Safety Precautions for All Counters

Precautions for Safe Use

Operating Environment

Use the Counter within the ratings specified for ambient operating temperature and ambient operating humidity for each model.

Store the Counter with the specified temperature range for each model. If the Counter has been stored at a temperature of less than -10°C, allow the Counter to stand at room temperature for at least 3 hours before using it.

Use the Counter within the performance specified for water and oil exposure for each model.

Do not use the Counter in locations subject to shock and vibration. Long-term usage in such locations may damage the Counter due to stress.
Magnetic contactors generate a shock of 1,000 to 2,000 m/s² when switching a load. When mounting to DIN Track, separate magnetic contactors from the Counter so that the Counter is not subjected to vibration and shock. Use anti-vibration rubber.

Do not use the Counter in locations subject to excessive dust, corrosive gases, or direct sunlight.

Do not use organic solvents (such as paint thinner or benzine),strong alkalis, or strong acids because they will damage the external finish of the Counter.

Separate the input devices, input wiring, and Counter as far as possible from sources of noise and power lines carrying noise.

When using the Counter in environments subject to large amounts of static electricity (e.g., pipes carrying molding materials, powders, or fluid materials), separate the Counter as far as possible from the sources of static electricity.

Do not remove the external case from the Counter.

Do not use the Counter in locations where condensation may occur due to high humidity or sudden temperature changes.
Condensation inside the Counter may result in malfunction or damage to Counter elements.

The life of internal parts may be reduced if Counters are mounted in close proximity to each other.

Resin and rubber parts (e.g., rubber packing) may deteriorate,shrink, or harden depending on the operating environment (e.g.,subjected to corrosive gases, ultraviolet light, or high temperatures). We recommend periodic inspection and replacement.

Power Supply

Be sure that the voltage applied is within the specified range,otherwise the internal elements of the Counter may be damaged.

Install a switch or circuit breaker that allows the operator to immediately turn OFF the power, and label it to clearly indicate its function.

Maintain voltage fluctuations in the power supply within the specified range.

Use a commercial power supply for the power supply voltage input to models with AC inputs.
Inverters with an output frequency of 50/60 Hz are available, but the rise in the internal temperature of the Counter may result in ignition or burning. Do not use an inverter output for the power supply of the Counter.

Correctly Handling Input Signals

Malfunction due to noise may occur if input wiring is placed in the same duct or conduit as power lines or high-voltage lines. Separate input wiring from power lines and wire them in a separate system. Also, use shielded cables, use metal conduits, and keep wiring distances as short as possible.

These are basic requirements when using a high-speed electronic counter.

Counters with Relays

Do not connect a load that exceeds contact ratings, such as the switching capacity (contact voltage or contact current). Insulation faults, contact welding, contact faults, and other failures to achieve specified performance may occur and the relay may be damaged or may burn.

Continued use with deteriorated performance may ultimately result in insulation breakdown between circuits or relay burning. The life of the built-in relay is greatly affected by switching conditions.
Before using the Counter, test operation under actual application conditions and confirm that the switching frequency presents no problems in performance.

Electrical life depends on the type of load, switching frequency, and ambient environment. Observe the following precautions when using the Counter. When switching a DC load, contact transfer may cause the contacts to stick or may cause contact failure. Confirm applicability and consider using a surge absorbing element. When switching at high frequencies, heat generated by arcing may cause contacts to melt or may cause metal corrosion. Consider connecting an arc absorbing element, reducing the switching frequency, or lowering the humidity.

The surge current depends on the type of load, which also affects contact switching frequency and the number of operations. Check the rated current and the surge current, and design the circuits with sufficient margin.

Arcing when switching and relay heating may result in ignition or explosion. Do not use the Counter in atmospheres subject to inflammable or explosive gases.

Contact faults may occur. Do not use the Counter in atmospheres subject to sulfidizing gas, chloride gas, or silicon gas.

The switching capacity for DC voltage loads is lower than that for AC voltage loads.

Counters with Non-contact Outputs

Short faults or open faults may occur due to destruction of the output element. Do not use the Counter for a load that exceeds the rated output current.

Short faults or open faults may occur due to destruction of the output element from reverse electromotive force. When using the Counter for a DC inductive load, always connect a diode as a countermeasure against reverse electromotive force.

Other Precautions

Confirm that you have the correct model before using it.

Be sure that all terminals are wired correctly.