Ferranti Electric Clock

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Manufacturer	Ferranti
Model	Unknown
Age	1930s?
Service Data	No
Condition	Poor, face is scratched and stained, cover glass is missing.
Dimensions	About 12" (300mm) high.
Comments	This clock is based on a synchronous motor, which drives the hands through a simple gear train. Synchronous clocks became popular in the 1930s as electricity suppliers started to produce a supply with a well regulated frequency (50Hz became the UK standard, but not until much later. DC and 25Hz supplies were common until the 1940s). The early power stations often had their frequency compared with an accurate impulse clock (eg, Synchronome) so that there was an average of 50 Hz over a 24 hour period frequency being adjusted by altering the speed of generator! Initially, the drive for accurate power frequency came form the users of synchronous motors and clocks, but later it became vital as power stations were linked together to form the national grid.