Time counters count the time in hours with an accuracy of two decimal places (hundredths of hours). The pulse counter adds the number of pulses, e.g. the making operations of devices.

A power supply is required at terminals 1 and 2 of the electronic counters so that the device can constantly display the measured values. Once terminal 3 is supplied with voltage (for DC "+"), the counting procedure starts. If terminal 4 is supplied for a short time with voltage (for DC "+"), the counter is reset.

In the case of electronic counters, the counting result is saved indefinitely in the event of a power failure (EEPROM). On recovery of the power, the counting is continued from the saved value. As well as a modern design, the electronic counter has a 7-digit LCD, which can be reset electrically or manually.