Bosch GAS18V-3 Operating/Safety Instructions

160992A45R_GAS18V-3 5/22/18 9:27 AM Page 1

IMPORTANT	●	IMPORTANT	●	IMPORTANTE
Read Before Using	●	Lire avant usage	●	Leer antes de usar
Read Before Using		Lire avant usage		Leer antes de usar

Operating/Safety Instructions

Consignes d’utilisation/de sécurité

Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad

GAS18V-3

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See page 2	●	Voir page 16	●	Ver la página 32
See page 2		Voir page 16		Ver la página 32

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Safety Symbols

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential

!personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.

Important Safety Rules

Read and understand all instructions before using this appliance.

Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Work Area

Keep your work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate vacuum cleaners in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Appliances create sparks and static discharge, which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating the vacuum cleaner. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

Electrical Safety

This vacuum cleaner intended for use indoor / outdoor and for dry or wet pickup.

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded. Electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety.

Don’t expose vacuum cleaner to rain or wet conditions. Store indoors. This vacuum cleaner can be used for picking

up non-flammable liquids but it is not intended to be immersed or submerged in a fluid. Electric shock may occur.

Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands. Electric shock may occur.

Personal Safety and

Vacuum Cleaner Use

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a vacuum cleaner. Do not use vacuum cleaner while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating vacuum cleaner may result in serious personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance both for you and the vacuum cleaner at all times. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the vacuum cleaner in unexpected situations.

Do not vacuum burning, smoking or smoldering things like cigarettes, matches or hot ashes. Fire inside the vacuum cleaner canister may occur.

Do not use to vacuum flammable liquids, alcohol, gases, or explosive dusts, like

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gasoline or other fuels, lighter fluid, varnish, polyurethane coatings, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, hydrogen, coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or gun powder. Electric motors create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts, hose, and suction nozzles. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.

Do not hold the hose against any body parts during operation. Static electricity build-up in the hose during operation may result in static shock.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye and hearing protection. Dust mask, non-skid

safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.

Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.

Use only attachments that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Attachments that may be suitable for one vacuum cleaner may become hazardous when used on another vacuum cleaner.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another.

Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, EXPLOSION or risk of injury.

Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.

Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the BATTERY and increase the risk of fire.

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Vacuum Cleaner Safety Rules

Vacuum Cleaner Care

Do not use this vacuum cleaner for EPA Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and

Painting Program (RRP), where lead may be present. Using this vacuum cleaner for EPA RRP program may cause health and environmental hazards.

Do not use to vacuum hazardous or toxic substances or dusts, e.g., asbestos. The

standard HEPA filter is not able to capture all hazardous particles, which may cause health hazards.

Do not use to vacuum concrete dust and/or other materials that include silica. The

filter is not able to capture all silica dust, which may cause health hazards.

Do not use vacuum cleaner if switch does not turn it ON or OFF. Any vacuum cleaner that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

Do not vacuum dust when liquid/fluid is contained in the vacuum cleaner canister. Do not vacuum liquids/fluids when dust is in the canister. In either case empty the canister and/or remove dust bag before use so that dust does not cake and harden inside the canister.

Dry filters completely after wet vacuuming or use a second dry filter set for dust vacuuming. Damp or wet filters will cake with dust or develop mold or mildew.

Store idle vacuum cleaner out of reach

of children and other untrained persons.

Vacuum cleaners are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain vacuum cleaner with care. Properly maintain vacuum cleaner to keep hose unobstructed. Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce air flow. Any alteration or modification is a misuse and may result in a dangerous condition.

Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the vacuum cleaner operation. If damaged, have the vacuum cleaner serviced before using. Poorly maintained vacuum cleaners cause many accidents. Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your vacuum cleaner.

Service

Only qualified repair personnel must perform vacuum cleaner service. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury. For example: internal wires may be misplaced or pinched.

When servicing a vacuum cleaner, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow the Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.

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Symbols

Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

Symbol	Designation / Explanation

VVolts (voltage)

AAmperes (current)

Ah	Amp hour (measurement of battery capacity)

Hz	Hertz (frequency, cycles per second)

WWatt (power)

kg	Kilograms (weight)

min	Minutes (time)

sSeconds (time)

CFM	Cubic feet per minute [or ft3/min] (air flow rate)

	Diameter (size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.)

n0	No load speed (rotational speed at no load)

nRated speed (maximum attainable speed)

.../min

Revolutions or reciprocation per minute (revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute)

0Off position (zero speed, zero torque...)

