Importance of EC
Earth continuity (EC) is the test to confirm a safe, low-resistance path between an appliance earth pin and casing. The importance of this test is to confirm that the appliance would trip the main RCD (Residual Current Device) to prevent a fire or electric shock if an electrical fault on the appliance occured
1
Calibrating the leads/meter
Firstly, you should connect both multi meter leads together to test 1, if there is continuity passing through and 2, what starting resistance you have**.
2
Testing
The multi meter should be on the ohms/continuity setting, one lead connected to the earth pin on the plug if accessible and the other lead connected to an earth point on the appliance i.e bare metal on the casing or hinge (as long as it is metal.
See below for images
3
Alternative way
If the plug is not accessible you can either go off the casing
of another appliance to the casing of the appliance being tested,
or from one of the screws on the counter sockets to the casing of
the appliance being tested.
Connect to the earth pin on the mains lead.
Connect to a suitable earth point on the appliance itself.
Select the continuity / ohms setting on the meter.
The reading should be 0.00 – 0.3 ohms to pass.