RIDGID WD1850 User Manual [en, es]
OWNERS MANUAL
WD1850
16 U.S. GALLONS/
13 CDN. GALLONS
PROFESSIONAL
WET/DRY VAC
For Your Safety:
Read all instructions carefully
Save this manual for future
reference
FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION
CONTACT US AT
1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) OR
www.ridgid.com
VF5000
RECOMMENDED
VF5000
RECOMMENDED
Logon to . . .
www .ridgidvacs.com/filterclub
to Join Our Filter Club
and/or Enter Our
$500 Home Depot Gift
Card Sweepstakes.
MAXIMIZE VACUUM PERFORMANCE
WITH A NEW FILTER
$500
Gift Card
Sweepstakes
MAXIMIZE VACUUM PERFORMANCE
WITH A NEW FILTER
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 1
Part No. SP6528 Printed in Mexico
2
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/Caddy Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing Handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Removing Handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installing Tool Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wet/Dry Vac Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insert Hose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section Page
Filter Performance Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emptying the Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Moving the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessory and Hose Storage. . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cord Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dry Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wet Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Casters & Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Frame & Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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.
• 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.
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 2
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:
• Do not vacuum cold fireplace soot or
ash with standard wet/dry filter. Refer to
Repair Parts for proper filter. This is a
very fine dust which will not be captured
by the filter and may cause damage.
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your
Wet/Dry Vac.
3
• 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.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and
all parts of body away from openings
and moving parts.
WARNING: For your own safety, read
and understand owner’s manual.
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.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury:
Before Each Use:
• Check for missing, damage or
broken parts. Repair damage and
replace any missing parts before
using cart.
During Use:
To reduce the risk of being struck by or
pulled down by a rolling vac:
• lock the casters on any uneven or
sloped surface before starting to
vacuum.
• Use extra care on uneven surfaces
that let the cart tip or rock.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of back
injury, falls or impact from falling
Wet/Dry Vac:
Limit the weight in the drum before
lifting the vac or moving it up or down
stairs. For liquids, drain the Wet/Dry
Vac drum. For heavy, dry media, empty
the Wet/Dry Vac drum. Get help when
you need to lift the Wet/Dry Vac to
empty it, or tip the drum over on it’s
side and pour the media into a disposal
container.
DOUBLE INSULATED.
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENTPARTS.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire
or electric shock, do not run vac
unattended.
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 3
4
Introduction
This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use only. The Professional 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 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@ridgid.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) 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
MalletHammer
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 4
S
U
V
R
T
P
5
Carton Contents List
Key Description Qty
A Wet/Dry Vac Assembly.................1
B* Filter Nut ......................................1
C* High Efficiency Filter ....................1
D* Filter Cage...................................1
E* Float.............................................1
F Tug-A-Long Hose.........................1
G Utility Nozzle................................1
H Wet Nozzle...................................1
J Crevice Nozzle.............................1
K Car Nozzle...................................1
L Extension Wands.........................2
M Muffler/Diffuser .............................1
N 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:
P Storage Bag.................................1
R 8” Wheel.......................................2
S Metal Handle................................1
T Axle..............................................1
U Caddy, Right ................................1
V Caddy, Left...................................1
Key Description Qty
Bag of Loose Parts -
Containing the following:
W 2” Caster......................................2
X 1/2” Cap Nut ................................2
Y Wheel Caps .................................2
Z Screw, Type AB #10 x 1-3/4 ........4
N
M
Y
X
Z
W
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 5
A
F
H
K
G
B
C
D
E
J
L
M
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 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 Nut
Filter
Threaded Stud
Filter Cage
Slots (3)
Filter Nut
Lever
6
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 6
Filter Cage
Tabs (3)
Float
Solid End
THIS SIDE
TOWARD LID
Power Head
Assembly
Filter Cage
Tabs (3)
Slots (3)
Slots (3)
If any parts are missing or damaged
contact Customer Service.
Do not assemble until you have all the
parts.
