time, that the ordered unit carries the wrong voltage variant — AC instead of DC, or the wrong AC voltage — because the purchase was made against a generic "H3YN-2" entry without the voltage suffix. A second common complaint involves DIP switch confusion: users who switch between operating modes or time ranges mid-project sometimes mis-set the switches and see unexpected timing behavior. The standard H3YN-2's 10-minute ceiling is the third recurring concern, with some users noting they were not aware of the H3YN-2-B option until they were already committed to a design that needed longer delays.

Ordering mix-ups between H3YN-2 and H3YN-4, or between the H3YN and the older H3Y family, appear regularly in community discussions. The H3YN-4 uses a 14-pin socket — an incompatible footprint — so receiving it in place of an H3YN-2 means the unit cannot physically seat in the existing base. Users also caution against assuming that any 8-pin multi-function timer from another brand is a drop-in replacement; pinout and contact arrangements differ between manufacturers, and wiring from memory or from a competing brand's diagram is a reliable path to mis-wired contacts. The community consensus is clear: treat the full Omron part number including voltage suffix as a non-negotiable entry on every drawing and purchase order.

Wiring and Installation Overview

Installation of the Omron H3YN-2 requires an 8-pin socket such as the PYF08A-E or PYF08A-N mounted securely on the DIN rail or panel backplate before the timer is inserted. The following overview covers the key requirements; full wiring diagrams and terminal assignments are available in the Omron H3YN datasheet.

  • Mount the 8-pin socket and tighten all terminal screws; wire supply voltage to the designated power terminals on the socket, observing correct polarity on DC variants — reversing polarity on a DC version will prevent operation.
  • Wire the controlled load circuit to the DPDT output contact terminals on the socket; confirm the load current does not exceed the 5 A at 250 VAC resistive contact rating, and use an interposing contactor for inductive or high-inrush loads.
  • Set both DIP switches for the required time range and operating mode before inserting the timer — refer to the Omron datasheet DIP switch table specific to H3YN-2, not to memory or another brand's documentation.
  • Adjust the front dial to the approximate required time within the selected sub-range; note that the dial sets the time within the DIP-selected band, not independently of it.
  • Insert the H3YN-2 firmly into the socket until seated, energize the circuit, verify the LED power-on indicator is lit, and observe the first timing cycle with a test load or meter to confirm correct mode and timing before final commissioning.

Compatible Sockets and System Expansion

The H3YN-2 requires a matching 8-pin socket; the timer body has no direct panel screw terminals. Omron offers the following socket options compatible with the H3YN-2:

  • PYF08A-E — standard 8-pin socket for DIN-rail or backplate mounting; most common choice for new panel installations.
  • PYF08A-N — alternative 8-pin socket variant; confirm current Omron catalog for specific mounting and terminal style differences.
  • Sockets rated for the Omron MY relay series — the H3YN-2's 8-pin plug-in footprint is compatible with existing MY-series relay bases, which is the primary mechanical advantage in retrofit applications.

Ensure the socket contact rating matches or exceeds the load the H3YN-2 output will switch. Do not use 14-pin sockets intended for H3YN-4 or 4PDT timers — they are physically and electrically incompatible with the H3YN-2.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist

Before placing your order, verify every item below. This checklist reflects the most common causes of mis-shipment, project delays, and installation failures with the H3YN-2:

  1. Confirm exact supply voltage and type (AC vs DC) and match it to the catalog code suffix (e.g., H3YN-2 DC24 vs H3YN-2 AC100-120).
  2. Verify that DPDT contacts (2PDT) are sufficient; if 4PDT are required, H3YN-4 or another model is needed.
  3. Check time range requirements; if you need longer than 10 minutes, consider the H3YN-B variants or a different timer.
  4. Ensure 8-pin socket compatibility (e.g., PYF08A-E, PYF08A-N) and that you are not using a 14-pin base intended for 4PDT versions.
  5. Confirm required operating mode (ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, flicker ON start) is supported and can be set by DIP switch.
  6. Distinguish clearly between H3YN (multi-function miniature timer) and other Omron timer families (H3Y, H3CR, etc.) to avoid mix-ups.
  7. Check ambient temperature and enclosure conditions so the timer will operate within its specified range.
  8. Verify required approvals (UL, CSA, CE) with the specific voltage variant if the installation has compliance requirements.

