What does continuity testing verify in an electrical circuit?

Continuity testing is a fundamental procedure in electrical work that is specifically designed to verify that an electrical circuit is complete and free of interruptions. This is done by using a continuity tester or a multimeter set to the continuity mode, which checks whether there is an unbroken path for current to flow through the circuit.

When the circuit is complete, the tester will indicate continuity, often through a sound or visual cue. This ensures that every connection within the circuit is intact and that there are no breaks or faults which could potentially lead to equipment failure or safety hazards.

In contrast, testing for an overloaded circuit assesses whether the current draw exceeds the circuit's designed capacity, which is unrelated to continuity. Checking for sufficient voltage requires measuring the voltage across specific components but does not confirm whether the path for current flow is intact. Lastly, verifying that a circuit is properly grounded is a separate process focused on ensuring safety and the proper function of electrical systems, but it does not inherently involve checking the continuity of the circuit itself.

Thus, the focus of continuity testing is precisely on confirming that the electrical path is complete, making it central to ensuring that a circuit will operate correctly when energized.