RIDGID WD4050 User Manual
OWNERS MANUAL
WD4050
4 U.S. GALLONS/
3.3 CDN. GALLONS
WET/DRY VAC
For Your Safety:
Read all instructions carefully
Save this manual for future
reference
Part No. SP6518 Printed in Canada.
Table of Contents
Section Page
Table of Contents .................................. 2
Important Safety Instructions ................. 2
Safety Signal Words ............................2
Save These Instructions ........................ 4
Introduction ............................................4
Unpacking and Checking Carton
Contents ............................................. 5
Carton Contents List ............................ 5
Getting To Know Your Vac ..................... 5
Float/Cage Replacement ........................ 6
Filter Assembly/Replacement ................ 7
Cord and Hose Storage .......................... 7
Section Page
Operation ............................................... 8
Vacuuming Dry Materials .................... 8
Vacuuming Liquids .............................. 8
Emptying Dust Drum ........................... 9
Cord Wrap ........................................... 9
Blowing Feature .................................. 9
Maintenance ........................................ 10
Cleaning Vac Filter ............................ 10
Wet/Dry Vac ...................................... 10
Repair Parts ........................................ 11
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 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.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• 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.
• If your Wet/Dry Vac is not working as it
should, has missing parts, has been
dropped or damaged, left out-doors, or
dropped into water, return it to an
Authorized Service Center.
• 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.
• To reduce the risk of health hazards
from vapors or dusts, do not vacuum
toxic materials.
• Do not use or store near hazardous
materials.
2
• Do not use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn
filter or without the filter installed except
for vacuuming liquids as described in the
operation section of this manual.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when used by or
near children.
• 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 the 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 the body away from openings
and moving parts.
• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra
care when cleaning stairs
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.
Use this Wet/Dry Vac as described in this
manual.
Caution:
• Do not vacuum cold fireplace soot or ash
with standard wet/dry vac 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.
DOUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock- do not expose to
rain-store indoors.
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.
3
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, not
glasses, 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
Introduction
This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household
use only. It may be used for light vacuuming
of wet or dry media and may be used as a
blower. The light weight design allows
usage for most small household vacuuming
chores. Familiarize yourself with the following product and features and read the entire
owner’s manual for specific usage of your
new wet/dry vac.
ear protectors when using the vac for
extended hours or when using it in a noisy
area.
For dusty operations wear dust mask.
Only use 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
0-50 Ft.
50-100 Ft.
Gauge
(A.W.G.)
14
12
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please Read Carefully
Static Shocks Are Common - In dry
areas or when the relative humidity of the
air is low. To reduce static shocks in your
home the best remedy is to add moisture to
the air with a console humidifier.
4
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents
Remove contents of carton. Check
each item against the Carton Contents
List. Contact 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800474-3443) or (www.ridgidvacs.com) if
any parts are damaged or missing.
Carton Contents List
Key Description ........................... Qty.
A 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac.................. 1
B* Ball Float (Assembled)................ 1
C* Filter Cage (Assembled) .............1
D* Filter VF3500 (Assembled) .........1
E* Filter Plate (Assembled)..............1
F* Filter Nut ..................................... 1
G** Diffuser Muffler............................ 1
H Car Nozzle .................................. 1
J Hose ...........................................1
K Owners Manual...........................1
*These items may come pre assembled.
If they are not present in the carton
check the vac power head to see if they
are pre assembled.
**Used to disperse exhaust air stream
while reducing noise. Insert into blowing port.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
K
J
Getting to Know Your Vac
1. Familiarize yourself with the controls
and features of your vac before operating
Vacuum
Port
Inlet
Hose
5
Switch
Drum
Handle
Drum Latch
Power
Head
Blowing
Port
Power
Cord
Float/Cage Replacement
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.
If the filter cage or float ever have to be
replaced, follow the instructions below for
proper assembly:
1. Grasp the drum latches on both the
right and left side of the power head.
Slowly pull the drum latches away from
the drum. Lift the power head off the
drum. Place the lid assembly of the vac
upside down.
2. Remove the filter nut and the filter.
3. 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.
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.
4. Place the float in the center of the lid,
covering the opening.
5. Line up filter cage tabs with the slots in
the center ring of the lid assembly. Push
on the filter cage until the tabs snap into
the slots for a secure fit.
Power
Head
Drum
Filter Cage
Tabs (3)
Slots (3)
Tabs (3)
Slots (3)
Drum
Latch
Pull Out
and Lift
Drum
Filter Cage
Float
Power
Head
Drum
6
Filter Assembly/Replacement
1.Carefully slide the filter over the filter
cage, sliding filter down until it stops
against the lid.
2.Place the hole in the filter plate over
threaded screw of the filter cage.
3.Gently push on the filter plate to seat
the rubber ring of the filter inside the circular channel of the filter plate.
4. Place filter nut onto threaded screw 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 plate, filter
cage or filter.
5. To assemble the power head to the
drum, position power head over drum,
with drum latches lined up with recess
in drum. (The power head will only fit
on the drum one way).
6. Push down on the power head and lis-
ten for the drum latches to “snap” in
place.
7. Your vac is now ready to use. Read the
instructions on the following pages to
operate your vac safely.
