Beatrice Lang
Electric clocks are popular items for collectors, but they can present a fire risk, especially if the insulation on the wires has dried out and cracked. If you're looking to replace the movement of an electric clock, it's important to consider the potential safety hazards and the originality of the clock. Some collectors prefer to keep the original movement, even if it's noisy or non-functional, as it preserves the clock's authenticity. Others may opt for a quartz movement, which can provide a more accurate and reliable timekeeping option. Before making any decisions, it's crucial to assess the condition of the clock's wiring and motor to ensure they are safe to operate or repair.
How to Replace an Electric Clock Movement
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Old electric clocks can pose a fire risk due to dried and cracked insulation on wires. |
| Safety Disclaimer | When selling old electric clocks, include a disclaimer regarding potential safety risks and advise buyers to determine safe operation. |
| Original Movement | Collectors value originality, even if the clock is non-functional. Consider providing the original movement with the sale. |
| Replacement Options | Consider replacing the electric movement with a quartz movement, especially if the original is missing or beyond repair. Keep the original hands to preserve the clock's original appearance. |
| Stator Coil | The stator coil is typically durable, but the connection point to the power cord is fragile and prone to breakage. Rewinding the coil is possible but avoid low voltage. |
| Power Cord | Replace the power cord and secure it with a cord clamp. Use modern cord or THHN-rated wire, and ensure the connection point is secure with heavy-wall shrink tubing or glass cloth tape. |
| Fuse | Install a 315 or 500mA fuse in the active conductor for added protection. |
| Maintenance | Clean the mechanism, remove old oil, and lubricate with new oil. Be cautious with fiber gearwheels as they can be brittle. |
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What You'll Learn
Fire hazards and safety considerations
Electric clocks, especially older models, can pose safety risks due to their electrical components. When replacing an electric clock movement, it is essential to be aware of potential fire hazards and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe replacement process. Here are some detailed instructions and safety considerations to keep in mind:
Inspect the Power Cord and Wires: Before plugging in an old electric clock, carefully inspect the power cord, wires, and connections. Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed or brittle wires, loose connections, or disintegrating insulation. If the wiring is in poor condition, it can lead to electrical shorts, sparks, and potential fire hazards. Replace damaged power cords and wires with new, modern equivalents that meet current safety standards.
Check the Coil and Motor: Electric clocks with sealed motors or field coils may have wires that dry out and become stiff over time. This can lead to a higher risk of electrical shorts and sparks. Consider using heat-shrink tubing to create a new flexible insulator for these wires. Additionally, inspect the coil windings and wrapping. If they are loose or flaking, you can wrap them with electrical tape as a temporary solution. However, for a more permanent fix, consider replacing the coil or motor with modern equivalents.
Ground the Movement: Grounding the movement of the clock can enhance safety. Use a grounded three-wire cord to provide a safer electrical pathway. Additionally, consider installing an inline fuse within the clock mechanism for added protection. This can help prevent electrical shorts and reduce the risk of fire.
Battery Safety for Quartz Mechanisms: If your electric clock uses a quartz mechanism, pay attention to battery safety. Always use fresh batteries and ensure they are inserted correctly. Old or leaking batteries can cause corrosion and increase the risk of electrical shorts. Additionally, be cautious when handling and disposing of batteries, following local guidelines for battery disposal to minimise environmental impact.
Convert to Low Voltage Operation: Instead of using the original high-voltage movement, consider modifying the clock to run on low voltage. This modification can make the clock safer to operate while still preserving its original appearance. Consult a professional or seek guidance from clock enthusiast communities to ensure a safe and proper conversion.
By following these precautions and staying vigilant about potential electrical hazards, you can minimise the risk of fire when replacing an electric clock movement. Remember to prioritise safety and always work within your comfort level. If you encounter extensive electrical issues or unsafe conditions, it may be best to consult a clock repair specialist or electrician for assistance.
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Rewinding the stator coil
While there are no explicit step-by-step instructions for rewinding the stator coil of an electric clock movement, here is some information on the process of rewinding coils and stators in general.
Before rewinding the stator coil, it is important to determine the winding data. This involves placing the unit in a high-temperature burn-out oven, a process that can take up to 14 hours. After this, the coil data needs to be verified by an engineer, and a full set of coils will be manufactured.
The stator will then be prepared for the winding process. This involves sandblasting the stator with walnut shell media to avoid damaging the iron. Any sharp edges will be filed down, and the stator slots will be filled with a glastic filler for insulation. Once the coils are inserted, another layer of glastic filler will separate the top and bottom coils in the same slot.
