RIDGID WD12800, WD16650, WD1665EX0, WD16700, WD1670EX0 Owner's Manual

WD12800
WD16650, WD1665EX0
WD16700, WD1670EX0

12 U.S. GALLON/45 LITER AND
16 U.S. GALLON/60 LITER
WET/DRY VAC WITH
DETACHABLE BLOWER

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CONTACT US AT

www.ridgidvacs.com

In the U.S. and Canada, Call 1-800-4-RIDGID

In Me

xico,

Call 01-800-701-9811

Part No. SP6728 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.

!

Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

• Español - p

á

gina 17

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 1

2

Table of Contents

Section Page

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

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

Unpacking and Checking

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

Filter Removal and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Accessory Caddy/Caster Assembly. . . . . . . . 6

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

To Store Your Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Positioning Detachable Blower

(Power Head Assembly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Emptying the Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Assemble the Detachable Blower

for “Blowing” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Blower Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cleaning and Disinfecting

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

Cord Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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

Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

S

ection Page

Safety is a combination of 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, or
property damage.

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

v

e

V

ac r

unning while

unattended - you ma

y f

ail to notice

impor

tant signs indicating abnor

mal

oper

ation such as loss of suction,

debris/liquid exiting e

xhaust, or

abnormal motor noises

.

Immediately

stop using Vac if y

ou notice these

signs.

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

!

!

!

!

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not
vacuum or 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 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 back into the air.

•

T

ur

n off

V

ac bef

ore unplugging.

•

T

o reduce the risk of injury from

accidental star

ting, unplug po

wer cord

bef

ore changing or cleaning filter

.

•

Do not unplug b

y pulling on cord.

T

o unplug, g

r

asp the plug, not the cord.

•

Do not use with damaged cord, plug or

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 2

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.

3

o

ther parts. If your Vac is not working

a

s it should, has missing parts, has

b

een dropped, damaged, left outdoors,

o

r dropped into water, contact RIDGID

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 Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
replacement parts. Read the
instructions for Servicing Double­Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs before
servicing.

• 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 the Vac
by scooping debris or draining liquid 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 detached blower:

- Direct air discharge only at work

area.

- Turn unit off before setting on ground

or releasing grasp from handle.

- Do not set down in liquid; electric

shock could occur.

- Do not direct air at bystanders.

-

Keep children away when blowing.

-

Do not use blower for any job except
b

lowing 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:

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

!

WARNING: When using blower:
Wear safety eyewear labeled “ANSI
Z87.1” on the package. Turn unit off
before setting on gr

ound or
releasing grasp from handle. Electric
shoc

k could occur if used on wet

surfaces.

Direct tool disc

har

ge only

at work area. Do not direct disc

harge

at bystandaders,

Keep children

a

wa

y

.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
electric shock - do not expose to
rain - store indoors.

!

SAVE THIS MANUAL

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.

!

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 3

4

Introduction

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

R

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

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

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

B Male-Male Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

C Car Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

D Utility Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

F* Qwik Lock™ Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

G* Filter Cage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

H* Float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

I Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

J Caster Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

K Owner’s Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

12-Gallon Vacs Include:

L Caster Foot for Storage . . . . . . . . 4

16-Gallon Vacs Include:

M Blower Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

N

Diffuser Blo

wing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

O Wet Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

P

Accessory Caddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Q Caster Foot for Storage . . . . . . . . 2

* These items come preassembled to the

power head.

A

I

K

L

12-Gallon Vacs Also Include:

16-Gallon Vacs Also Include:

P

N

Q

M

O

J

F*

G*

H*

E

B

C

D

Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Call 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443)
from the US & Canada, 01-800-701-9811
from Mexico, or E-mail us at
[e-mail] if any parts are
damaged or missing.

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 4

5

Filter Removal and Installation

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the

bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.

Filter
Cage

Qwik
Lock™
Stud

Filter
Tabs (2)

Integrated Filter
Plate with Center
Hole

P

USH

DOWN

PULL

UP

Rubber
Gasket at
Bottom of
Filter

(cutaway
view)

Lid

Removal and Installation
of the Qwik Lock™ Filter

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.

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.

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 5

6

N

OTE:

T

he accessory caddy is not
included with all models. If your Vac does
not include this caddy, continue to the
Caster/Caster Foot Assembly section.

1. Remove the power head and lid

assembly from the dust drum and set
aside.

2. Turn the dust drum upside down on the

floor.

3. Insert the accessory caddy into the

bottom of drum, as shown, on the
opposite side of the drain cap.

4. Push on the accessory caddy until it is

flush with bottom of dust drum.

5. Insert the caster stem into the socket of

the accessory caddy as shown
(2 places).

6. 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.

