Why Choose the Finder 12.A4.8.230.0010 Astronomical Time Switch?
The Finder 12.A4.8.230.0010 is an advanced digital astronomical time switch with 0–10 V and PWM dimming control, designed for precise automatic lighting management in commercial, industrial and architectural installations. As part of the Finder 12 Series time switch range, this programmable device combines astronomical sunrise and sunset calculations with weekly scheduling to provide intelligent control of lighting intensity without requiring an external light sensor.
Featuring NFC smartphone programming, an illuminated LCD display and an integrated joystick, the Finder 12.A4 allows installers to configure lighting schedules quickly and efficiently. Its analogue output supports compatible 0–10 V or PWM dimmable LED drivers and lighting control equipment, enabling automatic adjustment of brightness according to programmed times and astronomical events.
Operating from a 110–230 V AC/DC supply, the 12.A4.8.230.0010 provides a 16 A changeover relay contact, up to 50 programmable events and a minimum programming interval of 1 minute. Its compact 35 mm DIN rail-mounted housing makes it ideal for electrical distribution boards, lighting control panels and building automation systems where accurate scheduling, energy efficiency and flexible dimming functionality are essential.
Key Advantages
- Advanced astronomical time switch with automatic sunrise and sunset calculations.
- 0–10 V or PWM analogue output for programmable lighting intensity control.
- 110–230 V AC/DC supply suitable for commercial and industrial electrical installations.
- 16 A changeover relay contact rated at 250 V AC.
- NFC smartphone programming using the Finder Toolbox app.
- Weekly scheduling with up to 50 stored programmes.
- Adjustable astronomical switching offsets of up to ±90 minutes.
- Automatic summer/winter time adjustment for supported regional settings.
- Integrated backlit LCD display and joystick for convenient local configuration.
- Programmable lighting output levels from 0–99% in 1% increments.
- Integrated auxiliary relay contact for disconnecting compatible lighting power supplies when required.
- Compact 35 mm DIN rail-mounted design for straightforward control panel installation.
- Battery-supported programming and timekeeping when the external supply is disconnected.
- Automatic dimming and scheduling can help reduce lighting energy consumption and operating costs.
Key Features
- Finder 12 Series astronomical time switch with weekly programming.
- 110–230 V AC/DC rated supply voltage.
- 50/60 Hz AC supply frequency.
- 1 changeover contact (SPDT) rated at 16 A and 250 V AC.
- 4,000 VA maximum AC1 switching capacity.
- 0–10 V analogue dimming output with a maximum output current of 10 mA.
- PWM dimming output operating at 300 Hz, with a maximum signal voltage of 30 V DC and maximum output current of 20 mA.
- 0–99% programmable output level with 1% resolution.
- Astronomical sunrise and sunset switching functions.
- Weekly time-based programming with 50 memory locations.
- 1-minute minimum programming interval.
- ±90-minute astronomical offset adjustment in 1-minute steps.
- NFC connectivity for programming with the Finder Toolbox smartphone application.
- Integrated joystick for manual configuration and operation.
- Backlit LCD display for programme settings and operating status.
- 4-digit PIN protection to restrict unauthorised programming changes.
- Automatic daylight-saving time adjustment.
- Internal replaceable CR2032 backup battery.
- IP20 protection rating for installation inside suitable electrical enclosures.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting in accordance with EN 60715.
- Suitable for operation at ambient temperatures from −20 to +50 °C.
Intelligent Astronomical Lighting Control and Energy-Efficient Dimming
The Finder 12.A4.8.230.0010 astronomical time switch provides intelligent lighting automation by calculating local sunrise and sunset times according to the installation location and date. Unlike conventional fixed-time switches, astronomical scheduling automatically follows seasonal changes in daylight hours, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments and eliminating the requirement for an external photocell.
The device combines astronomical scheduling with programmable 0–10 V or PWM lighting control, allowing compatible dimmable LED drivers and electronic ballasts to adjust lighting intensity throughout the day or night. Lighting levels can be programmed between 0% and 99%, enabling reduced brightness during periods of lower activity while maintaining higher illumination when required.
The integrated auxiliary relay contact can be programmed to disconnect the power supply to compatible lighting equipment when the analogue output falls below the specified threshold. This provides additional flexibility for lighting installations where complete power disconnection is required instead of leaving drivers or ballasts in standby operation.
With Finder Toolbox NFC programming, electrical installers can prepare and manage schedules using a compatible smartphone before transferring the configuration directly to the time switch. Alternatively, the built-in joystick and backlit LCD allow complete local programming without additional equipment. Its compact DIN rail design and flexible control options make it particularly suitable for modern building automation, commercial lighting and energy management systems.
Typical Applications
- Automatic street lighting and public area illumination.
- Commercial building exterior and architectural lighting.
- LED lighting systems with compatible 0–10 V or PWM dimmable drivers.
- Retail shop windows and illuminated display lighting.
- Advertising signs, billboards and illuminated signage.
- Car parks, pathways and access road lighting.
- Industrial premises and warehouse exterior lighting.
- Office buildings and commercial property lighting management.
- Security and perimeter lighting with astronomical scheduling.
- Hospitality, leisure and public building lighting control.
- Energy-saving lighting installations requiring scheduled dimming.
- Electrical distribution boards and building automation control panels.
