Old Electric clock, best/safest way to connect?

timhoward · Sep 5, 2022

I accept this is an unusual post!
This clock has been in a family since early 1930's, the owners grandfather acquired it and fitted it for his mother. (Folk law is that it was one of the first electric clocks in Coventry, but who knows.)
I've been asked if it could be put into use again. As I rather like mad projects I said I'd have a look at it.

I've tested the coil resistance, and IR tested both sides of coil to metal case and was satisfied that it wasn't an instant electrical death trap. But it didn't work, even manually trying to get the motor to take. The motor wasn't moving freely so I've had it largely to bits, cleaned and oiled what I could, got it back together again (that is the truly amazing bit) and now to my delight it actually works.

Therefore the question is, what is the best was to connect a metal cased simple clock to a modern supply. Clock points are not really in abundance in houses these days.
Could it be as simple as a suitable grommet, flex, and plug with 1 amp fuse, and would you find a way to earth the casing? Other suggestions most welcome.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Old Electric clock, best/safest way to connect?

DPG · Sep 5, 2022

I'd personally got down the route of earthing the casing and feeding from a low amp fuse. If you could get a cable gland that would be ideal, but it doesn't look easy. Along as the connections Re covered and there is some method of securing the outer sheath then I can't seeca problem.

Nice to see it being kept in use.

westward10 · Sep 5, 2022

As above earth it and clamp the cable with one of these, they come in various sizes.

RS PRO Strain Relief Bush For Use With D-sub Connector | RS

uk.rs-online.com

lozarus · Sep 5, 2022

To be fair, a clock point would really complete the look!

It's a lovely thing either way

Flush Clock Connector Square | MK (995WHI)

DPG · Sep 5, 2022

lozarus said:
To be fair, a clock point would really complete the look!

It's a lovely thing either way

Flush Clock Connector Square | MK (995WHI)

I always wonder how many of those are sold each year.

lozarus · Sep 5, 2022

DPG said:
I always wonder how many of those are sold each year.

I have a fair selection of vintage ones. I do have a soft spot for them but can't say I've ever used one!

telectrix · Sep 6, 2022

stick one of these on it.

32 amp plug and wall mount socket 3 pin IP44 rated, caravan camping parks etc | eBay

32 AMP WALL MOUNTED SOCKET + 32 AMP PLUG.

www.ebay.co.uk

timhoward · Sep 6, 2022

telectrix said:
stick one of these on it.

32 amp plug and wall mount socket 3 pin IP44 rated, caravan camping parks etc | eBay

32 AMP WALL MOUNTED SOCKET + 32 AMP PLUG.

www.ebay.co.uk

We might as well do it properly.....

timhoward · Sep 6, 2022

Actually I should run a separate earth and use one of these beauties:

freddo · Sep 6, 2022

Nice clock, there often isn't much in the way of cord grips on old clocks as they mount on the wall usually to a clock point very near and are not likely to get disturbed much. Careful with the oiling, less is definitely more when it comes to clocks.

This will probably be the next clock I do, purchased by SWEB in 1970 for use in a meter testing station at a cost of £86/13/3. Despatched by Landis & Gyr in 7-8 months after receipt of order...

DPG · Sep 7, 2022

freddo said:
Nice clock, there often isn't much in the way of cord grips on old clocks as they mount on the wall usually to a clock point very near and are not likely to get disturbed much. Careful with the oiling, less is definitely more when it comes to clocks.

This will probably be the next clock I do, purchased by SWEB in 1970 for use in a meter testing station at a cost of £86/13/3. Despatched by Landis & Gyr in 7-8 months after receipt of order...
View attachment 101322

Very nice. The clock face has actually got quite a modern look.

freddo · Sep 7, 2022

DPG said:
Very nice. The clock face has actually got quite a modern look.

It's quite a modern clock, made in 1970. I wouldn't have thought there was much demand for mechanical master clocks in 1970? I've never seen an installed system still in working order.

Aaron b · Sep 7, 2022

What about using an isolating transformer? Perhaps salvaging one from a shavers socket and fitting it in a adaptable box.

timhoward · Sep 7, 2022

Aaron b said:
What about using an isolating transformer? Perhaps salvaging one from a shavers socket and fitting it in a adaptable box.

It’s so funny that I’d just been hunting in my scrap box for a shaver socket that I haven’t already misused….

But not for this project. My main concern would be the transformer getting warm inside a box.
If it was for my own shed it’s one thing, but this is for a customer so I should avoid creative hacks! I like your thinking though!

ipf · Sep 8, 2022

DPG said:
Very nice. The clock face has actually got quite a modern look.

He did say 1970........not 1870.

Old Electric clock, best/safest way to connect?

timhoward

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DPG

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westward10

RS PRO Strain Relief Bush For Use With D-sub Connector | RS

lozarus

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DPG

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lozarus

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telectrix

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32 amp plug and wall mount socket 3 pin IP44 rated, caravan camping parks etc | eBay

timhoward

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32 amp plug and wall mount socket 3 pin IP44 rated, caravan camping parks etc | eBay

timhoward

-

freddo

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DPG

-

freddo

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Aaron b

timhoward

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ipf

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