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Master Clocks and
Time Distribution
Mitchell Janoff

About Crouse-Hinds

Crouse-Hinds was founded in 1897 in Syracuse, New York, by Jesse L. Crouse and Huntington B. Hinds. The company became one of America's leading manufacturers of electrical equipment for industrial and hazardous environments. While best known for their explosion-proof electrical fittings, conduit bodies, and traffic signals, Crouse-Hinds also produced a line of industrial time clocks designed for heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications.

The Crouse-Hinds Time Clock

The Crouse-Hinds time clock shown here is an industrial-grade programmable timing device designed to automatically switch electrical circuits on and off at predetermined times. Unlike a simple clock, this device was built to handle significant electrical loads and to operate reliably in demanding environments.

Construction

True to Crouse-Hinds' reputation for rugged construction, this time clock features:

  • Heavy-duty case: Built to withstand industrial environments with dust, vibration, and temperature extremes.
  • Precision movement: A synchronous or spring-wound clock movement (depending on the model) drives the program mechanism with reliable accuracy.
  • High-current contacts: Unlike the low-voltage contacts found in SWCC master clocks, the Crouse-Hinds time clock's switching contacts were rated for significant current loads, capable of directly switching motors, lighting circuits, and other heavy equipment.

The Program Mechanism

The programming of the Crouse-Hinds time clock is accomplished through a cam-operated switching system. Small pins or tabs can be set at specific positions around a program wheel that rotates once per 24 hours (or 7 days, in some models). As each pin reaches the switching point, it operates a cam that opens or closes the electrical contacts. This simple but effective mechanism allowed facility operators to create complex daily schedules without any electronic controls.

Typical Applications

Crouse-Hinds time clocks were used in a wide range of industrial and commercial settings:

  • Street and building lighting: Automatically switching lights on at dusk and off at dawn (or at preset times).
  • Ventilation and HVAC: Controlling fans, heaters, and air conditioning systems on a daily schedule.
  • Signage: Turning neon signs and advertising displays on and off.
  • Industrial processes: Starting and stopping machinery, pumps, or conveyor systems at scheduled intervals.
  • Time distribution: In some installations, triggering time signals or bells on a daily schedule.

Historical Significance

Crouse-Hinds time clocks represent the industrial side of time distribution -- where the focus was not on displaying accurate time but on using time to automate the built environment. These devices were the predecessors of modern building automation systems, performing many of the same functions that are now handled by computerized building management systems. Their robust mechanical construction meant that many Crouse-Hinds time clocks remained in service for decades, long after the company was acquired by Cooper Industries in 1981 (and later by Eaton Corporation).

Crouse-Hinds Time Clock face -- the dial showing time markings and program indicators Crouse-Hinds Time Clock face -- alternate angle showing the setting controls
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock face -- the dial showing time markings and program indicators Crouse-Hinds Time Clock face -- alternate angle showing the setting controls
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- the electromechanical mechanism that drives the clock and switching contacts Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- detail of the gear train and switching cam
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- the electromechanical mechanism that drives the clock and switching contacts Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- detail of the gear train and switching cam
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- internal view showing the heavy-duty construction Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- wiring and terminal connections
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- internal view showing the heavy-duty construction Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- wiring and terminal connections
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the case and mounting hardware Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- another view of the switching mechanism
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the case and mounting hardware Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- another view of the switching mechanism
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- close-up of the cam-operated switches Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the program wheel and setting pins
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock movement -- close-up of the cam-operated switches Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the program wheel and setting pins
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- assembled view from front Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- rear panel with wiring access
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- assembled view from front Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- rear panel with wiring access
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- detail of the contact mechanism Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- fully assembled clock ready for installation
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- detail of the contact mechanism Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- fully assembled clock ready for installation
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- additional view of the dial and case Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- side view showing case depth
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- additional view of the dial and case Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- side view showing case depth
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the complete unit Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- mounting bracket and installation hardware
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- the complete unit Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- mounting bracket and installation hardware
 
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- final assembled view
Crouse-Hinds Time Clock -- final assembled view