The windings (all three in a three-phase motor) should read low but not zero ohms. ... It will usually be low enough (under 30 Ω) for the audible continuity indicator to sound. For proper motor operation, all windings must have megohm readings to ground, i.e. to the motor enclosure.

Should a motor have continuity between phases?

Using a multimeter, check the continuity of motor winding from phase to phase ( U to V, V to W , W to U ). Each phase to phase must have a continuity if winding is OK. If any particular phase fails the continuity test, your motor is probably burnt. ... U, V, W is a European winding designation.

How do you know if a motor is bad on a multimeter?

With a multimeter set to low ohms (usually 200), test between each winding terminal and the metal casing of the motor. If there is any reading on any of these then the motor is bad, do not use it. You may find that when it runs ungrounded that the casing becomes live at up to supply voltage.