Accessory Caddy/Caster Assembly

Caster

Caster Ball

Caster Stem

Drain
Cap

Accessory
Caddy

Dust
Drum

With the power head and lid assembly
removed from the drum, and the drum
upside down on the floor:

1. Insert the 2 caster feet into the bottom

of drum, as shown on the 2 locations
near the drain cap.

2. Push on the caster foot until the foot is

flush with bottom of the dust drum.

3. Insert the caster stem into the socket

of the caster foot, as shown
(2 places).

4. 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.

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly

Caster

Caster Stem

Caster Ball

Caster
Foot

Dust
Drum

NOTE: For those Vacs that do not include

the caddy from the previous section, your
Vac will include four caster feet and four
casters. Repeat the previous instructions
on the back of the drum with the two
remaining caster feet and casters.

5. Turn the drum upright.

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 6

7

Drum Latch

Drum Lip

Drum Latch

Inlet

Dust
Drum

Lid
Assembly

Drain
Cap

1. Locate the lid assembly and the drum/

caster foot/caddy assembly (assembled
earlier).

2. Position the lid assembly with the inlet

of the unit located in line with the drain
cap on the dust drum.

3. To assemble the lid assembly to the

drum/caster foot/caddy assembly,
lower the lid assembly onto the dust
drum. Rotate both latches down until
you hear them snap over the lip of the
drum.

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

Y

our RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac is designed to
provide better stability, mobility and
accessory storage with the accessory
caddy. Located on the caddy are five
storage pockets. Conveniently store
accessory nozzles and extension wands
on these locations and use the front 2
caster feet storage pockets for the hose
or any of the accessories.

To Store Your Accessories

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 7

8

Positioning Detachable Blower

(Power Head Assembly)

Release
Button

Press and Pull

1. To remove the detachable blower from

the lid assembly, press down on the
power head latch under the
detachable blower handle and lift the
blower off the lid of the Vac.
To replace the blower back onto the lid
assembly, proceed to the following
instructions.

Power Head
Latch

Detachable
Blower

Power Head
Latch

Drum
Latch

Lid Assembly

3. Rotate the detachable blower down
until the travel of the unit stops.

4. Lightly press down on the carry handle
of the detachable blower until you hear
the slight “snap” of the power head
latch engaging the blower. The
detachable blower is now latched to
the lid assembly.

5. Your new Wet/Dry Vac is ready for use.
With the Wet/Dry Vac completely
assembled and ready for use, 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.

Molded
Plastic Lead

Pull
Handle

Indented
Area

2. On top of the detachable blower
(opposite the handle side of the
blower); there is a molded plastic lead
that is used to assist assembling the
unit.

Position the lead into the indented

area above the “Pull Handle”.

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 8

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
Vac has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other). Except for 230 volt
models, 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.

NOTE: When using the unit in the
vacuuming mode, always insert the air
diffuser in the exhaust port on the
detachable blower. This breaks up the
direct flow of air and diffuses it.

9

Operation

Extension Wands - These wands can be

connected together and provides
additional length for more reach.

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for
most vacuuming applications.

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

Male To Male Adapter - Use this
accessory to connect the blower nozzle
to the exhaust of the power assembly

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

Blower Nozzle - Attached to the end of a
hose or directly to the power assembly
concentrates the air for blowing
applications.

Diffuser - Insert in the exhaust of the Vac
while vacuuming and the air exiting the
exhaust is “diffused”. This breaks up the
air coming out of the exhaust.

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

Accessory Caddy - Store all the
accessories with your Vac.

Caster Feet - Store accessor

ies with

your Vac.

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.

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.

!

!

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

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 10:58 AM Page 9

10

Operation (continued)

Vacuuming Dry Materials

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

2.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 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.

IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac, do not run motor with
float in raised position.

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

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

4.If the contents are liquid, you may
dispose by using the drain provided in
the drum for easy emptying. Simply
unscrew the drain cap and allow the
liquid to drain completely out of the Vac
drum.

Moving the Wet/Dry V ac

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. To
maneuver the Vac, the pull handle above
the inlet should be used.

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac has a “detachable
blower”. It has the capability to be used
as a dedicated blower for yard work,
patio cleanup and workshop applications
to blow sawdust and other debris.

W

ARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a b

lower.

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

Drum
Latch

1.To remove the lid to empty contents of
the dust drum simply lift the two drum
latches at the front and rear of the dust
drum and lift the lid assembly up and
off the dust drum and set to the side.

2.Lay the lid assembly upside down on a
clean area while emptying drum or
changing the filter.

!

!

!

!

SP6728-1 16 Gallon 3/19/10 2:56 PM Page 10