Synchronized Clocks: Which One Fits My Needs?
By BRG Precision Products | June 23, 2026 | Synchronized Clocks
Walk into any hospital, school, government building, military facility, or corporate campus and chances are the clocks on the wall aren’t synchronized — or worse, they’re wrong. Mismatched clocks create confusion, erode trust, and in regulated environments can create compliance headaches. The solution is a synchronized clock system: a coordinated network of displays that all show the same accurate time, automatically, throughout your facility.
But which synchronized clock system is right for your building? BRG Precision Products manufactures five distinct synchronized clock technologies, each with a different installation approach, infrastructure requirement, and best use case. This guide walks through each system so you can make an informed decision before you buy.
The Five BRG Synchronized Clock Systems at a Glance
| System | Wires Required? | Network Required? | Battery Option? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless | — No | — No | ✓ Yes | Large, complex, or multi-building facilities |
| DuraTime HP (High Precision) | — No | — No | — No | Simplest install, lowest cost, any facility |
| DuraTime Wi-Fi | — No | ✓ Wi-Fi | ✓ Yes | Facilities with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure |
| Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) | ✓ 1 cable | ✓ Ethernet | — No | New construction with PoE network drops |
| Ethernet Clock | ✓ 2 required | ✓ Ethernet | — No | Locations with existing Ethernet and power outlets |
System 1: DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless — The System Designed to Never Fail
The BRG DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless Synchronized Clock System is the most sophisticated and reliable synchronized clock solution BRG offers — and one of the most reliable in the industry at any price point. It is a redundant mesh radio network where every secondary clock both receives and re-broadcasts the time signal, creating multiple communications paths throughout your facility.
The system is built around a primary and backup master clock pair, providing built-in redundancy from day one. The master clock uses an OCXO oscillator accurate to ±1 second over 20 years and connects to NTP and/or GPS time sources. AES 128-bit data encryption protects all communications throughout the network.
Because every clock is also a repeater, coverage expands automatically as you add clocks. BRG systems have been installed in facilities ranging from small offices to the Pentagon, and the self-healing mesh network requires no configuration as it builds and rebuilds its own communications paths automatically.
Available digital secondary clocks range from compact 2.5” digit clocks (RC425, RC625) ideal for hallways and offices, up to 8” (RC480) and 12” (RC4120) ultra-bright models visible at 300 to 600 feet — suitable for manufacturing floors, gymnasiums, and outdoor installations. Battery-powered secondary clocks operate up to 15 years between battery changes and are completely unaffected by power outages.
DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless — Pros & Cons| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest reliability — designed to never fail | Radio signal may not penetrate some areas (thick concrete, metal shielding) |
| Redundant primary and backup master clocks standard | Maximum 300-foot spacing between clocks may require repeaters in large open spaces |
| Every clock repeats the signal — self-healing mesh network | Each separate building typically requires its own master clock |
| Battery-powered clocks operate up to 15 years — immune to power disruptions | |
| AES 128-bit data encryption throughout | |
| NTP and GPS time sources supported simultaneously | |
| No FCC license required — does not interfere with Wi-Fi or cellular | |
| Supports alarm schedules, tone generators, audio players, bells and horns | |
| Scales from a single room to campus-wide deployments |
Best for: Healthcare facilities, universities, K-12 schools, government campuses, military installations, manufacturing plants, and any large or complex facility where maximum reliability and zero-downtime are non-negotiable. Learn more about DuraTime Wireless →
System 2: DuraTime HP (High Precision) — The Simplest Installation of All
If you want perfectly accurate, synchronized time throughout your facility with the absolute minimum installation complexity and cost, the DuraTime HP (High Precision) clock is the answer. Each HP clock is a completely standalone unit that requires nothing from your building infrastructure except a power outlet.
Every DuraTime HP clock is equipped with an OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) — the same high-precision oscillator used in military and laboratory timing equipment. Before leaving the BRG factory in Derby, Kansas, each clock is synchronized to the U.S. Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, Colorado and calibrated to ±1 second accuracy over 20 years of continuous operation.
