There’s a moment of quiet dread familiar to anyone who manages complex machinery, whether it’s a sprawling irrigation system, a home workshop, or the HVAC unit that keeps a family comfortable. It’s the sound of a system under strain—a deep groan from a compressor, the violent shudder of a pump, or the abrupt trip of a circuit breaker. Often, the culprit isn’t a single faulty part but a problem of timing. When multiple components demand power simultaneously, the result is an electrical and mechanical traffic jam. A powerful pump kicking on at the exact instant a valve opens can cause a damaging pressure surge, a phenomenon known as water hammer. An air conditioner compressor trying to restart against high head pressure after a brief power outage can lead to catastrophic failure. These aren’t minor annoyances; they are costly, time-consuming problems that can bring critical systems to a grinding halt. This is precisely the challenge where a specialized component, designed to introduce a strategic pause, becomes not just a solution, but an essential safeguard. We’ve seen firsthand how a simple, well-timed delay can be the difference between a smoothly operating system and a call to a very expensive technician.
- This product is highly durable
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Beyond the Soundscape: What to Look for in a Timing Control Device
A Time Delay On Make relay is more than just an electrical component; it’s a key solution for protecting and optimizing automated systems. Its primary benefit is introducing a deliberate, adjustable pause between the time a circuit is energized (“make”) and when the final piece of equipment is actually powered on. This simple function solves a host of complex problems. It allows pressure to stabilize, prevents massive in-rush current spikes from tripping breakers, and sequences operations so that components start in a logical, safe order. This intelligent control extends the lifespan of expensive motors, compressors, and pumps by shielding them from the brute force of an unmanaged startup. For anyone serious about system longevity and reliability, a timing relay like the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is an invaluable tool for preventative maintenance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a specific sequencing or protection challenge. This includes HVAC technicians looking to prevent compressor short-cycling, agricultural operators or homeowners with well pumps and irrigation systems, and DIY enthusiasts building custom control circuits for workshop machinery. If you can identify a point in your system where a brief, controlled delay would alleviate mechanical or electrical stress, this product is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who need a “Delay on Break” function (where the delay starts *after* power is cut) or those working with line voltage (120V/240V) systems, as this unit is specifically for 24-volt pilot circuits. Furthermore, it’s crucial to distinguish this functional timer from audio effects. If you’re a musician looking for an echo or reverb effect, you are in a completely different category of “delay” products.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Voltage & Amperage Compatibility: This is the most critical safety and functional check. The Supco TD69 is designed for 24-volt pilot circuits, common in thermostats and control systems. Ensure your application uses this voltage. You must also consider the current draw; its 1.0 amp steady and 10 amp inrush ratings are robust for most control circuits, but always verify it against the component it will be switching (like a contactor coil or relay).
- Adjustable Time Range: The performance benefit hinges on setting the correct delay. The Supco TD69 boasts an exceptionally wide range from 6 seconds to 8 minutes. This versatility allows it to solve both short-interval sequencing issues (like allowing a solenoid valve to open fully before a pump starts) and long-interval protection tasks (like preventing an AC compressor from restarting for several minutes after a power loss).
- Materials & Durability: This device will likely be installed inside a control panel or near machinery, where it can be exposed to vibration, dust, and temperature fluctuations. The Supco TD69 features a compact, solid-state design, often potted in epoxy. This construction is inherently more reliable and resistant to mechanical shock than older, bulkier mechanical or pneumatic timers.
- Ease of Use & Installation: For a field technician or a savvy homeowner, installation time is money. The Supco TD69’s design excels here. Its non-positional, single-hole mounting and simple wire leads make it easy to add into an existing control box. The delay is typically set with a small, accessible potentiometer, allowing for quick on-the-fly adjustments during setup and testing.
Understanding these factors will ensure you select the right tool for a critical job, transforming a potential system vulnerability into a point of strength and reliability.
