This palm sized digital multimeter sits in the middle of a series, with the 101 and 107 models offering slightly different uses. Best for home or hobby use, the Fluke 106 is also beneficial for electricians and trainees as it is super-easy to use, with dedicated ranges. The screen and controls are nicely portioned and, despite being Chinese made, it has good build quality and category ratings.
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Main Features
- Measures voltage, current, resistance, capacitance
- Measures to 600V, 10A
- Performs quick continuity checks
- 6000-count display
- Data hold
- CAT-III rating
- Auto power-down
- Dimensions: 5.6″ (142mm) x 2.7″ (69mm) x 1.1″ (28mm)
- Weight: 7oz (200g)
Comes With
- AAA batteries (x2)
- Probe test leadsa
- Instruction manual
Complete Review of the 106
Sized larger than the average pocket DMM, the Fluke 106 is only an inch thick and is contoured for an easier user experience. It is fairly basic, with voltage, current, resistance and continuity checks, along with a capacitance range.
Voltage is up to 600V AC and DC, and current up to 10A. There’s no micro-amps, milliamps or DC millivolts, so it is best suited to standard electrical work. It is auto-ranging by default and is quite timely while measuring ranges and testing for continuity.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC voltage (40-500Hz) | 6V / 600V | ±(1.0%+3) | 0.001-0.1V |
| AC Millivolts | 600mV | ±(3.0%+3) | 0.1mV |
| DC voltage | 6V / 600V | ±(0.5%+3) | 0.001-0.1V |
| AC current (40-200Hz) | 4A / 10A | ±(1.5%+3) | 0.001-0.01A |
| DC current | 4A / 10A | ±(1.5%+3) | 0.001-0.01A |
| Resistance | 400Ω / 40MΩ | ±(0.5%+2) @ 4-400kΩ | 0.1Ω-0.01MΩ |
| Capacitance | 50nF / 1000μF | ±(2.0%+5) @ 50-500nF | 0.01nF-1μF |
Overall Build
Fluke buffs may notice a lack of refinement, but it is solidly built with a tough case and nice dial. The plastic holder does not provide the same level of protection as a removable rubber boot, but this makes the size more manageable. It is not meant to work in industrial environments in any case.
Like most pocket meters, there is also no kickstand on the Fluke 106, though you can buy an optional magnetic strap, which doubles as a hanger. The batteries are AAAs, which can be got at via an easily removable lid on the rear.
This is a made in China collaboration to keep prices in check. While you may not get Fluke’s overall traditional polished feel, it is professionally built nonetheless and performs well in most tasks.
Display
The display refreshes at a rate of about three times per second and has a resolution of 6000 counts. While clear and fairly speedy, there is unfortunately no backlight on this model and it tends to lose clarity when read off-perpendicular.
Dial: The seven-position dial selector is nice and basic, with all but the one range position (resistance/continuity) having a dedicated position. Resistance and continuity are switched with the select button. The other button is screen hold.
Batteries: You will get more life out of the 106 than the 107, since the latter has a backlight. To conserve power, an automatic shutdown comes into play after 20 minutes of not being used.
Input Protection
Fluke is one of only a few multimeter manufacturers that have adhered to a ‘safety first’ principle by adopting solid input protection into all of their meters. The Fluke 106 is no exception, protecting the device and user from power surges up to 6000V. The category rating is 600V CAT-III. There is also an 11A high rupture capacity fuse across the current input.
Leads: They are quite good quality (TL75 type), flexible and with stress relief points and tight fitting banana jacks.
The Good and Bad
PROS
- Sleek and slender
- Quite resistant to knocks
- Measures current to 10A
- Capacitance range
- Good safety protection
CONS
- No display backlight
- Autorange only
- No micro-amps/milliamps
- No diode check
Roundup
If you’re looking for a basic, compact electrician’s meter, albeit a good quality one at a fair price, the Fluke 106 is a good bet. It’s nice to hold and use as an everyday meter. The addition of capacitance extends usability, though it is without low amperage ranges, so wouldn’t suit some electronics and HVAC tasks.
Alternatives: The 107 and 101 also have frequency, duty cycle and diode checkers, plus the 107 has a backlit display and is shipped with a complementary magnetic strap. The 101 is the most basic of the series and is without an amperage range.
Optional: An i400E current clamp extends the AC current measuring range. You can also buy a hanging strap/stand and carry case for the 106.
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