Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test

Using an ohmmeter is the most effective method to determine if the elements on a forced air electric heater are functioning properly. An ohmmeter is a tool that measures electrical resistance in ohms. By checking the heating elements with this device, you can assess whether they are intact and capable of conducting electricity. If the resistance reading is within the specified range for that particular element, it indicates that the element is working correctly. Conversely, a reading of zero or infinite resistance suggests a failure in the element, either as a short circuit or an open circuit.

This assessment is critical for identifying malfunctioning components before they potentially cause overheating, electrical faults, or damage to the system. Other methods, such as checking the gas valve, inspecting the breaker, or measuring the air temperature, are less directly related to verifying the functionality of the electric heating elements themselves. These methods may help troubleshoot the system as a whole, but they do not provide the specific information about the electrical integrity of the heating elements that using an ohmmeter does.