Page 1
Model
HC023B
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
20V/120V 2 Gallon Wet/Dry Portable Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Battery and Charger sold separately.
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and
undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call
1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible. Reference
56789.
Page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A
RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK,
OR INJURY TO PERSONS
When using an electrical appliance,
basic precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING THIS APPLIANCE
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
1. Do not leave appliance when Battery Pack
is connected. Remove Battery Pack when
not in use and before servicing.
2. Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
3. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention
is necessary when used by or near children.
4. Use only as described in this manual. Use only
manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
5. Do not use with damaged Battery Pack.
If appliance is not working as it should, has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped
into water, return it to a service center.
6. Do not handle appliance with wet hands.
7. 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.
8. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of
body away from openings and moving parts.
9. Turn off all controls before removing Battery Pack.
10. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
11. Do not use to pick up flammable or
combustible liquids, such as gasoline, or use
in areas where they may be present.
12. Do not pick up anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.
13. Do not use without dust bag
and/or filters in place.
14. FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
15. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating an appliance. Do not
use an appliance while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
A moment of inattention while operating appliances
may result in serious personal injury.
16. Maintain labels and nameplates
on the appliance. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
17. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
18. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all
possible conditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are factors
which cannot be built into this product, but
must be supplied by the operator.
19. Battery appliance use and care
a. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to battery pack, picking up or carrying the
appliance. Carrying the appliance with your
finger on the switch or energizing appliance
that have the switch on invites accidents.
b. 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.
c. Use appliances only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. Do not use a battery pack or appliance that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
g. Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire
or temperature above 265°F may cause explosion.
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56789
Page 3
h. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or appliance
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
i. Have servicing performed by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the product is maintained.
j. Do not modify or attempt to repair the
appliance or the battery pack except as
indicated in the instructions for use and care.
k. The battery Charger gets hot
during use. The Charger’s heat can
build up to unsafe levels and
create a fire hazard if it does not
receive adequate ventilation, due to an electrical
fault, or if it is used in a hot environment. Do
not place the Charger on a flammable surface.
Do not obstruct any vents on the Charger.
Especially avoid placing the Charger on
carpets and rugs; they are not only flammable,
but they also obstruct vents under the
Charger. Place the Charger on a stable, solid,
nonflammable surface (such as a stable metal
workbench or concrete floor) at least 1 foot away
from all flammable objects, such as drapes or
walls. Keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke
detector in the area. Frequently monitor the
Charger and Battery Pack while charging.
20. Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
e. Li-Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED
OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING:
Check with a qualified electrician if you
are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug
provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding
prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the
power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it
repaired by a service facility before use. If the plug
will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed
by a qualified electrician.
Grounded Tools: Tools with
Three Prong Plugs
LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE
A LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND
WILL VENT FIRE OR EXPLODE
IF MISTREATED:
a. Keep Battery Pack dry.
b. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures greater than 265°F.
c. Charge Battery Pack only according
to its Charger’s instructions.
d. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have
a three wire cord and three prong grounding
plug. The plug must be connected to a properly
grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically
malfunction or break down, grounding provides
a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user, reducing the risk of electric
shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected
through the green wire inside the cord to the
grounding system in the tool. The green wire
in the cord must be the only wire connected
to the tool’s grounding system and must
never be attached to an electrically “live”
terminal. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet
should look like those in the preceding illustration.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56789
Page 4
Double Insulated Tools: Tools
with Two Prong Plugs
Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not
require grounding. They have a special
double insulation system which satisfies OSHA
requirements and complies with the applicable
standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,
the Canadian Standard Association,
and the National Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the
120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.
(See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)
Extension Cords
Note: Extension cords must not be
used with this item’s Charger.
1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord.
Double Insulated tools can use either
a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases,
you must use a heavier gauge extension cord.
Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire
causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of
power and possible tool damage. (See Table A.)
3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cord. For example,
a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current
than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
4. When using more than one extension cord to make
up the total length, make sure each cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more
than one tool, add the nameplate amperes
and use the sum to determine the required
minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make
sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in
Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired
and in good electrical condition. Always replace
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired
by a qualified electrician before using it.
