1SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Before use, read the following safety precautions.
This instruction manual explains how to use your new digital multimeter
CD800a safely. Before use, please read this manual thoroughly. After reading
it, keep it together with the product for reference to it when necessary.
The instruction given under the heading of 
WARNING must be
followed to prevent accidental burn or electrical shock.
1-1 Explanation of Warning Symbols
The meaning of the symbols used in this manual and attached to the
product is as follows.
Very important instruction for safe use.
The warning messages are intended to prevent accidents to
operating personnel such as burn and electrical shock.
The caution messages are intended to prevent damage to the
instrument.
Ground
Diode
Fuse
Buzzer
Capacitance
Resistance
Direct current(DC)
HzFrequency
Alternating current(AC)
 Duty cycle
Double insulation(Protection Class)
 Plus input
(Red)
Minus input
(Black)
10.Be sure to disconnect the test pins from the circuit when changing
the function.
11.Before starting measurement, make sure that the function and
range are properly set in accordance with the measurement.
12.Never use meter with wet hands or in a damp environment.
13.Never open tester case except when replacing batteries or fuse.
Do not attempt any alteration of original specifications.
14.Do not use the device near an item of strong electromagnetic
generation or a charged item.
15.To ensure safety and maintain accuracy, calibrate and check the
tester at least once a year.
16.The multimeter is for indoor use only.
CD800a
DIGITAL MULTIMETER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
1-3 Overload protections
Function
Input
terminals
(Red)
/
Hz / %
(Black)
mA
5-1 Start-Up Inspection
4-1 Function Switch
Turn this switch, to turn on and off the power and to select the
functions of V
, /
/
/
, Hz/%, mA
4-2 SELECTMeasurement Function Select
When the SELECT button is pressed (), the functions change as follows.
In the case of V, mA, the modes change as   
In the case of , , , , the modes change
 
4-3 RANGERange Hold
Press the RANGE button momentary to set the manual range mode,
then AUTO disappears in the display. In manual range mode, press the
button again to step through the ranges. To return to the auto mode,
press the button for 1 sec. or more, then AUTO is shown.
Manual mode is not available in
, Hz, duty measurement, diode
check, cont. buzzer functions.
WARNING
1. Make sure that no low battery indication appear in the display.
2. Never use meter if the meter or test leads are damaged or broken.
3. Check continuity of test leads & fuse.
 No display may suggest that a battery be exhausted.
START
Short the red and 
black test pins.
4-5 HOLDData Hold
When the HOLD button is pressed, the display is hold (DH is shown
on the display). The display will not be changed while the function is
active. Press the button again to cancel the function.(DH on the
display disappears.)
DATA HOLD function does not work when measuring frequency.
Yes
No problem.
Start measurement.
4-7 Auto Power Off
The meter will enter a low power consumption sleep mode automatically
to extend battery life after approximately 30 minutes of no function switch
or push button operations. To wake up the meter from Auto Power Off,
press any buttons momentarily or turn the function switch to the OFF
position. Then turn back on again. To disable the Auto Power Off feature,
press the SELECT button while turning the function switch on.
Always turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter
is not in use.
 4 
5-5 Checking Continuity (
WARNING
Never apply voltage to the input terminals.
1) Applications
Checking the continuity of wiring and selecting wires.
2) How to use
 Set the FUNTION switch at /
/
/
.
 Select
by pressing the SELECT button.
 Apply the red and black test pins to a circuit or conductor to measure.
 The continuity can be judged by whether the buzzer sounds or not.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the object measured.
 Threshold : 10~120 
Check continuty of test
leads.
Set the function at "
Damaged
No damaged
4-4 RELRelative Mode
Relative zero allows the user to offset the meter consecutive
measurements with the displaying reading as the reference value. Press
the REL button momentarily to activate and to exit relative zero mode.
4-6 Hz/%Frequency and duty cycle select button
Frequency and duty cycle measurement functions are activated alternatively
by pressing the button. In the case of the mode change as Hz  %
Check
Main unit
and test leads
damaged?
".
The buzzer sounds?
No
5-6 Capacitance Measurement (
Never apply voltage to the input terminals.
