Electrical continuity is when a circuit is complete and can conduct electricity. Interruptions can cause damage or fire, so proper maintenance is important. Devices such as multimeters and testers can check for continuity, but power must be removed first to avoid shock. Testing a switch in the “on” position should show a reading close to zero, and when “off” the reading should be infinite.
Continuity refers to being part of a complete or connected whole. In electrical applications, when an electrical circuit is capable of conducting current, it demonstrates electrical continuity. It is also said to be “closed”, because the circuit is complete. In the case of a light switch, for example, the circuit is closed and capable of conducting electricity when the switch is flipped to the “on” position. The user can break the continuity by flipping the switch to the “off” position, opening the circuit and rendering it incapable of conducting electricity.
For consumers, the most obvious sign that there is an electrical continuity problem with their wiring is when connected electrical devices fail. However, unintentional interruptions of continuity can have more serious consequences, such as electrical fire or damage to electrical equipment and, therefore, it is recommended that all electrical wiring is kept in good working order and properly maintained.
A number of devices are produced to assist consumers in checking electrical continuity, ranging from multimeters, which have a wide variety of additional applications, to simple testers that light up if continuity is present. These devices use two electrical probes, which form a complete circuit when touched together. Consumers can test the device to make sure it’s working properly by turning it on and touching the probes together: The meter should read zero or the indicator light should come on, indicating a closed circuit. When the probes touch nothing, the device being measured will read infinity, indicating that the circuit is open.
When testing a circuit for electrical continuity, consumers must first remove power to the circuit by unplugging the device or turning off the main circuit breaker. Failure to do so can result in severe shock. To check for electrical continuity, turn on the test fixture and place a probe on each pole or terminal of the circuit under test. When testing a switch, for example, if the switch is in the “on” position, the reading should be close to zero, and when the switch is off, the reading should be infinite. A simpler continuity tester with a light will turn on when the switch is on and turn off when it’s not.
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