The result: every HP clock on your wall displays the same accurate time as every other HP clock — with no master clock, no wiring between clocks, no radio transmitters, no network connection, and no GPS antenna required. They simply plug in and stay accurate for life. Time and configuration are maintained through power outages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest possible accuracy — ±1 second over 20 years via OCXO oscillator | No central control or remote management without adding wiring or radio |
| Zero infrastructure required — no wires, radios, network, or antennas | No battery-powered model available (requires AC power outlet) |
| Factory synchronized to the U.S. Atomic Clock before shipping | |
| Each clock stands completely alone — one clock failure never affects others | |
| Lowest cost synchronized clock solution | |
| Mains and low voltage models available | |
| Time maintained through power outages | |
| Alarm schedules supported on standalone models |
Best for: Any facility that wants synchronized time without the complexity or cost of a networked system. Ideal for adding individual clocks to areas where running wires or installing network infrastructure is impractical. Also an excellent companion to wireless or PoE systems in hard-to-reach areas. Learn more about DuraTime HP →
System 3: DuraTime Wi-Fi — Use the Network You Already Have
If your facility already has a Wi-Fi network in place, the DuraTime Wi-Fi Synchronized Clock lets you put that existing infrastructure to work as your clock synchronization backbone — with no additional hardware required beyond the clocks themselves.
DuraTime Wi-Fi clocks connect to your standard Wi-Fi network using the worldwide 802.11 standard. Each clock obtains time from an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server — public NTP servers are freely available on the internet, though BRG recommends a dedicated NTP time server for maximum reliability. Wi-Fi bandwidth requirements are extremely low, so the clocks will never impact your network performance.
One of the standout features of the DuraTime Wi-Fi system is that each clock can be reconfigured over the network at any time. Display settings, time zone rules, and other parameters can be updated remotely without touching the clock. The clocks include a password-protected web server for secure remote access. Battery-powered analog models are available with up to 15 years of battery life.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses existing Wi-Fi infrastructure — no new cabling | Requires a network time server (public NTP servers are free) |
| Battery-powered analog clocks operate up to 15 years | Each clock must be individually configured to the facility’s Wi-Fi network |
| Clocks can be reconfigured remotely over the network | Requires DHCP (automatic IP address assignment) on the network |
| Password-protected web server for secure management | |
| Very low Wi-Fi bandwidth requirements | |
| Time display rules can be factory or customer configured | |
| Lower cost than ISM-band wireless systems |
Best for: Facilities with reliable, well-maintained Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building. Ideal for corporate offices, hospitals, and schools that already manage a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure and want to leverage it for clock synchronization without running new cable. Learn more about DuraTime Wi-Fi →
System 4: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) — One Cable Does Everything
The Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) synchronized clock is the cleanest installation possible in a wired environment: a single standard Ethernet cable carries both the network time signal and the electrical power to the clock. No separate power outlet is required at the clock location — just a powered Ethernet (PoE) network drop and you are done.
BRG PoE clocks connect to your facility’s Ethernet network and synchronize time from your NTP time server. With PoE synchronization, every clock matches the time shown on computers, servers, phones, and other networked devices throughout the building. Clocks display 12 or 24-hour time formats and operate on standard PoE IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at network switches.
BRG offers both digital and analog PoE clock models, giving facilities the option to match the clock style to their interior design while maintaining full NTP synchronization. The single-cable installation makes PoE clocks especially attractive for new construction projects where structured cabling is being run anyway.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One cable provides both power and time — cleanest installation | Medium reliability — depends on continuous network availability |
| Clocks match time on all networked computers and devices | Requires skilled IT staff to install, configure, and maintain |
| No separate power outlet needed at the clock | Network changes can disrupt synchronization |
| Digital and analog clock styles available | More expensive than most other synchronized clock solutions |
| Ideal for new construction with structured cabling | No battery option — clocks go dark during power or network outage |
Best for: New construction or renovation projects where PoE network drops are being installed throughout the building as part of the structured cabling plan. Also ideal for IT-managed environments where central clock administration over the network is a priority. Learn more about BRG PoE Clocks →
System 5: Ethernet Clocks — NTP Synchronization with Standard Wiring
The BRG Ethernet synchronized clock is the traditional wired NTP clock solution. Each clock connects to your facility’s Ethernet network to obtain precise time from your NTP time server, and operates on standard 100–240 VAC power at 50–60 Hz. Unlike PoE clocks, Ethernet clocks require both an Ethernet drop and a standard 110 VAC power outlet at each clock location.
BRG Ethernet clocks deliver high-reliability, precise synchronized time that matches your computer network exactly. They are available in 2.5” and 4.0” digit heights for standard viewing distances, as well as calendar clock models that display both time and date in a single space-saving unit. The Circle Line series offers a distinctive round form factor for lobby and boardroom installations.
