Laboratory Manual

for
Electrical Fundamentals Lab (1)

Prepared by Eng. Mohummed abo khdair

Experiment no.8

Continuity check and (capacitor, inductor) testing

 Objectives :
Definition of following : Continuity Test?
 purpose of Continuity Test?
 Procedure Of Continuity Test
 Continuity Test For Capacitor
 Continuity Test For Inductor:
 Continuity Test For Fuse, Switch.

In Electronics & Electrical systems, electrical wiring installations,

maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing works. a continuity test is
checking of a circuit to see if the current can flow through it or not. It
basically determines if a circuit is open or closed.

What is Continuity Test?

Continuity Test is the testing of an electrical circuit to determine if the
current can pass through it (known as close or complete circuit).
In a continuity test, a small voltage is applied to the two points of the circuit
that need to be checked. The current flow between these two points
determines if it’s an open or closed circuit. Usually, there is a buzzer or
led in series (inside continuity meter) to identify if the current flows
through it or not.
A close-circuit provides a closed path for the current flow & an open
circuit does not allow the current flow. These circuits can be distinguished
using the continuity test.

Why Do We Use Continuity Test?

Continuity test very important test in troubleshooting of any circuit.
Various uses of continuity tests are:
 To check the wire connection inside the circuit. These wires may be
broken.
 It is used for Identifying damaged component.
 It is also used for checking the quality of soldering.
 It is used for identifying a specific wire or electrical connection.
Procedure Of Continuity Test
There are mainly two methods for checking the continuity of a circuit using
a multimeter.
The first method is to use the continuity mode in the multimeter, which is
specially made for this purpose.
The second method is to use the Ohmmeter.
Using Continuity Mode
The steps for continuity test using continuity mode is given below:
 De-energize the circuit, if it has any power input.
 Set the dial of the multimeter in continuity mode (continuity mode is
shown by the symbol of sound)
 Insert the black probe into the COM port.
 Insert the red probe into the V, Ω port.
 Now touch the probes with each other. If the meter beeps or gives
reading 0 that means the meter works fine.
 Now connect the probes to both ends of the component or wire that you
want to test.
 If the meter shows 0 and beeps, it means the path is complete (close)
or the component allows the flow of current.

 If the meter does not beep & show 1 or OL, it means the path is broken
(open) or the component does not allow the flow of current.
The continuity in non-directional, it does not matter which probe should
be connected to which side. The result is always the same except some
cases like diodes which allow the flow in only one direction.

An Ohmmeter can also be used to determine the circuit whether it is a

closed or open circuit, which is the main purpose of a continuity test.
Steps for continuity test using an ohmmeter
 First de-energize the circuit, if it has any power source.
 Set the dial of the multimeter to resistance mode Ω. If it has many
ranges, set the dial to the minimum range.
 Insert the black probe into the COM socket of multi-meter.
 Put the red probe into the V, Ω socket.
 Connect the probes to both ends of the wire or component you want to
test.
 If the meter reads 0 Ohm or near to 0 Ohm, the path
is complete and close.

 If the meter reads 1 or OL, the wire connection is broken (open).

 Continuity Test For Capacitor
You can test a capacitor using the continuity test.
 Remove the capacitor if it is in a circuit.
 Discharge it carefully if charged.
Using Continuity Mode
 Set the Multi-meter in continuity mode & insert the black & red probe
as described above.
 Place the red and black probes of multi-meter across positive & negative
terminals of the capacitor respectively.
 If the capacitor is good, the reading should start from ‘0’ as the
capacitor is charging from the multi-meter. The reading will increase &
eventually become infinity or OL, which means that the capacitor
became fully charged & open.

 If a capacitor is damaged, multi-meter will either show very low

value (short) or infinity OL (open).

 Set the dial of the multimeter in resistance mode.

 Place the red probe on the positive terminal and black probe on the
negative terminal of the capacitor
 If the resistance starts increasing from 0 Ohm to infinity, the capacitor
is good. Because it was charging at the beginning.
 If the meter reads very high resistance initially even when it was
discharged, the capacitor is damaged (open).
 If the readings show very low resistance, the capacitor is short.

Continuity Test For Inductor:

You can also test an inductor using the continuity test.
An inductor is a coil & both terminals of the coil are electrically short.
 First, you need to remove the inductor from its circuit. It can be tested
while connected in a circuit but it depends on the circuit itself. Best way
to test it is to remove it.
Using Continuity Mode
 Turn the knob of Multi-meter in continuity mode.
 Insert the black & red probe in COM & V-ohm jack respectively.
 Place the probes of multi-meter across both terminals of the Inductor
respectively.
 If the Inductor is good, the multimeter will beep and the reading will
show very low values. But it will not Identify any damaged or short
turns.
 If the inductor is damaged, multi-meter will not beep and the reading
will be 1 or OL (open).
 Set the dial of the multimeter in resistance mode & set it to the lowest
possible settings.
 Place the probes on both terminals of the inductor.
 If the ohm-meter shows a resistance of few Ohm, the inductor is good

 If the resistance is very low (close to 0), then the inductor has
probably short turns.
 If the meter reads very high resistance, the inductor is damaged (open)
Checking and
replacing fuses

Figure 2
Figure 3 Types of fuses

Procedure
Many electrical devices used in eye care have an externally accessible fuse
near the electrical cord (Figure 1) that you can check and replace by following
these steps.

1. Disconnect the device from the electrical system.

2. Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may
need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap.
3. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a
dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is
blown and needs to be replaced. If you cannot see whether
the fuse is blown, follow steps 4 and 5. If the fuse is
definitely blown, go to step 6.
4. Set a multimeter (Figure 2) to the resistance or (Ohms)
setting.
5. Place one of the multimeter leads on one end of the fuse.
Place the other lead on the other end of the fuse. If the
reading is between 0 and 5 (Ohms), the fuse is good. A
higher reading indicates a bad or degraded fuse. A reading
of OL (Over Limit) definitely means a blown fuse.
6. If the fuse is blown, replace the fuse with one that is
exactly the same Make sure to note the fuse amperage
and voltage ratings, which should be marked on the fuse
itself (Figure 3) or on the panel label near the fuse holder.
Additionally, note the size and whether it is a slow-blow or a
fast-blow type fuse. If there are no markings on the fuse
itself or on the equipment you must consult the device’s
operating manual.