How To Test Continuity
Definition of a Continuity Test
“In electronics, a continuity test is the checking of an electric circuit to see if current flows (that it is in fact a complete circuit).”
Thank you Wikipedia.
Which parts can I test for continuity?
“A continuity test can be used to test switches, fuses, electrical connections, conductors and other components. A good fuse, for example, should have continuity.”
Thank you Wikipedia and Fluke.
In the video above, we demonstrate tests on:
- Electric Range Surface Element
- Incandescent Light Bulb, CFL
- Cherry switch
- Normally-Closed, NC
- Normally-Open, NO
- Common, COM
- Often used as a belt switch, lid switch, or door switch
- Power Cord
How do you test continuity?
Parts are often tested by themselves, disconnected from the appliance, with a meter connected to the leads or connection on the part, testing continuity from Point A to Point B.
If the part has continuity, is it “good? If it doesn’t, is the part “bad”?
No. Below is a supplemental video showing the difference. Fuses may look like thermostats, and thermostats may look like fuses, and parts may be “normally open” or “normally closed” depending on their purpose inside the appliance.