1.Insert caddy left and caddy right 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.
Drum/Caddy Assembly
Right
Caddy
Assembly
Left Caddy
Assembly
Drain
#10 x 1-3/4"
Screw (4)
7
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 7
Caddy
Right
Drain
Caddy Left
Caddy
Left
Drain
Open
End
Caddy
Cap
Nut
NOTE: Smooth side of the
wheel to the outside.
Axle
w/Wheel
Right
Drum/Caddy Assembly (continued)
4. Slide open end of axle through caddy
left making sure the leg slot lines up with
the cradle hole. Slide all the way
through the caddy right. 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 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.
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).
Mallet
Wheel
Cap
8
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 8
Caster Stem
Caster Ball
Socket
Wet/Dry Vac Assembly
1.Position the powerhead assembly on
the drum/caddy assembly as shown
(assembled earlier).
2.Rotate both latches down and press
until you hear them snap over the
flanges on the drum.
9
Wall Mount
Hook
Grommet
Wall
Tote Snaps
Tote
Straps (4)
Handle
Extension
Wand
Storage
Locations
Drum
Latch
Drum
Latch
Drum
Flange
Latch
Drum
Powerhead
Assembly
Installing Tool Holder
1.Install tool holder as shown with
extension wand holders facing unit.
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.
2. As an alternative storage solution, the
tool holder may hang on a wall. Two wall
mounting hooks (not provided) must be
secured to the wall as shown (sold
separately).
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 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 A94.3) 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".
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.
Crevice Tool - Use to pick up debris in
hard to reach locations.
Muffler/Diffuser - Use to disperse
exhaust air stream while reducing noise.
Insert into blowing port.
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 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
=
ON
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.
10
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 10
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 in
the rear of the unit should be used.
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.
Filter Performance Sensor
1.This Wet/Dry Vac features an innovative
device for determining when your filter
needs to be cleaned. This patent
pending design works whether the
Wet/Dry Vac is on or off.
2. Bars of color show the cleanliness of
your filter. All green bars indicate that
your filter is clean and ready to use.
3.As the filter becomes dirty, orange bars
will appear and green bars will
disappear.
4.All orange bars indicate that your filter is
dirty and needs to be cleaned or
replaced.
5.Your Wet/Dry Vac operates most
efficiently and powerfully, with a clean
filter. When the filter performance
sensor shows all orange bars, the
performance of your Wet/Dry Vac is
approximately 40-55% of its original
power with a clean filter. At any point
during the increasing orange bars,
you may elect to clean the filter.
6.To set the indicator bars back to the
original full green position, press the
sensor reset button.
NOTE: Do not press the sensor reset button
while the Wet/Dry Vac is running. This may
damage the filter performance sensor.
7. Press the sensor reset button until all
green bars show. This should be done
whenever you clean or replace the filter.
Depending on how clean you get the
filter, will determine how many orange
bars show. A new filter will show all
green.
11
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 11
Filter
Sensor
Reset
Button
12
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. 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.(Optional) Attach extension wand to
opposite end of hose, then place the car
nozzle on the wand.
WARNING: Always wear safety
goggles 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.
Car Nozzle (Optional)
Tug-A-Long
Hose
Blowing
Port
Extension
Wand
(Optional)
Swivel
End of
Hose
FORESIGHT IS
BETTER THAN
NO SIGHT
WEAR YOUR
4. Turn vac on and you are ready to use
your vac as a blower.
Push/Pull Handle
Cord Wrap
Power
Cord
Accessory and Storage
Your accessories may be stored in the
removable tote, or in the two locations on the
caddy right/left. The hose may be stored by
wrapping it around the unit and placing each
end into the two areas marked Hose Storage.
NOTE: Insert male end of extension wand
into the holder sleeve as shown.
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.
Hose Storage
Area
HOSE
STORAGE
HOSE
STORAGE
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.
SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 12
Accessory Storage
Compartment
Extension
Wand
Extension
Wand
Storage
Loading...