How to Set a Multimeter for Continuity

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Are you an aspiring electrician? Maybe you simply wanted to learn more about this field of work. 

You see, electricians have many different diagnostic tools which they utilize in the course of their job. These are important safety tools that keep them out of harm and provide the answers if there’s a problem in a device or on a circuit. One of the key tools they use is a multimeter. 

A multimeter can be utilized for continuity testing. In case you didn’t know yet, a continuity testing is performed to determine if there’s a track on a circuit board (open circuit) or a break in a wire. It can also determine whether a track or wire is shortened to another track or wire. 

The leads are placed on either end of a track when the continuity function is utilized on a multimeter. The device will produce an audible sound if the track or wire is not broken (for example, it’s continuous). The multimeter will then serve as a buzzer circuit, and the lead function as a switch.

The buzzer circuit is completed if the leads are touched together on either end of the conductor. 

One of the most typical things you measure is current and voltage. A multimeter is perfect for some standard sanity checks and troubleshooting, too. 

Is your circuit suddenly not functioning? Does the button work? Put a multimeter on it! A multimeter is your first defense when fixing any type of system. 

Would you like to find out more information on how you can set a multimeter for continuity? Lucky for you because this post got you covered. In today’s article, we will dig deeper into the proper ways of setting a multimeter for continuity along with simple to understand and detailed steps.

Without further ado, let’s jump in! 

More About Continuity Test

This test checks a small voltage that is distributed to the two points of the circuit. The current flow between such two points identifies if it is a closed or open circuit. 

Normally, you will find a led or buzzer in series to determine if the current flows through it or not.

An open circuit doesn’t enable the current flow, while a closed circuit offers a closed path for the current flow. Such circuits could be determined through a continuity test. 

Importance of Using a Continuity Test

Keep in mind that a continuity test plays a critical role in troubleshooting any circuit. Different uses of these tests include the following:

  • Used for determining a particular electrical or wire connection
  • Used for checking the soldering’s quality
  • Used for determining damaged part or component
  • Check the wire connection in the circuit as those wires might be broken 

Setting Your Multimeter for Continuity 

A multimeter is a battery-powered device with two wire leads—one black and one red—which plug into the tool’s sockets. The opposite ends of the leads are fitted along with metal probes. A digital or dial setting enables you to set the tool to the test you like to perform.

Testing continuity with a multimeter is performed with the ohm setting on the device that measures the electrical pathway’s resistance. In short, the less resistance in the pathway, the higher the continuity. 

You will find two processes for checking the circuit’s continuity using a multimeter. The first procedure is to use the Ohmmeter. The second process is by using continuity mode that is specifically made for this purpose. 

Using Ohmmeter 

An ohmmeter is a device that can be utilized to identify whether the circuit is an open or closed circuit, which is the major purpose of a continuity test. 

Here are the necessary steps you need to follow if you want to use an ohmmeter for the continuity test.

  • If it has any power input, make sure you de-energize the circuit.
  • Set your multimeter’s dial to resistance mode Ω. You can set the dial to the minimum range if it has many ranges. 
  • Place the black probe in the COM socket of your multimeter.
  • Place the red probe into the V, Ω socket. 
  • Connect the probes to both the component’s ends that you like to test.
  • The path is complete and close if your multimeter reads 0 Ohm or near to 0 Ohm. 
  • The wire connection is broken or open if the meter reads 1 or OL. 

With Continuity Mode 

The important steps for continuity steps via continuity mode is provided below:

  • If it has any power input, make sure you de-energize the circuit.
  • Set your multimeter’s dial-in continuity mode (remember that the sound symbol displays the continuity mode).
  • Place the black probe in the COM port.
  • Place the red probe into the V, Ω port.
  • Touch the probes with one another. Does your meter beeps or offers a reading of 0? Then that suggests the meter works well.
  • Connect the probes to both the component’s ends that you like to test.
  • Does the meter display zero and creates a beep sound? It suggests the path is complete (or close) or the wire permits the flow of current. 
  • If the meter doesn’t beep and display 1 or OL, it clearly indicates the path is broken (or open) or the component doesn’t permit the flow of current. 

Take note that the continuity here is non-directional. It doesn’t matter which probe must be linked to which side. The outcome will always be the same except for some scenarios like diodes that enable the flow in just one direction. 

Final Thoughts

There you have it! With the information presented above, you are now ready to use your multimeter to start measuring continuity. Don’t hesitate to start using it today for all your electric concerns. A multimeter is no doubt one of the best tools you can utilize concerning electronic devices.

We hope you find this article fun to read and informative at the same time. What are your thoughts about this topic? Share your thoughts with us by leaving your comments below.