Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

How do you test electrical continuity in a circuit?

1. Use a screwdriver to open the circuit

2. Use a multimeter to check for a complete path for electrical flow

3. Check the circuit with your hands

4. Visual inspection of the circuit connections

The correct answer is: Use a multimeter to check for a complete path for electrical flow

Testing electrical continuity in a circuit is best accomplished by using a multimeter to check for a complete path for electrical flow. A multimeter can measure resistance and detect whether there is an unbroken path for electricity to travel through. This functionality allows the technician to identify faulty components, broken wires, or corroded connections that could interrupt the circuit. When you set the multimeter to the continuity setting, it can emit a tone or display a reading if the circuit is complete, signifying that electrical flow can occur. This method is precise and reliable, making it a standard practice in both troubleshooting and maintenance in electrical systems. Other methods, such as a visual inspection of the circuit connections or trying to check the circuit with your hands, may not provide definitive results on electrical continuity and can also pose safety risks. Using a screwdriver to open the circuit does not test for continuity; instead, it disrupts the flow and could potentially lead to incorrect assumptions about the circuit's status.