Healthcare Facilities Plug into Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Synchronized Wall Clocks for Accurate Time and Regulatory Compliance

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has quickly risen as a top technology aiding hospitals and healthcare facilities in launching sophisticated IT solutions. PoE is the standard accepted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), permitting low voltage electrical power and data to be passed along a single Ethernet cable.

Wi-Fi access points, IP surveillance cameras, and door access systems are some of the more common PoE applications, and now, synchronized wall clocks join the ranks of PoE-enabled devices. PoE Synchronized Clocks receive both their power and time signal using the IEEE802.3af standard. For facilities rich in Ethernet infrastructure, achieving perfectly synchronized wall clocks is as simple as plugging in a CAT5 cable to your local network.

Installation

As far as healthcare facilities are concerned, sites equipped with a PoE-enabled network are inherently compatible with a PoE/IP Network Synchronized Clock System. For new construction or renovation projects, cabling requirements may be addressed during the pre-construction phase. Areas for consideration are patient rooms, emergency rooms, operating rooms, meeting rooms, nursing stations, departments, or any area where a highly visible, accurate time source is essential.

A Power over Ethernet clock continuously receives 48V DC power, as well as NTP time data, over a single Ethernet cable directly connected to a PoE-enabled port on your local network switch. Usually located in a facility’s server room, a standard PoE switch supports up to 48 clocks. Additional PoE/IP Network clocks are supported with additional PoE switches. Once the clocks are directly connected to the network, they automatically receive power.

Flexibility and Scalability

The beauty of PoE connectivity is the ability to route long runs of cable (up to 300’) anywhere throughout a facility. By not being tethered to a power outlet or electrical box, PoE clocks enable greater flexibility in facility design. PoE clocks may be mounted in areas where conventionally-powered devices are prohibitive due to cable length limitations, or in situations where electrical wiring and outlets are impractical, such as drop ceilings.

Without costly electrical installation, the scalability of a PoE clock system is much greater than that of a conventional clock system, providing a simple, inexpensive installation. Clocks may be added or relocated to any location on the network via a basic Ethernet cable connection.

Synchronization

Dependable and accurate time is vital to the daily operation of healthcare facilities. Efficient patient throughput, standardized schedules, timely medication disbursement, accurate medical record maintenance, and compliance with Joint Commission time regulations, depend on precisely synchronized time from the emergency room to the patient room.

Since PoE clocks are constantly receiving time directly from your local network, each clock displays the same exact time to the second, eliminating time discrepancies and inconsistency. PoE clock models also feature customized Daylight Saving Time, 12/24 hour time modes (digital displays), and time zone offset. The use of a single, secure network infrastructure, facilitates the seamless deployment, maintenance, and control of every clock on the system.

Compared to Radio Frequency Wireless or Atomic clocks, PoE clocks are less vulnerable to time data disruptions, such as radio wave interference, physical barriers, atmospheric conditions, or bandwith limitations. A PoE clock system ensures a reliable time source, since both power and data originate from one central source.

A PoE Synchronized Clock System ensures accurate time is displayed consistently throughout an entire healthcare facility. Time display formats range from traditional analog wall clocks to highly-visible LED digital clocks, visible for up to 250’ away.

Cost Savings

Since PoE enables electrical power to be passed through standard Ethernet cables instead of electrical hard wiring or power cords, the need for a licensed electrician to install conduit, electrical wiring or outlets is eliminated. There is no additional equipment necessary, such as transmitters, master clocks, or circuit breakers. The safe, low-voltage 48V DC PoE clock system only requires a technician to run one Ethernet cable per clock to an access point.

Another major cost benefit of PoE-enabled devices is the savings associated with lower power consumption. PoE clocks are characterized by 48V DC input, and use up to 50% less power than standard electrical clocks. Over time, the savings throughout an entire facility is surmountable.

Maintaining accurate and consistent time throughout a large or small healthcare facility is easy with PoE/IP Network wall clocks. PoE synchronized clocks are a simple, low maintenance, cost effective, dependable clock system, ideal for new construction or renovation projects in the healthcare industry.

Learn more about Power Over Ethernet/IP Network Clocks here.
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