Israel Shifts Clocks: What Homeowners Need to Check

Israel is set to transition to winter time on the night of October 24-25, when clocks will be moved back one hour at 2:00 AM. While smartphones and most internet-connected devices will adjust automatically, many household appliances and systems will require manual resetting to avoid disruptions. According to Israel Hayom, failure to update timers could lead to issues with boilers, heating, lighting, and security camera recordings.

Mechanical timers found in electrical panels and outlets are particularly susceptible to this problem, as they do not receive automatic updates. These timers will continue to operate on the old schedule, causing connected devices like boilers to turn on an hour later than intended.

Appliances with their own internal clocks, such as ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers, may also need manual adjustment, especially if using delayed start functions. These devices often do not synchronize their time via the internet.

Security systems are another area of concern. Digital video recorders for surveillance cameras and intercoms record events with time stamps. If the clocks are not updated, these timestamps will be off by an hour, potentially complicating investigations or the retrieval of specific footage.

The time change also affects international communication. Israel, Europe, and the US change their clocks on different dates, altering the usual time difference between countries. This could cause pre-scheduled international meetings to unexpectedly shift by an hour.

Furthermore, certain medical devices with internal clocks, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and some blood pressure monitors, may require manual recalibration. Users should consult manufacturer instructions, especially if the device's timing is critical for medication delivery or data recording.