Daylight Saving Time (DST) is coming to an end Nov. 3 throughout the U.S. — except in those places like Hawaii and most of Arizona where DST isn't practiced. It's time to set our clocks back to Standard Time. While this might cause your body's internal clock to go haywire, it shouldn't cause your company operations to be chaotic as well. Here are a few tips to prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time.
Test Your System Clocks Ahead of Time
Be on top of time changes early to avoid calling the maintenance worker last minute on Sunday to change the clocks before class resumes Monday.
System clocks: First, unplug one system clock. Wait 10 minutes before plugging it back in. The clock should receive synchronization signals from the master at the recommended intervals and synchronize with the master. It could take up to 24 hours for the clock to display the proper time.
Wireless clocks: Remove the battery on wireless clocks and let the clock come to a complete stop. Reinstall the battery and wait 24 hours. As long as the master clock is working, the wireless clock should read the accurate time.
System controller: Check the system controller to ensure it displays the correct time, time zone and Daylight Saving Time setting.
If that all goes smoothly, you should have nothing to worry about. If it didn't, check your connections and master readout screens including power cables, antennas (where applicable), and plugs. Ensure all connections are secure. If the controller uses Ethernet, make sure the network settings on the master clock haven't changed.
If your network settings have changed or your clocks fail to reset, contact your information technology team, then call American Time support at 1-800-328-8996 for further assistance.
Check Battery Life
If it is a battery-operated clock that does not reset, check the voltage. If the battery is reading 1.5v or more, you shouldn't experience issues when the time changes. If the batteries are weak, make sure to change all of them. Don't mix new and old batteries.
American Time's Clocks and DST
If you own American Time's clocks — SiteSync IQ, PoE or Wi-Fi models — they automatically adjust to Daylight Saving Time. PoE and Wi-Fi clocks also adjust for international DST time changes. SiteSync IQ will automatically make DST adjustments to other systems in your building such as security, HVAC, and more.
So, don't let the time change sneak up on you. Be prepared and avoid a Monday morning headache.
