NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

The choice indicating a malfunction in an electrical circuit is the situation where there are no readings at all. This indicates a complete failure in the circuit, suggesting an open circuit or a complete disconnect somewhere in the path of electrical flow. When there are no readings, it shows that power is not reaching the measuring point, which could be due to a variety of issues such as a burnt fuse, broken wire, or failed component.

Continuous operation does not necessarily indicate a malfunction; it signifies that the circuit is functioning as intended. Intermittent readings could suggest issues like loose connections or fluctuating power but do not represent a total failure. Inconsistent measurements may also be indicative of problems, yet they imply that there is still some level of electrical activity occurring in the circuit. Thus, the absence of any readings stands out as the most clear sign of malfunction.