How To Check Continuity With A Multimeter
- SkillCat Team
- Apr 1
- 9 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
In this multimeter use guide, learn how to measure continuity using a continuity test.
Continuity testing is a simple way to check if an electrical path—such as a wire, switch, or connection, or cable—is complete and unbroken. Continuity testing involves testing components for an unbroken electrical pathway, ensuring that current can travel without interruption. This is important for troubleshooting circuits and ensuring that components are properly connected. It’s also important to check other components such as resistors, LEDs, and batteries, as their condition can affect continuity measurements and overall circuit functionality.
A continuity test works by confirming that electrical current can flow freely from one end of the conductor to the other. The test verifies the presence of a conductive path for current flow. Continuity testing checks if current flows through the conductor, such as a wire or cable. When you use a multimeter in continuity mode, a low resistance value indicates a good connection. A high resistance reading can indicate a poor or non-existent connection, which may be due to corrosion or bad connections.
Cleaning dirty or corroded contact points helps ensure accurate continuity readings.
Introduction to Continuity Testing
Continuity testing cuts straight to the heart of electrical diagnostics. You need to know if current can flow through a circuit or component — period. This fundamental test tells you whether electricity travels from point A to point B without interruption. Miss this step, and you’ll waste time chasing problems that don’t exist. Master it, and you’ll diagnose real issues fast.
Here’s how you test continuity like a pro. Set your digital multimeter to continuity mode — look for the diode symbol on the dial. Connect your test leads to each end of the circuit you’re checking. The multimeter sends current through the path to test it. This checks for the presence of a conductive path that allows current to flow between the two points. Good continuity means you’ll hear a beep and see low resistance on the display. No beep and high resistance? You’ve got an open circuit. That’s a break somewhere in your path.
Smart technicians use continuity testing on wires, cables, switches, and fuses every day. It’s your first line of defense against connection problems. Find a broken wire or faulty switch before you dig deeper into complex troubleshooting. This simple test saves you time and keeps your electrical systems running safely. You’ll know immediately if current can flow where it needs to go.
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Multimeter Basics
There are two types of multimeters: digital multimeters and clamp multimeters. Most of what is pictured in this guide is a digital multimeter. Some meters, such as an analog meter, may require zeroing before use to ensure accurate readings, especially when setting the correct scale or range.
Multimeters can be used to measure various measurements:
Measure voltage in Volts (select the appropriate scale on the multimeter for accurate voltage readings; start from a higher range and move down for precision. To take a voltage reading, place the red lead on the positive terminal and the black lead on the negative terminal of the battery.)
Measure current in Amperes
Measure resistance in Ohms
Measure continuity in Ohms - this is the focus of this guide!
Measure capacitance in Farads
Measure temperature in Farenheit or Celcius
Multimeters have 2-4 ports for the provided test leads or probes to be plugged into.
Probes have one end of the wire called the plug end that plugs into the multimeter port. The other end of the wire called the probe end is used to touch the component of measurement.
Remember that black probe represents the negative probe, and red probe represents the positive probe. The red lead is used for the positive terminal when measuring voltage or continuity.
Ensure that the probe ends of your probes do not touch as you measure using the multimeter, as that can short the circuit and become a safety hazard.
Instead of probes, alligator clips can also be used.
Every digital multimeter (DMM) has a different beep threshold for continuity; most trigger below 50 ohms.
Setting Up Your Multimeter To Measure Continuity
Continuity is the presence of a complete path for current flow. If there is no continuity, something is preventing current from flowing. An open switch, damaged wire, or a blown fuse can break the current flow. It's common to check the continuity on components within a circuit as well as the lengths of wire within a circuit. The first step to testing a circuit for continuity is setting up your multimeter for a continuity test.
To measure continuity, first connect your probes into the correct ports on your multimeter. Your red probes should plug into the port marked with the "))))” symbol - the symbol for continuity. Your black prob should plug into the port marked with “COM”.
