What does an ohmmeter measure?

An ohmmeter is a specialized instrument designed to measure electrical resistance in a circuit or component. Resistance is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current, and it is measured in ohms (Ω). When you use an ohmmeter, it sends a small current through the component being tested and measures how much that current is reduced by the resistance present.

Understanding this function is essential for troubleshooting and assessing electrical circuits, as it allows technicians to identify faulty components or connections that may impact the performance of a system. This tool is fundamentally different from those used for measuring voltage, current, or power consumption, which requires different methods and principles of operation.