RIDGID WD1450 User Manual

Part No. SP6542 Printed in Canada

OWNERS MANUAL

WD1450

14 U.S. GALLONS/

12 CDN. GALLONS

PROFESSIONAL

WET/DRY VAC

For Your Safety:

Read all instructions carefully Save this manual for future reference

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION

1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) OR

www.ridgid.com

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and/or Enter Our $500 Home Depot Gift Card Sweepstakes.

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SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 1

Table of Contents

Section Page

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Safety Signal Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Unpacking and Checking

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

Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Carton Contents List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Replacement Filter Assembly . . . . . . . . 6

Drum/Caster Foot Assembly . . . . . . . . . 7

Accessory Storage Bag Assembly . . . . 8

Installing Accessory Storage Bag . . . 8

Removing Accessory Storage Bag . . 8

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Insert Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . 10

Section Page

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Emptying the Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Accessory Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cord Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cleaning a Dry Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cleaning a Wet Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Casters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Repair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

— IMPORTANT —

Read and understand this owner's manual and all labels on the Wet/Dry Vac before operating. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your vac works. Use only as described in this manual. To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to your Wet/Dry Vac, use only RIDGID recommended accessories.

Safety Signal Words

DANGER: means if the safety information

is not followed someone will be seriously injured or killed.

WARNING: means if the safety information is not followed someone

could be seriously injured or killed.

CAUTION: means if the safety information

is not followed someone may be injured. When using your Wet/Dry Vac, follow

basic safety precautions including the following.

WARNING - To reduce the

risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

• Do not run vac unattended.

• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.

• Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry

Vac, near flammable or combustible liquids, gases, or explosive vapors like gasoline or other fuels, lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, hydrogen, or explosive dusts like coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or gun powder. Sparks inside the motor can ignite flammable vapors or dust.

If you require a French owner’s manual, call 1-800--4-RIDGID or E-mail us at info@ridgidvacs.com.

Si vous nécessient un mode d’emploi en françals, téléphonez au 1-800-4-RIDGID ou contactez-nous par courrier électronique a info@ridgidvacs.com.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 2

• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and

all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.

When using as 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 Wet/Dry Vac as a sprayer. This Wet/Dry 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 before servicing.

CAUTION:

Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of your Wet/Dry Vac.

• Do not vacuum drywall dust or cold

fireplace soot or ash with standard wet/dry filter. This is a very fine dust which will not be captured by the filter and may cause damage. Refer to Filter Replacement section for proper filter selection.

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

• If your Wet/Dry Vac is not working as it should, has missing parts, has been dropped or damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to an Authorized Service Center.

• To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materials.

• Do not use or store near hazardous materials.

• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

• 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.

• 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 Wet/Dry Vac over cord.

• Do not handle plug or the Wet/Dry Vac with wet hands.

• Do not use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn filter or without the filter installed except when vacuuming liquids as described in the operation section of this manual.

• Do not leave Wet/Dry Vac when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing. Turn off Wet/Dry Vac before unplugging.

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

• 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.

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.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 3

Introduction

This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use only. This Wet/Dry vac is supplied with a two stage/high efficiency filter. It can be used not only to pick up materials like sawdust and gravel but also ultra fine material like drywall dust and cold fireplace ash. Material that is so small it would pass through traditional filters. Refer to Filter Replacement section for proper filter selection.

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) or E-mail us at info@ridgidvacs.com if any parts are damaged or missing.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Please Read Carefully

Static Shocks Are Common - In dry

areas or when the relative humidity of the air is low. To reduce the frequency of static shocks in your home the best remedy is to add moisture to the air with a console humidifier.

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

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. Always wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada CSA Z94.3-99) shown on package. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are not safety glasses. Safety Goggles are available at many local retail stores. Glasses or goggles not in compliance with ANSI or CSA could seriously hurt you when they break.

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

For dusty operations, wear dust mask. Use only extension cords that are rated for

outdoor use. Extension cords in poor condition or that are too small in wire size can pose fire and shock hazards. When using an extension cord, be sure it is in good condition. Using any extension cord will cause some loss of power. To keep the loss to a minimum, use the following table to choose the minimum wire size extension cord.

Extension Cord Length Gauge A.W.G.

0-50 Ft. 14 50-100 Ft. 12

FORESIGHT IS BETTER THAN

NO SIGHT

WEAR YOUR

Phillips Screwdriver

Tools Required

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 4

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

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

B* Filter Nut ......................................1

C* Filter Plate....................................1

D* VF5000 Filter ...............................1

E* Filter Cage ...................................1

F* Float .............................................1

G Tug-A-Long Hose.........................1

H Utility Nozzle ................................1

J Wet Nozzle...................................1

K Car Nozzle ...................................1

L Extension Wands .........................2

M Owner’s Manual...........................1

* These items may come preassembled.

If they are not present in the carton check the vac power head to see if they are preassembled.

Key Description Qty

Carton containing the following parts:

N Accessory Storage Bag ...............1

P Caster Foot, Front........................2

Q Caster Foot, Rear ........................2

Key Description Qty

Bag of Loose Parts -

Containing the following:

R 2” Caster ......................................4

S Screw, Type AB #10 x 1-3/4 ........4

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 5

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 nut and filter plate 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.