1, 2, 3, ...						Selector settings (speed, torque or position settings. Higher number
I, II, III,						means greater speed)

0						Infinitely variable selector with off (speed is increasing from 0 setting)

						Arrow (action in the direction of arrow)
						Arrow (action in the direction of arrow)

						Alternating current (type or a characteristic of current)

						Direct current (type or a characteristic of current)
						Direct current (type or a characteristic of current)

						Alternating or direct current (type or a characteristic of current)


						Class II construction (designates double insulated construction tools)

						Earthing terminal (grounding terminal)
						Earthing terminal (grounding terminal)

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Symbols

Symbol	Designation / Explanation

Designates Li-ion battery recycling program

Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling program

Alerts user to read manual

Alerts user to wear eye protection

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

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Getting to Know Your Vacuum Cleaner

Remove the battery pack before making any assembly, adjustments or changing attachments. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk

of starting the tool accidentally.

18V Canister Vacuum Cleaner GAS18V-3

1Canister

2Latch

3On/Off button

4 Battery charge status indicator

5Motor unit

6Carrying handle

7 Slot for vacuum hose holder

8 Hose connection port

9Lock loop

10Slot for extension tube holder

11Battery compartment cover release button

12Battery compartment cover

13Vacuum hose**

14Power tool adapter (SOLD SEPARATELY)**

15Bend**

16Crevice nozzle**

Fig. 1

17Floor nozzle**

18Extension tube**

19Battery compartment*

20Battery pack (SOLD SEPARATELY)*

21Battery release button*

22Extension tube holder*

23Vacuum hose holder*

24Mounting bolt for holder 23*

25Snap fasteners*

26Air diffuser*

27Filter**

28Filter base*

29Retaining strap of the vacuum hose*

* Not Shown. See further in these operating instructions.

**Shown in Fig. 2 on the next page.

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Getting to Know Your Vacuum Cleaner

Fig. 2

17 27

Specifications

Model	GAS18V-3

Voltage	18 V


Battery type / chemistry	Bosch Li-ion

Canister volume (gross)	2.6 Gal

Canister volume (net)	1.6 Gal

Air flow	51 CFM

Suction pressure	90 mbar (max)

Sound pressure level	79 dB

Weight	10.1 lb

Hose length	5.25 ft (1.6 m)

Approximate run time	4 min/Ah

Allowed ambient temperature
– during charging	32...113 °F (0...+45 °C)
– during operation* / storage	–4...122 °F (–20...+50 °C)

*performance is limited at temperatures below 32 °F (0 °C) For household or commercial use.

Battery Packs / Chargers:

Please refer to the charger Operating/Safety Instructions included with your tool.

Use only Bosch 18V Li-ion BAT-series and GBA-series battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and

fire.

For use only with Bosch BC1836, BC1880, BC3680, BC630, BC660, GAX18V-30 chargers. Use of any other chargers may create a risk of

injury and fire.

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Assembly and Preparation

Remove the battery pack before making any assembly, adjustments or changing attachments. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk

of starting the tool accidentally.

Inserting And Releasing Battery Pack

Do not use force to insert the battery.

The battery is designed in such a way that it can only be inserted into the vacuum cleaner when it is in the right position.

Keep the battery compartment and the battery bay clean and dry at all times to ensure reliable, safe operation.

To insert battery:

-press battery compartment cover unlocking button 11 and the springloaded compartment cover 12 will open automatically (Fig. 3);

-slide the battery 20 into battery compartment 19 as shown, until it clicks in place (Fig. 3);

-close the battery compartment cover

12.

To remove battery:

-press battery compartment cover unlocking button 11 and the springloaded compartment cover 12 will open automatically (Fig. 3);

-press battery unlocking button 21 and pull the battery 20 out of battery compartment 19 (Fig. 4);

-close the battery compartment cover

12.

Hose And Attachment Holders

To mount attachment holders:

-slide the extension tube holder 22 into the slot 10 as shown, until it is held securely in place (Fig. 5);

-slide the vacuum hose holder 23 into the slot 7 as shown (Fig. 5);

-tighten the bolt 24 to secure the vacuum hose holder 23 in place (Fig. 5).

Fig. 3

19
CLICK!
20
11
Fig. 4
12
20
19
21

Fig. 5

23 10

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Assembly and Preparation

Attaching The Vacuum Hose

-Insert vacuum hose 13 into port 8 until both snap fasteners 25 audibly lock in place (Fig.6).

