How Do I test ryobi electric grass trimmer with a multitester,so as to see which part of enclosed case may be defective? I did a continuity check on electric cord of trimmer and it checks out ok. I didn't twist the cord to check for short though

ed cesena, September 2009

most faults on this type ,with a cord from a handle is a break in the supply cord at the point where most strain and flexing occurs, try twisting the cord at this point to see if the fault is intermittent ...there may be nothing wrong with the machine ...

ron limb, September 2009

Your electric grass trimmer my be defective in:

Socket you plug it into (try a known good socket)
Fuse in plug (if fused plug) (continuity test fuse)
Integrity of power cable (especially close to appliance where trim line may have severed conductor) (inspect closely with cord unplugged)
Control switch (dismantle trimmer to continuity test)
Internal cable (very rare and unlikely)
Motor (dismantle trimmer and run on bench if confident)

TAKE CARE

Twisting cord for "short"
Unless a fuse/breaker has blown/tripped then there will have not been a short - any cable problem is 90% likely to be an open circuit rather than a short circuit.

When continuity testing a cable you should test both supply & return wires.

Peccavi, September 2009