If an ohmmeter shows continuity but the resistance value is much lower than expected, this indicates:

If an ohmmeter shows continuity but the resistance value is much lower than expected, this indicates:

• A. Shorted
• B. Open
• C. Grounded
• D. Normal

Answer: (A)

A short circuit. When an ohmmeter shows continuity, it means there is a conducting path between the test points. If the resistance value is far lower than what the circuit should have, that path is abnormally low in impedance, effectively bypassing the intended components or resistances. This direct, low-resistance connection is what we call a short. If it were an open, you’d see no continuity at all. If it were normal, the resistance would match the expected value for that part of the circuit. Grounded could show a path to earth, which isn’t the same as the unintended direct connection between the two test points, so the observed very low resistance still points to a short.

A short circuit. When an ohmmeter shows continuity, it means there is a conducting path between the test points. If the resistance value is far lower than what the circuit should have, that path is abnormally low in impedance, effectively bypassing the intended components or resistances. This direct, low-resistance connection is what we call a short.

If it were an open, you’d see no continuity at all. If it were normal, the resistance would match the expected value for that part of the circuit. Grounded could show a path to earth, which isn’t the same as the unintended direct connection between the two test points, so the observed very low resistance still points to a short.