Wiktor Wise
Electric and magnetic fields, also known as EMFs, are generated by anything that uses or moves electricity. EMFs are energy waves that surround electrical devices that are plugged in and turned on. Electric clocks, such as alarm clocks, ovens, and microwaves, run on 60 Hertz (Hz), alternating current (ac) electricity, and use pulses to count the seconds and keep time. These electrical waves can affect electric clocks, causing them to fall out of sync or display the incorrect time. This can be adjusted manually, but it is a nuisance for those who rely on accurate timekeeping. Additionally, EMF radiation from alarm clocks has been linked to impaired sleep quality and potential health issues, making the selection of a suitable clock essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of clocks affected | Electric clocks that need to be plugged into a power source |
| Type of clocks unaffected | Clocks run by battery, phone clocks, light alarms |
| Impact on other appliances | No damage to appliances or light bulbs |
| Impact on human health | EMF radiation from electric clocks can inhibit the body's ability to produce melatonin |
| Solution | Use low-EMF alarm clocks, reset the clock to the correct time, or manually adjust the clock daily, monthly, or yearly |
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What You'll Learn
Electric clocks and their reliance on power grids
Electric clocks, particularly older models, are reliant on the power grid's frequency to keep time. These clocks use the pulses of alternating current (AC) electricity to count the seconds and keep time. The frequency of the power system is typically 60 Hertz (Hz) or 50 Hz in some places, which means 60 or 50 pulses of current flow every second.
The accuracy of these electric clocks depends on how close the electric utilities keep the frequency of their current to the nominal value of 50 or 60 Hz. While the actual frequency may vary due to load variations on the grid, the total number of cycles in a day is maintained to ensure accurate timekeeping over long periods. For example, utilities adjust the frequency of their current using UTC atomic clock time to ensure the average frequency over a day is the nominal value, preventing the accumulation of errors in synchronous clocks.
The reliance on power grid frequency can lead to issues with timekeeping in electric clocks. For instance, in 2016, it was noted that without the implementation of TECs (Timing Error Correction Systems), electrically timed clocks in the United States and Canada would have lost several minutes over time, requiring semi-annual resets for Daylight Saving Time. Additionally, fluctuations in grid frequency can cause electric clocks to display the wrong time, requiring manual resetting.
While modern digital clocks often have cheap quartz timepieces, older electric clocks with synchronous AC motors driving mechanical movements are more susceptible to these power grid frequency variations. These clocks include wall clocks, alarm clocks, and appliance clocks. It is worth noting that clocks with a digital display are less likely to be affected, as they are not reliant on the power grid's frequency for timekeeping.
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The impact of EMF radiation from alarm clocks on sleep
The human body repairs itself at night while we sleep. However, the EMF radiation from electronic devices such as alarm clocks can interfere with this process.
EMF radiation, or electromagnetic radiation, is emitted by all digital alarm clocks, regardless of whether they are battery-powered or plugged into a wall. This radiation can affect the body's electromagnetic field and cause several issues, including irregular heartbeats, sleep disturbances, insomnia, headaches, hypertension, anxiety, and nightmares.
A recent study by a university's Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering found that EMF radiation inhibits the body's ability to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This is because the pineal gland, which produces melatonin, interprets the radiation as light and prevents you from falling asleep. As a result, the quality of sleep is diminished.
To improve sleep quality and overall health, it is recommended to reduce EMF radiation exposure in the bedroom. This can be achieved by using a low-EMF alarm clock, moving the alarm clock away from the bed, or opting for a mechanical wind-up alarm clock. Additionally, keeping cell phones and other EMF-emitting devices away from the bed can also reduce exposure.
Low-EMF alarm clocks, such as the Braun Classic Analog Alarm Clock, emit little to no EMF radiation and can help improve sleep quality. Some low-EMF alarm clocks also have features like a crescendo alarm, which gradually increases in volume to gently wake you up instead of a sudden loud noise.
