Molly Ayala
If you're trying to figure out how much electricity you've consumed, you may need to read your electrical meter. There are several different types of electrical meters, including standard electric meters, digital meters, dial meters, and Economy 7 and 10 meters. Old-style or analog meters have small clockwork dials lined up across the front, resembling clock faces with rotating needles. To read an old-style meter, you need to locate the 4 or 5 small dials on its face, which are arranged with the biggest digit on the left and the smallest on the right. Each dial represents one digit, and they alternate in terms of the direction they're read in—starting with the first dial on the left in a clockwise direction, then moving to the next dial on its right in an anti-clockwise direction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Old-style electric meter |
| Other Names | Mechanical meter, dial meter, analog meter, clockwork dial meter |
| Appearance | A string of small clockwork dials lined up across the front |
| Direction of Reading | Left to right |
| Numbers to Read | Numbers in black or on a black surround |
| Numbers to Ignore | Numbers in red or on a red background |
| Dial Direction | Alternating; most start with the first dial on the left being read in a clockwise direction, and the next one to its right being read in an anti-clockwise direction |
| Additional Information | If you have an older mechanical meter, both readings should be displayed and easy to see. Simply note each one down and transfer them to your supplier for billing. |
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What You'll Learn
Know the different types of electrical meters
There are several different types of electrical meters, each with its own unique features and functions. Here are some of the most common types:
Standard Electric Meters
Standard electric meters are the most basic type of electrical meter. They are typically installed in homes and businesses to measure the total amount of electricity consumed. These meters have a straightforward display of numbers in black or on a black surround, which are read from left to right. Any numbers in red or on a red background can be ignored as they are considered decimals.
Digital Meters
Digital meters are a more modern type of electrical meter that uses digital displays to show electricity usage. These meters are easy to read, as the reading is simply displayed on the screen. They are also very accurate and simple to install and maintain. However, they can be costly and may not be compatible with all electrical systems.
Dial Meters
Dial meters, also known as analog meters, feature small clock-like dials with rotating needles that point to the appropriate number. Each dial represents one digit, and they alternate in terms of the direction they are read. For example, the first dial on the left may be read clockwise, while the next dial is read anti-clockwise.
Economy 7 and 10 Meters
Economy 7 and 10 meters are designed to provide information on electricity usage during the day and at night. These meters have two displays, one for the 'day rate' or 'normal' electricity usage, and the other for the 'low' or 'night rate'. They are often used in conjunction with prepayment plans, where electricity is paid for upfront.
Smart Meters
Smart meters are a newer type of electrical meter that allows for remote monitoring and control of energy consumption. These meters send usage data electronically to the energy provider, and the information is then presented on the bill. Smart meters are known for their accuracy and convenience, making energy management easier for both consumers and providers.
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How to read dials on an old-style meter
Old-style electric meters have a series of small clockwork dials lined up across the front. Each dial represents one digit and the dials look like clock faces, with needles rotating around and pointing at the appropriate number. The dials do not all rotate in the same direction. Each dial alternates in terms of which direction it's read in. Most meters start with the first dial on the left being read in a clockwise direction and the next one to its right being read in an anti-clockwise direction, and so on.
To read the dials, note the numbers from left to right. The dials are arranged with the biggest digit on the left and the smallest on the right. Note the direction the pointer on each dial is supposed to go. Each dial represents one digit, so always round down.
Ignore any numbers in red or on a red background, as these are decimals and can be ignored. Only provide the numbers in black or on a black surround.
If you have an older mechanical meter, both readings should be displayed and easy to see. Simply note each one down and transfer them to your supplier for billing.
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How to read an old-style mechanical meter
To read an old-style mechanical meter, you'll need to locate the 4 or 5 small dials on the face of the meter. These dials represent single digits, with the biggest digit on the left and the smallest on the right. It's important to note that the dials don't all rotate in the same direction. Each dial alternates in terms of the direction it's read in, with the first dial on the left being read clockwise, the second one anti-clockwise, and so on.
When reading the dials, start from the left and read each dial in turn. Ignore any numbers in red or on a red background, as these are decimals and won't be needed by your supplier. You only need to provide the numbers in black or on a black surround.
If your meter has two displays, this indicates that it's an Economy 7 or Economy 10 meter. You'll need to supply two readings to your supplier: your on-peak and off-peak readings.
To calculate your current monthly usage, subtract your previous bill's total kWh usage from the current reading. This will help you understand your electricity consumption and costs, and enable you to identify any discrepancies in your billing.
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Understanding your utility bill
If you want to understand your utility bill, it's important to know how to read your electric meter. There are several different types of electrical meters, including standard electric meters, digital meters, dial meters, and Economy 7 and 10 meters. Each type of meter needs to be read slightly differently.
For standard electric meters, you'll need to provide your energy supplier with the numbers in black or on a black surround, reading them from left to right. You can ignore any numbers in red or on a red background, as these are decimals.
Dial meters have 4 or 5 small dials on the face of the meter, arranged with the biggest digit on the left and the smallest on the right. Each dial alternates in terms of the direction it's read in, with the first dial on the left being read clockwise, and the next one to its right being read anti-clockwise. Note the direction of the pointer on each dial and write down the numbers or draw each dial on paper to analyze later.
Digital meters will display the reading on the screen, and you may need to press a button to alternate between on-peak and off-peak readings if you have an Economy 7 or 10 meter.
Once you have your current meter reading, you can compare it to your previous month's usage on your utility bill. Look for a line like "total reading" or "electrical meter reading." Your monthly usage will likely be highlighted on the bill. Subtract the previous month's total reading from the current reading to get your current electrical usage for the month. If your previous month's usage is higher than the current reading, contact your utility company as your meter may be defective.
By understanding how to read your electric meter and calculating your monthly usage, you can ensure that you're being charged correctly and avoid being overcharged on your utility bill.
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What to do if your bill seems unusually high
If your electricity bill seems unusually high, there are several steps you can take to understand the reason for the spike and address the issue.
Firstly, it is important to analyse your total electrical usage over time to understand your normal consumption. You can do this by subtracting your previous bill's total kWh usage from the current reading on your meter. This will give you your current monthly usage, which can be compared to previous months to identify any unusual spikes.
If there is a discrepancy between your meter reading and the bill, it is possible that the meter reader made a mistake or that the meter itself is defective. Contact your utility company in such cases to avoid being overcharged.
High electricity bills can also be caused by a variety of factors, including seasonal weather changes, an increase in the number of residents, or changes in appliance performance or efficiency. For example, older appliances may be less energy-efficient, leading to higher electricity consumption. Additionally, poor insulation, electronic devices that are constantly charging, and lights left on unnecessarily can contribute to increased electricity usage.
To reduce your electricity bill, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, improving your home's insulation, and being mindful of charging times and lighting usage. You can also conduct a DIY home energy audit to identify specific areas where you can reduce your electrical consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Old-style electric meters are usually mechanical and have a string of small clockwork dials lined up across the front.
Each dial on an old-style electric meter represents one digit. The dials look like clock faces, with needles rotating around and pointing at the appropriate number. From right to left, each dial tracks increasingly larger amounts of fuel usage.
Subtract your previous bill's total kWh usage from the current reading to determine your current monthly usage.
Contact your utility company as your meter might be defective.
