Shop-Vac 3HM, 5HM User Manual

ATTENTION!

Read all safety rules carefully
before attempting to operate.
Retain for future reference.

ATTENTION!

Lire attentivement les con­signes de sécurité avant
d’utiliser cet aspirateur.
Conserver ce guide pour s’y
reporter ultérieurement.

¡

ATENCIÓN!

Lea cuidadosamente todas las
reglas de seguridad antes de
empezar a operar. Consérvelo
para futuras referencias.

DANGER!

Never operate this unit when
flammable materials or
vapors are present because
electrical devices produce
arcs or sparks that can cause
a fire or explosion.

NEVER OPERATE
UNATTENDED!

User manual.
Please review before operating vac.

Notice d'utilisation.
À lire avant d’utiliser l’aspirateur

Manual del usuario
Por favor repase antes de usar la aspiradora.

BRAND/MARQUE/MARCA

Wet/Dry Vacuum • Household and Workshop Use

Series 3HM, 5HM

Aspirateur pour déchets secs et humides

Pour utilisation domestique ou dans les entrepôts

Série

3HM, 5HM

Aspiradora para Líquidos/Sólidos

Para Uso Doméstico y Empresarial

Series 3HM, 5HM

DANGER!

Ne jamais utiliser cet aspira­teur en présence de vapeurs
ou de matières inflammables.
Les appareils électriques
produisent des arcs ou des
étincelles qui peuvent causer
un incendie ou une explosion.

NE JAMAIS
LAISSER
FONCTIONNER CET
APPAREIL SANS
SURVEILLANCE!

¡

PELIGRO!

Nunca opere esta unidad
cuando existan materiales
inflamables o vapores, ya que
los aparatos eléctricos produ­cen chispas que pueden cau­sar un incendio o explosión.

NUNCA OPERE SIN
AYUDA!

SHOP-VAC CORPORATION

2323 Reach Road, P.O. Box 3307
Williamsport, PA 17701-0307
[phone]
www.shopvac.com

SHOP-VAC CANADA

1770 Appleby Line
Burlington, Ontario L7L 5P8
[phone]
www.shopvac.ca

Shop Vac-México, S.A. de C.V.

Av. Mariano Otero #5095, Local 1 PB
Col. La Calma
Zapopan, Jalisco C.P. 45070
MÉXICO
52 (33) 3188 6388

Patents Issued and Pending.
Brevets délivrés et en instance.

Patentes expedidas y establecidas.

© 2011 Shop-Vac Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 87544-74
© Shop-Vac Corporation 2011. Tous Droits Réservés.
© 2011 Shop-Vac Corporation. Todos los Dereches Reservados.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the
following: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE.

WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC

SHOCK OR INJURY:

1. Do not leave appliance when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servic­ing. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See Grounding Instructions.

2. Do not expose to rain – store indoors.

3. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

4. Use only as described in this manual. Use only Manufacturer’s recommended attachments.

5. Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If appliance is not working as it should, has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water, contact Shop-Vac Corporation for
assistance.

6. Do Not: pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord or pull cord around
sharp edges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

7. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug; not the cord.

8. Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.

9. Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep free of dust,
lint, hair and anything that may reduce air flow.

10. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.

11. Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot ashes.

12. Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.

13. Turn off all controls before unplugging.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – do Not leAve vAcuum uNAtteNded WheN It Is pluGGed IN ANd/oR opeRAtING. uNpluG uNIt WheN Not IN use.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a
path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is
equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug
must be inserted into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance

with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING – IMPROPER CONNECTION OF THE EQUIP-

MENT-GROUNDING CONDUCTOR CAN RESULT IN A RISK OF ELEC­TRIC SHOCK. CHECK WITH A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN OR SERVICE
PERSON IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER THE OUTLET IS
PROPERLY GROUNDED. DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED WITH
THE APPLIANCE – IF IT WILL NOT FIT THE OUTLET, HAVE A PROPER
OUTLET INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

This appliance is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit, and has a grounded plug that looks like the
plug illustrated in sketch A. A temporary adaptor that looks like the adaptor illustrated in sketches

14. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

15. Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas where
they may be present.

16. Do not use your cleaner as a sprayer of flammable liquids such as oil base paints, lacquers,
household cleaners, etc.

17. Do not vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, combustible or other hazardous materials such as asbestos,
arsenic, barium, beryllium, lead, pesticides or other health endangering materials. Specially
designed units are available for these purposes.

18. Do not pick up soot, cement, plaster or drywall dust without cartridge filter and collection filter bag
in place. These are very fine particles that may pass through the foam and affect the performance
of the motor or be exhausted back into the air. Additional collection filter bags are available.

19. Do not leave the cord lying on the floor once you have finished the cleaning job. It can become
a tripping hazard.

20. Use special care when emptying heavily loaded tanks.

21. To avoid spontaneous combustion, empty tank after each use.

22. The operation of a utility vac can result in foreign objects being blown into eyes, which can result
in eye damage. Always wear safety goggles when operating vacuum.

23. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use vacuum cleaner
when you are tired, distracted or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication causing
diminished control.

24. WARNING! Do NOT use this vacuum cleaner to vacuum lead paint debris because this may
disperse fine lead particles into the air. This vacuum cleaner is not intended for use under EPA
Regulation 40 CFR Part 745 for lead paint material cleanup.

B and C may be used to connect this
plug to a 2-pole receptacle as shown
in sketch B if a properly grounded
outlet is not available. The temporary
adaptor should be used only until a
properly grounded outlet (sketch A)
can be installed by a qualified electri­cian. The green colored rigid ear, lug
or the like extending from the adaptor
must be connected to a permanent
ground such as a properly grounded
outlet box cover. Whenever the adap­tor is used, it must be held in place by a metal screw.

IN CANADA, THE USE OF A TEMPORARY ADAPTOR IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE CANADIAN
ELECTRICAL CODE. Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same
configuration as the plug. No adapter should be used with this appliance.

EXTENSION CORDS

When using the appliance at a distance where an extension cord becomes necessary, a 3-conductor
grounding cord of adequate size must be used for safety, and to prevent loss of power and overheating.
Use the table below to determine A.W.G. wire size required. To determine ampere rating of your vacuum,
refer to nameplate located on rear of motor cover.
Before using appliance, inspect power cord for loose or exposed wires and damaged insulation. Make
any needed repairs or replacements before using your appliance. Use only three-wire outdoor exten­sion cords which have three-prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles which accept the
extension cord’s plug. When vacuuming liquids, be sure the extension cord connection does not come
in contact with the liquid.

NOTE: STATIC SHOCKS ARE COMMON IN DRY AREAS OR WHEN THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF

THE AIR IS LOW. THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY AND DOES NOT AFFECT THE USE OF THE APPLI­ANCE. TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF STATIC SHOCKS IN YOUR HOME, THE BEST REMEDY IS
TO ADD MOISTURE TO THE AIR WITH A CONSOLE OR INSTALLED HUMIDIFIER.

UNPACKING AND SET-UP

1. Remove the tank cover by pushing in the side lugs with thumbs and lifting up on the tabs of the

tank cover.

2. Remove any accessories and paperwork, which may have been shipped in the tank.

3. Before replacing tank cover, refer to Dry Pick Up or Wet Pick Up Operation in this manual to

ensure you have the proper filters installed for your cleaning operation.

4. Replace tank cover on the tank by aligning tabs with lugs. Press down firmly on the upper

housing until tank cover snaps into place.

5. Refer to mounting instructions in this manual to attach your unit to wall.

6. Attach hose to inlet located on side of tank following the

instructions that apply to your specific unit:

For 3.5 gallon:
Grasp curved hose end and position open end over inlet

with long portion pointing upwards. Push hose end into inlet as firmly as possible making sure

1

Volts

120V

Total length of cord in feet

25 50 100

150

Ampere Rating

More Not More

AWG

Than Than

0 - 6
6 - 10
10 - 12
12 - 16

notch on hose end lines up with tab on inlet. Turn hose end until it is pointing towards bottom of
tank.

For 5 gallon:
Position non-threaded end of elbow over inlet with threaded end pointing upwards. Push elbow

into inlet as firmly as possible making sure notch on elbow lines up with tab on inlet. Turn elbow
until threaded part of elbow is pointing towards bottom of tank. Insert long machine hose end
with locking-nut into end of elbow and tighten. Do not over-tighten.

7. Attach the extension wands (not standard with all models) to the accessory end of the hose.
Twist slightly to tighten the connection (Figure 1).

8. Attach one of the cleaning accessories (depending on your cleaning requirements) on the exten­sion wands. Twist slightly to tighten the connection (Figure 1).

9. Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use. I = ON, O = OFF

NOTE: MANY MORE USEFUL TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR
SHOP-VAC

®

WEBSITE.

18
18
16
14

16
16
16
12

16
14
14

Not recommended

14
12
12

FILTE R SELEC TI ON GU ID E

SIZ E

3.5 U.S. Ga l (13.2L )
5 U.S. Gal (1 8.9L)

N/A 9 1931/

N

N/A 9 1932/ O

90107 REUSABLE DRY FILT ER AN D MOU NTING RING

fit s most Sho p-Va c

®

Wet/ Dry Va cuums.

90585 FOAM FILTER SL EEVE fit s mos t Sho p-Va c

®

Wet/ Dry

Vacu ums.

Fin e dus t

Dry wal l

Sta nda rd

Hou seh old

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

Wall Bracket Installation:

1. Select mounting location at a wall stud and/or provide a minimum 8” wide x 12” high x ¾” thick
surface, which is strong enough to hold the weight of the vacuum unit with a full tank of debris.

WARNING – INADEQUATE MOUNTING COULD ALLOW THE

UNIT TO FALL, CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE UNIT.

