How can continuity in a wire be tested using a multimeter?

Testing for continuity in a wire is effectively accomplished by using a multimeter set to the continuity setting. When the probes are placed on either end of the wire, a continuity test will typically emit a beep if there is a complete electrical path through the wire. This audible signal indicates that current can flow without interruption, confirming that the wire is intact.

The reason that this method is the most accurate for checking continuity is that it directly tests whether the circuit is closed. If the circuit is open (meaning there is a break in the wire), the multimeter will not sound, allowing for a quick and efficient assessment of wire integrity.

Measuring resistance with the probes connected, while it may indicate a similar outcome, is less effective as it does not guarantee immediate feedback about continuity; the resistance can be a more complex interpretation depending on factors like wire condition or length. Checking for voltage across the wire is useful for other assessments but does not directly test continuity, as voltage can be present even in an incomplete circuit. Visual inspections can identify physical damage to the wire but will not provide a definitive answer about electrical continuity. Therefore, using the multimeter on the continuity setting is the definitive method for testing the integrity of a wire.