Ethernet clocks support 12 or 24-hour time formats and feature BRG’s signature user-changeable multi-color LEDs — select Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, or White at any time. With 3X more LEDs than competing products, BRG Ethernet clocks deliver significantly brighter, more uniform displays.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Precise NTP synchronization — matches all networked devices | Requires both Ethernet drop AND 110 VAC power outlet at each location |
| High reliability in stable network environments | Network or power disruption stops the clock |
| Multiple digit sizes and form factors available | Requires IT involvement for initial configuration and maintenance |
| User-changeable multi-color LEDs — 7 colors | Network changes can affect synchronization |
| 3X more LEDs than competing products for superior brightness | More cabling work at each clock location vs. PoE or wireless |
| Calendar clock models show time and date in one unit |
Best for: Facilities that already have both Ethernet drops and power outlets available at clock locations, and where NTP synchronization with the computer network is a primary requirement. Learn more about BRG Ethernet Clocks →
Can You Mix and Match Systems?
Absolutely — and in many large facilities, a hybrid approach is the smartest solution. BRG’s synchronized clock systems are designed to be combined where it makes sense:
- PoE clocks indoors, HP clocks outdoors — PoE covers interior spaces tied to the network; DuraTime HP clocks handle exterior locations where running network cable is impractical.
- DuraTime Wireless above ground, HP clocks in the basement — Radio signals sometimes struggle to penetrate below-grade concrete. HP clocks in basements or shielded rooms provide accurate time without needing the radio signal.
- Wi-Fi clocks in finished areas, Wireless in warehouses — Wi-Fi clock coverage in carpeted office areas; DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless in large open warehouse or manufacturing spaces where Wi-Fi access points may be sparse.
- HP clocks as additions to any existing system — If you already have a synchronized clock system and need to add clocks in a location that is difficult to reach, DuraTime HP clocks can be dropped in without any connection to the existing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most reliable synchronized clock system BRG offers?
The DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless system. Its redundant mesh network, dual master clocks, self-healing communications, and AES 128-bit encrypted radio links are specifically engineered for maximum uptime. BRG calls it “the only clock system designed to never fail.”
Q: Which system requires the least installation work?
The DuraTime HP (High Precision) clock. Each unit is factory synchronized before shipment and requires only a power outlet at the wall. No network, no wiring between clocks, no configuration. Hang it, plug it in, done.
Q: Do BRG synchronized clocks automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. All BRG synchronized clock systems handle Daylight Saving Time automatically, eliminating the twice-yearly task of manually adjusting every clock in the building.
Q: What happens to BRG clocks during a power outage?
It depends on the system. DuraTime Wireless and Wi-Fi battery-powered models continue operating normally for up to 15 years on batteries and are completely unaffected by power disruptions. DuraTime HP clocks maintain their time through power outages in non-volatile memory and resume displaying accurately when power returns. PoE and Ethernet clocks go dark during an outage and resync when the network and power are restored.
Q: Are BRG synchronized clocks available on GSA contract?
Yes. All BRG synchronized clock systems are available to U.S. federal government customers through GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract # 47QSMS26D002K, SIN 339950. BRG sells exclusively direct — there are no authorized third-party resellers for BRG products on GSA Advantage or any other government procurement platform.
Q: Who should I call to help choose the right system for my facility?
BRG’s sales team can help you evaluate your facility’s specific requirements and recommend the right combination of synchronized clock technologies. For most facilities, a site description (building size, construction type, number of clocks needed, existing infrastructure) is enough to get a solid recommendation.
Which System Is Right for You? — Quick Reference
| If you need… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Maximum reliability for a large or complex facility | DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless |
| Lowest cost and simplest installation — no infrastructure needed | DuraTime HP (High Precision) |
| Wireless convenience using your existing Wi-Fi network | DuraTime Wi-Fi |
| Single-cable installation in a new construction project | Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) |
| NTP sync where Ethernet drops and power outlets already exist | Ethernet Clock |
| Hard-to-reach areas alongside any existing system | DuraTime HP (add-on) |
Not sure which synchronized clock system is right for your facility? BRG’s sales team can help.
See the Full System Comparison Chart →DuraTime 2.4 GHz Wireless | DuraTime HP | DuraTime Wi-Fi | PoE Clocks | Ethernet Clocks
Contact BRG Sales: 866-252-2704 or 316-530-8854