CAUTION
1. Discharge the capacitance before measurement.
2. This is not suitable for measurement of electrolytic condenser such
as a large leakage condenser.
3. It takes a while to measure large capacitance.
1) Applications
Measures capacitance of low leakage condenser such as film
condenser.
2) Measuring ranges
5 ranges from 50.00 nF to 100.0F (Auto range).
6-4 Storage
CAUTION
1. The panel and the case are not resistant to volatile solvent and must
not be cleaned with thinner or alcohol.
2. For cleaning, use dry, soft cloth and wipe it lightly.
3. The panel and the case are not resistant to heat. Do not place the
instrument near heat-generating devices (such as a soldering iron).
4. Do not store the instrument, in a place where it may be subjected
to vibration or from where it may fall.
5. For storing the instrument, avoid hot, cold or humid places or places
under direct sunlight or where condensation is anticipated.
7AFTER-SALE SERVICE
7-1 Warranty and Provision
Sanwa offers comprehensive warranty services to its end-users and to its
product resellers. Under Sanwa's general warranty policy, each instrument
is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship or material under
normal use for the period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
This warranty policy is valid within the country of purchase only, and applied
only to the product purchased from Sanwa authorized agent or distributor.
Sanwa reserves the right to inspect all warranty claims to determine the
extent to which the warranty policy shall apply. This warranty shall not apply
to fuses, disposables batteries, or any product or parts, which have been
subject to one of the following causes:
1. A failure due to improper handling or use that deviates from the
instruction manual.
2. A failure due to inadequate repair or modification by people other than
Sanwa service personnel.
3. A failure due to causes not attributable to this product such as fire,
flood and other natural disaster.
4. Non-operation due to a discharged battery.
5. A failure or damage due to transportation, relocation or dropping after the
purchase.
7-2 Repair
Customers are asked to provide the following information when requesting services:
1. Customer name, address, and contact information
2. Description of problem
3. Description of product configuration
4. Model Number
5. Product Serial Number
6. Proof of Date-of-Purchase
7. Where you purchased the product
Please contact Sanwa authorized agent / distributor / service provider,
listed in our website, in your country with above information. An instrument
sent to Sanwa / agent / distributor without those information will be returned
to the customer.
Note:
1) Prior to requesting repair, please check the following:
Capacity of the built-in battery, polarity of installation and
discontinuity of the test leads.
 12 
RELATIVE
button
Battery
Finger Guards
Test Probe
Red
Test Probe
Black
Hz %
DATA HOLD
button
mA
MAX 400mA
FUSED
Hz / %
select button
 600V MAX(CAT. )
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
POWER switch and FUNCTION switch
When not covered
Stopper
Resistor
5-4 Testing Diode (
5-3 Resistance Measurement ()
Never apply voltage to the input terminals.
1) Applications
The quality of diodes is tested.
2) How to use
 Set the FUNTION switch at /
/
/
.
 Select
by pressing the SELECT button.
 Apply the black test pins to the cathode of the diode and the red test pin to the anode.
 Make sure that the display shows a diode forward voltage drop.
 Replace the red and black test pins, make sure that the display is OL reading.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the object measured.
 The input terminals open voltage is about 1.5 V
Cathode
Anode
WARNING
Never apply voltage to the input terminals.
1) Applications
Resistance of resistors and circuits are measured.
2) Measuring ranges
6 ranges from 400 to 40 M.
6MAINTENANCE
5-8 Current Measurement
WARNING
WARNING
1. Never apply voltage to the input terminals.
2. Be sure to make a series connection via load.
3. Do not apply an input exceeding the maximum rated current to the
input terminals.
4. Before starting measurement, turn OFF the power switch of the
circuit to separate the measuring part, and then connect the test
leads firmly.
Capacitor
Power source
Power source
Load
Load
WARNING
Never apply an input signal exceeding the maximum rating input value.
1) Applications
Measures frequency and duty of any circuit.
2) Measuring ranges
6 ranges from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (Auto range)
Duty Cycle : 20 %~80 %
3) Measurement procedure
 Set the function switch at Hz / % function.
 Select Hz by pressing Hz/% selection button.
 Apply the red and black test pins to a conductor to measure.
 Read the value on the display.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the object measured.
