Safety is a combination of using common
sense, staying alert, and knowing how your
Vacuum cleaner (“Vac”) works.
Safety Signal Words
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: Indicates a hazardous
!
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
When using your Vac, always follow basic
safety precautions including the following:
!
WARNING
- To reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, or injury:
• Read and understand this manual and
all labels on the Vac before operating.
• Use only as described in this manual.
• Do not leave Vac running while
unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal
operation such as loss of suction,
debris exiting exhaust, or abnormal
motor noises. Immediately stop using
Vac if you notice these signs.
• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use
and before servicing.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not use
near combustible liquids, gases, or
dusts, such as gasoline or other fuels,
lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints,
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.
• This Vac is not intended for EPA RRP
cleanup.
• Extremely small particles may pass
through the filter. Always wear
appropriate protective safety
equipment.
• To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic
vapors, do not vacuum or use near
toxic or hazardous materials.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not expose to rain or allow liquid
to enter motor compartment.
Store indoors.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or
near children.
• Do not use with a torn filter or without
the filter installed except when
vacuuming liquids as described in this
manual. Dry debris ingested by the
impeller may damage the motor or be
exhausted into the air.
• Turn off Vac before unplugging.
• To reduce the risk of injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filters.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord.
To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or
other parts. If your Vac is not working
as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, call customer
service.
2
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:19 AM Page 3
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord
as handle, close a door on cord, or pull
cord around sharp edges or corners.
Do not run Vac over cord. Keep cord
way from heated surfaces.
a
• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac
with wet hands.
• Use only grounded extension cords that
are rated for outdoor use. Extension
cords in poor condition or too small in
wire size can pose fire and shock
hazards. To reduce the risk of these
hazards, be sure the cord is in good
condition and that liquid does not
contact the connection. Do not use an
extension cord with conductors smaller
than 16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce
power loss, use a 14 gauge extension
cord if 25 to 50 ft. long and 12 gauge for
50 ft. or longer.
• Do not put any object into ventilation
openings. Do not vacuum with any
ventilation openings blocked; keep free
of dust, lint, hair or anything that may
reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and
all parts of body away from openings
and moving parts.
• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra
care when cleaning on stairs.
• To reduce the risk of back injury or
falls, do not lift a Vac that is heavy with
debris. Partially empty the Vac by
scooping debris to make it comfortable
to lift.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
recommended accessories.
When using as a blower:
- Direct air discharge only at work area.
- Do not direct air at bystanders.
- Keep children away when blowing.
- Do not use blower for any job except
blowing dirt and debris.
- Do not use as a sprayer.
- Wear safety eyewear.
• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear
safety eyewear. The operation of any
utility Vac or blower can result in
foreign objects being blown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye
damage.
• To reduce the risk of being struck by, or
pulled down by, a rolling Vac, block the
wheels when using on any uneven or
sloped surface.
• Connect to a properly grounded outlet
only. See Grounding Instructions.
!
CAUTION:
• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended time or in a noisy area.
• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.
• Static shocks are common when
vacuuming fine debris such as drywall
dust or concrete dust, especially in
low-humidity conditions. To reduce the
risk of static shocks when using this
Vac, add moisture to the environment
with a humidifier. To further reduce the
possibility of static shock, this Vac can
also be used with a grounded, staticdissipating hose which can be
purchased as an optional accessory.
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
WARNING: For your safety, read
!
and understand owner's manual.
Do not run unattended. Do not pick
up hot ashes, coals, toxic,
flammable, or other hazardous
materials. Do not use around
explosive liquids or vapors.
WARNING: To Reduce The Risk
!
Of Electric Shock – Do not expose
to rain. Store indoors.
!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
static shock, use the VT2580 staticdissipating hose.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
3
Properly
Grounded
Outlet
Grounding
Prong
3-Prong
Plug
Make sure this is a
metal screw connected
to a known ground
Green
Grounding Lug
2-Prong Outlet
3-Prong Plug
Adapter
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:21 AM Page 4
Grounding Instructions
his appliance must be grounded.
