Open circuit

(electricity) An electric circuit that has been broken, so that there is no complete path for current flow.

A condition in an electric circuit in which there is no path for current between two points; examples are a broken wire and a switch in the open, or off, position. See also Circuit (electricity).

Open-circuit voltage is the potential difference between two points in a circuit when a branch (current path) between the points is open-circuited. Open-circuit voltage is measured by a voltmeter which has a very high resistance (theoretically infinite).

A discontinuous electric circuit through which no current can flow.