DOC272.53.

80022
User instructions
Conductivity probe: Model CDC40101, CDC40103, CDC40105, CDC40110,
CDC40115, CDC40130

Safety Information
Precautionary Labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the
instrument could occur if not observed.

Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed of in European public disposal systems after 12 August of 2005. In conformity
with European local and national regulations (EU Directive 2002/96/EC), European electrical equipment users must now return old or end-of life
equipment to the Producer for disposal at no charge to the user.
Note: For return for recycling, please contact the equipment producer or supplier for instructions on how to return end-of-life equipment,
producer-supplied electrical accessories, and all auxiliary items for proper disposal.

Overview
Figure 1 on page 2 shows the graphite, 4-pole CDC401 series conductivity probe. The
CDC40105, CDC40110, CDC40115 or CDC40130 rugged conductivity probe is available with
a 5, 10, 15 or 30 meter cable. The CDC40101 or CDC40103 standard conductivity probe is
available with a 1 or 3 meter cable. The conductivity probe provides measurement of electrical
conductivity, salinity, resistivity or total dissolved solids (TDS) in wastewater, drinking water
and general applications.
Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Specification Details
Conductivity range 0.01 µS/cm to 200.0 mS/cm
Cell constant 0.40 cm-1 ± 10%
0.0 to 19.99 µS/cm: 0.01 µS/cm
20.0 to 199.9 µS/cm: 0.1 µS/cm
Conductivity resolution 200 to 1999 µS/cm: 1 µS/cm
2.00 to 19.99 mS/cm: 0.01 mS/cm
20.0 to 200.0 mS/cm: 0.1 mS/cm
Conductivity accuracy ± 0.5% of reading
TDS range 0 to 50,000 mg/L as NaCl
TDS accuracy ± 0.5% of reading
0.0 to 19.99 mg/L: 0.01 mg/L
200 to 1999 mg/L: 1 mg/L
TDS resolution
2.00 to 19.99 g/L: 0.01 g/L
20.0 to 50.0 g/L: 0.1 g/L
Salinity range 0 to 42 (ppt) (‰)
Salinity accuracy ± 1 parts per thousand (ppt) (‰)
Salinity resolution 0.01 parts per thousand (ppt) (‰)
Temperature range -10.0 to 110.0 °C (14 to 230 °F)
Storage temperature 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °F)
Temperature accuracy ± 0.3 °C (± 1.09 °F)
Minimum sample depth 45 mm (1.77 in.)
Diameter: 14 mm (0.55 in.), Length: 103 mm (4.06 in.), Total length: 220 mm (8.66 in.),
Dimensions Cable length (standard): 1 or 3 meter (3.28 or 9.84 ft); Cable length (rugged): 5, 10, 15
or 30 meter (16.4, 32.8, 49.2, or 98.4 ft)
Cable connection Digital output and connector compatible with HQd meters
Warranty Sensor is covered by a 1 year warranty

1
 Figure 1 Conductivity probe overview
1 Temperature sensor and 4-pole graphite design 3 Rugged probe (5, 10, 15, or 30 meter cable)
conductivity cell
2 Shroud (rugged model) 4 Standard probe (1 or 3 meter cable)

Calibration
Before calibration:

The probe must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter before attaching the probe.

It is not necessary to recalibrate when moving a calibrated probe from one HQd meter to another if the additional meter is
configured to use the same calibration options. If the additional HQd meter uses different calibration options (e.g. calibration
standards or acceptance criteria), calibrate the probe or change the method settings to select a different method.

Tighten the probe locking nut securely when connecting the probe to the meter.

The meter will automatically correct the calibration measurement to the selected reference temperature (20 or 25 °C) using
the default NaCl-based, non-linear temperature coefficient. Settings can be changed in the CDC401 calibration options.

If any two probes are connected, push the UP arrow to change to the single display mode in order to show the Calibrate
option.

Use the conductivity standard solution on the Calibration screen or change the standard in the CDC401 Calibration Options
menu.

A new method can be created if custom calibration or measurement settings are desired.

Refer to Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode. on page 9 for calibration errors.

Stir gently. Avoid resting the probe on the bottom or sides of the container.

Do not dilute conductivity standards and samples.

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 Calibration Notes
• Probes are initially calibrated at the factory. However, regular calibration by the user is
recommended for the best measurement accuracy.
• The calibration is recorded in the probe and the data log. The calibration is also sent
to a PC, printer, or flash memory stick if connected.
• The cell constant is derived from the calibration standard.
• Additional conductivity standards can be selected in the Calibration Options menu.
• Perform a user calibration for applications that require greater accuracy and precision.

