An electric meter particularly characterized by a small number of moving parts and simplified assembly by virtue of fixed cooperating locating surfaces on the elements and sub-assemblies of the meter. A magnetic circuit including a yoke and magnet are constructed to snap into an insulating base in a predetermined position on the base. A coil assembly initially including integral elements for connection of pivot bearings or taut bands is accurately positioned for rotation on the supporting base by inserting the assembly into the base. Cooperating locating surfaces provide for accurate predetermined positioning of the axis of rotation of the coil relative to the magnetic circuit. Additional features of the meter construction reside in a direct gear drive between a zero adjust element and zero adjust knob mounted in a cover for the meter, a unique base, casing, and cover which snap together, a coil support form of unique construction and which includes motion limiting elements which limit the permissible extent of movement of the coil in the event of shock or impact to positions well within the elastic limit of the supports which mount the coil for rotation, a unique mode of terminating the end connections for the coil without the need for stripping insulation, a unique mounting arrangement for the assembled meter, a unique rear mounting scale plate which provides for easily replacing scale plates to meet the needs of the user of the meter, a meter movement of a single size adapted to be used with casings and scales of various sizes whereby the number of different parts required to form meters of different sizes is maintained at a minimum, a unique insulating material base with flexibility to permit expanding the base during assembly of the meter, and sub-assemblies, components, and elements which can be assembled in only one position and orientation to assure proper assembly of the meter.