If the ohmmeter shows infinite resistance, what does it indicate?

When an ohmmeter shows infinite resistance, it indicates an open circuit. An open circuit occurs when there is a break in the continuity of the electrical pathway, meaning that no current can flow through the circuit. This situation can arise due to a variety of reasons, such as a disconnected wire, a blown fuse, or a faulty connection.

In the case of an infinite resistance reading, the ohmmeter is essentially telling you that there is no electrical connectivity between the points being tested. This reading is significantly different from a short circuit, where the resistance would be very low, indicating a direct connection allowing current to flow. Similarly, a perfect conductor would show very low resistance, and a faulty meter would typically show erratic or unreliable readings rather than a stable infinite value. Thus, the result clearly points to an open circuit condition in the electrical system being tested.