_Third_, read the figures indicated by the pointers from right to left, setting down the figures as they are read, _i.e._, in a position relative to the position of the pointers. NOTE: One revolution of the first or right-hand pointer makes one-tenth of a revolution of the pointer next to it on the left. One revolution of this second pointer makes one-tenth of a revolution of the pointer next to it on the left, etc. Therefore, if, when reading the dial, it is found that the second pointer rests very nearly over one of the tenth divisions and it is doubtful as to whether it has passed that mark, it is only necessary to refer to the pointer next to it on the right. If this pointer on the right has not completed its revolution, it shows that the second pointer has not yet reached the division in question. If it has completed its revolution, that is, passed the zero, it indicates that the second pointer has reached the division and the figure corresponding is to be set down for the reading. [Illustration: FIG. 253_a_.--This dial reads 9484 kilowatt hours.] The foregoing also applies to the remaining pointers. When it is desired to know whether a pointer has passed a tenth division mark, it is necessary to refer only to the next pointer to the right of it. _Fourth_, see if the register is direct-reading, _i.e._, has no multiplying constant. Some registers are not direct-reading in that they require multiplying the dial reading by a constant such as 10 or 100 in order to obtain the true reading. If the register bears some notation such as “Multiply by 100,” the reading as indicated by the pointers should be multiplied by 10 or 100 as the case may be to determine the true amount of energy consumed. Some of the earlier forms of meters were equipped with what is known as a “non-direct-reading register.” In this case, the reading must be multiplied by the figure appearing on the dial as just explained, but the dial differs from those just described in that the multiplying constant is generally a fraction such as 1/2, etc., and the dial has five pointers. This older style of register reads in “watt-hours” of “kilowatt-hours.” _Fifth_, the reading of the dial does not necessarily show the watt-hours used during the past month. In other words, the pointers do not always start from zero. To determine the number of watt-hours used during a certain period it is necessary to read the dial at the beginning of a period and again at the end of that period. By subtracting the first reading from the second, the number of watt-hours or kilowatt-hours used during the period is obtained. The meter man, having in his possession a record of the readings of each customer’s meter for the preceding months, is thus able to determine the amount of energy consumed monthly. EXAMPLES OF METER READINGS