This is a tricky situation, and your observations point to something specific. Let's break down what's likely happening

Understanding Your Measurements and Their Implications
Zero Ohms at Panel Side (Disconnected)

This strongly suggests a short circuit between the red and black wires is present somewhere between the panel and the point where the wires are accessible at the panel.

Infinite Ohms at Blower Side (Disconnected)

This indicates that the short circuit you are seeing at the panel is NOT present all the way down to the blower side. There is no connection between those wires.

Tied Wires Together and Measured Infinite This strongly indicates that the wires are continuous. The "open" in the cable, is only accessible at the panel end.

Possible Scenarios and Troubleshooting Steps

Here's a list of the most probable scenarios and what you can do to find the fault:1. Short Circuit Isolated to the Panel/Near Panel

This is the most likely scenario. The short could be right where the wires enter the panel, within the panel enclosure itself, or in a junction box very close to the panel.

Action



Visually Inspect

Turn OFF THE BREAKER AGAIN!! Carefully examine the wires very closely inside the panel. Look for any signs of: Melted insulation Exposed copper strands touching each other Wires pinched between the panel enclosure and components Damage from screws or staples that may have penetrated the wire

Inspect Junction Boxes

If there are any junction boxes near the panel in the wire's path, open them and perform the same careful visual inspection.2.

Damaged Wires in Conduit or Wall

Less likely, but still possible, is damage to the wires inside conduit or a wall cavity close to the panel end.

Action



Visual Inspection (Limited)

If the conduit is exposed, inspect it for any signs of damage (dents, cracks, etc.). If you can safely access any section of the wire within a wall, look for signs of damage.

Professional Help

If you suspect damage within a wall, do not attempt to dig into the wall yourself. This could be dangerous. Contact a qualified electrician who has tools and experience locating shorts within walls (e.g., cable tracers).3.

Intermittent Short (Less Likely)

An intermittent short is a short that only occurs under certain conditions (e.g., when the wires are moved in a specific way, temperature changes).

Action

This is extremely difficult to troubleshoot. It almost always requires professional help and specialized equipment.

Critical Safety Considerations Turn off the breaker

This is non-negotiable! Electricity is dangerous, and you must work with the power off. Verify it's off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wires.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses and insulated gloves, even when the power is off, as a precaution.

Qualified Electrician

If you are not completely comfortable and experienced with electrical work, do not attempt to fix this yourself. Contact a qualified electrician. Electrical problems can be very dangerous and lead to fires or electrocution.

How to Isolate the Short (If you are comfortable and competent to work with electricity)



Divide and Conquer

The most common way to find a short like this is to systematically isolate sections of the wire.1.

Find Intermediary Junctions

Locate any junction boxes between the panel and the blower.2.

Disconnect at Each Junction

At each junction box, disconnect the red and black wires. Test for continuity between the red and black wires at the panel side. If you still get zero ohms, the short is between the panel and that junction box. If you get infinite ohms, the short is between that junction box and the next one (or the blower).3.

Repeat

Keep repeating this process until you isolate the section where the short exists.4.

Inspect the Short Section

Once you've narrowed it down, carefully inspect that section of the wire for the damage causing the short.

Important Notes



Cable Type

Knowing the type of cable used (e.g., NM-B Romex, THHN in conduit) can help narrow down the potential causes.

Wire Path

Understanding the path the wires take through the building (e.g., through walls, ceilings, floors) is essential for troubleshooting.

Building Codes

Make sure any repairs are done in compliance with local electrical codes.

In summary, the zero ohms at the panel end, combined with the infinite ohms at the blower end (even when tied together) strongly suggests that the short circuit is located between the panel and some point along the wire run, but not at the blower end. Begin by carefully inspecting the wiring within the panel and any nearby junction boxes.If you're unsure, call an electrician! Electrical work is not something to guess at. Flag for review