For engines and motors that spend much or all of their running time stationary, hour meters are used in place of odometers. The most common purposes for using hour meters are to support service scheduling, warranty, resale and rental. Hour meters differ by data, shape, display and power mode (AC/DC).

An hour meter with an analog display is always acceptable. Digital hour meters (with a liquid crystal display) tend to look nicer and will cost less; however, in outside applications involving harsh direct sunlight they will not show up as well as analog and the display will get washed out over time. Depending on the particular application, you may want to:

1. Search for digital AC and DC hour meters;

2. Use DC hour meters or fuel-powered engines;

3. Use AC hour meters for motorized equipment that plugs into the wall.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy digital hour meters

Digital hour meters are a cheaper and more aesthetic choice for vehicles and equipment where the meter will not be outside and exposed to the sun all the time. Use an AC digital meter for equipment that is AC powered, i.e. plugs into the wall. Use a DC digital meter for vehicles and equipment that are either battery-powered or fuel-powered.

I recommend: Honeywell carries Hobbs brand hour meters, covering operating voltages of 9 to 64 volts DC. They have two-, three- and four-terminal units. The third and fourth terminals are for enable and reset function, respectively. Newark has a selection of both DC and AC digital hour meters.

Procure analog DC hour meters

If you need an hour meter for fuel-powered equipment and vehicles or battery-powered equipment then you want to use an analog DC hour meter. Analog meters are the better choice for outdoor equipment where the meter will be under the sun, otherwise digital is an acceptable choice as well.

I recommend: You'll find hour meters at KEP that are battery operated, in addition to a wide assortment of regular hour meters. Helmar carries has many analog DC hour meters, designed primarily as replacement parts for liftrucks.

Obtain AC analog hour meters

For indoor or outdoor equipment that is AC powered, use an AC hour meter. If the equipment is for outdoor use where the meter will be exposed to the sun, then use an analog AC meter, otherwise analog or digital are both good choices.

I recommend: Hour meters provider Trumeter Technologies has a healthy selection of DC and AC analog hour meters and many of its units offer a selection of supply voltages. Ingram Products has an analog hour meters list that includes rectangular, hexagonal, and round units. It has AC and DC models in each shape.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check, if possible, the hour meters information before buying so that you buy one that is polarity protected. In the event the hour meter is connected backwards, it will not be damaged.