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An example of the CORRECT use of OHMS testing

You read the title right: this time around the Samurai is using the often-misused ohms test to diagnose a Samsung electric dryer not heating problem. Instead of tearing down the whole machine, the Samurai uses the schematic and electrical testing (in this case, ohms) from the control board to find the problem. See the proper use of the ohms test now in this Journey into Appliance Repair Enlightenment…

The take away point is that ohms testing is a preliminary screening test.

A “good” ohms test is NOT diagnostically conclusive.

A “bad” ohms test (ie, open) IS diagnostically conclusive.

A component can (and commonly does) test “good” on ohms but fail under load (when current starts flowing). A common example is thermal fuses. A faulty fuse can ohm fine but then go open the instant electrons start blasting through them.

That’s why we say that if something tests open on ohms, you done found the problem. But if something tests “good” on ohms, you need to do some live testing to make sure it doesn’t fail under load.

We teach you how to understand circuits, electrical testing, read schematics, and troubleshoot more intelligently and efficiently in our Core Appliance Repair Training course. Enroll today and begin your journey to Appliance Repair Mastery.