Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

Which tool can be used to test an electrical circuit for continuity?

1. Clamp meter

2. Multimeter set to measure resistance or continuity

3. Voltage tester

4. Oscilloscope

The correct answer is: Multimeter set to measure resistance or continuity

A multimeter set to measure resistance or continuity is specifically designed to check the continuity of an electrical circuit. When you use a multimeter in this mode, it applies a small amount of voltage to the circuit and measures the resulting current flow. If there is continuity, the multimeter will typically sound a tone or show a low resistance value, indicating that the circuit is complete and electricity can flow through it. This tool is versatile and can serve multiple functions, including measuring resistance, voltage, and current. In the context of testing for continuity, it provides a direct and efficient means to identify open circuits, faulty wiring, or broken components. In contrast, other tools, such as a clamp meter, are primarily used for measuring current flowing in a conductor without directly connecting to the circuit, and are not suitable for continuity tests. A voltage tester checks for the presence of voltage but does not provide information on whether a circuit is continuous. An oscilloscope is used for analyzing waveforms and signals in electrical systems, which is not applicable for simple continuity testing.