While the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is an excellent choice for electrical and mechanical applications, it’s always wise to understand the full landscape of “delay” technology. For those whose work involves creating soundscapes rather than safeguarding circuits, a different kind of tool is needed. For a broader look at the top models in the world of audio effects, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Delay and Reverb Pedals for Creating Atmospheric Guitar Tones
- Digital Delay/Plate Reverb 2 effects in 1 guitar effects pedal
- 4-Mode Delay and 4-Mode Reverb in One delay reverb Pedal
- [2-in-1 Pedal]: The 2-in-1 Revecho pedal seamlessly integrates meticulously chosen delay and reverb effects, offering musicians a powerful combination of tonal possibilities in a single, compact pedal
First Impressions: Unboxing the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make
Opening the package containing the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make reveals a product that is the epitome of function over form. There’s no flashy marketing or elaborate presentation; you get a compact, solid black component that immediately feels dense and durable in your hand. It’s surprisingly small, about the size of a small relay, which is a significant advantage when you’re trying to fit it into an already crowded control panel. The solid-state, potted construction gives us immense confidence in its ability to withstand the vibration and temperature swings common in attics, basements, and utility sheds. The two wire leads are of a sufficient gauge and length for easy integration. What truly stands out is the small adjustment screw for the time delay. It’s simple, direct, and doesn’t require any complex programming or digital interface. This is a tool designed for professionals in the field who need a reliable, no-nonsense solution that can be installed and configured in minutes. It’s a stark contrast to flimsy, overly complicated alternatives, and its robust simplicity is, in our opinion, its greatest initial strength. You can check the latest price and availability and see for yourself.
Key Benefits
- Extremely wide adjustable delay range (6 seconds to 8 minutes)
- Compact, durable, and vibration-resistant solid-state design
- Simple single-hole mounting and two-wire installation
- Robust 10-amp inrush current rating protects against motor startups
Potential Drawbacks
- Only performs “Delay on Make” function; not suitable for other timing needs
- Requires basic knowledge of low-voltage electrical circuits to install safely
A Masterclass in Precision Timing: The Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make in Action
A component like the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make isn’t judged on its aesthetics but on its steadfast reliability under pressure. It’s a background player that ensures the stars of the show—the compressors, pumps, and fans—can perform their duties without destroying themselves. Our hands-on evaluation focused on the three core pillars of its performance: the precision of its timing function, the breadth of its applications, and its resilience in a real-world installation environment. We found it to be not just a component, but a powerful problem-solving tool that brings a sophisticated level of control to otherwise basic systems.
The Heart of the Machine: Unpacking the “Delay On Make” Functionality
At its core, “Delay on Make” is a simple but profound concept. When the system calls for action (e.g., a thermostat closes its contacts), the Supco TD69 receives power but waits for a user-defined period before passing that power along to the next component in the chain. This strategic pause is its superpower. To test this, we simulated the exact scenario described by a user who was experiencing water hammer in their irrigation system. We set up a 24V circuit with a solenoid valve and a contactor for a small pump. Without the delay, energizing the circuit caused the contactor to pull in at the same instant the solenoid began to open, resulting in a theoretical pressure spike.
We then wired the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make into the circuit, feeding the “hot” 24V wire through it before it reached the pump’s contactor coil. We set the delay dial to approximately 10 seconds. Upon energizing the system, the solenoid valve clicked open immediately, as intended. Then, a perfect, silent 10-second pause followed. Finally, the satisfying “thunk” of the contactor pulling in signaled that the pump was now getting power. The sequence was flawless. This test perfectly illustrates its value: by allowing the water valves to open fully *before* the pump engages, the system is spared the violent shock of a pressure surge. This same logic applies to countless other scenarios, such as allowing duct dampers in an HVAC system to open before the blower fan starts, ensuring proper airflow from the very first second. The implementation is so straightforward, yet its impact on system health is monumental.
