How to Use the Fluke 101 Multimeter to Test Continuity

Testing continuity is one of the most useful features of your Fluke 101 digital multimeter. Whether you're checking for a broken wire, diagnosing a bad switch, or confirming that a fuse still works, the continuity function helps you quickly determine if electricity can flow between two points.

Let’s walk through how to do it safely and effectively.

What Is Continuity?

Continuity means that two points in a circuit are electrically connected, allowing electricity to flow freely.
If the connection is broken, electricity can't pass through—that’s when we say there's no continuity.

Setting Up Your Fluke 101 for Continuity Testing

1. Plug the black lead into the COM terminal.
2. Plug the red lead into the terminal marked with the continuity symbol (🔔 or diode symbol).
3. If the multimeter doesn’t have a dedicated continuity terminal, just use the V (voltage) terminal—the Fluke 101 includes continuity under that setting.
4. Turn the dial to the continuity mode (you’ll see a sound wave or diode icon).
5. The screen will display “OL”, which stands for “Open Loop”—meaning no connection yet.

Testing the Meter (Optional but Recommended)

Before starting your test, tap the probe tips together:

• You should hear a continuous tone (beep)
• The screen will show a resistance value, usually close to 0 ohms

This means your multimeter is working properly.

What Can You Test with the Continuity Function?

• Wires and cables – Check for internal breaks.
• Switches – Confirm if they open and close the circuit correctly.
• Fuses – A good fuse will beep when tested; a blown fuse won’t.
• Long-distance cables – Twist the far ends together, then test from the other side.

⚠️ Important Tips and Cautions

1. Watch out for false readings

Sometimes your meter might show continuity even if the main path is broken—this happens when the circuit finds an alternative route. To avoid this:

• Try to isolate the component from the rest of the circuit before testing.
• Don’t assume continuity equals proper function—verify visually and logically too.

2. Continuity only works for low-resistance paths

• This wire: ✅ Continuity (low resistance)
• This low-value resistor: ✅ Continuity
• This high-value resistor: ❌ No continuity (resistance too high, even though current can technically still flow)
• In other words, the continuity function is not meant for testing high-resistance components—use the resistance (Ω) mode instead for those.

Recap

The continuity function on your Fluke 101 helps you:

• Find breaks in wires
• Verify working fuses and switches
• Confirm solid electrical connections
• Quickly troubleshoot circuits

It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly useful—just remember to isolate parts when needed and only use it on unpowered circuits.