Before taking any continuity measurements, set your multimeter dial to measure continuity. Rotate the dial on your multimeter until the arrow/dot is pointed at the continuity "))))” symbol. On some multimeters, you will need to use the “function” key instead to reach this symbol on your multimeter display and measure continuity. This is because each dial position on a multimeter can represent multiple measurements.
Continuity Test
To measure continuity, ensure that the circuit you're testing has no power running through it by turning it off. After that, confirm there is no power in the circuit by measuring voltage.
Your multimeter should display that there is no voltage, since a capacitor can still supply power even if the power is off. The multimeter sends a small test voltage through the wire during a continuity test. The multimeter reads the value of the test voltage to determine if there is continuity. If the power is on, the multimeter cannot accurately read the test voltage From here, you can begin to conduct a continuity test.
For the most accurate continuity testing, isolating components from the circuit can prevent parallel path interference.
Continuity Test
To measure continuity, ensure that the circuit you’re testing has no power running through it by turning it off. Continuity testing should only be performed on unpowered circuits to avoid damaging the multimeter. After that, confirm there is no power in the circuit by measuring voltage. The circuit being tested must be powered off to avoid damaging the multimeter.
Your multimeter should display that there is no voltage, since a capacitor can still supply power even if the power is off. The multimeter sends a small test voltage through the wire during a continuity test. The multimeter reads the value of the test voltage to determine if there is continuity. If the power is on, the multimeter cannot accurately read the test voltage. From here, you can begin to conduct a continuity test.
Ensure that your black probe is connected to the “COM” port, your red probe is connected to the port marked "))))”, and that the "))))” symbol is on your display. You'll also want to test your meter to make sure that it works. To test the meter, touch the two metal ends of your probes together. If the meter displays “OL” while your leads touch, this indicates a problem with your meter. Fix the multimeter before making any continuity measurements.
Place your test leads across the area of the circuit that you want to test. One probe should be at each end of the segment you are conducting a continuity test for. You should place the probes at specific test points in the circuit to check for continuity.
Unlike other multimeter measurements, continuity is a yes/no test, hence why it’s called a continuity test. As a result, there is no value to a continuity measurement. A quick check with a multimeter can help identify continuity issues efficiently.
When you measure continuity using the continuity test, the meter will display either:
“OL”
A low number and a beep sound
If your multimeter displays “OL”, the component or wire you are checking does not have continuity. This indicates that the component you measured has a break in current flow. High or infinite resistance can also indicate a poor connection or corrosion.
Alternatively, if your multimeter reads a low value and emits a beep sound as a result of your continuity test, then the component you checked has continuity. It is important to remember that you only checked the continuity of the component in the circuit you measured. There could be a continuity problem in another area of the circuit.
When testing fuses, a good fuse should beep when tested for continuity, while a blown fuse will show OL on the multimeter display.
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FAQs
How does a multimeter detect continuity?
When performing a continuity test, the multimeter sends a small current through the circuit. If the circuit is closed and has no breaks, the meter will either beep or display a low resistance value. If the circuit is open, the meter will show an infinite resistance or no reading at all.
How do I set my multimeter to test continuity?
To perform a continuity test with a multimeter, set the meter to the continuity mode. This is often represented by a symbol resembling sound waves or a diode symbol. When set correctly, the meter will beep when it detects continuity. Make sure your test leads are connected to the correct terminals on the meter.
How can I ensure my multimeter is working correctly for continuity tests?
To ensure accuracy, test your multimeter's continuity function by checking a known good conductor, like a piece of wire. The meter should beep and show low resistance. If this doesn't happen, the multimeter might need calibration or repair. Also, check the battery and test leads for any issues.
What is a continuity test, and why is it important?
A continuity test is used to check if an electrical circuit is complete, meaning the current can flow without interruptions. It helps detect open circuits or faulty connections. A multimeter with a continuity function or a dedicated continuity tester can beep or display a reading to indicate whether the circuit is continuous.
What tools do I need to perform a continuity test?
