Panel Meters - Counters, Hour Meters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AKC2621 Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR PANEL MOUNT	0
LC2H-F-DL-2K-N Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR ELEC DIN	0
LH2HP-FEW-DHKB-DC24V Panasonic	DIGITAL HOUR METER	0
LC4HL-R4-AC240V Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 4 CHAR 100-240V PNL	0
LC2HP-FEW-B-DC24V Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR 24V PANEL MT	6
LH2H-F-HMS-FV-N Panasonic	DIGITAL HOUR METER	0
LH24-F-H-AL Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 7 CHAR PANEL MOUNT	0
MC6MS-50CPS-DC24V Panasonic	COUNTER HOUR METER	0
LC2H-FE-DL-2K-N Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR ELEC DIN	0
LH2H-F-HMS-DL-NB Panasonic	DIGITAL HOUR METER	0
LC4HW-R6-DC24V Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 6 CHAR 12-24V PNL MT	0
LC24-C Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 7 CHAR 3V T/H	0
LC2H-FE-FV-30-N Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR ELEC DIN	0
TH249U902 Panasonic	COUNTER 5 CHAR 240V PANEL MT	0
LH2H-C-HM-N Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 7 CHAR 3V T/H	0
LC2H-F-DL-2K-NB Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 8 CHAR ELEC DIN	0
LH2H-F-DH-DL-N Panasonic	COUNTER DIG HOUR IP66 0-4000 DAY	0
LC4H-T4-AC240VS Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 4 CHAR 100-240V PNL	0
LC4H-T6-AC240VS Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 6 CHAR 100-240V PNL	0
LC4HL8-T6-AC24V Panasonic	COUNTER LCD 6 CHAR 24V PANEL MT	0

Panel Meters - Counters, Hour Meters

1. Overview

Panel meters, including counters and hour meters, are essential components in industrial automation systems. These devices measure, display, and record critical operational parameters such as event counts, runtime hours, and cycle durations. Counters track discrete events (e.g., machine cycles), while hour meters accumulate total operating time. Their importance lies in enabling process optimization, predictive maintenance, and compliance with industry standards across manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Preset Counters	User-defined target values with alarm outputs	Packaging machines, conveyor systems
Reversible Counters	Up/down counting with direction detection	Coil winding machines, elevator position tracking
Multi-function Counters	Combined time/count measurement with programmable logic	Assembly lines, test equipment
Mechanical Hour Meters	Electromechanical accumulation with non-resettable registers	Engine runtime tracking, maintenance scheduling
Electronic Hour Meters	Digital displays with power-loss memory retention	Industrial compressors, HVAC systems

3. Structure and Composition

Typical panel meters consist of: - Enclosure: Flame-retardant polycarbonate or metal housing (IP65/IP67 rated) - Display Module: 7-segment LED/LCD with 0.36"-1.0" digit height - Sensing Circuitry: Optical/electromagnetic sensors for signal detection - Processing Unit: 8/32-bit microcontroller with firmware algorithms - Input Interface: Dry contact/4-20mA/PWM signal compatibility - Power Supply: 12-24V DC or 100-240V AC universal input - Communication Ports: RS-485 Modbus, CANopen (for advanced models)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Measurement Range	1 to 999,999 counts / 0.1 to 99,999.9 hours	Determines operational limits
Counting Speed	0.1ms to 50kHz response time	Ensures accuracy in high-speed applications
Accuracy	1 count or 0.1% of reading	Impacts process reliability
Environmental Rating	-20 C to +70 C operating temp, IP66	Guarantees performance in harsh conditions
Electrical Isolation	2kVrms input-to-power isolation	Protects against voltage transients

5. Application Fields

Manufacturing: CNC machine cycle monitoring, robotic arm operation tracking
Energy: Wind turbine runtime logging, solar inverter maintenance scheduling
Transportation: Locomotive engine hours tracking, aircraft component lifecycle management
Process Industry: Pump runtime monitoring in oil refineries, conveyor belt cycle counting

6. Leading Manufacturers and Representative Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
Siemens	KP12 Basic Counter	6-digit LED, 10kHz max frequency, PROFINET interface
Omron	K3HB-M Digital Counter	Dual-input capability, 0.01s time resolution
Red Lion Controls	CNT248EL	Modbus TCP connectivity, web-based configuration
Carlo Gavazzi	CD48HS Hour Meter	Non-resettable mechanical register, 15-year battery backup

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations for optimal selection: - Application Requirements: Determine counting directionality, resolution needs, and data logging frequency - Environmental Conditions: Assess temperature extremes, vibration levels, and chemical exposure - Integration Needs: Verify compatibility with existing PLC systems and fieldbus protocols - Power Constraints: Match voltage requirements with available power sources - Compliance Standards: Ensure certifications (CE, UL, RoHS) meet regional regulations

Case Study: In automotive production lines, Omron's K3HB-M counters reduced downtime by 18% through precise weld gun cycle tracking.

8. Industry Trends

Current developments include: - Smart Integration: IoT-enabled meters with cloud connectivity for predictive maintenance - Energy Efficiency: Low-power consumption designs meeting Industry 4.0 standards - Advanced Analytics: Embedded AI for anomaly detection in operational patterns - Modular Design: Interchangeable input modules for rapid field customization - Cybersecurity: Encrypted communication protocols for industrial network protection