Precision Under Pressure: The Wide-Range Adjustable Timer
The true genius of the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make lies in its incredible timing flexibility. The adjustable range of 6 seconds to 8 minutes is not just wide; it’s transformative, allowing this single component to address a vast spectrum of problems. On the shorter end of the scale (6-30 seconds), it’s perfect for operational sequencing, like the irrigation pump example. It can also be used to stagger the startup of multiple large fans or motors on the same circuit, preventing a massive inrush current spike that could trip a breaker. We found the potentiometer used for adjustment to be responsive and reasonably easy to set. While it’s not a digital timer with to-the-millisecond accuracy, it provides more than enough precision for these mechanical applications.
Where the Supco TD69 truly shines, however, is at the longer end of its range. Setting the delay to 3-5 minutes turns it into one of the most effective short-cycle protectors for air conditioning and refrigeration compressors. A “short cycle” occurs when a compressor is shut off and then quickly turned back on, often due to a brief power flicker or a user rapidly changing the thermostat. This forces the motor to start against the extremely high head pressure still present in the refrigerant lines, causing immense strain, overheating, and eventual failure. By installing the Supco TD69, we ensure that after any power interruption, the compressor is forced to wait for several minutes before it can even attempt to restart. This provides ample time for the system pressures to equalize, allowing for a safe, low-stress startup. This single feature, which can be found on this remarkably affordable device, can prevent thousands of dollars in compressor replacement costs, making it one of the highest-value upgrades one can make to an older HVAC system.
Built for the Trenches: Durability and Installation Simplicity
A control component is only as good as its ability to be installed easily and forgotten. The Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is clearly designed with the field technician in mind. The physical unit is a solid, epoxy-filled block, making it impervious to the vibrations that are a constant in any mechanical room. We subjected it to knocks and shakes on our test bench, and its performance was unwavering. This solid-state design is a massive improvement over older mechanical timers with moving parts that can wear out or pneumatic ones that can be affected by dirt and humidity.
Installation was refreshingly simple. Its single-hole mounting design means you just need to drill one small hole in a control panel or junction box, push the threaded stud through, and tighten the nut. It’s far less cumbersome than trying to align multiple screws for a larger mounting plate. The wiring is just as easy. In the most common configuration, you simply interrupt the 24V power wire going to the component you want to delay (like a contactor coil), connecting the two leads of the TD69 in series. The non-positional mounting means you don’t have to worry about which way is “up,” a small but appreciated detail when working in a tight, awkward space. This combination of a rugged build and dead-simple installation means less time on the job and more confidence that the solution will last for years, a fact that makes this a go-to part for professionals.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive findings are consistently echoed in the feedback from users who have deployed the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make in the field. The general sentiment is one of “problem solved.” The most compelling reports often come from individuals who were facing persistent, frustrating issues that other solutions couldn’t fix. For example, one user perfectly articulated a classic application: “I needed my sprinkler pump to not come on at the exact same time that the water solenoids open because I was having a problem with a surge in pressure… Added this to the control circuit for the pump… problem solved.” This is a textbook case of what this device is designed for, and it validates our own testing and observations perfectly. Many others praise its reliability as a short-cycle timer for HVAC units, often noting that it’s a simple, inexpensive fix for a potentially catastrophic problem. The consensus is that it is a dependable, “set-it-and-forget-it” component that performs its specific job flawlessly.
Functional Timing vs. Sonic Ambiance: Supco TD69 Against the Creative Competition
In the world of product terminology, the word “delay” can lead you down two very different paths. The Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is a master of functional, electrical delay, designed to control and protect machinery. The following alternatives, however, are masters of auditory, creative delay and reverb, designed to shape sound for musical expression. We’re comparing them not to suggest one is a replacement for the other, but to clarify their distinct purposes and help you choose the right tool for your unique needs—whether that’s protecting a pump or crafting the perfect guitar tone.