After the winding process, the stator will be cured in an oven for up to 15 hours, depending on the coil size and insulation used. Finally, the stator is cooled, and excess varnish is removed before assembly.
Some companies offer specialised rewinding services for electric clock movements, such as Telechron, Revere, GE, Hammond, Sessions, and Seth Thomas. These services can provide period-accurate restorations, replicating the original coils exactly.
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Replacing the cord
Firstly, ensure that the splice or connection point is 100% secure. Use heavy wall shrink tubing or 3M #27 Glass Cloth tape to secure the connection to the coil. It is important that there is absolutely no source of strain or movement of the wiring inside the clock's case.
Next, use cable clamps, tie wraps, and a cord clamp to secure the cord so it can't be pulled out. Do not use a knot.
If you want to take it a step further, use a 3-wire power cord and tie the ground to the metal frame of the coil. You can also use a GFCI-protected circuit, which will protect the clock much better than a fuse.
Finally, to address the fire risk associated with old electric clocks, it is good practice to replace the cord, fit a 315 or 500mA fuse in the active conductor, and clean the mechanism.
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Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism
To clean and lubricate the mechanism of an electric clock movement, begin by removing the movement from the clock case. This typically involves removing the clock hands, unscrewing mounting screws at the back or under the baseboard, and carefully lifting out the movement. If the clock face is still attached to the movement by pillars and tapered pins, gently pull out the pins to detach the face.
Before cleaning, it is crucial to release the spring tension on all the clock springs to ensure safe handling. Use a toothpick to thoroughly clean the hidden parts of the teeth, ensuring they are free of any dust or grime buildup.
For lubrication, use a high-quality clock oil specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid inferior products as they tend to dry out quickly, hindering the clock's movement. Place a single drop of oil in each countersink, or "oil well," located around each pivot on the outside of both side plates. Additionally, lubricate the winding spring shafts, click springs, and ratchets for winding springs. Remember not to oil the gears and pinions, as this can lead to dust accumulation and impede the smooth rotation of the gears.
Springs require special attention and should be lubricated with spring grease. If they are housed in barrels, they may need to be removed, cleaned, regreased, and replaced after extended periods, such as every 20 years. This process may require special equipment, so consider seeking assistance from a professional clock repairer. For open springs, unwind them as much as possible, wipe off any excess dirt, and use fine wet and dry paper to smoothen the surface. Apply spring grease to both sides, winding them back into the movement as you proceed.
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Using a quartz movement
Quartz clock movements are highly accurate and have been adjusted at the factory for precise timekeeping. They are also equipped with an Auto Night Shut-off feature, which is set to 10 pm to 6 am. The SET button is used to advance the strike by one hour, but this will not move the hands.
When replacing the movement with a quartz movement, you will need to use two fresh "C" size alkaline batteries, installed according to the + and - symbols. It is important not to mix old and new batteries or to mix alkaline and non-alkaline batteries. Ensure the batteries are fully inserted, with the + and - tabs positioned correctly on the circular metal contact area.
If your clock has a pendulum, you will need to release the pendulum guide from the transport-locking pin by gently pushing it sideways. Hang the pendulum on the guide. If your clock has a speaker mounted directly to the movement, you will need to temporarily remove it to install the batteries. Grasp the outer edges of the speaker and pull gently, being careful not to damage the centre. Reattach the speaker after installing the batteries and setting the chime options.
To set the time, use the minute hand or the Time Setting knob. Do not turn the hour hand to set the time—it will turn automatically with the minute hand. After setting the time, allow the clock to operate for at least one hour for the chime sequence to become fully functional.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric clocks can present a fire hazard, especially if the insulation on the wires has dried out and cracked. Before replacing the movement, check for old, brittle wiring and replace it with a modern cord or THHN-rated wire. Secure the connection point with heavy wall shrink tubing or glass cloth tape and ensure there is no strain on the wiring inside the clock case.
It is recommended to keep the original movement if possible, as collectors value originality. You can replace the movement with a quartz movement, but this may reduce the value of the clock for collectors.
One of the biggest issues with electric clock movements is the connection point where the tiny magnet wire is attached to an old, brittle, deteriorated rubber power cord. The stator coil can also deteriorate over time, especially if the clock has been stored in a garden shed or similar environment.
If your clock is not ticking, you may need to replace the movement. Other signs that the movement may need replacing include noisy operation and a frozen mechanical gear.
