refer a counter with surge protection

We're going to need more information than what you've provided.

• Is it burning soon after powering up? after a few days? a few weeks?
• What's the environment like? is it hot? prone to wetting?
• Is it really a 24V counter? might it be 12V? or even 5V?
• Is your power supply 24V? might it be 48V? 110VAC? 220VAC
• Is the 24V supply being used to switch relays, contactors or other coil-type devices?
  

Unless it's really a shoddy, no-name, home-built counter, I wouldn't discount it right off. There's still a chance that you'll purchase a first-class counter (read: expensive) and still burn it up.

Regarding the last question from above, it is good practice to provide a separate 24V supply for instruments. Your coils (relays, contactors, etc) should have their own supply. This way you'll avoid voltage spikes from frying your electronics.

Find out why it's burning before purchasing something else. Besides, you'll be richer for the experience.

regards,

Vulcan

We have used Hewlett-Packard (now Agilent Technology) counters in our lab. Some have been working for over 20 years.

Is it "burning up" to the extent of producing a flaming, smoking fire? Or is it just no longer working. Take it apart and see what the exact failure was.