Continuity Test

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What Does Continuity Test Mean?

In the field of electronics, a continuity test is a technique
to check and verify the current flow in the electric circuit between two paths. A continuity test is important for identifying any breaks or issues in the flow of current an electrical
circuit.

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Techopedia Explains Continuity Test

A continuity test is mostly performed by providing a small voltage between the selected paths. If the flow of electrons is not continuous due to damaged components, broken conductors or high resistance, the circuit is considered “open.” Multimeters and ohmmeters are normally used for continuity tests. Specialized continuity testers are also available which are more basic in nature, inexpensive and have a lightbulb which glows in the case of current flow. The continuity test is performed on an electrical circuit when it is not powered and with help of the testing device.

A continuity test is an important test in determining the damaged components or broken conductors in a circuit. It can also help in determining if the soldering is good, if the resistance is too high for flow of current or if the electrical wire is broken between two points. A continuity test can also help in verifying or reverse-engineering an electrical circuit or connection.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.