When you use a DMM to test for continuity, remember that you are using the battery inside the DMM. To save this battery, there are two important guidelines:

• WHEN MEASURING CONTINUITY, TEST INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS ONLY. NO BATTERY SHOULD BE CONNECTED.
• TURN THE METER TO THE "OFF" POSITION WHEN YOU ARE DONE.

The diagram below shows the connection and DMM setting for testing a switch. Here's how to read the result on the meter:

• If the DMM reads 1, there is no electrical connection between the two contacts -- they're open
• If the DMM reads 0.00 (or very close to zero), the contacts are connected -- they're closed.