This sheet is a brief guide to churches concerning the installation of an automatic corrector on a turret clocks.

When an automatic winder has been installed on a church clock, the time keeping will vary and over a period of time the error may build up to an unacceptable limit. This can be corrected manually by the clock carer, but sometime access to a clock is difficult or hazardous. An automatic corrector is the solution in such a case. The corrector takes its time from radio transmissions such as MSF in England or from the GPS satellites. A comparison is then made between the indicated time on the clock and a correction made. Correction to a clock is done by the pendulum, it can be arrested temporarily, altered by a magnetic field, or a speeded up or slowed down by mechanical finger. An automatic corrector will not make an unreliable clock any better.

What information a clockmaker should supply

A condition report on the complete clock installation.

Quotation for the supply and installation of an automatic corrector.

A definition of requirements for electrical supply.

A statement about warranty and public liability insurance

Comparing Quotations

Price is of course the first comparison, but there are other issues. Make sure that the quotations are for the same thing. A supplier may give a list of different options, make sure you understand what these are and if they are necessary. Warranty details need to be carefully studied not only for the length of the warranty period, but for exactly what is covered and whether call out and labour charges will apply. One approach is to assume there will be a failure in the first 10 years that will require a visit from the supplier. The life-time cost can then be assessed.

Lifetime

An automatic corrector is an electro-mechanical system, electronically controlled. Good electronics can last many years, but when it does fail there may be problems with obsolete parts and the whole unit might have to be replaced. There is no data on the lifetime of such systems, but it may be comparable with a domestic appliance such as a washing machine.

Faculty

A faculty is required for the installation of an automatic corrector.

Musts and Must Nots

Musts

The supplier should state that all work will be carried out in accordance with the Turret Clock Code of Practice issued by the Clocks Advisers Forum and approved by the Church Buildings Council (CBC)

All work to be carried out in a conservation-minded manner

Annual maintenance for the clock is still a requirement.

Always have a designated clock carer and an assistant

Must Nots

No holes to be drilled in frames. No parts to be removed.

Advice

The DAC clock adviser will be able to help in more detail. Contact the DAC secretary and ask for informal advice.

Sources of Information

The Turret Clock Keeper’s Handbook by Chris McKay

Free version http://www.turretclock.force9.co.uk

The Turret Clock Keeper’s Handbook New Revised Edition available from Amazon

Church Buildings Council https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare/church-buildings-council

Turret Clock Code of Practice http://www.clocksadvisersforum.uk/info.html

Salisbury DAC sarah.baines@salisbury.anglican.org or dan.cooke@salisbury.anglican.org 01722 438654