T
If it should malfunction or break down,
ground ing provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce
the risk of electric shock. This appliance
is equipped with a cord having an
equipment-grounding conductor and
grounding plug. The plug must be
inserted into an appropriate outlet that is
properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
!
WARNING:
Improper connection of the
equipment grounding conductor
can result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or
service person if you are in doubt
as to whether the outlet is properly
grounded. Do not modify the plug
provided with the appliance - if it
will not fit the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
This vac is for use on a nominal 120-volt
circuit, and has a grounded plug that
looks like the plug shown. A temporary
adapter that looks like the adapter shown
may be used to connect this plug to a
2-pole receptacle, as shown. If a properly
grounded outlet is not available, the
temporary adapter should only be used
until a properly grounded outlet can be
installed by a qualified electrician.
The green-colored rigid ear, lug, or the
like, extending from the adapter, must be
connected to a permanent ground such
as a properly grounded outlet box cover.
Whenever the adapter is used, it must be
held in place by a metal screw.
NOTE: In Canada, the use of a
temporary adapter is not permitted by
the Canadian Electrical Code.
4
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:19 AM Page 5
Introduction
This machine is equipped with an
automatic filter cleaning system which is
effective at minimizing filter face loading.
Throughout its operation, the control
monitors the performance level of the
Vac. When a predetermined drop in
performance occurs, the filter cleaning
cycle is initiated. Once the filters have
been cleaned, the machine returns to
monitoring mode until the next cleaning is
needed. When the cleaning cycle
becomes more frequent, or when that
cleaning cycle doesn't seem to return to
monitoring mode, it may be time to empty
the drum and / or manually clean or
replace the two filters.
ote: It is normal to hear a clicking
N
sound during the cleaning cycle.
Note: For this Vac to operate properly,
it must have two cartridge filters installed
at all times.
This Vac is rated for commercial and
household use. This Vac is supplied with
two VF3800 filters. It can be used not
only to pick up material like sawdust and
gravel but also ultra fine material like
drywall dust and concrete dust. These
types of materials are so small they
would pass through traditional filters.
An optional static-dissipating accessory
hose (VT2580) is available for pickup
operations that tend to cause static
charge buildup.
5
A
D
B
C
E
F
M
G
I
J
K
N
L
H
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:25 AM Page 6
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents
Tools Required
Phillips Screwdriver
Hammer
Mallet
Refer to the assembly sketch for
positioning of parts.
Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Call 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443)
from the US and Canada, or E-mail us at
info@ridgid.com if any parts are damaged
or missing.
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:27 AM Page 7
Vac Assembly
1. Position the powerhead assembly on
the drum as shown,
2. Hook the latches over the tabs on the
powerhead assembly.
3. Press the latches down until they
snap closed against the sides of the
tank.
Insert Hose
Insert the push button end of the locking
hose into the inlet of the Vac. The hose
should snap into place.
To remove the hose from the Vac, press
the release button in the hose assembly
and pull the hose out of the Vac inlet,
as shown.
7
NOTE: Smooth side of the
wheel to the outside.
Left
Caddy
Drain
Axle
w/Wheel
Right
Caddy
Open
End
Cap
Nut
Right
Caddy
Drain
Left
Caddy
Right
Caddy
Left
Caddy
Drain
#10 x 1-3/4" Screw (4)
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:27 AM Page 8
Caddy Assembly
If any parts are missing or damaged
contact Customer Service.
Do not assemble until you have all the
parts.
1. Insert left caddy and right caddy into
the bottom of drum as shown.
Light taps with a mallet or hammer
may be needed to fully seat both
caddies.
2. Install (4) #10 x 1-3/4” screws into
matching holes on both right and left
side of caddy, securing them to the
bottom of the drum. Tighten screws
until just snug. Do not over tighten as
this may tend to deform the caddies.
