In electronics, a continuity test refers to checking an electric circuit to see if current flows (i.e. that it is in fact a complete circuit).
A continuity test is preformed by placing a small voltage (wired in series with an LED or noise producing component such as a piezoelectric speaker) across the chosen path. If electron flow is inhibited by broken conductors, damaged components, or excessive resistance, the circuit is "open".
Devices that can be used to perform continuity tests include multimeters which measure current flow and specialized continuity testers which are cheaper, more basic devices, generally with a simple light bulb that lights up when current flows.
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Last updated: 08-22-2005 20:31:19