If a technician reads 2 Ohms between the common and low speed wires of a 120 VAC furnace motor, what can the technician conclude about the winding?

When a technician reads 2 Ohms between the common and low-speed wires of a 120 VAC furnace motor, this indicates that there is an unusually low resistance between these windings. In a typical motor winding, resistance values are higher, usually in the range of tens or hundreds of Ohms. A reading of 2 Ohms suggests that the windings have too low of a resistance, which is a sign of a short circuit.

In this scenario, a shorted winding means that the wires within the motor have either come into contact with each other or with the motor casing, allowing current to flow through an unintended path. This condition can lead to excessive current draw, overheating, and ultimately damage to the motor if not addressed. Recognizing the characteristic of a low resistance reading in the context of motor windings helps the technician diagnose the problem effectively.

If a measurement indicated an 'open' winding, the technician would expect to see an infinite resistance reading, indicating no continuity. Similarly, a grounded condition would show very low resistance when tested against the ground, but that is distinct from the readings taken between motor windings. An 'OK' state would typically be represented by a resistance reading within the acceptable range for proper motor operation, which is not