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,
in death or serious injury.
!
WARNING: Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
result in death or serious injury.
!
CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
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 lea
•
unattended - y
important signs indicating abnormal
operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting exhaust, or
abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using
Do not lea
•
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.
ve Vac running while
ou may fail to notice
Vac if you notice these signs.
Vac when plugged in.
e
v
will result
could
could
• 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, 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 necessar
near children.
Do not use with a tor
•
filter installed e
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.
o reduce the r
T
•
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
or debr
debris or draining liquid.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
recommended accessories.
Vac that is heavy with liquid
is. Partially empty by scooping
• When using as a blower:
Direct air discharge only at work
rea.
a
- 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 b
can result in severe eye damage.
!
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 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.
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
DOUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
WARNING: For your own safety,
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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 indoor
T
hold use. It may be used for vacuuming
wet or dry media and may be used as a
blower.
ead this owner’s manual to familiarize
R
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents
Remove entire contents of carton. Check
each item against the Contents List found
on the product carton. Contact us at
info@ridgidvacs.com if any parts are
damaged or missing.
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.
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.
NOTE:
Failure to properly seat the
bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.
1. Line up vacuum port in lid with drain
ap located on the front of the drum.
c
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.
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.
Cord Storage
Simply, wrap the power cord around the
power head and snap the connector on
the plug to a wrap of the cord.
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 ser
• 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.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, all
models have a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other), except those with
a 230 Volt European style plug. 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:
=
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.
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.
Available with Select Models Only
Car Nozzle -
car interiors and most upholstery
cleaning.
et Nozzle -
W
smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and
dry the surface in one stroke.
Dusting Brush - Use for sweeping up
areas with fine dust or debris. Great
for detailed cleaning.
Dry pickup nozzle for
Used f
=
ON
or wet pickup on
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.
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.
W
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.
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. For the smaller models, the top
assembly must be removed. 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.
!
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.
!
ARNING: Always wear safety
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eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
sing as a blower.
u
!
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
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hearing damage wear ear protectors
when using the Vac/blower for
extended time using or in a noisy
area.
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, then place a car
nozzle on the wand.
4. Turn Vac on and you are ready to use
your Vac as a blower.
Tug-A-Long™
Hose
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.
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.
paper designed to stop very small
particles of dust. The filter can be used
for dry pick up or small amounts of liquid.
Handle the filter carefully when removing
to clean or installing it. Creases in the
filter pleats may occur from installation
but will not affect the performance of the
filter.
Filter Cleaning
Your filter should be cleaned often to
maintain peak Vac performance.
Be sure to dry the filter before storing or
picking up dry debris.
IMPORTANT: After cleaning, check the
filter for tears or small holes. Do not use a
filter with holes or tears in it. Even a small
hole can cause a lot of dust to come out
of your Vac. If your filter is worn or
damaged, replace it immediately.
Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling
and storing the Vac.
Filter Removal
To remove the filter for cleaning or
replacement, unscrew the filter nut from
the filter cage and lift off filter and filter
plate .
Cleaning A Dry Filter
1. Some removal of dry debris can be
accomplished without removing the
filter from the Vac. Slap your hand on
top of the lid while the Vac is turned
off.
2. For best cleaning results due to
accumulated dust, clean the filter in an
open area. Cleaning SHOULD be
done outdoors and not in the living
quarters.
3. After filter removal from Vac, remove
the dry debris by gently tapping filter
against the inside wall of your dust
drum. The debris will loosen and fall.
4. For thorough cleaning of dry filter with
fine dust (no debris), run water
through it as described under
"Cleaning A Wet Filter"
Cleaning A Wet Filter
After filter is removed, run water through
the filter from a hose or spigot. Take care
that water pressure from the hose is not
strong enough to damage filter.
!
WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.
IMPORTANT:
blower wheel and motor, always reinstall
the filter before using the Vac for dry
material pick-up.
T
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
(i.e.; waste water pick up) the drum
should be disinfected.
To disinfect the drum:
1. Pour 1 gallon of water and 1 teaspoon
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.
Storage
efore storing your Vac, the dust drum
B
should be emptied and cleaned. The cord
should be wrapped around the unit and
the hose should be stored as described
in this manual. Accessories should be
kept in the same area as the Vac so they
can be readily available. The Vac should
be stored indoors.
Casters
If your casters are noisy, you may put a
drop of oil on the roller shaft to make
them quieter.
!
WARNING:To assure product
SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs
and adjustments should be
performed by Authorized Service
Centers, always using RIDGID
replacement parts.
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number
!
WARNING
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC
In a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac, two systems of insulation are provided
instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated
appliance, nor should a means for grounding be added. Servicing a doubleinsulated Wet/Dry Vac requires extreme care and knowledge of the system,
and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac must be identical to the parts they replace.
Your double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac is marked with the words "DOUBLE
INSULATED" and the symbol (square within a square) may also be
marked on the appliance.
To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power cord before
servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.