MRAB Meter Reading Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When reading an analog dial meter with 5 dials, you should read the dials in which order?
- Right to left
- Left to right (Correct answer)
- Top to bottom
- Bottom to top
Correct answer: Left to right
Analog dial meters are always read from left to right, recording the number each pointer has most recently passed.
Question 2: On a standard 5-dial meter, when a pointer appears to be exactly on a number, you should:
- Record the number the pointer is on
- Record the next higher number
- Check the dial to the right to confirm (Correct answer)
- Average the two adjacent numbers
Correct 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.
Question 3: A meter reading of 04821 was recorded last month. This month the meter shows 05109. What is the consumption?
- 288 (Correct answer)
- 278
- 298
- 268
Correct answer: 288
Consumption is calculated by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading: 05109 − 04821 = 288 units.
Question 4: What does it mean when a meter's dials alternate in direction of rotation?
- The meter is broken
- This is normal — adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions (Correct answer)
- The meter needs to be replaced
- Only even-numbered dials should be read
Correct 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.
Question 5: A digital meter displays 09998. If usage since last read is 45 units, what will the meter display next read?
- 10043
- 00043 (Correct answer)
- 10053
- 09953
Correct answer: 00043
The meter rolls over from 09998 to 00000 at 10000, then continues to 00043 after 45 units of usage.
Question 6: Which condition would require a meter reader to flag a meter for further inspection?
- The meter is mounted at eye level
- The meter reading is lower than the previous recorded reading (Correct answer)
- The meter has a digital display
- The meter is located inside the home
Correct 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.
MRAB Meter Reading Techniques 1
When reading an analog dial meter with 5 dials, you should read the dials in which order?