Backyard Aquaponics
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Sorry yet another question. I could have swore ccbear pm'ed my a "wiring diagram for idiots" but can't find it I finally have the water flow going good, swirl tank working right ,added a sump , added 2nd pump in sump tank, added a small solar panel , added float switch , now the next step is the timers (have one so far still have to order another one) and I am not sure how to wire it?

I am using the rectangular 12v digital time switch by Oktimer , it looks like #1 post on top is where the power form battery connects (#2 is secondary power like solar panel I think so I don't need it) but the bottom #3,4,5 are confusing me I have one power wire going to my circulation pump do I connect to #3 or 4

Hi goldhunter_2

Can you tell me the model of the timer then I can help more. But for the bottom terminals you can see that #4 is the contact arm for #3 normally closed (so on by default) and #5 normally open (off by default).

To turn your pump on connect the 12v - lead from your pump to the 12v - terminal on the battery. Then then #4 connects to your 12v + terminal on the battery via a fuse. Connect #5 to your 12v + lead on your pump.

You will still need to supply 12v + and - to your timer via the top terminals as the switching side looks like it is separated from the power side of the timer. I will need the model to advise you on the power terminals as I cannot quite see the markings for #1 and #2 terminals. You do not want to get those two back wards.

Hope this helps.

Hi Johny5,

I have this timer as well and was a bit confused to say the least about the wiring.. I don't have it in front of me at the moment so I can't tell you the model number.
I was going to use mine as a timer for my pump on my backup system and was concerned that its internal battery (enough for 20days apparently) would go flat since it is only supplied with power when the power fails and the power fail switch connects the battery to the timer/ air pump/ water pump.
However if I understand what you are saying above then #1 and #2 terminals only supply power to the timer but does not pass that power through it onto the pump/load.. is that correct? so if I wire #1 and #2 directly to my battery rather than through my power fail switch then the timer will continue to function and charge its internal battery but will not supply the pump/load with power.. is that correct? sorry that may not make any sense

That sound reasonable as I am quite certain that the timer power and load working power are separate. But I would need to look at the model to be sure. The idea would be that the timer could run off a different voltage to what it is switching.

I see, I guess I could experiment and see what happens if it doesn't turn the pump on then I guess it doesn't supply load from #1 and #2
Thanks

I just looked up the model
it is an AHC15A like this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-12V-16A-2 ... cb4&_uhb=1

That says that it is a 12v timer and lists 12 power requirement but all the diagrams shows AC power not DC.

Thats Ebay for you.. that is not the actual listing of the one I bought.. I bought it a while ago (so no longer in my purchase history on ebay) so I will have to see if the model number is the same on the front of mine when I get home… it looks exactly the same but perhaps there is some slight internal difference.

my model is THC15A Oktimr digital time switch (or maybe SMC201320 is on side) power 12v dc/ac 16(8)A,240VAC but the instruction sheet I have looks the same as the one Tom777 found on ebay

instruction show "L" to #1 and "N" to #2 on surface it has a circle with squiggly line in the middle between 1and2

ok so 1&2 are power to the timer only and not through switch, so I need power wire form battery to #1 and #4 the my positive pump wire connects to #5 ...did I get that right?

so does #2 need to be a ground or just left empty?

I found this ebay link f the 12v timer and it has a bit of a diagram… might help.. its not great though and has spelling mistake
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-DC-12V-P ... 5ef&_uhb=1

The circle with a squiggle is your timer power. All the images and wiring diagrams that I have looked at for that timer show AC timer power. However you can order it with a number of voltages from 12V.

They may just produce one case and change the input electronics.

Yes 12v + from the battery to #4 and #5 to 12V + on you pump. If it is a 12V DC run timer then 12V + to #1 and 12v - to #2.

Please do not forget to put a fuse or circuit breaker in on the 12v + lead from the battery.

ok guess it's good I asked cause I would have left that #2 negative off .....lol

few more questions
1) do I need two main power wires or can I run one wire form battery to #1 then a jumper to #4 ?
2) when I add the 2nd timer , can I just run jumper wires for #1&4 to the second timers #1&4 ?

Just bring your 12v+ to #4 and jumper back to #1.

When you have the second timer. Bring your 12v+ to a terminal block. Then one line to #4 and #1 on timer #1 and a second 12v+ line from the terminal block to #4 and #1 on timer #2.

You 12v- can go from Timer1 #2 to Timer2 #2.

ok thanks for all the help

I'm going to get the first timer hooked up tomorrow during the day , I'll also see if I have a terminal block in the garage if so I just put it in now so its ready when 2nd timer gets here.

thanks again