RT1600 - Vacuum Cleaner RIDGID - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL RT1600 RIDGID

Part No. SP7052 Printed in Mexico Wet/Dry Vacs

• Warranty (See back cover)
• Technical Assistance

• Repair Parts For any questions about: Please have your Model Number andSerial Number on hand when calling. 16 U.S. GALLON / 60 Liter

To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual before using this product.

Safety is a combination of using 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. 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 Wet/Dry Vac before operating.

• Use only as described in this manual.

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

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

• To avoid the risk of self-ignition of drum debris, empty drum after each use. Combustible materials, such as rags or sawdust containing stain or urethane, can be sources of such overheating.

• 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.

• This Wet/Dry Vac is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

• 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 filter installed except when vacuuming liquids as described in this manual. Dry debris ingested by the impeller may damage the motor or be exhausted into the air.

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter.

• 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 Vac is not working as it should, has missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, call 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.3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• 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 1,3 mm

• 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.

• 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 by scooping debris or draining liquid.

• 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 blowing dirt and debris. - Do not use as a sprayer.

Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of your Vac:

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

• To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using for extended hours 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.

• 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.

• 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.4 This Detachable Wet/Dry Vac is intended for house-hold use. It may be used for vacuuming wet or dry media and may be used as a blower. Getting to Know Your Wet/Dry Vac Read this Owner’s Manual to familiarize yourself with the product features and to understand the specific usage of your new Vac. INTRODUCTION Professional Locking Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or blowing capability to work site. Provides the means of attaching extension wands and nozzles. Locking Hose 48mm (1-7/8”) x 2.4 m (8’) - Fits 2-1/2” Accessories. Extension Wands - These wands can be connected together and provide additional length. Blower Wand - Attaches directly to the power assembly and concentrates the air for blowing applications. Wet Nozzle - Used for wet pickup on smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry the surface in one stroke. Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications. Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning. 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. Detachable Blower Carry Handle Detachable Blower Latch Casters (4) Drain Drum Latches (2) Caster Feet/ Storage (4) Blowing Port Power Cord Wrap Powerhead Assembly Inlet Port Dust Drum Power Cord Blowing Port ON/OFF Switch Accessory Caddy

• The Filter comes preassembled.

This Product Requires Assembly. Check all parts from carton against the Carton Contents List. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact 1-800-4-RIDGID (US and Canada) or by email at [e-mail]. INTRODUCTION6 ASSEMBLY NOTE: Remove Powerhead Assembly from Dust Drum prior to assembly of Casters and Caster Feet.

1. Turn Dust Drum upside down on floor.

2. Place Caster Foot on floor. Insert the

stem of a Caster into socket of Caster Foot.

3. Push on the Caster until the Caster ball

end snaps fully into the Socket and the Caster swivel freely. Repeat for other three Casters and Caster Feet.

4. Place Caster Foot with Caster over

post on bottom of Dust Drum and press firmly in place, as shown.

5. Repeat for the other three Caster/

Caster Foot assemblies.

6. Turn the Dust Drum upright.

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly Wet/Dry Vac Assembly Caster Foot Caster Caster Ball Caster Stem Caster Foot Post Hole Caster Foot Post Dust Drum Locking Tabs (2) Accessory Caddy Dust Drum ASSEMBLED Accessory Caddy Installation

1. Place the Two Tabs on the bottom

edge of the Accessory Caddy into the Two Slots on the rear of the Dust Drum.

2. Pivot the top of the Accessory Caddy

upward until the Two Locking Tabs engage the upper slots in the Dust Drum. Press in on the top edge of the Accessory Caddy until it snaps into place. Check that the Locking Tabs are securely locked by pulling outward on the Accessory Caddy.7 ASSEMBLY

2. Install: Press in on the two Latches

located on either side of the Dust Drum until they snap into place, securing the Powerhead Assembly to the Dust Drum.

3. Remove: Pull out on the two Latches

and lift Powerhead Assembly from the Dust Drum. Do not force the Latches to rotate more than slightly outside Drum flange.

Vac Inlet Latches (2) Powerhead Assembly Attaching / Removing Powerhead Assembly to Dust Drum

1. Place Powerhead Assembly on top of

Dust Drum with the Extended Lip of the Powerhead Assembly aligned with the Inlet. Be sure Powerhead Assembly is fully seated on the Dust Drum.

Extended Lip Powerhead Assembly Vac Inlet Dust Drum Extension Wand Release Button Accessory Nozzle Ridges CONNECT: Locking Accessories

1. To Connect Accessory: Your

RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac includes Locking Accessories to prevent the Accessories from falling off when in use. To connect the Accessories, align the Nozzle Ridges of the Accessory with the Release Button of your Extension Wand. Press to secure the Nozzle to the Extension Wand.

