sorteringsklocka

A sorteringsklocka, often translated as a sorting clock or sorting bell, is a timekeeping device historically used in industrial settings, particularly in factories and workshops. Its primary function was to signal the start and end of work shifts, as well as breaks such as lunch or tea. This auditory signal helped regulate the workflow and ensure that all workers adhered to the established schedule.

Sorteringsklockor were typically large and robust, designed to be heard over the noise of machinery. They were often operated manually by a designated individual or were connected to a central clock mechanism that triggered the bell at pre-determined intervals. The sound of the sorteringsklocka was a familiar and significant element of the daily rhythm in many workplaces, marking the transition between periods of labor and rest.

While the use of sorteringsklockor has significantly declined with the advent of electronic timekeeping systems, digital clocks, and personal time-tracking devices, they represent an important piece of industrial history. They symbolize a period when centralized control of labor and standardized working hours were paramount to the functioning of mass production. Some historical factories may still retain these devices as museum exhibits or as part of their preserved heritage. The concept of a central auditory signal for time management persists in other forms, such as fire alarms or public announcement systems.