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Electric clocks vs. battery-operated clocks
Electric clocks and battery-operated clocks each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the user's specific needs, preferences, and available resources. Here is a detailed comparison between the two types of clocks:
Installation and Flexibility:
Battery-operated clocks offer ease of installation and flexibility as they do not require dealing with tangled wires behind walls. They can be easily moved from one room to another without worrying about disconnecting and reconnecting wires. On the other hand, electric clocks require handling wiring and can be more challenging to install and relocate.
Power Source and Reliability:
Battery-powered clocks are resilient as they are not affected by power outages, ensuring that you always have a working clock during crises. However, batteries need to be replaced routinely, which can be inconvenient and may offset the initial ease of installation. Electric clocks, once set up, generally require less maintenance and can be more reliable in the long run, provided there are no power disruptions.
Accuracy and Timekeeping:
Electric clocks often rely on the power grid's frequency to keep time, counting the pulses of alternating current (AC) electricity. While this usually provides an accurate time source, minor fluctuations in the power system's frequency can cause these clocks to drift and require manual resetting. Battery-operated clocks, on the other hand, are generally not affected by power frequency issues and may provide more consistent timekeeping, depending on their specific mechanisms.
Cost and Maintenance:
Battery-powered clocks may incur additional costs over time due to the need for regular battery replacements. Electric clocks, once installed, typically have lower maintenance requirements, but the initial setup may be more costly and time-consuming.
In summary, battery-operated clocks offer simplicity, flexibility, and independence from power outages, while electric clocks provide a more permanent solution with potentially lower long-term maintenance needs. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the user's priorities regarding installation, maintenance, accuracy, and cost considerations.
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The accuracy of electric clocks
Most electric devices, such as alarm clocks, ovens, and microwaves, use these pulses to count the seconds and keep time. The power system's frequency is known as "Hertz (Hz)". Many electric clocks run on 60Hz "alternating current (ac)" electricity, which consists of 60 pulses of current every second.
In addition, the accuracy of mechanical, electromechanical, and quartz clocks can be reduced by temperature fluctuations. This has led to the development of atomic clocks that measure the frequency of an atom's vibrations to keep time more accurately.
To ensure the accuracy of electric clocks, it is recommended to manually reset the clock to the correct time if any changes are noticed.
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How to manually reset an electric clock
Electric clocks are affected by the power grid's frequency. The power system's frequency is 60 Hertz (Hz), which means 60 pulses of current flow every second. This is what electric clocks use to count the seconds and keep time.
If you notice that your electric clock is displaying the wrong time, you can manually reset it. Firstly, check that the clock is receiving a signal. To do this, press and release the red button at the back of the clock. You can also try removing and reinserting its batteries. The clock will then emit a double beep and begin searching for a signal. Once a signal is received, the clock will automatically reset its time.
If your clock does not automatically reset, you can try manually setting the time. To do this, first set the second hand to the 12 o'clock position. Then, the minute hand will begin to advance towards the correct time. As the hands approach the correct time, they will pause for about 5 seconds at either the 4, 8, or 12 o'clock position, whichever comes just before the actual time. After the pause, the hands will continue advancing until they reach the correct time. Finally, the second hand will speed up to reach the correct time, then continue moving at its normal speed of one second per second.
Please note that this method is for analog clocks and may not work for digital clocks. Additionally, this will not affect clocks run by battery or phone clocks, only those that need to be plugged into electricity to function.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric and magnetic fields, also known as EMFs, are generated by anything that uses or moves electricity. EMFs can impact clocks, especially those with synchronous AC motors driving mechanical movements. Wall clocks that run on batteries are less likely to be affected.
If your wall clock is plugged into an electric outlet, it is likely emitting EMFs. You can use an EMF meter to measure the electric and magnetic fields around your clock.
No, not all clocks are affected equally. Digital clocks and those with quartz timepieces are less likely to be influenced by electrical waves. Clocks with mechanical movements, such as older model table clocks, are more susceptible.
You can try to minimise the number of electronic devices in your bedroom, especially those close to your bed. Consider switching to a battery-operated wall clock or investing in devices that protect against EMFs, such as the Lifetune Zone or Somavedic.
Electrical waves will not damage your wall clock, but they may affect its accuracy. Strong electrical activity, such as during a storm, can also impact the performance of radio-controlled clocks.