 HOLD function does not work in Frequency measurement function.
mA
 DCmAMaximum rating input value 400 mADC
 ACmAMaximum rating input value 400 mAAC
1) Applications
DCACurrent in batteries and DC circuits is measured.
ACACurrent in AC circuits is measured.
2) Measuring ranges
DC/ACmA2 ranges for 400.0 mA and 40.00 mA.
3) Measurement procedure
 Set the function switch at mA and select either DC or AC with the SELECT button.
 In the circuit to measure and apply the red and black test pins in series with load.
 For measurement of DCA, apply the black test pin to the negative
potential side of the circuit to measure and the red test pin to the
positive potential side in series with load.
 For measurement of ACV, apply the red and black test pins to the
circuit to measure in series with load.
 Read the value on the display.
 After measurement, remove the red and black test pins from the circuit measured.
 Use Hz/% function for making Hz and duty cycle measurements.
Power
source
6-1 Maintenance and inspection
1) Appearance
 Is the appearance not damaged by falling?
2) Test leads
 Is the cord of the test leads not damaged?
 Is the core wire not exposed at any place of the test leads?
NoteIf the built-in fuse is blown, only the current measurement becomes impossible.
NoteMake sure that the test leads are not cut, referring to the section 5-1.
6-2 Calibration
The manufacturer may conduct the calibration and inspection. For
more information, please contact the dealers.
6-3 Battery and Fuse Replacement
WARNING
1. If the rear case or the battery lid is removed with input applied to
the input terminals, you may get electrical shock. Before starting
the work, always make sure that no input is applied.
2. Before starting the work, be sure to turn OFF the main unit power
and release the test leads from the circuit.
3. Be sure to use a fuse of the specified rating or type. Never use a
substitute of the fuse or never make a short circuit of the fuse.
 Remove the battery lid screw with a screwdriver.
 Take out the battery or fuse and replace it with a new one.
 Attach the battery lid and fix with the screw.
CAUTION
Set battery with its polarities facing in the correct directions.
Rear case
Load
1. The section is very important for safety. Read and understand the
following instruction fully and maintain your instrument properly.
2. The instrument must be calibrated and inspected at least once a
year to maintain the safety and accuracy.
Battery lid
R6(UM-3)
Fuse
0.5 A / 250 V
F1176
520 mm
Blowout capacity
: 1.5 kA
mA
2) Repair during the warranty period:
The failed meter will be repaired in accordance with the conditions stipulated in
7-1 Warranty and Provision.
3) Repair after the warranty period has expired:
In some cases, repair and transportation cost may become higher than the price of
the product. Please contact Sanwa authorized agent / service provider in advance.
The minimum retention period of service functional parts is 6 years after the
discontinuation of manufacture. This retention period is the repair warranty
period. Please note, however, if such functional parts become unavailable for
reasons of discontinuation of manufacture, etc., the retention period may
become shorter accordingly.
4) Precautions when sending the product to be repaired
To ensure the safety of the product during transportation, place the product in a box
that is larger than the product 5 times or more in volume and fill cushion materials
fully and then clearly mark Repair Product Enclosed on the box surface. The cost
of sending and returning the product shall be borne by the customer.
7-3 SANWA Website
http://www.sanwa-meter.co.jp
E-mail: exp_sales@sanwa-meter.co.jp
 10 
235 80 %R.H.
Accuracy assurance range : 235 &less than 80 % R.H. No Condensation
4.000 V
DCV
40.00 V
DC Voltage
Measuring
Display
Sampling Rate
method
3 3/4 digit, 4000 counts
Approx.3 times/sec
Range Selection
Auto and Manual ranges
(Manual range or Auto renge only)
Over ranging lndication
OL mark indication (except AC/DC 600 V ranges)
Polarity Indication
Automatic selection( is indicated when negative
voltage is inputted.)
