Will continuity test damage an IC?

[mcgruff]

Hi

I managed to solder two vero strips together when installing a JRC4580D IC. I used a file to cut the solder bridge OK but, when I continuity test the two adjacent strips, I'm getting a beep.

Is it normal to get a continuity beep from some of the pins on an IC (which would explain the result)?

Also, I just realised that maybe I shouldn't have tried a continuity test at all... Does that damage an IC?

[diydidi]

No! No two pins should give you continuity or low low ohm reading.

[Jazz P Bass]

The continuity test (assuming it is 'diode check') may be reading an internal diode junction.
Maybe.
Reversing the leads would tell that.
A resistance reading might be more appropriate.
At any rate you will not really be testing anything until it is in a circuit.
Short of finding a gross short circuit.

[mcgruff]

OK thanks everyone. I've built an amp before but never anything on a small scale like this with veroboard and ICs (wampler ecstacy clone).

[J M Fahey]

No! No two pins should give you continuity or low low ohm reading.

Well, it depends on the IC.

Some *DO* have some internally connected pins , others have pins going to opposite ends of a low value resistor, etc.

Can't really answer without checking internal schematic.

[mcgruff]

Good to know Maybe I haven't fried it after all.

Incidentally, this is the circuit I'm trying to build. Some other interesting stuff on the same site to check out too.

[Enzo]

Jazz said it right, use the ohm meter, not the continuity test.

[The Dude]

Also, if the IC is still installed, you may be reading across another component. Unsolder one of the pins or remove the IC to make sure your reading is indeed the IC and not something else.

[Enzo]

That's true, but if you get anything but zero ohms, it pretty much means there is no solder bridge, at least.