To perform a continuity test, you'll need a multimeter or a continuity tester. A digital multimeter (DMM) with a continuity function is ideal as it can give both visual and audible feedback. You will also need probes (test leads) to make contact with the circuit.
What does the beep sound mean during a continuity test?
The beep emitted by the multimeter indicates that the circuit is continuous, meaning there is no break in the wire or electrical connection. The beep is a clear signal that the current can flow through the circuit.
What should I do if my multimeter does not beep during a continuity test?
If your multimeter does not beep during a continuity test, ensure the circuit is correctly connected and the multimeter is set to the correct mode. If the circuit is open (broken wire, faulty component), the multimeter will show no continuity. Additionally, check the multimeter's probes and batteries to ensure they are working correctly.
What does it mean if the multimeter shows infinite resistance during a continuity test?
An infinite resistance reading means that the circuit is open, meaning there is a break in the circuit, or the component being tested (such as a wire or fuse) is faulty. This suggests that the electrical current cannot flow through the circuit.
Can I use the continuity function to check electrical connections?
Yes, the continuity function is an excellent tool for verifying electrical connections. You can test wires, switches, and connectors to ensure the electrical current can flow properly through the system.
How do I test a switch for continuity?
To test a switch for continuity, set the multimeter to continuity mode. Place the probes on the two terminals of the switch. When the switch is in the "on" position, the multimeter should beep, indicating that the circuit is complete. When the switch is "off," there should be no beep, indicating the circuit is open.
What is the difference between a continuity tester and a multimeter?
A continuity tester is a simpler, dedicated tool designed specifically for testing continuity in circuits. It often just gives a beep when a connection is made. A multimeter, on the other hand, is a more versatile tool that can also measure resistance, voltage, and current, in addition to performing continuity tests.
Can I use a continuity test to measure resistance?
Yes, a continuity test can give you a sense of resistance. When testing continuity, if the multimeter beeps, it typically indicates a very low resistance value, meaning the circuit is complete. A more precise resistance measurement can be taken by switching the multimeter to its resistance (Ω) setting for a more detailed reading.
What do I do if I detect voltage while performing a continuity test?
If you detect voltage during a continuity test, it's important to turn off the power to the circuit before proceeding. Continuity tests should be performed on unpowered circuits to avoid damaging the multimeter or causing electrical hazards.
Can a continuity test help me find broken wires?
Yes, a continuity test is a great method for detecting broken wires in an electrical circuit. By placing one probe at each end of the wire, you can determine if the wire is intact or if there is a break, preventing current flow.
Quiz
Question #1: "))))” is the universal symbol for continuity on a multimeter.
True
False
Click for the answer...
Answer: True
True, the "))))” symbol always represents continuity on a multimeter. This includes the dial and port.
Question #2: You can measure continuity while the circuit still has power:
True
False
Click for the answer...
Answer: False
False, the power must be turned off to measure continuity. When the power is on, the multimeter cannot accurately read the test voltage.
Question #3: What does a beep sound and a low value mean when measuring continuity?
The circuit has continuity
The circuit does not have continuity
The meter cannot determine if there is continuity
All of the above
Click for the answer...
Answer: The circuit has continuity
A sound and a beep indicate the segment of the circuit has continuity.
Question #4: Where should you place your leads on the component:
One lead on each end of the wire
Both leads on one end of the wire
Only use one lead on one end of the wire
All of the above
Click for the answer...
Answer: One lead on each end of the wire
To measure continuity you must place a lead on each end of the wire.
Question #5: What does a “OL” on the display mean when measuring continuity?
The circuit has continuity
The circuit does not have continuity
The meter cannot determine if there is continuity
The range of continuity is above the range of the meter.
Click for the answer...
Answer: The circuit does not have continuity
The circuit does not have continuity if the meter displays OL.
Question #6: It is important to test your multimeter before measuring continuity.
True
False
Click for the answer...
Answer: True
True, checking if your meter works is an important step before measuring continuity of the system.
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