American Time Blog

High-quality clocks that stay in precise synchronization must have access to two important sources to operate successfully: A power source and a time source.

However, terms like “wireless clocks” and “wired clocks” are commonly used but often misunderstood. In this article, you’ll learn more about these terms and what they mean for synchronized clocks in your building. 

Is your internet router in a place that can be bumped by people in the office? Do you see students jump up to slap that exit sign above the door?

Guards for clocks and other pieces of vital equipment protect your investment from damage, vandalism, and theft. After all, it's not just the equipment you have to think about, but the environment that surrounds it.

• In schools, clocks, exit signs and other assets are magnets for students goofing around or the errant gym ball.
• On shop floors, debris, sprays and dust can coat your equipment and impact their ability to operate. Lots of moving people and equipment can also easily damage an asset.
• Theft or accidental damage is possible in any building. Guards keep your assets protected, clean, and optimized.

There are even more environments where protective guards can save time, money and headaches. Here’s a look at the types of equipment guards available, why they're important, and the best environments for them.

Accurate, synchronized clocks in your building, school or facility are more than a convenience. When clocks display the wrong time or different times from each other, major disruptions and even risks can happen, such as….

• Meetings, classes or shifts start and end at different times, causing confusion and inefficiency
• Wages or compensation are disputed
• Critical tasks like surgeries, food prep or manufacturing processes aren’t tracked or reported accurately
• Maintenance staff spend too much time on clock repairs and adjustments

If you're tasked with selecting a clock system for your organization, the idea might be easy at first: You just buy some clocks and hang them on the walls, right?

But synchronized clock technology offer many options, and the best decision for you depends on the needs of your organization. Here, we'll help determine which type of clock is best for you depending on your industry and the type of building you're responsible for keeping on time.

In rare cases, clocks that are supposed to display precise time and synchronize with each other may fall out of time. Here are a few quick and easy ways to troubleshoot and keep them ticking on the right time.

Superior looks don't always translate to a superior experience. Many brands redesign a logo or packaging just to get you to try the same old product.

But sometimes, improving a product's appearance means a better user experience by definition. That's what happened with American Time's new Power over Ethernet digital (PoE) clocks, an upgrade resulting in a product that works as good as it looks.

Like the previous model, the PoE Global clocks get both their power and time signal from an Ethernet connection without the use of a master controller. The new model marks an evolution from the previous generation by bringing upgrades in both appearance and functionality — and providing proof that those two things can be one and the same.  

If you're in charge of building or improving the infrastructure of your school or factory, there is a lot to think about. If a system of synchronized clocks is on your list, you may have more options than you realized — thanks to all the advances in PoE clocks.

Many devices can be powered by an Ethernet cable that runs overhead or from behind a wall — including clocks. Power over Ethernet (PoE) has become a popular way to provide power and information to Internet Protocol (IP) clock networks for a couple of compelling reasons: saving money and easy installation.

Deciding what type of network clock you need, whether it be Wi-Fi or PoE (Power Over Ethernet), all depends on the connection to the internet in your facility. Some buildings may have more accessibility than others, so it's really up to you when purchasing your clock system. Here are some tips for determining what will work best for you.

Power over Ethernet PoE Network Clocks are today's energy-efficient standard in synchronized time, receiving both power and time updates through one cable connected to your facility's Ethernet. No master clock, batteries or AC power needed. PoE clocks are the maintenance-free choice. Download the free whitepaper to learn more.