How do you measure continuity Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[freakazomb]

If im mentioning continuity across an component (fan, pump, thermistor, etc) , do i set the multimeter to Ohms or voltage and what readings should i expect to see if everything is ok

[plumbbob]

Continuity can be tested by measuring the resistance in ohms of a circuit or winding. The circuit must be isolated from the electrical source to prevent a false reading and irreparable damage to the meter.

The reading will vary enormously depending on what exactly is being measured, and the display will be different according to the type of meter being used (analogue or digital).

To identify how the meter will display the result, with the multimeter set to ohms, hold the leads apart and look at the display. It will probably show "1" (infinity resistance). That is how it will look if the winding in a motor is broken.

Now touch the leads together and the display will change to "0.00" (No resistance) probably. This indicates a dead short.

[freakazomb]

thanks for your help plumbob

[hamish72]

For an acurate resistance reading you may have to zero the meter with the leads shorted together though most digi meters will auto zero