Definition
A simple electrical test instrument used to verify that a complete, unbroken electrical path exists between two points in a circuit, wire, or component. It typically consists of a battery, a light or buzzer, and two test leads; when the leads are connected across an unbroken path, the light illuminates or the buzzer sounds.
Plain English
A small handheld tool that tells you whether electricity can flow all the way through a wire or part. Touch one lead to each end—if the light or beeper comes on, the path is good. If nothing happens, there's a break somewhere.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft electrical maintenance, especially when checking wires, switches, lights, fuses, and connections.
Derivation
Continuity comes from the Latin continuus, meaning 'uninterrupted' or 'joined together.' A continuity tester literally checks whether the electrical path is uninterrupted from one end to the other.
Why Pilots Care
Verifies wiring integrity in avionics and electrical systems to prevent in-flight failures.
Intuition Check
Continuity does not mean “keeps going over time” here. It means the electrical path is complete and not broken between the points being checked.
Example Sentence 1
Before reinstalling the panel, the technician used a continuity tester to confirm that the new ground wire had a solid connection from the switch to the airframe.
Example Sentence 2
Before installing the new switch, check continuity across the circuit to confirm it is complete.