Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

What is the primary use of ohmmeters in electrical work?

1. Measure voltage in circuits

2. Check circuit continuity

3. Determine power consumption

4. Test current flow

The correct answer is: Check circuit continuity

Ohmmeters are primarily used to measure electrical resistance in a circuit, which directly relates to checking circuit continuity. When you check continuity, you are essentially determining whether there is a complete and unbroken path for current to flow. If the ohmmeter shows a very low resistance value, it indicates that the circuit is complete and current can flow. Conversely, if it shows a high or infinite resistance, it suggests that the circuit is open or broken, indicating a fault that needs to be addressed. This functionality is essential in troubleshooting electrical circuits to ensure they operate properly. Other uses of an ohmmeter, such as measuring voltage, determining power consumption, or testing current flow, fall outside its primary function. Voltage measurements require a voltmeter, current flow is assessed with an ammeter, and power consumption calculations are based on voltage and current readings, often involving multipliers like Wattmeters, making those options less relevant to the primary function of an ohmmeter.