Threaded
Screw
Cord and Hose Storage
1. Your vac has a convenient area to store
your power cord and vac hose.
2. Wrap the power cord around the top of
the handle on the vac and attach the
end of the plug to the cord.
3. Wrap the hose around the vac as
shown and place the small swivel end
inside the larger one.
CAUTION: A partially unwrapped
cord may fall in coils near your feet.
You could trip. To reduce the risk of
this, always fully unwrap the cord
before plugging it in.
Handle
Filter Nut
Filter Plate
Filter
Filter Cage
Hose Storage
Area
Power
Cord
7
Operation
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not operate this vac in areas with
flammable gases or flammable vapors such as lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-base
paints, gasoline, alcohol or explosive dust such as coal, magnesium, grain or
gun powder in the air. 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. To
reduce the risk of electrical shock do not expose to rain. Store vac indoors.
Unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter or emptying the dust
drum.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of hearing damage wear ear protectors
when using the vac or blower for
extended hours or when using it in a
noisy area. 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 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 motor cover are international “On & Off” symbols. “O” is the
symbol for “OFF” and “l” is the symbol for
“ON”.
= OFF
NOTE:
When using the unit in the vacuuming mode, always insert the air diffuser in the
exhaust port. This breaks up the direct flow
of air and diffuses it.
Familiarize yourself with the accessories
included with the vac. Each accessory may
be used in various ways for vacuuming and
= ON
blowing debris. Here is a list of the accessories and their uses.
Car Nozzle
ors and most upholstery cleaning.
Hose
ing capability to work site. Provides the
means of attaching extension wands and
nozzles.
- Dry pickup nozzle for car interi-
- Provides transfer of vacuum or blow-
Vacuuming Dry Materials
1. The filter must 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 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.
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.
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.
8
CAUTION: Do not remove the filter
cage or float. It is there to shut off airflow when the drum is full of liquids.
3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float mechanism will rise automatically to cut off airflow. 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 avoid damage to the vac
do not run motor with float in raised position.
Emptying Dust Drum
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.
1. To remove the lid to empty contents of
the dust drum, simply lift the two drum
latches on the sides of the vac and lift
the power head up and off the dust
drum and set to the side.
Power
Head
2.Lay the power head upside down on a
clean dry area while emptying the drum
or changing the filter.
3. Dump the drum contents into the proper
waste disposal container.
Cord Wrap
When vacuuming is complete, unplug the
cord and wrap it around the handle on the
power assembly as shown on page 8.
Blowing Feature
Your wet/dry vac has the capability to be
used as a blower for yard work, patio
cleanup and workshop applications to blow
sawdust and other debris.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or
in Canada CSA Z94-3-99)before
using as a blower.
WARNING: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might be
inhaled.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of hearing damage wear ear protectors
when using the vac/blower for
extended hours or when using it in a
noisy area.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them clear
of blowing debris.
Dust
Drum
Drum
Latch
9
Maintenance
Cleaning Vac Filter
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter or foam pad.
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. Replace it immediately.
NOTE: The filter is made of high quality
paper designed to stop very small particles
of dust. The filter can be used for wet or dry
pick up. 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.
Removal
To remove the filter for cleaning or replacement, unscrew the filter nut from the filter
cage, remove filter plate and lift off filter.
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the
blower wheel and motor, always reinstall the
filter before using the vac for dry material
pickup.
CAUTION: Do not remove the filter
cage or float. It is there to shut off airflow when the drum is full of liquids.
Dry Filter
1. Light cleaning of some dry debris from
the filter can be accomplished without
removing the filter from the vac. Simply
slap your hand on top of the handle
while the vac is turned off.
2. Clean the filter in an open area. Cleaning SHOULD be done outdoors and not
in the living quarters.
3.Remove filter from vac. Gently tap the filter against the inside wall of your dust
drum and the debris will loosen and fall.
4. For thorough cleaning of dry filter with fine
dust (no debris) you may run water
through it as described under “Wet Filter”.
Wet Filter
Remove filter from vac, 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. Remember:
To dry a filter quickly, reinstall the filter on
the vac and allow the unit to run for 10 minutes. The clean air rushing through the filter
will dry it.
Installation
Refer to “Filter Assembly”.
Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling and
storing the vac.
Wet/Dry Vac
To keep your Wet/Dry Vac looking its best,
clean the outside with a cloth dampened
with warm water and mild soap.
To clean the drum:
1.Dump out debris.
2.Wash drum thoroughly.
3. Wipe out with dry cloth.
WARNING: To assure product
SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs
and adjustment should be performed
by Authorized Service Centers,
always using RIDGID replacement
parts.
10
Repair Parts
RIDGID 4 Gallon Wet/dry Vac
Model Number WD4050
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidvacs.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.
Key
No. Part No. Description
817254
1
818977
2
VF3500
3
73317
4
73316
5
† These replacement parts may be available where you purchased your vac.
Float
Filter Cage
† Filter
Filter Plate
Filter Nut
1
2
3
4
Key
No. Part No. Description
6
7
8
9
VT1782
VT2525
VT1781
SP6518
† Hose Asm
† Diffuser Asm
† Car Nozzle
Owners Manual
7
6
9
8
5
11
Loading...