Low Battery Indication
Environmental Condition
Below approx. 2.4 V 
 mark indication
Operating altitude <2000 m / Pollution degree
Operating temperature
5 40  humidity range: Maximum 80 % RH for
temperatures up to 31  decreasing linearly to 50 % RH
at 40 
Storage temperature /
humidity range
-10 50  70 %R.H. max. No condensation. (remove
batteries)
Power Supply
AC sensoring
Battery Life
Dimension
Mass
Power consumption
Battery life
Fuse
Accessories
R062
Average sensoring
30 min. (auto power save)
L 176 mmW 104 mmH 46 mm
Approx. 340 g
Approx. 7 mW TYP. (at DCV)
Approx. 500 hours at DCV
500.0 Hz
5.000 kHz
(0.5 %rdg3dgt)
50.00 kHz
400.0 V
4.000 V
(1.1 %rdg3dgt)
Resistance
(1.6 %rdg5dgt)
10 M
Approx. 10 M
DCmA
40400 Hz
Accuracy in the cace of sin wave
40400 Hz
DC Current
ACmA
AC Current
(1.5 %rdg5dgt)
4.000 k
DC 0.4 V
40.00 k (1.2 %rdg5dgt) Open voltage : Approx.DC 0.4 V
400.0 k
4.000 M (2.0 %rdg3dgt) The measurering current changes according to the
resistance of the resistor to measure.
40.00 M (4.0 %rdg3dgt)
50.00 nF
2080 % (0.5 %rdg5dgt)
Duty Cycle
10 M
(1.6 %rdg9dgt) Approx. 11 M
600 V
400.0 
Approx. 10 M
40.00 V
400.0 V
100 M
Auto range only.
500.0 nF
5.000 F (5.0 %rdg10dgt)
Capacitance 50.00 F
Accuracy was measured after canceling didplay
value by relative key
100.0 F.
Auto range only.
1 Hz1 kHz 4 Vrms250 Vrms
1 kHz100 kHz 4 Vrms20 Vrms
100.0 kHz
Remarks
Approx. 11 M
600 V
AC Voltage
8-1 General Specification
Hz
50.00 Hz
400.0 mV (0.7 %rdg3dgt)
ACV
8SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance
5.000 Hz
Frequency
rdg(reading)dgt(digit)
Accuracy
Battery lid screw
 11 
8-2  / Measurement Range and Accuracy
&
Function&Range
Diode
 7 
3) Measurement procedure
 Set the FUNTION switch at /
/
/
.
 Select
by pressing the SELECT button.
 Press the REL button for zero setting (00.00 nF).
 Apply the red and black test pins to a conductor to measure.
 Read the value on the display.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the object measured.
 Manual range is not available in capacitance measurement.
 Readings are unstable because of stray capacitance in test leads or noise.
WARNING
Outlet
DCV measurement
ACV measurement
DCV / ACV : Maximum rating input value 600 V DC/AC
1) Applications
DCV : Voltage of the battery and DC circuit are measured.
ACV : Sine wave AC voltage, such as lighting voltage, is measured.
2) Measuring ranges
DCV : 5 ranges from 400 mV to 600 V
ACV : 4 ranges from 4 V to 600 V
Auto range only.
5 Hz60 Hz 3 Vrms30 Vrms
60 Hz200 Hz 4.9 Vrms30 Vrms
1 
Approx. 1 
(2.2 %rdg5dgt) 
Without resistance
400.0 mA
of Fase
40.00 mA
Approx. 1 
 40400 Hz
(2.8 %rdg5dgt) 
Accuracy in the cace of sin
Without resistance
400.0 mA
wave 40400 Hz
of Fase
40.00 mA
Checking Continuity
Testing Diode
10120 DC0.4 V
Buzzer sounds at less than 10120 Open voltage:Approx.DC 0.4 V
DC1.5 V
Open voltage: Approx. DC 1.5 V
 / Accuracy calculation
(DCmV) / For exampleMeasurement 400 mVDC Range.
 / Display value : 100.0[mV]
 / Accuracy : 400.0[mV]  / Range(0.3 %rdg+4dgt)
 / Error : (100.0[mV]0.3 %rdg+4dgt)=0.7[mV]
 / Calculation : 100.0[mV](100.0[mV]0.3 %rdg+4dgt)
 / True value : ln a range of 099.3[mV]100.7[mV]
400.0[mV]4[dgt]0.4[mV]
4[dgt] in the 400.0[mV]range correspond to 0.4[mV]
Specifications and external appearance of the product described above may
be revised for modification without prior notice.
