If an ohmmeter test shows infinite resistance between the terminals of a compressor winding, this indicates:

If an ohmmeter test shows infinite resistance between the terminals of a compressor winding, this indicates:

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

Answer: (A)

An ohmmeter checks continuity by sending a small current through the winding and measuring resistance. If the reading is infinite, there is no path for current to flow, which means the winding is open—there is a break or disconnection in the circuit. For a compressor winding, this indicates the winding cannot conduct, so it cannot operate. This isn't a shorted condition, which would show a very low resistance (near zero) because the windings would be effectively wired together. It isn't a grounded fault either in the sense of a completed path to the frame showing a specific abnormal reading; instead, the key sign here is the complete lack of continuity, i.e., an open circuit. Normal operation would show a finite, expected resistance value for that winding.

An ohmmeter checks continuity by sending a small current through the winding and measuring resistance. If the reading is infinite, there is no path for current to flow, which means the winding is open—there is a break or disconnection in the circuit. For a compressor winding, this indicates the winding cannot conduct, so it cannot operate.

This isn't a shorted condition, which would show a very low resistance (near zero) because the windings would be effectively wired together. It isn't a grounded fault either in the sense of a completed path to the frame showing a specific abnormal reading; instead, the key sign here is the complete lack of continuity, i.e., an open circuit. Normal operation would show a finite, expected resistance value for that winding.