1. Connect the 2. Select 3. Rinse the probe 4. Select Read. 5. When the value
probe to the meter. Calibrate. The with deionized The display will reaches
display will show the water. Put it in the show Stabilizing... stabilization, the
required standard solution so and a progress bar temperature
conductivity that the temperature as the probe corrected value will
standard solution. sensor is completely stabilizes. display. Push Done
submerged. to view the
calibration
summary.

6. Push STORE to
accept the
calibration and
return to the
measurement
mode.

DOC272.53.80022 3
Measurement
Before measurement:

The probe must have the correct service-life time stamp. Set the date and time in the meter before attaching the probe.

The probe is factory calibrated and ready for use. For applications that require greater accuracy and precision, perform a
user calibration (Calibration on page 2). Routine calibrations are required.

Tighten the probe locking nut securely when connecting the probe to the meter.

If complete traceability is required, enter a sample ID and operator ID before measurement.

Refer to Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode. on page 9 for measurement errors.

To display other parameters (TDS, salinity or resistivity), select the CDC401 settings, then select parameter.

To deploy the rugged probe at a distance, toss the probe with a gentle underhand throw. Do not swing the probe by the
cable as this may cause injury to the user, will cause severe strain on the cable, and will shorten the service life of the
probe. Damage under these conditions is not covered by the product warranty.

When using the CDC401 probe with the LDO101 probe to perform auto salinity correction, set the CDC401 probe to
measure salinity. Refer to the LDO101 probe instruction sheet for complete instructions.

Measurement notes
• Data is stored automatically in the data log when Press to Read or Interval is
selected in the Measurement mode. When Continuous is selected, data will be
stored only when Store is selected.

1. Connect the 2. Rinse the probe 3. Put the probe 4. Select Read. 5. The stabilized
probe to the meter. with deionized water into the sample so The display will value will
and blot dry with a that the temperature show Stabilizing... automatically
laboratory wipe. sensor is completely and a progress bar correct the
submerged. as the probe measurement to the
stabilizes in the selected reference
sample. temperature (20 or
25 °C). Repeat
steps 2. and 3. for
additional
measurements.

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Run check standard
The run check standard feature validates instrument performance between sample
measurements. Use the run check standard feature for periodic or user-defined interval
measurement of a traceable standard solution.
Set the criteria for check standards from the Check Standards Options menu.
Access control must be off or a valid password must be entered before any of the check
standard method options can be changed.

1. Select Run Check Standard from the Meter Options menu.

2. Obtain the conductivity standard solution specified on the display.

3. Rinse the probe and Put it in the standard solution until the temperature sensor is
completely submerged. Move the probe up or down or gently tap on the beaker to
remove air bubbles from the electrode.

4. Select Read. The display shows the value of the check standard and either Check
Standard Passed or Check Standard Failed.

If the display shows Check Standard Passed, select Done to proceed with sample
measurement.
If the display shows Check Standard Failed, the measurement is outside of accepted
limits defined by the administrative user and a recalibration is suggested. If the
acceptance criteria is set to Cal Expires on Failure: Yes, the display will show the
calibration icon and a question mark until the probe is recalibrated. To correct the probe
calibration and status indicator, calibrate the probe (Calibration on page 2).
Maintenance
Storage
Between uses, make sure the probe is dry and store it in ambient conditions. Rugged
probes may be stored with the shroud installed if the storage container is sufficiently large.

Rugged probe maintenance

The shroud protects the sensor elements during rugged applications. Damage to the
sensing elements can occur if the shroud is not installed during field use. Damage under
these conditions is not covered under warranty. Before a rugged probe can be cleaned,
the shroud must be removed. Install the shroud after the probe is clean.
To remove the shroud:

1. Loosen and remove the locking ring.

2. Slide the shroud and locking ring off the electrode.

To install the shroud:

1. Put the locking ring on the electrode with the threads toward the glass bulb.

2. Slide the shroud on the electrode until it is against the locking groove.

3. Hand-tighten the locking ring on the shroud.

DOC272.53.80022 5
 Clean the probe
• For general contaminants, rinse the electrode with deionized water and gently wipe
dry with a clean cloth.
• For greases and oils, soak the electrode with detergent solution and warm water.
Thoroughly rinse the electrode with deionized water and gently wipe dry with a clean
cloth.
• For mineral buildup, soak the electrode in a dilute 10% hydrochloric acid (HCl)
solution for less than 5 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the electrode with deionized water
and gently wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Advanced operation
Parameter-specific settings can be changed through the Full Access Options menu.
Details about menu navigation, available options and how to change them are given in the
screens, tables and procedures throughout this section.