0.5 A / 250 V Fast Acting Fuse, Parts number:F1176
Instruction manual
 13 
3) Measurement procedure
 Set the FUNTION switch at / / /
and select  with the
SELECT button.
 Apply the red and black test pins to an object to measure.
 The reading is shown in the display.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the object measured.
Note : If measurement is likely to be influenced by noise, shield the
object to measure with negative potential (COM). If a finger
touches a test pin during measurement, measurement will be
influenced by the resistance in the human body, and that results
in measurement error. Open Circuit Voltage: <0.4 VDC typical.
 When the presence of voltage, resistance measurement can not work.
WARNING
1. Never apply an input signal exceeding the maximum rating input value.
2. Be sure to disconnect the test pins from the circuit when changing the function.
3. Always keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probe when
making measurements.
OFF
3) Measurement procedure
 Set the FUNCTION switch at V and select either DC or AC with the
SELECT button.
 Apply the red and black test pins to the circuit to measure.
 For measurement of DCV, apply the black test pin to the negative
potential side of the circuit to measure and the red test pin to the
positive potential side.
 For measurement of ACV, apply the red and black test pins to the
circuit to measure.
 The reading of Voltage is shown on the display.
 After measurement, release the red and black test pins from the
object measured.
 Readings are unstable when test leads are opened.
 Accuracy is guaranteed in the case of sine wave (Bandwidth 40 ~
400 Hz)
 400 mV AC range is not specified.
 In the manual mode of the ACV function, the CD800a can be set to the
400 mV range and shows an approximate value. But its accuracy is not
guaranteed.
 In the AC 4 V range, a figure of about 39 counts will stay on even if
no input signal is present. But it is not malfunction.
 Use Hz/% function for making Hz and duty cycle measurements.
5-2 Voltage measurement
Hz %
Hz 
HOLD
SELECT RANGE REL
SELECT button
2-2 Features
Sharp contrast LCD with character 17.5 mm high is employed, and unit
symbols are displayed on the screen of the LCD.
Frequency, capacitance and duty cycle measurement function.
Attachment body cover is used for protection of the meter and as a tilt
stand.
The current function is protected by a fuse.
mA
WARNING
Test Pins
Body Cover
Extension cord
4000 Count
RANGE
hold button
Removable
test pin covers
DCAC 600 V
5-7 Hz / % Measurements ( Hz / % )
DC 600 V
AC 600 V or Peak
Max 840 V
Voltage and
Current input
prohibited
CD800a
Test Leads
DCAC 600 V
2-1 Applications
This instrument is portable digital multimeter designed for measurement
of weak current circuits. It plays an important role in circuitry analysis by
using additional functions as well as measurements of small type
communication equipment, electrical home appliance, lighting voltage and
batteries of various type.
Maximum overload
protection input
2APPLICATION AND FEATURES
Stop using it and have
it repaired.
Display
AC voltage is regulated by rms, valus of sinusoidal wave.
To ensure the meter is used safely, be sure to observe the instruction
when using the instrument.
1.Never use meter on the electric circuits that Exceed 3 kVA.
2.Never apply an input signal exceeding the maximum rating input value.
3.Never use meter if the meter or test leads are damaged or broken.
4.Pay special attention when measuring the voltage of AC 30 Vrms(42.4
V peak) or DC 60 V or more to avoid injury.
5.Never use meter for measuring the line connected with equipment
(i.e.motors) that generates induced or surge voltage since it may
exceed the maximum allowable voltage.
6.Never use uncased meter.
7.Be sure to use a fuse of the specified rating or type. Never use a
substitute of the fuse or never make a short circuit of the fuse.
8.When connecting and disconnecting the test leads, first connecting
the ground lead(black one). When disconnecting them, the ground
lead must be disconnected last.
9.Always keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probe when
making measurements.
5MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
In the case of action or cancel that function as follows, do not turn the
function switch in the condition applied input.
Maximum rating
input value
DCAC 400 mA 0.5 A / 250 V Fuse
4DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTIONS
WARNING
Hand strap
Multimeter
AUTO POWER OFF
1-2 Warning Instruction for Safe Use
WARNING
3NEME OF COMPONENT UNITS
 14 
 15