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´
Symbology
Double Insulated
V
~
A
n0 xxxx/min.
Volts
Alternating Current
Amperes
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Hearing Loss.
Wear hearing protection.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover Charger
ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away.
Charge on fireproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect power cord
to appropriate outlet.
Properly connect Charger’s power
cord to appropriate outlet.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56789
Page 5
Warning Symbols and Definitions
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.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
Functions
Crevice Nozzle
Latch
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Type Hercules 20V Li-ion (sold separately)
Input Power 120VAC / 3.2A / 60Hz
SETUP - BEFORE USE:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION section at the beginning
of this manual including all text
under subheadings therein before
set up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the appliance off
and remove Battery Pack before performing
any procedure in this section.
Note: For additional information regarding the
parts listed in the following pages, refer to the
Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Gulper Nozzle
Power Switch
Battery Port
Exhaust/Blower
Charging Battery Pack
Refer to Charger′s manual for instructions.
Power
Cord
Hose
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56789
Page 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Vacuum Operation
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch off, remove the
Battery Pack, and unplug the Power Cord.
1. Make sure the Filter is properly installed and
the Motor Housing assembly is correctly
latched in place on top of the Tank.
2. Plug the Power Cord in or
install the Battery Pack.
Using gentle force, slide the
Battery Pack into Motor
Housing so that the Battery
Lock Button latches it in place.
3. Attach the desired accessory
to the end of Hose.
4. Turn on the Vacuum by
turning the Power Switch on.
5. To prevent accidents, turn the Power
Switch off, remove Battery Pack, and
unplug the Power Cord after use.
6. Release both Latches and lift Motor Housing
assembly off of the Tank. Empty the Tank.
Battery
Pack
7. Replace the Motor Housing assembly
and close both Latches. Clean external
surfaces of the tool with clean and dry cloth.
Store the tool indoors out of children′s reach.
8. WHEN WET VACUUMING:
9. CAUTION! TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
ELECTRIC SHOCK: Dry your hands and feet
before touching switch. Do not continue to use
the vacuum when the tank is full of liquid.
10. Remove Filter before wet vacuuming.
11. IMPORTANT! Leave a gap at the tip of the
nozzle opening to allow air inflow. Do not
immerse the nozzle completely in liquid.
12. When the Motor sound becomes higher
in pitch, the Tank is full and the float
is closing off the motor intake.
13. IMMEDIATELY:
a. DRY YOUR HANDS AND FEET,
b. turn the Vacuum OFF,
c. remove Battery Pack and unplug the Power Cord,
d. empty the Tank.
Blower Operation
1. CAUTION! To prevent injury:
Confirm that the Filter is in place
before using this item as a Blower.
2. The Hose can be disconnected from the
Vacuum port and connected to the Blower
port instead to enable use as a Blower.
Figure B
Figure A
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56789
Page 7
USER-MAINTENANCE
AND STORAGE
Procedures not specifically explained
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch of the appliance
off, disconnect the Battery Pack, and
unplug the Power Cord before performing
any procedure in this section.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FROM APPLIANCE FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment.
If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance,
and Lubrication
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the
general condition of the appliance. Check for:
• loose hardware,
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• cracked or broken parts,
• clogged ventilation holes,
• dirty filter,
• damaged electrical wiring, and
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. Only use an undamaged filter. Replace
a damaged filter immediately.
3. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the appliance with clean cloth.
a. Use a moist cloth to clean the
vacuum cleaner′s housing.
b. Use a dry cloth to clean battery contacts.
4. Store in an indoor dry area out of reach of children.
5. All parts are permanently lubricated.
Do not use additional lubrication.
6. AFTER EACH USE, empty and clean the Tank.
7. Li-Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Do not short, incinerate or open battery.
Removing Battery Pack
Press down on the Battery Lock Button
and pull Battery Pack out.
Cleaning Filter
To ensure proper operation, clean the
Filter regularly. Damaged Filters
should be replaced. Disconnect
Battery Pack and Power Cord before
opening or cleaning Vacuum.
Figure C
1. Release both Latches and lift Motor Housing
assembly off of the Tank. Empty the Tank.
2. Twist and remove the Filter from the
Motor Housing assembly.