1. Caline CP-26 Snake Bite Hall Reverb Pedal
- Experience three types of delay: digital, analog, and tape delay modes
- Easily control the delay with adjustable time, repeat, and level settings
- Enjoy high-quality sound with the True Bypass foot switch that ensures a crystal-clear signal
The Caline CP-26 is a digital reverb pedal that creates the illusion of space and ambiance for an instrument like an electric guitar. Where the Supco TD69 creates a pause in time, the Caline pedal creates a trail in sound. It simulates the sound of a guitar being played in a large hall, with reflections and sonic decay that add depth and character. Its controls for “Decay,” “Mix,” and “PRD” (pre-delay) allow a musician to finely tune the size and character of this virtual room. A musician would choose the Caline Snake Bite to add atmosphere to their music, making it sound bigger and more immersive. An HVAC technician or engineer would find no use for it, just as a guitarist would be unable to create an echo with the Supco TD69.
2. JOYO JF-08 Digital Delay Effect Pedal
- JOYO Digital Delay guitar effect pedal, features a special filter circuit to closely reproduce the sounds of analog delay. Delay time range: 25ms-600ms.
- Combining this digitally emulated analogue delay with any overdrive or distortion puts you in solo heaven and will make your solo's sound huge and epic.
- True Bypass provide transparent tone to keep the best tone quality, aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong.
The JOYO JF-08 gets closer in name but is worlds apart in function. This is a classic digital delay pedal that records an incoming audio signal and plays it back a moment later, creating distinct echoes. The “Time,” “Repeat,” and “Level” knobs control the timing of the echoes, the number of repetitions, and their volume, respectively. This allows for effects ranging from a quick “slapback” echo to long, cascading, rhythmic repeats. A guitarist uses this to add rhythmic complexity or a sense of vastness to their playing. The JOYO JF-08 manipulates an audio signal for creative effect, while the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make manipulates a 24-volt electrical signal for the functional, protective sequencing of machinery.
3. Walrus Audio Slö Multi Texture Reverb
- Allows players to create lush, modulated, sleepy and ambient soundscapes
- Dark – add a lower octave to your reverb trail. Here you'll create deep and wide atmospheric sounds and channel nightmarish soundscapes. X knob sets the level of a -1 octave signal that feeds the...
- Rise – this is an auto-swell reverb for beautiful cinematic swells. Don't rush it. Let it breathe and gently wake up. X knob sets the amount of time It takes the reverb to swell in after a note is...
The Walrus Audio Slö represents the high end of creative, ambient effects. It’s a “multi-texture” reverb pedal that goes beyond simple room simulation to create lush, modulated, and otherworldly soundscapes. With modes like “Dark,” “Rise,” and “Dream,” it can add shimmering octave-up effects or ambient swells to the reverb trails. This is a tool for sonic exploration, favored by musicians in ambient, post-rock, and worship genres to create complex, evolving textures. While it is a marvel of audio engineering, its purpose is purely artistic. Someone choosing the Walrus Audio Slö is looking to paint with sound, a fundamentally different goal than the person choosing the Supco TD69, who is looking for a reliable, invisible guardian for their expensive equipment.
The Final Verdict: Is the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make the Right Component for Your Project?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is an exceptional component that delivers exactly what it promises with unwavering reliability. It is a purpose-built problem-solver for a very specific, yet common, set of challenges in HVAC, irrigation, and other automated systems. Its wide delay range, robust solid-state construction, and incredible ease of installation make it a standout choice. It provides a level of control and protection that can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs for a remarkably small investment. We recommend it without hesitation to any technician, engineer, or advanced DIYer who needs to implement a “delay on make” sequence in a 24-volt control circuit. It is not a flashy gadget, but a professional-grade tool that does its vital job perfectly.
If you’re ready to add a crucial layer of protection to your equipment and put an end to the destructive forces of electrical surges and mechanical strain, the Supco TD69 Time Delay On Make is the definitive choice for the job.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API