2. Secure wall bracket to mounting surface with 3 screws provided or other suitable fastener.
(NOTE: The screws provided are adequate ONLY for mounting into wood. Be sure to use the
proper, suitable fasteners for mounting vacuum to a surface other than wood.) Make sure
bracket is level (Figure 2).

3. The tool bag hook can be mounted on the wall in close proximity to the vacuum. Secure with
screws provided. Hang tool bag onto hook using loop in back of tool bag (Figure 3).

dirt or rinse (from the inside of the filter) with water, dry completely (approximately 24 hours) and
re-install (Figures 13 & 14). Note: If the filter has been used for wet pick up, it must be cleaned
and dried before using for dry pick up.

8 9 10

11 12

14

2 3

Attach Vac:

1. Grasp top handle with one hand and place other hand under front of tank.

2. Align tab on back of vacuum (located near top of tank) to engage with slot in center of wall
bracket as vacuum is lowered into bracket (Figure 4).

3. Push downward making sure slots on vacuum (located near the bottom of the tank) attach to
the tabs located at bottom of bracket (Figure 5).

4. Lower top handle on vacuum to lay flat on top of housing. This will secure unit in bracket.

4 5

Detach Vac:

1. Push release lever on bracket with thumb, while moving top handle on vacuum to the up posi­tion (Figure 6).

2. Grasp top handle with one hand and place other hand under front of tank.

3. Pull upward until vacuum detaches from bracket (Figure 7).

6 7

DRY PICK UP

WARNING – ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE

WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.

CAUTION – KEEP FILTERS CLEAN

EFFICIENCY OF THE VACUUM IS LARGELY DEPENDENT ON THE FILTER. A CLOGGED FILTER
CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE CLEANER. CHECK THE FILTER
PERIODICALLY AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED.

13

INSTALLING THE

DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG

(Not Standard with All Models)

1. Use for dry pick up only. Use in conjunction with cartridge filter for picking
up soot, cement, plaster or drywall dust.

2. With cord disconnected from receptacle, remove tank cover.

3. Grasp cardboard collar firmly and slide rubber guard onto inlet fitting as
far as possible (Figure 15).

4. When secured in place, expand bag and position around the inside of the
tank.

15

WARNING FOR FINE DUST & POWDERS

When vacuuming fine dust, or powders of any kind (ex. plaster, drywall dust, cold ashes, concrete
dust, etc.)...a high efficiency drywall filter bag must be used. When vacuuming normal house-
hold dust and debris, standard household disposable filter bags may be used. These "large bag"
filters connect to the air inlet fitting on the inside of the vacuum tank.

WET PICK UP OPERATION

Remove ALL dirt and debris found in tank. The vacuum requires only a minimum of conversion
when going from dry to wet pick up. Remove all dry use filters from the vacuum. A clean cartridge
filter may be used for vacuuming small amounts of liquids. For best results when vacuuming large
quantities of liquid, remove the cartridge filter. When vacuuming liquids containing debris, it is
recommended purchasing a foam sleeve and install over filter cage; otherwise a foam sleeve is
not required for wet pick up. Foam sleeve and additional filters may be purchased by visiting our
website at www.shopvac.com, contacting our customer service department, or purchasing at your
local Shop-Vac

Misting in exhaust air may occur if the filter becomes saturated during wet pick up. If misting
occurs, remove filter and allow to dry or, replace with another dry filter to eliminate the misting and
possible dripping of liquid around the lid. Turn the unit off immediately upon completing a wet pick
up job or when tank is full and ready to be emptied. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into
the tank. The interior of the tank should be periodically cleaned.

Installing Foam Sleeve:
(Not standard with all models)

1. With tank cover in an upside down position, slide foam sleeve down over lid cage until foam

sleeve completely covers lid cage (Figure 16).

2. Place filter retainer into top of foam sleeve (Figure 17).

3. Hold the tank cover with one hand; turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to tighten,

locking the filter into place (Figure 18).

®

distributor.

16 17 18

INSTALLING THE CARTRIDGE FILTER

(Not standard with all models)

The cartridge filter can be used for wet or dry pick up; installation is the same for both. Use the
cartridge filter in position over the lid cage for most general dry material pick up. With the tank
cover in an upside down position, slide the cartridge filter down over the lid cage, pushing until
the filter seals against the cover (Figure 8). Place filter retainer into the top of the cartridge filter,
hold the tank cover with one hand, turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to tighten,
locking the filter into place (Figures 9 & 10). To remove the filter for cleaning, again hold the
tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove, slide the cartridge
filter off the lid cage (Figures 11 & 12). To clean the cartridge filter shake or brush off excess

Cleaning Foam Sleeve:
(Not standard with all models)

1. The foam sleeve should be cleaned periodically. Always disconnect the plug from the wall

receptacle before removing the tank cover. Place tank cover in an upside down position.

2. Hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counterclockwise to loosen and remove (Figure

19).