Note: The friction generated by the dust in the vacuum hose and accessory during vacuuming causes an electrostatic charge that the user may experience as static discharge (depending on environmental factors and their physiological state).

Fig. 6

CLICK!

Attaching The Power Tool		Fig. 7
Adapter Or The Bend

Attach the power tool adapter 14 (sold separately) or the bend 15 to the vacuum hose 13 until both snap fasteners 25 of the vacuum hose click into place (Fig. 7).

To disassemble, press both snapfasteners 25 inward and pull the components apart.

CLICK!

Mounting Nozzles And Tubes		Fig. 8

If required, place the extension tubes 18	16
If required, place the extension tubes 18
firmly inside one another and then
firmly inside one another and then
attach them firmly to the bend 15.			15

Attach the floor nozzle 17 or the crevice nozzle 16 firmly to the extension tube 18 or the bend 15 (Fig. 8).

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Operating Instructions

Remove the battery pack before making any assembly, adjustments or changing

attachments. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

Do not use this vacuum cleaner for EPA Lead Based Paint Renovation,

Repair and Painting Program (RRP), where lead may be present. Using this vacuum cleaner for EPA RRP program may cause health and environmental hazards.

Do not use to vacuum hazardous or toxic substances or dusts, e.g.,

asbestos. The standard HEPA filter is not able to capture all hazardous particles, which may cause health hazards.

Do not use to vacuum concrete dust and/or other materials that

include silica. The filter is not able to capture all silica dust, which may cause health hazards.

Ensure that the work area is clean and tidy to minimize the risk of tripping.

Starting Operation

Before vacuuming, ensure that the filter assembly is assembled securely. Only use an undamaged filter (no cracks, small holes, etc.). Replace a damaged filter immediately. See “Cleaning/replacing HEPA filters”.

-Insert battery pack (see “Inserting And Releasing Battery Pack”). Make

sure the battery compartment cover is securely closed.

▼BATTERy CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR

After activating the device, the five green LEDs of the battery charging level indicator 4 will light up individually ascending and descending. Afterwards the LEDs indicate the charging level of the battery 20 (Fig 1).

▼ CLEANING THE CANISTER

Clean the canister 1 after each use in order to ensure that the vacuum cleaner continues to perform optimally.

-Switch the unit off and remove the battery pack (See Inserting and Releasing Battery Pack).

-Unlock the latches 2 and remove the control unit 5 (Fig. 10).

-Shake out the canister 1 over a suitable waste bin (Fig. 11).

-If necessary, clean the canister with a damp cloth. If necessary, clean the filter (see “Cleaning/ replacing HEPA filters”).

-Reattach the motor unit 5 and lock the latches 2.

▼CLEANING/REPLACING HEPA FILTERS

Check filter periodically and replace if worn out or damaged. Using damaged

filter can lead to release of unwanted airborne contaminants from the canister.

The suction power is dependent on the

Fig. 10	Fig. 11
	C
5
	1
A	2
B
	11

Bosch GAS18V-3 Operating/Safety Instructions

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Operating Instructions

condition of the filter, therefore clean the filter regularly. Replace any damaged filters immediately.

-Switch the unit off and replace the battery pack (See Inserting And Releasing Battery Pack).

-Unlock the latches 2 and remove the motor unit 5 (Fig. 10).

-Turn the filter 27 as far as it will go in the direction of “ ” and remove it from the filter base 28 (Fig. 12).

If the filter is dry:

-To preserve the maximal suction power, brush down the flaps of the filter regularly with a soft brush

If the filter is wet:

-Rinse the filter 27 under running water and then leave it to dry thoroughly.

Replace a damaged filter:

-Insert the filter 27 into the filter base 28 and turn it as far as it will go in the

direction of “ ” (Fig. 13).

-Reattach the motor unit 5 and lock the latches 2. Make sure that the latches engage firmly.

Dry Vacuuming

▼REGULAR VACUUMING

-To switch on the vacuum cleaner, briefly press the on/off button 3.

-To switch off the vacuum cleaner, press the On/Off button 3 again.

To save energy, only switch the vacuum cleaner on when using it.

▼CONNECTING VACUUM CLEANER TO POWER TOOLS AND ATTACHMENTS

This vacuum cleaner can also be connected to various power tools or their attachments to easily extract and collect dust. These power tools include sanders, routers, planers and saws. To determine if any attachment and/or adapter is required to connect a given power tool and vacuum hose, consult the Bosch catalog or website (www.boschtools.com). Depending on the dust port on the power tool or attachment, the VX120 power tool hose

Fig. 12

Fig. 13	B
	A
27
	28

Fig. 14

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Operating Instructions

adapter (sold separately) can be either slid into the hose port or snapped into place. Bosch also offers a variety of other vacuum hose adapters (not included) to allow the hose to be connected to hose ports of various sizes. See page 15.