3. Installing Cap Nut
a. Place cap nut on end of axle.
b. Tap gently with hammer until fully
seated.
c. Place wheel on the axle with
smooth portion of wheel facing
outward.
8
Handle
Release
Button (2)
Handle
Receptacle (2)
Mallet
Wheel
Cap
Left Caddy
Right
Caddy
Socket
Caster
Stem
Caster
Ball
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:27 AM Page 9
Caddy Assembly (Continued)
4. Slide open end of axle through left
caddy making sure the leg slot lines
up with the cradle hole. Slide all the
way through the right caddy. Light
taps with a mallet may be required to
fully insert axle.
5. Install second wheel onto axle with
smooth portion of wheel facing
outward.
6. Install the second cap nut. Tap gently
until cap nut is firmly seated
7. Using a rubber mallet or hammer,
gently tap the wheel cap onto the
right wheel until the wheel cap is
firmly seated onto the wheel. This is
required on both left and right sides.
8. Insert the caster stem into the socket
of the caster foot as shown. (Front
caster only).
9. Push on the caster until the ball on
Installing Handle
Press and hold release buttons while
installing handle into handle receptacles
in drum (See illustration).
NOTE: An audible snap of release
buttons indicates successful engagement
of handle.
Removing Handle
Press and hold release buttons as
shown. While firmly pushing in release
buttons, pull handle upwards to remove
(see illustration).
the caster stem is inserted all the way
into the socket. You will be able to
hear the ball snap into the socket and
the caster will swivel easily when
positioning is correct.
9
"ON"
"OFF"
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:27 AM Page 10
Operation
!
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or damage to Vac:
• Do not leave Vac running while unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal operation such as loss of suction,
debris exiting the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately stop
using Vac if you notice these signs.
• Do not leave Vac plugged in when not in use.
• Do not continue running when float has cut off suction.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac
near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or
explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include:
lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum,
grain, and gun powder.
• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury:
!
• Do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.
• Do not handle the plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.
• Unplug Vac before servicing. If your Vac is not working properly, has
missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to an independent service center or call customer service.
• When using an extension cord, use only outdoor-rated cords that are in
good condition. Do not allow the connection to come into contact with
liquid.
!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
static shocks while using this Vac,
avoid using it in very dry
conditions, or use the optional
static-dissipating accessory hose,
VT2580. Always plug cord into a
properly-grounded outlet.
After you plug the power cord into the
outlet, turn the unit on by pushing the
switch from position "O" to position "l".
The symbols used on the switch actuator
are international "On & Off" symbols.
=
OFF
=
ON
10
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 11
Operation (Continued)
Vacuuming Dry Material
1. The filters must always be in correct
position to reduce the risk of leaks
and possible damage to Vac.
2. Your Vac comes with two VF3800
Filters installed. When using your Vac
to pick up very fine dust, it may be
necessary for you to empty the drum
and clean the filters periodically or
replace the filters to maintain peak
Vac performance.
NOTE: A dry filter is necessary to pick up
dry material. If you use your Vac to pick
up dust when the filter is wet, the filter will
clog quickly and be very difficult to clean.
Optional Dust Collection Bags
Note: This Vacs computer programing
only monitors for blockages in the pleated
filters. Use of the optional Dust Collection
Bag will keep the Smart-Pulse function
from sensing any blockages that occur,
leading to a premature drop in vacuum
performance.
1. The available Dust Collection Bag for
this Vac is catalog number VF3502.
2. The Dust Collection Bag is intended
for cleaning up dry debris ONLY.
3. If the debris being picked up has any
moisture, the bag will absorb the
moisture and may deteriorate very
quickly, making the bag nonfunctional.
4. If you are using your vacuum to pick
up fine dust, the Dust Collection Bag
will make cleanup easier.
Note: Dust Collection Bag MUST be
used in conjunction with a Pleated
Cartridge Filters. Do not overfill the filter
collection bags. The overfilling of these
bags may cause the weight of the
collected debris to tear these bags and/or
make it difficult to remove the bag from
the vacuum’s drum due to its physical
size.
5. Directions for Installation and
Removal of Dust Collection Bags are
printed on the bags.
Vacuuming Liquids
1. Before using your vacuum for wet
pickup, ensure the drum is empty and
free of dust or debris.
2. Remove the filters. With the filter
removed, the float mechanism
activates to prevent water from
entering the motor blower housing.
If the filters are not removed, water
could enter the motor blower housing
which could overload and damage
the motor.
3. When the liquid in the drum reaches
a predetermined level, the float
mechanisms will rise automatically to
cut off air-flow. When this happens,
turn off the Vac, unplug the power
cord, and empty the drum. You will
know that the float has risen because
the Vac airflow ceases and the motor
noise will become higher in pitch,
due to increased motor speed.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac, do not run motor with
floats in raised position.
4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids,
the drum must be cleaned out,
and completely dried before use.
The filters must be re-installed before
using your machine to pick up dry
materials.
11
Blowing
Outlet
15' Hose
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 12
Operation (Continued)
Emptying the Drum
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
!
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
!
back injury or falls, do not lift a Vac
heavy with liquid or debris. Scoop
or drain enough contents out to
make the Vac light enough to lift
comfortably.
1. The Vac comes equipped with a drain
for ease of emptying liquids. Simply
unscrew the drain cap and lift the
opposite side slightly to empty the
drum.
2Another option is to remove the
powerhead assembly.
3. Lay powerhead assembly aside on a
clean area while emptying drum.
4. Dump the drum’s contents into the
proper waste disposal container.
Moving the Wet/Dry Vac
Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, the handle on the
sides of the dust drum are used to lift.
To maneuver the Vac, the push/pull
handle in the rear of the unit should be
used.
Blowing Feature
Your Vac features a blowing port. It can
blow sawdust and other debris. Follow
the steps below to use your Vac as a
blower.
!
WARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a blower.
!
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.
!
CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might
be inhaled.
!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
hearing damage, wear ear protectors
when using the Vac/Blower for
extended time or in a noisy area.
1. Locate the blowing outlet of your Vac.
2. Insert the locking end of the hose into
the blowing port of the Vac. The hose
should snap into place. To remove the
hose from the Vac, press the release
button in the hose assembly and pull
the hose out of the Vac inlet.
3. Turn Vac on and you are ready to use
your Vac as a blower.
12
Diffuser
Blowing
Outlet
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 13
Operation (Continued)
Diffuser
This Vac comes equipped with a diffuser
that can be inserted into the exhaust port
of the vacuum when it’s not being used
as a blower. This diffuser is adjustable
and can be used to change the flow and
direction of the vacuum’s exhaust away
from areas you may not want it blowing.
Static-Dissipating Accessory
Hose
An optional accessory hose, VT2580,
can be used with this Vac to reduce the
effects of static charge buildup. In dry
conditions and when vacuuming large
amounts of fine/dry dust, static charge
can build up on the hose or Vac.
The VT2580 hose will dissipate static
charge, through the ground conductor in
the cord.
Maintenance
FilterRemoval and Installation
This Smart-Pulse vacuum is supplied with
two of the RIDGID’s Qwik Lock™ PTFE
Filters. Replacement Filters are available
where you purchased your Vac. Ask for
the RIDGID Qwik Lock™ Filter VF3800.
NOTE: The filters are made of high
quality material designed to stop very
small particles of dust. The filters can
only be used for dry pick up. Handle the
filters carefully when removing, cleaning,
or installing them. Creases in the filter
pleats may occur from installation but will
not affect the performance of the filter.
of the Qwik Lock™ Filters
Filter Removal:
1. Hold the filter tabs of the Qwik Lock™
filter in each hand.