NOTE: If filter cage needs to be removed, because the float is placed in the wrong way, 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.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or damage to vac be sure to keep hands, fingers, or any other foreign objects out of the center opening when assembling the float .

Filter

Threaded Stud

Filter Cage

Slots (3)

Filter Nut

Filter Nut Lever

Filter Plate

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 6

Filter Cage

Tabs (3)

Float

Solid End

Power Head Assembly

THIS SIDE

TOWARD LID

Filter Cage

Slots (3)

Tabs (3) Slots (3)

If any parts are missing or damaged contact Customer Service.

Do not assemble until you have all the parts.

1. Insert the front and rear caster feet into

the bottom of drum as shown. Light taps with a mallet or hammer may be needed to fully seat both caster feet.

2. Install (4) #10 x 1-3/4” screws into

matching holes on both front and rear caster feet, securing them to the bottom of the drum. Tighten screws until just snug. Do not over tighten as this may tend to deform the caster feet.

3. Insert the caster stem into each of the

caster feet, as shown.

4. Push on the caster until the ball on 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.

Drum/Caster Foot Assembly

Front Caster Foot

Drain

#10 x 1-3/4" Screw (4)

Rear Caster Foot

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 7

Front Caster Foot

Drain

Drum

Rear Caster Foot

Caster Stem Caster Ball

Socket

Accessory Rod Receptacles

Accessory Storage Bag Rods

Powerhead Accessory Storage Rod

Pull

Straight

Installing Accessory Storage Bag

1. Position rods of accessory storage bag directly over accessory rod receptacles in dust drum.

2. Slide rods of accessory storage bag into accessory rod receptacles until fully seated.

Accessory Storage Bag

Removing Accessory Storage Bag

1. Pull straight up on rods of accessory storage bag until bag is loose.

NOTE: Powerhead will need to be removed before accessory storage bag can be removed.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 8

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

1. Position the powerhead assembly on the drum/caster foot assembly as shown (assembled earlier).

2. Rotate both latches down and press until you hear them snap over the flanges on the drum.

Drum Latch

Drum Flange

Latch

Drum

Powerhead Assembly

Insert Hose

Insert the push button end of the “Tug-ALong” 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.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 9

Press and Pull

Release Button

Operation

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not operate this vac in areas with flammable gases, vapors or explosive dust in the air. Flammable gases or vapors include but are not limited to; lighter fluid, solvent type cleaners, oilbase paints, gasoline, alcohol or aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include but are not limited to; coal, magnesium, grain or gun powder. Do not vacuum explosive dust, flammable or combustible liquids or hot ashes. Do not use this vac as a sprayer. To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materials.

CAUTION: To reduce risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the vac for extended hours or when using it in a noisy area. The operation of any utility vac can result in foreign objects being blown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3-99) shown on Package before commencing operation. Safety Goggles are available at many local retail stores.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has 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.

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".

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications.

Wet Nozzle - Used for wet pickup on smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry the surface in one stroke.

Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning.

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.

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct position to reduce the risk of leaks and possible damage to vac.

2. Your Wet/Dry Vac comes with the VF5000 Fine Dust Filter installed. When 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 dust when the filter is wet, the filter will clog quickly and be very difficult to clean.

3. If your filter is wet but you need to use the vac to pick up dry material, you can quickly dry the filter by running the vac without hose attached for about 10 minutes. The clean air rushing through the vac will help dry the filter.

OFF

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.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 10

Operation (continued)

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.

Emptying the Drum

Vacuuming Liquids

IMPORTANT:

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. After using the vac to pick up liquids, the filter must be dried to reduce the risk of possible mildew and damage to the filter.

4. When the liquid in the drum reaches a predetermined level, the float mechanism 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 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 float in raised position.

1. The 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. Another option is to remove the powerhead assembly.

3. Lay powerhead assembly aside on a clean area while emptying drum.

4. Dump the drum 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 on the powerhead 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.

1. Locate blowing port of your vac.

2. Insert the locking end of the tug-along hose into the blowing port of the vac. The hose should snap into place.

3. (Optional) Attach extension wand to opposite end of hose, then place the car nozzle on the wand.

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

WARNING: Always wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3-99) before using as a blower.

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

Extension Wand (Optional)

Car Nozzle (Optional)

Swivel End of Hose

Blowing Port

Tug-ALong Hose

FORESIGHT IS

BETTER THAN

NO SIGHT

WEAR YOUR

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 11

Push/Pull Handle

Cord Wrap

Power Cord

Accessory Storage

Your accessories may be stored in the accessory storage bag, or in the two locations on the rear caster feet.

NOTE: Insert male end of extension wand into the holder sleeve as shown.

Hose Storage Areas

Accessory Storage Bag

Male End of Extension Wand

Cord Wrap

When vacuuming is complete, unplug the cord and wrap it around the power assembly as shown. The cord should wrap under the pull handle (above the inlet) and around and under the cord wrap of the motor cover.

SP6542 14 Gallon 9/7/04 1:31 PM Page 12

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