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Atomic Clocks: What They Are and How They Work

Can atomic clocks set themselves?

By Ron Fritz Ron Fritz Writer Ron Fritz is former Lifewire writer and a computer technology writer with over 15 years of experience with information technology and home automation products. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 13, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart Home Your Best Year Ever: College Tech Tips Amazon Appliances & Lighting Google Want to set your clock to the correct time? Then you’ll want to set it to an atomic clock. Atomic clocks are the most accurate timepieces in the world and are the standard by which all other timepieces are set. Although several atomic clocks exist around the world, the one used by home automation devices is located outside Boulder, Colorado. Lifewire / Tim Liedtke

What Is an Home Atomic Clock

When you purchase a clock that labels itself as an atomic clock, you are buying a device that synchronizes itself to the U.S. government’s official Atomic Clock outside Boulder, Colorado. Home atomic clocks are designed to receive a radio signal broadcast from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Colorado and to synchronize to that signal.

How to Use an Atomic Clock

Clocks that are synchronized to the NIST atomic clock are simple to use. Once set up, these devices are tuned to the 60kHz radio signal and receive a small binary code that automatically sets the clock to the exact time. James Stevenson/Getty Images

Limitations of Atomic Clocks

The majority of home clocks that synchronize to the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado, only sync within the continental United States and some areas of Canada and Mexico. Atomic clocks will not synchronize correctly in Hawaii, Alaska, and continents other than North America. Another limitation of home atomic clocks is that they may not receive the NIST signal in large buildings containing steel construction. Move clocks closer to windows in these types of buildings to resolve the synchronization problem.

Atomic Clock Time Sync on Computers

Most computer operating systems automatically synchronize the computer’s clock with NIST time services when the device is connected to the internet. If your computer does not automatically synchronize its clock, there are numerous time synchronization utilities available to enable your computer to do this automatically. When using a computer interface to control your home automation devices, your devices automatically synchronize themselves to the controller. Using a home automation gateway and the computer’s internet time sync ensures that all home automation devices are operating with NIST time. If you would like to check the clock on your computer or those in your home, access the official NIST time at www.time.gov. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix a Steam Cloud Error How to Turn Safe Mode On and Off on Android How to Change the Time on a Kindle Paperwhite How to Use IFTTT With Alexa How to Set Your OS System Clock How to Fix It When Windows 11 Bluetooth Is Not Working How to Use the iPad Control Panel 6 Best Sites to Sell or Trade Used Electronics of 2022 Get Better Wi-Fi: Here's The Best Place for Your Wireless Router What Is a Panic Button? How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Stuck in Airplane Mode How to Change the Time on Android Phones How to Remove Facebook Birthdays From Your Calendar What Is an Email Client? RF Interference With Wireless Home Automation Devices Wireless Home Automation Basics Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies