RIDGID WD12780 Owner's Manual

12 U.S. GALLON/45 LITER
WET/DRY VAC

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CONTACT US AT

www.ridgidvacs.com

1-800-4-RIDGID

Part No. SP6724 Printed in Mexico

OWNER’S MANUAL

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual
before using this product.

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Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

WD12780

• Español - página 15

SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 1

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Unpacking and Checking

Carton Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly . . . . . . . . 4

Replacement Filter Assembly . . . . . . . . 5

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Emptying the Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac. . . . . . . . . . . 8

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Cord Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Accessory Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cleaning and Disinfecting

the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cord Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Casters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Repair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Section Page

Section Page

Safety is a combination of using common
sense, staying alert, and knowing how your
wet/dry 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/liquid exiting exhaust, or
abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using Vac if you notice these signs.

• 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

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fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural
gas, coal dust, magnesium dust, grain
dust, aluminum dust, or gun powder.

• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.

• Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold
fireplace ash, or other fine dusts with
standard filter. These may pass through
the filter and be exhausted back into the
air. Use a fine dust filter instead.

• 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
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.

• WARNING: The power cord on this
product contains lead, a chemical
known in the state of California to
cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

Wash hands after

handling.

• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.

2

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• This Vac is double-insulated, eliminating
the need for a separate grounding
system. Use only identical replacement
parts. Read the instructions for
Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry
Vacs.

• Use only 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.

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

• To reduce the risk of injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.

• 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.

• 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
away from heated surfaces.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac
with wet hands.

• 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 liquid
or debris. Partially empty by scooping
debris or draining liquid.

• 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.

Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:

WARNING: For your own 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.

DOUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

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SAVE THIS MANUAL

3

CAUTION:

• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended hours or in a noisy area.

• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.

• Static shocks are common when the
relative humidity of the air is low.
Vacuuming fine debris with your Vac can
deposit static charge on the hose or
Vac. To reduce the frequency of static
shocks in your home or when using this
Vac, add moisture to the air with a
humidifier.

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SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 3

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

4

Introduction

This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for house­hold use. It may be used for vacuuming
wet or dry media and may be used as a
blower.

Read this owner’s manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

A Wet/Dry Vac ................................1

B Tug-A-Long™ Hose .....................1

C Caster ..........................................4

D Caster Foot w/Storage.................4

E Extension Wands.........................2

F Utility Nozzle ................................1

G* Filter Nut ......................................1

H* Filter Plate....................................1

I* Filter .............................................1

J* Filter Cage ...................................1

K* Float .............................................1

L Owner’s Manual...........................1

Remove entire contents of carton. Check
each item against the Contents List found
on the product carton. Contact us at
[e-mail] if any parts are
damaged or missing.

1. Turn the dust drum upside down on
the floor.

2. Insert the caster feet into the bottom of
drum, as shown (4 places).

3. Push on the caster foot until the foot is
flush with bottom of the dust drum.

4. Insert the caster stem into the socket of
the caster foot, as shown (4 places).

5. Push on the caster until the ball on the
caster stem is inserted all the way into
the socket. You will hear the ball snap
into the socket and the caster will swivel
easily when positioning is correct.

6. Turn the drum upright.

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly

* These items may come preassembled. If they are
not present in the carton, check the vac power
head to see if they are preassembled.

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C

Caster
Foot

Dust
Drum

Hole

E

G*

A

B

F

D

L

Caster

Caster Stem

Caster Ball

Pin

H*

I*

J*

K*

1. Carefully slide the filter over the filter

cage, sliding it over the center ring
covering the 3 slots until the filter stops
against the lid.

2. Place filter plate and filter nut onto

threaded stud and tighten it down.
Finger tighten only.

NOTE: Lever of filter nut should be away
from plate as shown.

IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten as this
may deform or crack the filter cage, or
filter.

Filter Cage Assembly

NOTE: If filter cage or float needs to be

replaced or removed, use a flat blade
screwdriver and insert the blade near one
of the tabs between the filter cage and
the center ring of the lid. Pry the tab out
of the slot. Tilt the cage and lift away from
the lid. To replace, follow the assembly
instructions below:

1. Place the float over the opening in the

center of the lid with the words "This
Side Towards Lid" laying face down
over the hole.

2. Line up filter cage tabs with slots in the

center ring of the lid.

3. Push on the filter cage until the tabs

snap into slots for a secure fit.

Replacement Filter Assembly

WARNING: For your own safety,
never connect plug to power source
outlet until all assembly steps are
complete and you have read and
understood the safety and operation
instructions. Do not operate Vac
with any parts damaged or missing.

5

!

WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.

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Filter Nut
Lever

Lid

Filter Cage

Tabs (3)

Solid End

THIS SIDE

TOWARD LID

Lid

Float

Filter Cage
Tabs (3)

Slots (3)

Filter Nut
Filter Plate

Filter

Threaded Stud
Filter Cage

Slots (3)

Power
Assembly

Slots (3)

6

1. Line up vacuum port in lid with drain
cap located on the front of the drum.

2. Place lid on top of drum with the drum
latches snug against the drum
channel.

3. Be sure lid completely covers the top
of the drum so leakage does not
occur.

4. Push down on top of the drum latch
areas to cause the drum latches to
hook onto the drum channel.

NOTE: Some models may have rotating
latches. Rotate both latches down until
you hear them snap over the drum
channel.

5. Make sure that the locking tabs are
snapped in place to prevent the lid
from coming off.

Your new Wet/Dry Vac is ready for use.

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

Insert Hose

Insert the push button end of the
Tug-a-Long™ 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.

SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 6

Vacuum
Port

Drum
Channel

Drum
Latches

Lid

Push

Down

Drain Cap

Release Button

Operation

7

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/liquid
exiting 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.

• Do not operate Vac in areas with flammable gases, vapors or explosive dust
in the air. Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables.
Flammable gases and vapors include: lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners,
oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, or aerosol sprays. Flammable dusts
include: coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain, or gun powder.

• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.

• Do not use Vac as a sprayer.

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 plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.

• Do not service Vac while it is plugged-in. If your Vac is not working as it
should, 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.

• Do not vacuum toxic materials to reduce the risk of inhaling the vapors or
dust.

!

!

Familiarize yourself with the accessories
included with the Vac. Each accessory may
be used in various ways for vacuuming
and blowing debris. Here is a list of the
accessories and their uses.

=

OFF

=

ON

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. "O" is the
symbol for "OFF" and "l" is the symbol for
"ON".

To reduce the risk of electric shock, all
models have a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other). This plug will fit
in a polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in
any way.

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for
most vacuuming applications.

Extension Wands - These wands can be
connected together and provides
additional length for more reach.

Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or
blowing capability to work site. Provides
the means of attaching extension wands
and nozzles.

SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 7

8

Operation (continued)

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.

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, the handles on the
sides of the dust drum are used to lift.
The pull handle on the motor cover
should be used to maneuver the Vac.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.

Emptying the Drum

Vacuuming Liquids

1. When picking up small amounts of
liquid the filter may be left in place.

2. When picking up large amounts of
liquid we recommend that the filter be
removed. If the filter is not removed, it
will become saturated and misting may
appear in the exhaust.

3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float
mechanism will rise automatically to cut
off air-flow. You will know that the float
has risen because Vac airflow ceases
and the motor noise will become higher
in pitch, due to increased motor speed.
When this happens, turn off the Vac,
unplug the power cord, and empty the
drum.

4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids, the
filter must be dried to avoid possible
mildew and damage to the filter.

1. The 12 gallon Vac comes equipped
with a drain for easy emptying of
liquids. Simply unscrew the drain cap
and lift the opposite side slightly to
empty the drum.

2. Pull the flexible latches outward on
each side of the lid to release from the
drum.

3. While holding the latches out, lift the
top assembly up and away from the
drum.

4. Lay top assembly upside down on a
clean area while emptying drum or
changing filter.

5. Dump the drum contents into the
proper waste disposal container.

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct
position at all times to avoid leaks and
possible damage to Vac.

2. Your using your Vac to pick up very
fine dust, it will be necessary for you to
empty the drum and clean the filter at
more frequent intervals to maintain
peak Vac performance.

NOTE: A dry filter is necessary to pick up
dry material. If you use your Vac to pick
up material when the filter is wet, the filter
will clog quickly and be very difficult to
clean.

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SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 8

9

1. Locate blowing port of your Wet/Dry
Vac.

2. Insert Tug-A-Long™ end of hose into
the blowing port of the Vac.

3. (Optional) Attach extension wand to
swivel end of hose.

4. Turn Vac on and you are ready to use
your Vac as a blower.

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac features “Full Blowing”.
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.

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 hours or when using in a
noisy area.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.

!

!

!

!

Accessory Storage

1. Slide extension wands and acces­sories over the rings on the caster
feet.

2. To remove wands and accessories,
lightly rotate and pull upward.

3. Accessories may also be stored in the
rings provided on lid.

Cord Storage

Simply, wrap the power cord around the
power head and snap the connector on
the plug to a wrap of the cord.

Caster Feet
Storage

Extension
Wand (2)

Utility
Nozzle

SP6724.qxd 4/22/09 3:43 PM Page 9

Tug-A-Long
Hose

Blower
Port

Power
Cord

™

Blowing
Port

Swivel
End of
Hose

Cord Wrap
Area

Pull Handle

Vacuum
Port

Lid

Drain Cap

Extension
Wand

(optional)