The 100 series of multimeters from Fluke is their entry level, bottom of the range edition. It comprises three pocket-sized meters that appeal mainly to those looking to perform basic electrical and electronics work. These are lower budget meters – put together in China – albeit having good build quality and input protection.
Their slim design and lack of bulky rubber boot makes them easy to slip into top pockets and toolboxes, plus they retain the ruggedness and reliability that has helped Fluke garner its reputation.
101: Basic Electrical & Electronics
106: Electrician’s Meter
107: Electrical/Basic Electronics
All models auto range, are average RMS responding and feature a 6000-count display.
Other same attributes:
- Pocket size
- Measure 600V AC/DC
- Capacitance, resistance ranges
- Millivolts
- Data hold feature
- AAA batteries
- Auto power-off
- Probe leads
- Made in China
- Good input protection
- CAT-III 600V rating
Fluke 101
This is Fluke’s cheapest multimeter. At around the $50 mark, it is in stark contrast to most of their other offerings, pitting it in the realm of mere mortals with normal budgets. The 101 tests most input ranges well, including capacitance and frequency, but is without amperage. It is also minus a backlight on its display, although it has a nice, clear screen in general. Jack socket inputs are on the bottom. Read full review…
Fluke 106
The 106 is the middle of the bunch of three and comes with the inclusion of an AC/DC amperage range with (HRC) fused input. It also lacks a backlit screen and is without diode checker, frequency and duty cycle features, so appeals more to electricians. It is a traditional looking meter with three lead inputs on the front bottom. Read full review…
Fluke 107
This is the top of the 100 series range, featuring everything the 101 and 106 do (including amps), with the addition of a backlit display. It also comes with a magnetic hanging strap that doubles as a kickstand. The Fluke 107 is pretty much a full range multimeter; only the omission of a low amperage input prevents it from being perfectly versatile. Read full review…
Optional extras: You can also buy a magnetic hanger for the 101 and 106, along with a carry case and an i400E current clamp.
Differences Between the Fluke 101, 106 and 107
| MODEL | 101 | 106 | 107 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASIC FEATURES | |||
| Digits | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 |
| Average RMS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Ranging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery | AAA (x2) | AAA (x2) | AAA (x2) |
| RANGES | |||
| Voltage AC / DC | 600V | 600V | 600V |
| Current AC / DC | - | 10A | 10A |
| Millivolts | AC | AC | AC |
| DC accuracy | ±(0.5%+3) | ±(0.5%+3) | ±(0.5%+3) |
| Resistance | 40MΩ | 40MΩ | 40MΩ |
| Capacitance | 1000µF | 1000µF | 1000µF |
| Frequency | 100kHz | - | 100kHz |
| Continuity (beep) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Duty cycle | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Diode Test | 2V | - | 2V |
| MODES | |||
| Manual Hold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Power-Off | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Count | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 |
| Backlit | - | - | ✓ |
| SAFETY | |||
| CAT-III Rating | 600V | 600V | 600V |
| Fused | - | ✓ | ✓ |
Conclusion
This is a great little range; good enough as standalone meters for a given task, and certainly as easy-to-grab backup meters. The 101 is okay for basic electrical and electronic day-to-day tasks, though the backlit display and amperage range of the 107 makes it a clear winner in usability. Having the 106 as a compromise for those that rarely touch current is a money saver, and you have the option to add a current clamp should you need this functionality.
Alternative: If you’re looking for something more substantial, the Fluke 110 series offers more test options. Amprobe’s 500 series is also worth a look.