European clocks ran slow for a bit. British clocks didn't.
Tom Scott
4 min, 12 sec
The video explains the function of a teasmade, its reliance on grid frequency for timekeeping, and the recent issue of European clocks losing time due to a grid frequency drop caused by political issues between Serbia and Kosovo.
Summary
- Teasmades are a quintessentially British invention that combines an alarm clock with an electric kettle, using the power grid frequency to keep time.
- Clocks connected to the Continental European Power System have lost six minutes because of a slight underpowering of the grid caused by a dispute between Serbia and Kosovo.
- As a solution, the European grid could be brought back to its correct frequency, or run slightly fast for a period to correct the time lag.
- The British National Grid is not synchronized to the European grid and continues at 50 hertz, as Britain is connected through direct current cables.
Chapter 1
The video opens with an introduction to the teasmade, a British invention that serves as both an alarm clock and kettle.
- The teasmade is a combination of an alarm clock and electric kettle, with settings for alarm and alarm with tea.
- It relies on the power grid frequency for keeping time, similar to other appliances with built-in clocks.
Chapter 2
The presenter explains how certain appliances use the power grid's frequency to keep time.
- Appliances with built-in clocks, like teasmades, use the power grid's frequency of 50 hertz to keep accurate time.
- While grid frequency may fluctuate slightly, it is averaged out to maintain consistency.
Chapter 3
The video discusses the recent issue where European clocks connected to the grid have lost six minutes.
- Clocks in Europe have been losing time due to a drop in the grid's frequency, caused by a political dispute between Serbia and Kosovo.
- The entire Continental European Power System has been underpowered, resulting in a slight frequency drop from 50 hertz to 49.996 hertz.
Chapter 4
Potential solutions to the grid frequency issue are discussed, with a mention of how the UK grid remains unaffected.
- To fix the time lost, the European authorities could adjust the grid frequency back to normal or run it fast for a while.
- The UK's grid, not synchronized with mainland Europe's, operates normally at 50 hertz.
Chapter 5
The presenter concludes the video with a patriotic remark and then signals the end of the recording.
- The presenter makes a patriotic reference, declaring that British teasmades are boiling on schedule.
- A final comment and a humorous 'God help us all' remark lead to the end of the take.
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