Molly Ayala
Electric clocks are those that are powered by electricity, as opposed to mechanical clocks, which are powered by a hanging weight or a mainspring. Some electric clocks creep forward due to a variety of reasons, including power outages, voltage fluctuations, radio frequency interference, and issues with the circuit or capacitors. These issues can cause the clock to lose or gain time, requiring manual adjustments to reset the correct time. Electric clocks can be synchronous, electromechanical, or quartz, and understanding the specific type can help identify the cause of any timekeeping inaccuracies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of creeping forward | Frequency of the electrical grid, voltage fluctuations, RFI problems, power spikes, drooping, temperature fluctuations, etc. |
| Types of clocks affected | Digital clocks, synchronous motor clocks, analog clocks, electromechanical clocks |
| Solutions | Manually reset the clock to the correct time, add an RFI filter, replace the entire mechanism, clean the battery compartment, check the mains frequency, contact the power company |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric clocks may be affected by power outages or fluctuations
- Digital clocks can be impacted by radio frequency interference
- The design of the circuit may be inaccurate
- Quartz crystal imperfections or temperature changes can affect timekeeping
- Analog clocks can lose time due to dust or leaky battery buildup
Electric clocks may be affected by power outages or fluctuations
Electric clocks that are plugged into the wall may be affected by power outages or fluctuations. Digital clocks convert the AC line voltage to DC and use a crystal oscillator. Power spikes and drooping can cause the power supplies that power routers to malfunction and require a reboot.
Electric devices like alarm clocks, ovens, and microwaves use pulses to count the seconds and keep time. These devices are designed to run at 60 Hertz (Hz), or 60 pulses of current per second. However, electricity providers are constantly balancing the electricity system to meet customer demand, so these pulses are constantly ebbing and flowing.
If you notice that your electric clocks are gaining time, you can manually reset them to the correct time. However, if multiple clocks in your home are gaining time, it may indicate that there is an issue with the electricity in your home, such as a higher than normal mains frequency. In this case, you can contact your electricity supplier to measure the frequency.
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Digital clocks can be impacted by radio frequency interference
Radio-controlled clocks are always right when they work properly, displaying the correct time down to the exact second. However, signal interference can cause issues with these clocks. Interference can be caused by other electronic devices, such as computer monitors, fluorescent lights, and devices with switching power supplies. Additionally, the building structure can also impact the signal; for example, a metal roof can block the signal, reducing its strength and preventing the clock from synchronizing.
To mitigate interference, it is recommended to keep the clock at least 1 to 2 meters away from potential sources of interference, such as computer monitors. If interference persists, taking the clock outdoors at night and resetting it can help it find the WWVB signal. If it works outdoors but not indoors, local interference within the building is likely the issue.
While radio frequency interference can impact radio-controlled clocks, it is important to note that this issue is rare. Additionally, battery-operated clocks or phone clocks are not affected by this issue, only those that need to be plugged into an electricity source.
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The design of the circuit may be inaccurate
Electric clocks can be affected by the quality of the electricity that powers them. The electricity supply may be inconsistent, with voltage fluctuations and radio frequency interference (RFI) causing the clock to lose or gain time. For example, a user on Reddit noted that their power company had intentionally increased the mains frequency, which caused their clocks to run faster.
Digital clocks, in particular, can be affected by RFI, which can interfere with the internal oscillator. Power spikes and voltage fluctuations can also cause issues with the power supply, requiring a reboot.
Synchronous electric clocks do not contain a timekeeping oscillator but instead count the oscillations of the AC utility current to keep time. The accuracy of these clocks depends on how close electric utilities keep the frequency of their current to the nominal value of 50 or 60 Hz. Frequency fluctuations due to utility load variations can cause errors of a few seconds during the day.
In summary, while there are many potential causes for electric clocks creeping forward, the design of the circuit may be a factor, with tolerance and mathematical errors potentially affecting the accuracy of the clock.
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Quartz crystal imperfections or temperature changes can affect timekeeping
Quartz clocks and watches are designed to keep time with an error of a few seconds per week, but sometimes more. Quartz crystals have a natural frequency that is affected by temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the frequency. Likewise, lower temperatures result in lower frequencies. This is why a quartz watch kept at a constant temperature will keep time better than one that is subjected to dramatic temperature changes.
The temperature sensitivity of quartz crystals used in watch movements is about 0.035 ppm/°C2. Assuming the crystal is tuned to exactly 32,768 Hz at 25°C, the operating temperature cannot deviate beyond a few degrees Celsius to keep time to within a few seconds a year. To compensate for temperature changes, thermocompensation is used. This involves determining the crystal's natural frequency at several temperature points and using a reference table to translate the new frequency to timekeeping.
Even if the quartz crystal could vibrate at a perfectly constant frequency, tiny imperfections in the gearing, friction, and other factors can introduce minute errors in timekeeping. These effects can lead to an inaccuracy of up to a second a day in typical quartz clocks and watches. However, it is important to note that a second lost one day may be compensated by a second gained the next day, resulting in overall accuracy within a few seconds per month.
Additionally, the presence of external magnetic fields can impact the timekeeping of analog quartz clocks. The Lavet-type stepping motors used in these clocks are driven by a magnetic field, and nearby magnetic sources can affect the rotor sprocket output. As a result, the mechanical output may temporarily stop, advance, or reverse, negatively impacting the correct timekeeping. Moving the clock away from the interfering magnetic source will usually restore correct mechanical output.
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Analog clocks can lose time due to dust or leaky battery buildup
Analog clocks, also known as electromechanical clocks, are powered by electricity, but their timekeeping function is regulated by a pendulum. They are different from mechanical clocks, which are powered by a hanging weight or a mainspring. Analog clocks can sometimes lose time due to dust or leaky battery buildup.
The most common cause of an analog clock losing time is buildup in the battery compartment, which prevents the battery from fully connecting with the clock mechanism. This buildup can be caused by a leaky battery or dust. To fix this, you need to remove the battery and check the leads for any residue. Using a file or another abrasive surface, gently rub away the buildup. If there is any remaining residue, wipe it away with a damp cloth and ensure that the leads are completely dry before reinserting the battery.
Analog clocks placed in dusty environments can also lose time due to buildup in the hand mechanism. To address this, you need to gently remove the hands by taking out the pin or threaded cap that holds them in place. This will allow you to clean the mechanism and ensure that dust is not interfering with the clock's movement.
It is important to note that electric clocks are sensitive to power fluctuations. They keep time by counting the oscillations of the AC utility current, and any changes in frequency can affect their accuracy. While electricity providers aim to maintain a consistent frequency, fluctuations can occur due to variations in utility load. These fluctuations can cause electric clocks to lose or gain time, requiring manual resetting.
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