Continuity testing
Low- measurement proving that conductors which must be complete actually are. That means protective conductors back to the terminal, bonding conductors to services, and the legs of . Performed dead with a low-ohm meter, it is the first step of the test sequence because everything after it assumes the earth path exists.
Where Continuity testing fits in the learning path
The Testing & Inspection section covers these units:
- Initial Verification & Dead Testing
- Live Testing
- Inspection & Certification
Curriculum mapping: C&G 2365 Unit 304 / 2391.
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The combined resistance of a circuit's line conductor (R1) and its circuit protective conductor (R2), measured end-to-end during dead testing. It proves the protective conductor is continuous, and added to Ze it predicts the circuit's earth fault loop impedance before the supply is ever switched on.
R1+R2
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R1+R2
The combined resistance of a circuit's line conductor (R1) and its circuit protective conductor (R2), measured end-to-end during dead testing. It proves the protective conductor is continuous, and added to Ze it predicts the circuit's earth fault loop impedance before the supply is ever switched on.
Read the R1+R2 entryRing final circuit
A socket circuit wired as a loop, so load current shares two paths. The cable leaves the consumer unit, visits each socket in turn and returns to the same protective device. A UK signature design, it serves a large floor area from modest cable — and demands its own three-step continuity test, because a broken ring keeps working silently as two overloaded radials.
Read the Ring final circuit entryInsulation resistance
The resistance between conductors that should be completely separated from each other. It is measured in megohms, line to neutral and each to earth, with a test instrument applying an elevated DC voltage. Healthy insulation reads very high; damaged cables, moisture or pinched conductors show up as a low reading long before they show up as a shock or a fire.
Read the Insulation resistance entrySeries circuit
A series circuit has components along one current path, so the same current passes through each. Two resistors in series add to the total resistance, while the supply voltage is shared between them. An opening anywhere in that path interrupts current through both. Series describes the electrical connections, not whether the components look lined up on a drawing.
Read the Series circuit entryA definition is a start. Using it in a real question is where it sticks.