How to Test Continuity with a Multimeter

For diagnosing commercial kitchen equipment, home appliances and HVAC units, you need the right tools and the know-how to use them. For a beginner technician, this guide on how to test continuity with a multimeter can help get you started with troubleshooting and repairs.

A multimeter can be used for a wide range of equipment diagnostics. You can use it for any of the following:

• All commercial kitchen equipment, such as ovens, fryers, ice machines and refrigerators.
• Home appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers.
• Both commercial and residential laundry equipment.
• All HVAC units for home and commercial, such as fan coils, rooftop units, air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps. 

Testing Continuity with a Multimeter

• Step 1. Set your multimeter – Turn on your meter and put the dial to the continuity setting. In most cases this will be resistance. 
• Step 2. Check the meter – To check the setting is right and your meter is working, simply touch the two leads together. You should get a beep to let you know you’re ready to start testing. 
• Step 3. Position your leads – Take your two leads and position them in the correct location for the unit and part you’re diagnosing. Since continuity checks that voltage can go from one point to another without breakage, you want to place one lead at one point and the other at the other end of the circuit.
• Step 4. Determine if you have continuity – If the multimeter isn’t beeping or getting a reading, you don’t have continuity. This can indicate a part isn’t working and you need to investigate further. If your multimeter beeps or gives you a reading, you should have continuity.