Red Seal Electrician Practice
Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 655 of 1506

Which resistor failure is more common in service?

  1. Failing shorted, usually after a long idle period
  2. Failing open, usually after physical or electrical overstress
  3. Failing shorted, usually from normal use at rated power
  4. Failing open, usually from a cold room
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Correct answer: Failing open, usually after physical or electrical overstress

Resistors seldom fail unless they are overheated or physically abused, and then they tend to open.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 5.7: Component Failure Analysis

Practice meters and troubleshooting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026