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Electrical & Electronics Engineering vocabulary · Measurement and Test Equipment

Continuity

Meaning in electrical & electronics engineering, with examples

/ˌkɑntəˈnuəti/nounCore term

In electrical & electronics engineering, continuity means: An unbroken electrical path between two points. A continuity test checks whether current can flow from one point to another, for example along a wire or a PCB trace.

In Turkish: süreklilik, iletkenlik, kopukluk kontrolü

How it is used

Used in wiring checks and fault-finding. Most multimeters have a continuity mode that beeps when there is a low-resistance path. Technicians say 'check for continuity' or 'there's no continuity'. Continuity tests are done with the power off.

Example sentences

  1. There's no continuity between the connector and the sensor, so the cable must be broken.

  2. Put the meter in continuity mode and check each wire in the harness.

Common collocations

  • continuity test
  • check for continuity
  • continuity mode
  • no continuity
  • multimeterA handheld or bench instrument that measures voltage, current and resistance, and often continuity, capacitance and frequency as well. It is the most basic tool for electrical testing.
  • open circuitA circuit with a break in its path, so no current can flow. It can be intentional, like an open switch, or a fault, like a broken wire or a cracked solder joint.
  • short circuitAn unwanted low-resistance connection between two points that should be kept apart, such as live and neutral. It causes a very large current that can damage equipment or start a fire.
  • troubleshootTo find and fix the cause of a problem in a circuit, machine or system by checking it step by step. The related noun is troubleshooting.
  • wireA single conductor, usually copper, often covered with insulation. A cable is several insulated wires grouped together inside an outer sheath.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Measurement and Test Equipment

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