2. To Disconnect Accessory: Twist

the Nozzle and Extension Wand to disengage the Nozzle Ridges and pull. You may also press the Release Button and pull to disengage. Accessory Nozzle Ridges Extension Wand Release Button DISCONNECT:8 ASSEMBLY Inserting / Removing the Professional Locking Hose

1. To Insert Hose: Locate the end of the

Professional Locking Hose and align it with the Drum Inlet. Position the Hose Release Button with the Ridges on the Vac Inlet. Push the Hose end straight into the Vac Inlet until the Hose Release Button fully engages the Inlet Ridges.

Inlet Ridges REMOVE HOSE Hose Release Button

2. To Remove Hose: Rotate the end of

the Professional Locking Hose in either direction to release the Hose Latch from the Inlet Ridges (A). Press the Hose Release Button and pull the Hose end straight out of the Vac Inlet (B).9 ASSEMBLY Positioning Detachable Blower (Powerhead Assembly)

onto the Powerhead Assembly, position Detachable Blower above the indented area of the Powerhead Assembly. Rotate the Detachable Blower down until the travel of the unit stops.

3. Lightly press down on the Detachable

Blower Handle until you hear the “snap” of the Detachable Blower Latch engaging the Detachable Blower. The Detachable Blower is now latched to the Powerhead Assembly. Detachable Blower Handle

TO REPLACE: ROTATE DETACHABLE BLOWER DOWN

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 the 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.

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include: lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain, and gun powder.

• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.

• Do not leave sawdust or rags with stain or polyurethane residue inside Vac. Empty drum after picking up these potentially self-heating materials.

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.

• Unplug Vac before servicing. 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 authorized 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. OPERATION CAUTION: To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.

After you plug the Power Cord into the Outlet, turn the unit on by sliding the Switch from position “O” to position “l”:

Polarized Plug To reduce the risk of electric shock, this Vac 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. "ON" Switch "OFF" Detachable Blower Handle 10Vacuuming Liquids

1. Vacuuming up small amounts of liquid

(less than 2” (5 cm) collected in Dust Drum) does not require Filter removal.

2. When larger amounts of liquid are to

be picked up, remove the Filter, but not the Filter Cage or Float, to prevent the Filter from becoming saturated with liquid. If the Filter becomes saturated, you may see “mist” coming from the Blowing Port.

3. When the Drum is “full” the Float will

rise and cut off airflow. The motor sound will rise in pitch and its speed will increase indicating the Drum is “full”. Turn OFF the Vac and unplug the power cord before emptying the Drum.

4. Following use of Vac for wet pick up,

allow Filter to dry completely to avoid mildew and Filter damage.

WARNING: Do not operate

without filter cage and float in place. They prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The Filter must always be correctly

installed to avoid leaks and possible Vac damage.

2. To maintain peak performance when

vacuuming fine dust, clean the Drum and Filter regularily. NOTE: Do not use a wet Filter when picking up dry material. The Filter will quickly clog and be difficult to clean.

3. If the Filter is wet, you must allow it to

dry completely or replace it with a dry Filter before using the Vac to pick up dry material. IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of damage to the Vac, do not run Motor with Float in raised position.12

WARNING: To reduce the risk

of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before emptying the drum. Emptying the Drum

1. Unplug Power Cord from power source.

2. The Vac comes equipped with a Drain

for easy emptying of liquids. Position the Vac near a suitable drain or receptacle and remove the Drain Cap.

3. Remove the Powerhead Assembly by

pulling outward at the top of the two Latches.

4. Lift Powerhead Assembly from the Dust

5. Use the Dust Drum Handles located

at the bottom of the Dust Drum to lift and empty into a proper waste disposal container. NOTE: Do not carry the Vac by the Detachable Blower Handle when the Vac is full.

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.

OPERATION Moving the Wet/Dry Vac Should it become necessary to pick the Vac up to move it, the Drum Catch under the Handles on the sides of the Dust Drum are used to lift. To maneuver the Vac, the Detachable Blower Handle above the Vac Inlet can be used.

Drum Catch (2) Detachable Blower Handle Vac Inlet13 OPERATION CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust which might be inhaled.

1. Familiarize yourself with the Detachable

Blower portion of your Wet/Dry Vac.

2. Remove the Detachable Blower of

your Vac by pressing down on the Detachable Blower Latch under the Handle of the Detachable Blower and lift by the Handle. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.

WARNING: To reduce the risk

of injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.

Detachable Blower Handle 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 garage applications to blow dust and other debris.

WARNING: Always wear safety

eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before using as a Blower. !14 OPERATION - OR -

2. The Wet/Dry Vac may also be used

for blowing using the seven-foot Hose supplied with the Wet/Dry Vac. Install the Push Button end of the Vac Hose in the Blowing Port of the Detachable Blower. For added control, an Extension Wand and/or Car Nozzle can be added to the opposite end of the Hose. The unit is ready for blowing applications. Using the Detachable Blower for “Blowing” Two suggested methods of using the Blower are:

3. Turn the Blower “ON” by sliding the

Switch on the Handle of the Blower to the “I” position. "ON" Switch "OFF" Detachable Blower Handle15 Accessory Storage

1. The Extension Wands and other

Accessories can be stored by placing them over the Posts on the Four Caster Feet (front and back).

