What are Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clocks?
Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clocks are industrial clocks designed for hazardous areas where accurate and identical time must be displayed across multiple locations. They operate in a master slave configuration and synchronize using GPS, Ethernet, wired RS485, or optional wireless RF communication, so every clock displays the same time at the same moment.
Why are synchronized clocks important in hazardous industries?
In oil and gas, refineries, petrochemicals, and chemical plants, synchronized time supports process coordination, operator communication, maintenance activities, incident reporting, and regulatory documentation. A synchronized system removes time differences between departments so every location works off one official time.
What makes these clocks suitable for hazardous areas?
The clocks are housed in an Aluminium LM6 flameproof enclosure certified by CIMFR, Dhanbad for Gas Group I, II, IIA, and IIB areas. The enclosure is built to contain any internal ignition rather than let it reach the surrounding hazardous atmosphere.
How does the synchronized clock system work?
The system uses one master clock and multiple slave clocks. The master receives accurate time from GPS satellites or an Ethernet time server and distributes that same time to every connected slave over wired RS485 or optional wireless RF communication.
What synchronization options are available?
Depending on the application, the clocks can be configured with a GPS master clock, an Ethernet master clock, wired RS485 communication, or wireless RF mesh communication, matched to the plant's existing infrastructure.
What happens if communication with the master clock is interrupted?
Each slave clock holds an internal high accuracy timekeeping circuit with battery backup. If communication is temporarily lost, the slave clock keeps running independently and resynchronizes automatically once communication is restored.
Can the clocks continue operating during a power failure?
Yes. Battery backup preserves the correct time through a power interruption, and the clock resumes normal operation and resynchronizes with the master once power is restored.
How many clocks can be synchronized together?
A wired RS485 network supports up to 120 slave clocks per master. Wireless RF communication extends this further for larger installations without laying additional communication cable.
What display sizes are available?
The clocks are available with 2.5 inch and 4 inch high brightness LED displays, in HH:MM or HH:MM:SS formats depending on the model and viewing distance required.
Where are Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clocks commonly installed?
Typical installations include oil and gas plants, petroleum terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical manufacturing facilities, fertilizer plants, LPG bottling plants, paint manufacturing units, hazardous storage facilities, and offshore platforms.
Can the clocks be installed without communication cables?
Yes. Optional wireless RF mesh communication allows synchronized operation without RS485 cabling, which speeds up installation and lowers cost in large or existing facilities.
Why is GPS synchronization preferred in industrial plants?
GPS synchronization pulls highly accurate time directly from satellite signals, so every clock across the facility shows identical time without manual adjustment, which improves coordination between departments.
What are the advantages of using Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clocks?
Facility wide synchronized time display, a certified flameproof aluminium enclosure, GPS or Ethernet synchronization, wired RS485 or optional wireless RF communication, high brightness LED display, battery backup, suitability for hazardous environments, low maintenance, and reliable long term operation.
Who typically uses Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clocks?
Oil and gas companies, petrochemical plants, chemical manufacturers, refineries, fertilizer plants, power generation facilities, industrial automation contractors, EPC companies, and plant maintenance departments.
Why choose Ace Instruments?
Ace Instruments has more than 30 years of experience manufacturing industrial instrumentation and synchronized clock systems, with flameproof clock solutions built for reliable operation in hazardous environments and trusted by customers who need accurate, facility wide time synchronization with robust industrial construction.
How do I choose the right Digital Flameproof Synchronized Clock?
Selection depends on hazardous area classification, display size, synchronization method, communication preference, power supply, and installation environment. Our application engineers can help select the right system for oil and gas facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical industries, and other hazardous applications.
