Hi, my goal is to use simple in line components to act as a half second timer delay when operating a 12 V 8amp device.
Is it possible to use only a capacitor and a resistor (to bleed off off power so the cap does not store power and won't give me another half second delay the next time I use it)?
Thanks!!!

 

Is it possible to use only a capacitor and a resistor (to bleed off off power so the cap does not store power and won't give me another half second delay the next time I use it)?

It may be possible but, since my crystal ball is offline, can't really know until you post a complete circuit diagram of what you are proposing.

 

It may be possible but, since my crystal ball is offline, can't really know until you post a complete circuit diagram of what you are proposing.

I am obviously a beginner, hopefully this diagram will answer your question:

 

I am guessing that the goal is to delay an 8 amp bulb lighting for half a second after power is switched on. Evidently there is a requirement that this delaymust occur every time the bulb is switched on. A capacitor able to delay the rise of voltage in a circuit delivering 8 amps will be rather large and very expensive, and discharging it will be a big waste of energy. So that is not the way to go. Not at all.
what event happens that there must be a half second delay before the bulb is powered. Is this an incandescent lamp bulb, or an LED type device?
So describe to us also, should the turn on be slower? or instant?
The very simple approach will be a time delay relay that is triggered to light the bulb, and half a second later switches the power on.

 

I am obviously a beginner, hopefully this diagram will answer your question:

Easier to read picture:

It isn't clear to me from your text or diagram if you're looking for a delayed on or delayed off. How accurate does the half second need to be?

 

I am guessing that the goal is to delay an 8 amp bulb lighting for half a second after power is switched on. Evidently there is a requirement that this delaymust occur every time the bulb is switched on. A capacitor able to delay the rise of voltage in a circuit delivering 8 amps will be rather large and very expensive, and discharging it will be a big waste of energy. So that is not the way to go. Not at all.
what event happens that there must be a half second delay before the bulb is powered. Is this an incandescent lamp bulb, or an LED type device?
So describe to us also, should the turn on be slower? or instant?
The very simple approach will be a time delay relay that is triggered to light the bulb, and half a second later switches the power on.

thank you for your input. I was concerned that the capacitor would be too large. I have found a time delay relay that looks promising. Thank you for your help!

 

On many occasions the best answers come from a stated problem rather than from a request for help with a proposed solution.

For the timer, the current rating will be the challenge. An intermediate relay to handle the 8 amp load may be required.