Category: EU stops clock changes

In 2021 the EU stops clock changes in March and October that could impact stair lighting. The UK Parliament is investigating this on the implications for commerce and business.  This could a problem for stair lighting due to old technology as follows.

  • The old digital and electro mechanical astro timer clocks have a fixed seasonal time changes that cannot be altered.
  • As the City of Edinburgh council used to maintain these systems, they purchased clocks with the time change facility built in.
  • The UK may have to get in line with the EU changes to help business. If this happens then the older astro timer clocks will continue to change their times twice a year.
  • New digital astro time clocks can be altered to include or exclude this option.
  • I will update this blog when the UK and Scottish governments decide if there is to be any changes.
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EU Seasonal Time Changes

Astro clock seasonal time changes

Seasonal clock changes In the EU will stop in 2021 the twice yearly clock changes for daylight savings , for more information. The UK parliament is also debating on the best way forward and will soon decide their response. If the UK follows them then the Edinburgh stair lighting astro clock summer winter time changes function will have to be altered in some models.

Will this affect Edinburgh stair lighting

Digital astro timer clocks

The 2 clocks on the right are the original 1st generation digital astro timer clocks that are approximately 30 years old. The one on the left can be adjusted to drop the twice yearly clock changes. The one on the right has this function built in so cannot be changed. Also the old electro mechanical clocks has this function built in so cannot be changed.

What needs to be done if the UK changes

So, far nothing needs to be done but if the government aligns UK time to Europe in 2021 then some stair lighting astro timer clocks will have to be replaced. The 2 digital clocks above have 30 year old technology and some are starting to fail. Also the older electro mechanical clocks are preset and will need changing. So, if you are the stair lighting organiser it would be wise to budget for this in the future.

Can AEW change the  astro timer clocks settings

If the changes go ahead AEW installed timer clocks still under warranty will be modified free of charge. An existing clock that can be modified then AEW as a courtesy can change this but there will be a nominal charge. If the clock cannot be modified then a free survey will take place and a quote forwarded to replace.

Extra information

To view the BBC video on why we change the the clocks

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