What does 'continuity' mean in electrical testing?

• A. A complete, uninterrupted path for current to flow.
• B. A path that has multiple breaks.
• C. A path to a power source.
• D. A path that includes a resistor.

Answer: (A)

Continuity in electrical testing means there is a complete, uninterrupted path for current to flow between two points. In practice, a tester will indicate continuity when the circuit is closed and current can travel, which can include components like resistors, wires, and switches as long as the loop is complete. If there are breaks or gaps, current cannot flow, so there is no continuity. Merely having a path to a power source isn’t enough—you need a return path that closes the loop. A path that includes a resistor can still be continuous, because the resistor does not break the circuit; it just adds resistance along the closed path.