If any item on this checklist reveals uncertainty, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — confirming the right variant takes minutes and avoids weeks of rework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the H3YN-2 be used as a direct drop-in replacement for an older Omron H3Y timer in the same 8-pin socket?

The H3YN-2 shares the 8-pin plug-in footprint with Omron MY-series relay bases, which means the physical fit is typically compatible. However, the H3YN-2 offers multiple operating modes that the single-function H3Y does not, and the pin assignments for supply and output contacts should be verified against the current Omron H3YN datasheet rather than assumed identical. Confirm the supply voltage suffix matches and review the wiring diagram before treating this as an automatic swap.

What happens if the supply voltage falls outside the rated range for the ordered H3YN-2 variant?

Operating below the rated supply voltage range may cause the timer to fail to energize or to produce erratic timing behavior. Operating above it risks damage to the internal solid-state circuitry. Always verify the panel supply voltage with a meter at the socket terminals before inserting the timer, and confirm the voltage marked on the timer label matches.

What is the maximum current I can switch on the H3YN-2 contacts, and does load type matter?

The typical contact rating is 5 A at 250 VAC resistive. Inductive loads such as motor starter coils and solenoid valves produce inrush currents that can exceed this figure and shorten contact life. For inductive loads at or near the contact rating limit, use an interposing contactor and size it for the inductive duty cycle. Always confirm the exact contact ratings for your specific voltage variant in the current Omron datasheet.

Why does my H3YN-2 not energize even though the supply voltage reads correctly at the terminals?

Start by confirming that the voltage type (AC versus DC) on the timer label matches what your meter is reading — a DC-rated unit will not energize on an AC supply and vice versa. Next, verify that the timer is fully seated in the socket with no bent pins. If the LED power-on indicator does not light, check the socket wiring against the Omron H3YN-2 terminal diagram for correct pin assignment. If the indicator lights but the output does not switch, re-examine the DIP switch settings for mode and time range.

Is there an H3YN-2 equivalent for delays longer than 10 minutes?

Yes — the H3YN-2-B is Omron's extended-range variant covering 1 minute to 10 hours in the same DPDT, 8-pin plug-in form factor. If you also need four poles, the H3YN-4-B provides the same extended range with 4PDT contacts on a 14-pin base. For applications requiring highly precise long-duration timing, digital programming, or display readout, the H3CR timer family is the next step up within Omron's portfolio.

Does the H3YN-2 include an internal fuse or overcurrent protection on the contacts?

No. The H3YN-2 does not incorporate internal fusing or circuit breakers. External overcurrent protection — a correctly rated fuse or miniature circuit breaker — must be provided in the circuit for both the supply and the controlled load, sized in accordance with the wiring and load requirements and local electrical installation codes.

Why Order From LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships the Omron H3YN-2 and H3YN family variants worldwide — not limited to any single country or region.
  • Our team can verify the correct voltage suffix and socket compatibility before your order ships, reducing the risk of receiving a mismatched part.
  • We source hard-to-find voltage variants and extended-range B versions that general-purpose online channels may not stock.
  • Volume pricing is available for panel builders and OEM customers — contact us with your quantity and timeline for a competitive quote.
  • Fast response on lead time inquiries so you can plan builds without waiting on distributor silence.

At-a-Glance Summary

  • The Omron H3YN-2 is a solid-state, plug-in DPDT timer relay with four selectable operating modes: ON-delay, interval, flicker OFF start, and flicker ON start.
  • Time range covers 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes via DIP-switch-selectable sub-ranges and a front-panel adjustment dial.
  • Contact rating is 5 A at 250 VAC resistive (DPDT); inductive loads may require an interposing contactor.
  • Mounts in an 8-pin socket — Omron PYF08A-E or PYF08A-N — compatible with existing Omron MY-series relay bases.
  • Supply voltage must be specified in the catalog code suffix (e.g., H3YN-2 DC24 or H3YN-2 AC100-120); ordering without the suffix is the single most common ordering mistake.
  • Degree of protection is IP40 — installation inside a suitable enclosure is required.
  • For delays beyond 10 minutes, the H3YN-2-B (up to 10 hours, same 8-pin DPDT format) is the correct alternative.
  • For four changeover contacts, the H3YN-4 on a 14-pin base is the correct alternative.
  • Conforms to EN 61812-1 and IEC 60664-1; UL and CSA listings available on applicable voltage variants — verify for your specific suffix.
  • Available through LeadTime.ca with worldwide shipping; specialist support available for part number verification and volume pricing.

You may also be interested in: