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Caution:
This test should be done when current is NOT present.
Always unplug the device or turn off the main circuit breaker
before attempting a continuity test. Always test your test equipment for proper operation before use.
A continuity
test is done to determine whether a circuit is open or closed.
For example, a wall switch is closed when it is turned to
the "on" position and it is open when it is turned
off. An open circuit cannot conduct electricity. A closed
circuit has continuity.
To test
the continuity of a circuit requires the use of a multimeter
(also called a multitester) or a continuity tester (a simple
device that lights up to indicate continuity).
Set the
multimeter to the ohm setting. The symbol for ohm is  ,
the Greek letter omega. If there is more than one ohm setting,
choose X1. An analog meter like the one pictured below uses
a needle to indicate the measured value. A digital meter performs
the same test functions as an analog meter, with the key difference
being that a digital meter provides a numeric reading instead
of using a needle.
Note
that while the probes are not touching anything, the multimeter
will indicate a reading of infinity. A reading of infinity
means that the circuit is open. When you touch the two probes
together, the reading changes to zero. A reading of zero indicates
that the circuit is closed or complete. A complete circuit
is one that can conduct electricity; an open circuit cannot.
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