Use a Multi-meter to Test for Continuity
(i) To test for continuity, turn the dial or set the digital controls on the tester to the ohm setting.
(ii) In this mode, you also have the ability to set a multiplier factor, which can be slightly confusing if you are unfamiliar with the tool. Since the testers are designed to test for a wide range of resistance on sophisticated electronic parts, it has multiplier ohm settings, indicated by markings such as X1, X10, XK1, etc., controlled by a dial or buttons. These multipliers tell you that the reading on the ohm meter should be multiplied by the number indicated on the dial. For example, if your dial is set for X10 and the meter reads 50 ohms, the actual resistance number is 10 x 50, or 500 ohms.
(iii) For simple continuity tests of switches and other devices, the multiplier settings are not important. No matter how the tool'* multiplier dial is set, you will be looking for a reading of 0 ohms to indicate perfect continuity in the switch or whatever device you are testing. Some meters have an audible alarm that indicates perfect continuity (0 ohms resistance).
(iv) Touch one probe of the tester to one side of the pathway, and touch the other probe to the other side. In the example of a single-pole wall switch, you will be touching the probes to the two **** terminals on the side of the switch. With the switch' toggle lever in the ON position, the multi-tester should read 0 if the metal pathway in the switch is properly intact.
