Which tool is commonly used to verify electrical continuity in a wiring harness during inspection?

• A. Oscilloscope
• B. Multimeter set to continuity or resistance check
• C. Megger insulation resistance tester
• D. Clamp meter

Answer: (B)

Testing electrical continuity in a wiring harness is about confirming an unbroken path for current from one point to another, including through connectors and splices. To do that quickly and reliably, a multimeter set to continuity or resistance is best. In continuity mode the meter beeps when the path has very low resistance, making it easy to spot an open wire, a broken conductor, or a bad connection without needing to interpret raw numbers. You can also use the resistance measurement to quantify how far the path is from ideal.

Other tools aren’t as well suited for this specific task. An oscilloscope shows voltage signals over time and is great for diagnosing signal integrity, not for simply checking whether a conductor is continuous. A megger insulation tester applies high voltage to test insulation resistance, which is useful for ensuring insulation integrity between conductors or to ground, not for verifying that two points are connected by a conductor. A clamp meter measures current in a conductor without disconnecting the circuit and isn’t meant for determining continuity of a specific wire within a harness.