Red Seal Electrician Practice
Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 302 of 1506

An energized circuit shows full source voltage across a breaker. What does this tell you?

  1. The breaker is in good working order
  2. The breaker is tripped (open)
  3. The load is shorted out
  4. The neutral conductor is open
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Correct answer: The breaker is tripped (open)

A good protective device drops almost no voltage. Source voltage across it means it is open.

Source: Troubleshooting Motors and Controls (Dickson-Self), 1.2: Electrical Fundamentals

Practice meters and troubleshooting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026