2. To remove, twist and pull up on the

Extension Wand or Accessory.

3. For extra storage of Accessories use

the Accessory Caddy. The Blower Wand fits the center opening while other Accessories can be snapped into the two side Clips.16

ACCESSORY & HOSE STORAGE

Hose Storage The Professional Locking Hose may be stored around the Powerhead Assembly and snapped into the Hose Storage Clip, located on the rear of the Powerhead Assembly.

Powerhead Assembly Professional Locking Hose Professional Locking Hose Rear Hose Storage Clip

WARNING: 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.

CAUTION: Do not operate vacuum while the hose is still wrapped around the powerhead assembly in the storage position. !17 Detachable Blower Intake After using the Detachable Blower of your Wet/Dry Vac, examine the bottom of the Blower for dust and debris. Check to see if the Intake to the Blower has debris stuck to the Plastic Vents and Foam Pad. To clean the Foam Pad under the Intake Shield of the Detachable Blower:

1. Remove the Three Screws holding the

2. Lift the Intake Shield off and set aside.

3. Lift the Foam Pad away from the

4. Remove the Foam Pad and clean in

warm soapy water or brush debris away. Allow Foam Pad to dry.

5. Examine Foam Pad for reuse. If you

need to replace it, check on-line at store.ridgid.com/provacs.

WARNING: To reduce the risk

of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter or foam pad. Foam Pad Intake Shield Screws (3)

6. Replace Foam Pad by reversing Steps

7. Reinstall Intake Shield and 3 Screws.

The unit is ready for use.

DANGER: Do not operate without

reinstalling the intake shield.

MAINTENANCE18 MAINTENANCE NOTE: The Filter is made of high quality paper designed to stop small particles of dust. The Filter can be used for dry pick up or small amounts of liquid. Handle the Filter carefully when removing or installing. Creases in the Filter Pleats may occur from installation but will not affect the performance of the Filter.

3. Firmly press the Qwik Lock™ Integrated

Filter Plate down around the Qwik Lock™ Stud until it snaps into place. NOTE: Failure to properly seat the bottom Gasket and Integrated Filter Plate to the Filter Cage could result in debris bypassing the Filter.

WARNING: To reduce the risk

of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter.

1. Place fingers under the two Filter Tabs

of the Qwik Lock™ Filter.

2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™

Stud, which protrudes through the integrated Filter Plate. Lift up on the Two Filter Tabs while pushing down on the Stud.

3. This action will cause the Filter to

release from the Filter Cage. Slide Filter off Filter Cage. IMPORTANT: To avoid Blower Wheel and Motor Damage always reinstall Filter before using Vac for dry material pickup. Filter Installation:

1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ Filter

over the Filter Cage while aligning the Qwik Lock™ Stud on the Filter Cage with the center hole in the Qwik Lock™ Integrated Filter Plate.

2. Make sure the Rubber Gasket at the

bottom of the Qwik Lock™ Filter seats around the base of the Filter Cage.

WARNING: Do not operate

without filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

Filter Cage Float Powerhead Assembly Your Filter should be cleaned often to maintain peak Vac performance. Filter Removal & Installation of the Qwik Lock™ Filter19 MAINTENANCE Cleaning A Dry Filter

1. Some removal of dry debris can be

accomplished without removing the Filter from the Vac. Slap your hand on top of the Lid while the Vac is turned off.

2. For best cleaning results due to

accumulated dust, clean the Filter in an open area. Cleaning SHOULD be done outdoors and not in the living quarters.

3. After Filter removal from Vac, remove

the dry debris by gently tapping Filter against the inside wall of your Dust Drum. The debris will loosen and fall.

4. For thorough cleaning of Dry Filter

with fine dust (no debris), run water through it as described under “Cleaning A Wet Filter”. Cleaning A Wet Filter After Filter is removed, 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. 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 allow dust to come out of your Vac. Replace it immediately. Allow the Filter to dry completely before reinstalling and storing the Vac or picking up dry debris.

WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any other

maintenance, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Authorized Service Centers, always using RIDGID replacement parts. !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 double-insulated 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.To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.

16 U.S. Gallon (60 Liter) Detachable Wet/Dry Vac Model Number RT16000 Electrical Ratings: 120 V 12.0 A 60 Hz RIDGID parts are available on-line at store.ridgid.com/provacs Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.

WARNING: All disassembly and repairs should be performed by qualified personnel.

REPAIR PARTS This product has a 90 day Satisfaction Guarantee Policy as well as a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For Warranty and Policy details go to RIDGID.com/VacWarranty or call 1-800-4-RIDGID. Part No. SP7052 Form No. SP7052 Printed in Mexico 10/18

Vac Inlet Latches (2) Powerhead Assembly DRAIN Extended Lip Powerhead Assembly Vac Inlet Dust Drum Extension Wand Release Button Accessory Nozzle Ridges Accessory Nozzle Ridges Extension Wand Release Button

Inlet Ridges REMOVE HOSE Hose Release Button

Inlet Ridges REMOVE HOSE Hose Release Button