A multi-meter should offer maximum or minimum resistance when measuring?

When measuring resistance with a multi-meter, it is designed to provide a reading of maximum resistance when checking open circuits or high-resistance components. This capability helps in diagnosing issues with components and circuits. If the element being tested has high resistance (an open circuit), the multi-meter indicates a high resistance value, often near infinity, signaling that there is little or no current flowing through.

Conversely, when measuring components like resistors that are functioning properly, a multi-meter will reflect their actual resistance, which could vary widely based on the resistor's rating. The understanding of maximum resistance allows technicians to assess whether a circuit is functioning correctly or if there’s a break in continuity, which would result in infinite resistance.

In this context, the concept of maximum resistance aligns with problem diagnosis and component testing, distinguishing it from minimum resistance scenarios, where a short circuit might be measured, indicating a complete circuit with low resistance.