-Fit the power tool adapter 14 or the bend 15 (refer to “Fitting The Power Tool Adapter Or Bend”).

-Insert the power tool adapter 14 or the bend 15 into the power tool's dust port (Fig. 14).

Note: When working with power tools that have a low air feed into the vacuum hose (e.g. jigsaws, sanders, etc.), the air diffuser 26 of the power tool adapter 14 must be opened. This will improve the total output of the vacuum cleaner and the power tool. To do so, turn the ring above the air diffuser 26 until the widest possible opening is produced.

Wet Vacuuming

Do not use to vacuum flammable liquids, gases, or explosive dusts, like

A filter must be used when wet vacuuming.

Before wet vacuuming:

-Empty the canister 1.

-Clean the filter 27 and reinstall it into the motor unit. (see “Cleaning/ replacing HEPA filters “, page 11).

The vacuum is equipped with a floater. Once the maximum fill level is reached, vacuuming will be stopped.

When the vacuum cleaner is shut off, some water may flow out of the hose. After every wet vacuuming application:

-Empty the container 1.

-Make sure that the filter 27 is being emptied as well so no water remains inside.

To prevent the formation of mold:

-Remove the vacuum lid 5 and leave it to dry thoroughly

-Remove the filter 27 and leave this out to dry thoroughly as well (see “Cleaning/replacing HEPA filters”, page 11)

Use a dry filter for subsequent dry vacuuming. We suggest purchasing an extra filter when frequently alternating between wet and dry vacuuming and swap them out as needed.

Troubleshooting

In the case of insufficient vacuuming performance, check the following:

– Is the canister 1 full?

Empty the canister. See “Cleaning The Canister” on page 11.

– Is the filter 27 clogged with dust?

Clean or replace the filter. See “Cleaning/replacing HEPA filters” on page 11.

–Is the battery pack charge too low?

Charge or replace the battery. Refer to your battery charger Operating and Safety Instructions.

Regularly emptying the dust canister 1 and cleaning the filter 27 will ensure optimum suction power.

If the vacuuming performance is not achieved thereafter, take the vacuum cleaner to Bosch Factory Service Center or Autho rized Bosch Service Station.

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Storage

To store vacuum cleaner:

-Insert the extension tubes 18 into the extension tube holder 22.

-Insert the crevice nozzle 16 into an extension tube 18.

-Insert the floor nozzle 17 into the vacuum hose holder 23.

-Wind the vacuum hose 13 around the vacuum hose holder 23 from below and fasten the strap 29.

Carry the vacuum cleaner only by the carrying handle 6.

Store the vacuum cleaner in a dry room and secure it against unauthorized use.

Fig. 15
18	6	29
16
18
22
		13
		17
		23

Maintenance

▼ SERVICE

Preventive main tenance must be performed by a Bosch Factory Service

Center or Autho rized Bosch Service Station. Service performed by unauthorized per so n nel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components, which could cause serious injury.

▼ BATTERIES

Be alert for battery packs that are nearing their end of life. If you notice decreased tool performance or significantly shorter running time between charges then it is time to replace the battery pack. Failure to do so can cause the tool to operate improperly or damage the charger.

Long term battery storage should be in the discharged state. Battery packs last longer and re-charge better when they are stored discharged. Remember to fully re-charge battery packs before using after prolonged storage.

▼ D.C. MOTORS

The motor in your tool has been engineered for many hours of dependable service. To maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we recommend it be examined every six months. Only a genuine Bosch replacement motor specially designed for your tool should be used.

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Attachments

Use of any other attachments not specified in this manual may create a hazard.

	Bosch Model No.	Product description

Vacuum Cleaner Filter

	VF320H	HEPA Filter

Vacuum Hose

1 600 A01 1RL 5.25ft (1.6m), 35mm Hose

Nozzles, Adapters, etc.

	1 600 A01 1RN	Bend

	1 600 A01 1RP	3-piece extension tube (3 x 32”)

	VX120	Power tool adapter (Adapter for
	VX120	Bosch 22/35 mm hoses)
		Bosch 22/35 mm hoses)

	1 600 A01 1RR	Floor nozzle

	1 600 A01 1RS	Crevice nozzle

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