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

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

www.ridgid.com

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SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 1

Part No. SP6528 Printed in Mexico

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.

• 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

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

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

SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 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 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

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)

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)

SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 7

Caddy Right

Drain

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

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.

Wall Mount Hook

Grommet

Wall

Tote Snaps

Tote Straps (4)

Handle

Extension Wand Storage Locations

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

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.

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.

SP6528-2 16Gallon.qxd 6/15/07 02:05 PM Page 11

Filter Sensor Reset Button

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

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