What electrical quantity is measured when performing continuity testing of twisted pair cable?

When performing continuity testing on twisted pair cable, the electrical quantity being measured is resistance. This test is essential for ensuring that there are no breaks or faults in the cable that would disrupt the transmission of signals.

During continuity testing, a multimeter is typically used to send a small current through one end of the cable to see if it can complete the circuit and return to the other end. If the cable is intact, the multimeter will show a very low resistance value, indicating that the electrical path is continuous. If there is a significant resistance or an open circuit, it suggests that the cable has a break or is improperly terminated, which would lead to failures in data transmission.

Understanding the importance of measuring resistance in this context can help in troubleshooting and ensuring that networking equipment operates effectively, as continuity is critical for the reliable operation of twisted pair cables in communication systems.