General Contractor Practice Exam

Ohmmeters are specifically designed to measure the resistance within an electrical circuit, which directly relates to the concept of continuity. When testing for continuity, an ohmmeter sends a small current through the circuit and measures the resistance. A low resistance reading indicates that there is a complete path for current to flow, meaning the circuit is continuous. Conversely, a high resistance reading, or no continuity (often represented as infinite resistance), indicates a break or fault in the circuit.

The other instruments, while useful for different purposes, do not serve this specific function. A voltmeter measures the electrical potential difference between two points and is used primarily in assessing voltage levels, not continuity. An ammeter measures the current flowing through a circuit but does not provide information about the continuity of that circuit. Analog gauges are more general measurement tools that can provide various readings but are not specifically designed to test for continuity. Therefore, ohmmeters are the appropriate instrument to use when checking for continuity in electrical circuits.