Electric Clock Repair

When clocks don't piece of work, we're belatedly for something. This Set up-It Guide on electric clock repair tells how an electric clock works, what often goes incorrect, how to place an electric clock problem, and what parts and tools you will demand to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to disassemble an electric clock and how to repair an analog alert clock machinery that doesn't ring on time, and how to repair an analog warning clock mechanism that doesn't band at all. This Fix-Information technology Guide as well refers to electrical string repair and motor repair for specific problems.

How Does an Electric Clock Work?

A clock is an instrument for measuring time. Electric clocks rely on the 60-cycle-per-second alternations of household current (AC) to ensure accurate timekeeping.

A synchronous motor inside an analog clock drives a gear train, which in turn moves the clock'due south hands. Older clocks may have metal gears, but the gears of new clocks are mostly made of plastic to reduce operating dissonance–and manufacturing costs.

When an alarm is set on an analog clock, a cam gear presses against a lever, which in plow holds a vibrator arm to a higher place a frame. At the preset time, the cam gear moves outward, allowing the vibrator arm to repeatedly contact, or buzz, the frame.

Digital clocks rely on electronic circuitry instead of gears and levers. If a component fails, however, the clock will probably have to be replaced considering nigh are difficult to repair.

What Can Become Wrong with an Electrical Clock?

So why won't your electric clock work? On analog clocks, hands can work loose, gear teeth can habiliment down or break, the clock may not run at all or may keep time poorly, or the clock tin can be noisy. On digital clocks, the cord or battery may not deliver power to the motor.

Fix-It Tip

With an inexpensive clock, it may not be worth your time to attempt repair. But earlier tossing the entire clock, cheque a local craft or electronic shop for a replacement digital clock mechanism.

How Tin I Place an Electrical Clock Trouble?

If you're tardily for work, mayhap you can blame–and prepare–the clock. Here are some typical problems:

  • If the hands piece of work loose, use pliers to squeeze the easily tighter to the central shaft.
  • If the clock does non run, make sure that the power is on at the outlet and test the electrical cord.
  • If the clock yet does not run or keeps time poorly, disassemble the clock (see below) and remove any dirt or lint obstructing the motor or gears. As well, use a multimeter to test the field coil within the clock. Check the gears for wear; replace the clock if the gears are damaged or worn beyond utilise.
  • If the clock is noisy, check for loose parts or a dry shaft. Secure a rattling crystal with a drib of clear silicone adhesive. Tighten motor mounting screws. Apply a drop of light oil at the point where the motor shaft exits the housing.

Circumspection

Always remember to unplug the clock before disassembling and working on it.

What Do I Need for Electrical Clock Repair?

Electric Clock Repair

Digital electric clocks are made primarily of circuit boards that can't be repaired by the typical consumer.

You can notice replacement parts from the manufacturer or through aftermarket suppliers. In add-on, you tin detect digital clock units at larger craft stores. The tools you'll demand to ready an electric clock include these:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Pocketknife
  • Electric contact cleaner
  • Multimeter

What Are the Steps to Electric Clock Repair?

Disassemble an electric clock:

  1. Unplug the clock from the electrical outlet.
  2. Carefully pry off the face cover with a knife blade.
  3. Remove the screws from the case and slide the motor and gears out.
  4. If necessary, de-solder the power cord leads from the field coil terminals to remove the cord.

Repair an analog alert clock mechanism that sounds at the wrong time:

  1. Pull the alarm lever out and turn the clock hands until the alert goes off
  2. Unplug the clock and pry off the crystal.
  3. Movement the alarm hand until it agrees with the time the alarm sounds.

Repair an analog alarm clock mechanism that doesn't ring at all:

  1. Access the alarm mechanism.
  2. Spray the alarm mechanism with electrical contact cleaner.
  3. Make clean the vibrator arm.
  4. Carefully bend the vibrator arm to adjust the gap betwixt the arm and frame equally needed.

Fix-It Tip

If you have an older clock that y'all like but can't repair, consider replacing the mechanism with an cheap digital clock mechanism.