2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™
stud, which protrudes through the
integrated filter plate, lift up on the
filter tabs while pushing down on the
stud.
3. This action will cause the filter to
release from the filter cage. Slide filter
off cage. Repeat for second filter.
13
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 14
Maintenance (Continued)
Filter Installation:
1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ filter
over the filter cage and press down
on the outside edge of the filter until
the rubber gasket on the bottom of
the filter seats securely around the
base of the filter cage and against
the lid.
2. Align the small center hole in the top
of the filter over the Qwik Lock™ stud
on the filter cage. Press firmly on top
of the filter near the stud to allow the
filter to snap over the ball on the end
of the stud. The filter is now
attached. Repeat for second filter.
NOTE: Failure to properly seat the
bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.
Qwik-Lock
Filter (2)
Filter
Tab s
Stud
!
WARNING: Do not operate with
no filters or only one filter in place
unless picking up liquid. For liquid
pickup both filters should be
removed. Do not operate without
filter cages, float adapters and
floats, as they prevent liquid from
entering the impeller and damaging
the motor.
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the
blower wheel and motor, always reinstall
both filters before using the Vac for dry
material pick-up.
NOTE: For best cleaning results due to
accumulated dust, clean the filters in an
open area. Cleaning SHOULD be done
outdoors and not in the living quarters.
Remove filters from Vac. Gently tap filters
against the inside wall of your dust drum
and the debris will loosen and fall off.
IMPORTANT: After cleaning, check the
filters for tears or small holes. Do not use
filters with holes or tears in it. Even a
small hole can cause a lot of dust to
come out of your Vac. If damaged,
replace filters immediately.
PULL
UP
PUSH
DOWN
Filter
Cage (2)
Float (2)
Float
Adapter
(2)
Cleaning and Disinfecting
the Vac
To keep your Vac looking its best, clean
the outside with a cloth dampened with
warm water and mild soap.
To clean the drum:
1. Dump debris out.
2. Wash drum thoroughly with warm
water and mild soap.
3. Wipe out with dry cloth.
Before prolonged storage or as needed
the drum should be disinfected.
14
Power
Cord
Pull
Handle
Hose Storage
Area
H
O
S
E
S
T
O
RA
G
E
H
O
S
E
S
T
O
R
A
G
E
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 15
Maintenance (Continued)
To disinfect the drum:
1. Pour 1 gallon of water and
1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach
into the drum.
2. Let solution stand for 20 minutes,
carefully swishing every few minutes,
making sure to wet all inside surfaces
of the drum.
3. Empty drum after 20 minutes. Rinse
with water until bleach smell is gone.
Allow drum to dry completely before
sealing the motor on the drum.
Cord Maintenance
When vacuuming is complete, unplug the
cord and wrap it around the motor cover.
If the power cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or their
service agent or by similarly qualified
personnel to reduce the risk of accident.
Casters and Wheels
Should your cart squeak or become hard
to roll, you should place two or three
drops of general purpose oil on each
wheel at the axle. If your casters are
noisy, you may put a drop of oil on the
roller shaft to make them quieter.
Storage
Before storing your Vac, the drum should
be emptied and cleaned. The cord should
be wrapped around the unit. The hose
may be stored by wrapping it around the
unit and plugging the open end into one
of the storage locations on the caddy
assembly. The Vac should be stored
indoors.
Frame and Handles
Your metal handle is painted to prevent
rust, however, liquids and corrosive
debris should be wiped off with a soft
cloth should they come in contact with
the handle.
!
WARNING: To assure product
SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any
other repairs and adjustments
should be performed by Authorized
Service Centers, always using
RIDGID replacement parts.
15
SP6906 RIDGID ESF.qxp_SP6636 12/10/14 9:28 AM Page 16
Repair Parts
14 U.S. Gallon
Smart-Pulse Vacuum
Stock Number RV3410 (Model RV34100)
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power
!
cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Vac.