3. Clean Filter with a soft brush.
4. Replace the Filter on the Motor Housing
assembly and twist it in place.
5. Replace the Motor Housing assembly
and close both Latches. Clean external
surfaces of the tool with clean and dry cloth.
Store the tool indoors out of children′s reach.
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56789
Page 8
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected.
2. No power at outlet.
3. Tool’s thermal reset breaker
tripped (if equipped).
4. Battery Pack not properly
connected.
5. Tank not locked to
Motor Housing.
6. Switch not fully in ON position.
7. Battery Pack not properly
charged.
8. Battery Pack burnt-out.
9. Internal damage or wear. (Motor
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
Performance
decreases over time.
or Switch, for example.)
2. Extension cord too long or cord
diameter too small.
3. Low charge on Battery Pack.
4. Dirty Filter.
Motor worn or damaged. Have qualified technician replace motor.
1. Check that cord is plugged in.
2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker.
If breaker is tripped, make sure circuit is right
capacity for tool and circuit has no other loads.
3. Turn off tool and allow to cool.
Press reset button on tool.
4. Remove Battery Pack to make sure there are
no obstructions and the battery contacts are
clean. Reinsert the Battery Pack according to
its shape (it should only fit one way) and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.
5. Make sure Tank is securely latched to
the Motor Housing assembly.
6. Push the On/Off switch fully to the On position.
7. Make sure the Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time for
Battery Pack to recharge properly.
8. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.
9. Have technician service tool.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an
extension cord is needed, use one with the
proper diameter for its length and load.
3. Recharge Battery Pack.
4. Clean Filter and Tank.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and unplug the Power Cord before service.
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56789
Page 9
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Low suction. 1. Dirty Filter.
Turns itself off. 1. Dirty Filter.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and unplug the Power Cord before service.
Internal damage or wear. (Motor
or bearings, for example.)
2. Extension cord too long or cord
diameter too small.
3. Low charge on Battery Pack.
2. Extension cord too long or cord
diameter too small.
3. Damaged Battery Pack.
4. Blocked Motor Housing vents.
5. Damaged Motor.
2. Blocked Motor Housing vents.
3. Clogged Filter.
Have technician service tool.
1. Clean Filter and Tank.
2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an
extension cord is needed, use one with the
proper diameter for its length and load.
3. Recharge Battery Pack.
1. Clean Filter and Tank.
2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an
extension cord is needed, use one with the
proper diameter for its length and load.
3. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.
4. Using a dry clean cloth, wipe Motor
Housing vents clean.
5. Have technician service tool.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Using a dry clean cloth, wipe Motor
Housing vents clean.
3. Clean Filter and Tank.
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56789
Page 10
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE
ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY
STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
PART LIST AND DIAGRAM
Parts List
Part Description Qty
1 PCBA 1
2 Cable Ties 1
3 Rear Cover (Left) 1
4 Rear Cover (Right) 1
5 Switch 1
6 Handle Top 1
7 Handle Bottom 1
8 Crevice tool 1
9 Hose Clamp 1
10 Strain Relief Bushing 1
11 Power Cable 1
12 Top Cover 1
13 Intake Pipe 1
14 Damping sheath 4
15 DC Motor 1
16 Seal Intake 1
17 Motor Flange 1
18 Impeller 1
19 Baffle 1
20 Lid 1
21 Baffle Seal 1
Part Description Qty
22 Seal Lid 1
23 Seal Float 1
24 Seal Filter 1
25 Float 1
26 Filter Cage 1
27 Cartridge Filter 1
28 Latch Bottom 2
29 Latch Top 2
30 Latch Retainer 2
31 Logo Pad 2
32 Tank 1
33 Gulper Nozzle 1
34 Hose 1
101 Screw ST3.5×12F 20
102 Screw ST3.5×12F 4
103 Screw ST3.9×16F 12
104 Screw M3×8 2
105 Washer 8 2
106 Nut M6 1
107 Screw ST3.9×12F 4
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available individually as
replacement parts. Specify UPC 792363567893 when ordering parts.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56789
Page 11
Assembly Diagram
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 56789
Page 12
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards,
and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the
period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper
installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries
to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of
our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797
Copyright© 2020 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or
any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express
written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn
proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the
product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
26541 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
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