The settings that can be changed are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Parameter-specific settings

Setting Options
• Conductivity
• Salinity
Parameter
• TDS
• Resistivity
• Units
• Measurement limits
Measurement options • Temperature correction
• Correction factor (if linear temperature correction is selected)
• Reference temperature (if a temperature correction is selected)
• Standard
• Calibration reminder
• Standard units (if Custom option is selected)
Calibration options
• Standard value (if Custom option is selected)
• Reference temperature (if Custom option is selected)
• Temperature correction (if Custom option is selected)
• Standard solution for calibration verification
Check standard options • Reminder
• Acceptance criteria

Change measurement options

Methods are groups of default or user defined settings relevant to specific applications. If
the meter is set to the default method and the Modify Current Settings option is chosen,
the user will be prompted to name the method after changes are entered. The settings are
saved with this name to distinguish them from the default method settings, which cannot
be changed. The user can then switch to a saved method instead of repeatedly adjusting
individual settings. Changes made to a user defined method are automatically saved with
the existing name. Multiple methods can be saved for the same probe.
Table 2 lists the five default methods available for the CDC401 conductivity cell.

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 Table 2 CDC401 default methods
Setting Options Description
Default method with conductivity measurement values.
Hach Conductivity
Conductivity is typically used for natural water samples.
Default method with TDS measurement values. TDS is typically
used to estimate the amount of total dissolved solids in the
Hach TDS
sample. Conductivity value will also be displayed in Detailed
Reading screen
Current Method Default method with Salinity measurement values. Salinity is
typically used for samples with a high salt content such as sea
Hach Salinity
water. Conductivity value will also be displayed in Detailed
Reading screen.
Default method with Resistivity measurement values. Resistivity
Hach resistivity
is typically used for ultra pure water applications.
Default —

1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.

2. Push the METER OPTIONS key and select (CDC401) Settings.

3. Select Modify Current Settings.

4. Select Parameter to change the parameter that is shown in the display. Select
Measurement Options.

5. Update the settings. Refer to Table 3.

Table 3 Measurement option settings

Setting Options Description

Auto (default) When auto is selected, the units will automatically change to
mS/cm when the sample conductivity is high and µS/cm when
Units—conductivity µS/cm
the conductivity is low. Select µS/cm or mS/cm to always
mS/cm show the same units.
‰ (default)
g/kg
Units—salinity Select one of the units for salinity.
<unitless>
ppt (parts per thousand)
Lower limit (default: 0.01 The measurement limits can be set to match the acceptable
µS/cm; 0 ‰) values for the sample. When the measurement is above the
Measurement limits upper limit setting or below the lower limit setting, the meter
Upper limit (default: will show an "Out of limits" message.This message is an alert
400000.00 µS/cm; 42 ‰) to a potential problem with process conditions.
None The conductivity of the sample will change when the
Linear temperature changes. Temperature correction will show the
Temperature correction conductivity at the user-selected reference temperature.
NaCl—non-linear (default) Temperature correction can be changed or turned off when
Natural water the parameter is set to conductivity, TDS or resistivity.

DOC272.53.80022 7
 Table 3 Measurement option settings (continued)
Setting Options Description
When the temperature correction is set to linear, enter a
correction factor based on the sample type. The correction
% per °C (default: 1.90%
Correction factor factor may need to be determined experimentally. For
per °C)
example, the factor for ultrapure water vs. a NaCl salt solution
is 4.55% vs. 2.125% per °C.

20 °C When the parameter is set to conductivity, TDS or resistivity,

Reference temperature the reference temperature for temperature correction can be
25 °C (default) changed.
When the parameter is set to TDS, the conversion factor from
NaCl (default, factor 0.5) conductivity to total dissolved solids can be based on a NaCl
TDS form solution or on a different solution. To change the factor, select
Custom Custom and enter the conversion factor and temperature
correction information.
Note: Labels and options may vary depending on units selected.

6. If prompted, enter a name for the new method settings. Additional changes made to
the settings of an existing method are automatically saved with the same method
name.

7. Push EXIT until the meter returns to the measurement mode.

Change calibration options

1. Make sure a probe is connected to the meter.

2. Push the METER OPTIONS key and select (CDC401) Settings.

3. Select Modify Current Settings.

4. Select Calibration Options.

5. Update the settings. Refer to Table 4.

Table 4 Calibration option settings

Settings Options Description
1 D KCl, 111.3 mS/cm, 25 oC
0.1 D KCl, 12.85 mS/cm, 25 oC
0.01 D KCl, 1408 µS/cm, 25 oC
0.1 M KCl, 12.88 mS/cm, 25 oC
0.01 M KCl, 1413 µS/cm, 25 oC
0.001 M KCl, 146.93 µS/cm, 25 oC Options for conductivity calibration
Standard
NaCl, 18 mS/cm, 25 oC standards
NaCl, 1000 µS/cm, 25 oC
NaCl, 25 µS/cm, 25 oC
NaCl, 0.05%, 1015 µS/cm, 25 oC
Seawater (S=35)
Custom

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