Question

Difficulty: HardMultimeter: Resistance and Continuity

A technician is using a digital multimeter (DMM) set to the resistance (Ω\Omega) and continuity modes to troubleshoot de-energized components on an industrial electrical bench. Match each multimeter measurement reading on the left with its corresponding diagnostic circuit condition on the right.

  • Probing across the terminal contacts of an unactuated, de-energized normally open (NO) control switch displays 'O.L' (>40 MΩ> 40\text{ M}\Omega).Normal high-resistance open-circuit state for separated contacts
  • Probing between the main AC line power terminal and the metal equipment chassis of an isolated motor controller displays 0.1 Ω0.1\,\Omega.Severe line-to-ground fault (dead short) to the chassis frame
  • Probing across the isolated terminals of an electric motor stator coil rated at 3.5 Ω3.5\,\Omega displays 'O.L' with no audible continuity tone.Burned-out internal open winding failure
  • Probing across the unpowered filament terminals of an incandescent panel indicator lamp displays 18 Ω18\,\Omega.Normal continuous, low-resistance conductive path for an intact resistive load

Answer

The normally open switch reading 'O.L' matches the normal open-circuit state for separated contacts; the AC line-to-chassis reading of 0.1 Ω0.1\,\Omega matches the severe line-to-ground short circuit fault; the motor coil reading 'O.L' matches the burned-out internal open winding failure; and the indicator lamp reading 18 Ω18\,\Omega matches the normal continuous conductive path for an intact resistive load.
Each multimeter reading directly correlates to the internal electrical state of the component: an open contact set produces infinite resistance ('O.L'), an unintended low-resistance connection between hot conductors and frame ground represents a dead short (0.1 Ω0.1\,\Omega), a severed coil wire destroys continuity ('O.L'), and a continuous resistive filament yields its nominal cold resistance (18 Ω18\,\Omega).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the normally open (NO) switch measurement
Display reads 'O.L' (>40 MΩ> 40\text{ M}\Omega)
When de-actuated, NO switch contacts are physically separated by air (an insulator), so infinite resistance is the expected normal condition.
2
Evaluate the AC line terminal to chassis ground measurement
Display reads 0.1 Ω0.1\,\Omega
Power conductors should be electrically isolated from structural metal enclosures. A near-zero reading indicates a dangerous short circuit / ground fault.
3
Evaluate the motor stator winding measurement against its nominal 3.5 Ω3.5\,\Omega rating
Display reads 'O.L' with no continuity beep
Because the coil should form a continuous low-resistance inductive path, an over-limit reading proves the wire has melted or fractured into an open circuit.
4
Evaluate the incandescent lamp filament measurement
Display reads 18 Ω18\,\Omega
An intact metal filament has low finite resistance at ambient temperature, confirming circuit continuity and normal component health.

Key Concept

Interpreting digital multimeter resistance and continuity display values (zero ohms, nominal ohms, over-limit / O.L) to distinguish between normal component states, open-circuit faults, and short circuits.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question