Red Seal Electrician Practice
Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 583 of 1506

Two points in a control circuit are joined by a wire and should be electrically common. A voltmeter across them reads 24 V. What does this show?

  1. The wire is good, and the reading is normal for a common point.
  2. There is an open failure between the two points.
  3. The power supply voltage is too low for the circuit.
  4. There is a short circuit between the two points.
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Correct answer: There is an open failure between the two points.

Points joined by good wire have almost no voltage between them. A large reading means the connection is not complete.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 2.7: Circuit Wiring

Practice meters and troubleshooting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026