Meter Reading Techniques Flashcards

When reading an analog dial meter with 5 dials, you should read the dials in which order?

Answer: Left to right

Analog dial meters are always read from left to right, recording the number each pointer has most recently passed.

On a standard 5-dial meter, when a pointer appears to be exactly on a number, you should:

Answer: Check the dial to the right to confirm

When a pointer appears to be exactly on a number, check the next dial to the right — if it has passed zero, record the number; if not, record the lower number.

A meter reading of 04821 was recorded last month. This month the meter shows 05109. What is the consumption?

Answer: 288

Consumption is calculated by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading: 05109 − 04821 = 288 units.

What does it mean when a meter's dials alternate in direction of rotation?

Answer: This is normal — adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions

It is completely normal for adjacent dials on a utility meter to rotate in opposite directions due to the gear mechanism connecting them.

A digital meter displays 09998. If usage since last read is 45 units, what will the meter display next read?

Answer: 00043

The meter rolls over from 09998 to 00000 at 10000, then continues to 00043 after 45 units of usage.

Which condition would require a meter reader to flag a meter for further inspection?

Answer: The meter reading is lower than the previous recorded reading

A current reading lower than the prior reading (without meter rollover) is a red flag indicating a possible tampered, malfunctioning, or misread meter.