ProPack VT1781 - Vacuum Cleaner RIDGID - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL ProPack VT1781 RIDGID

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o reduce the r isk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual before using this product.

Thank you for buying a RIDGID 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 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 y ou notice these signs.

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

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.

• 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.

• 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 SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 23 safety eyewear. The operation of any utility Vac or blower can result in foreign

bjects being blown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.

ther parts. If your Vac is not working as

t 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. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac with wet hands.

• 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 16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce power loss, use a 14 gauge extension cord if 25 to 50 ft. long and 12 gauge for 50 ft. or longer.

• This 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.

• 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 personal injury or damage to Vac, use only Ridgid recommended accessories.

• When using as a 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 as a sprayer. - Wear safety eyewear.

• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of your Vac: DOUBLE INSULATED GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.

WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY

IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

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

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

electric shock - do not expose to rain - store indoors.

WARNING: Do not step, stand or

sit on vacuum. Improper use may cause injury.

WARNING: : To reduce the risk

of fire, do not store foreign objects in this compartment. Only store Vac Accessories.

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.

his PRO PACK Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use. It may be used for vacuuming wet or dry media and may be used as a blower.

ead this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the product features and to understand the specific usage of your new Vac. SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 45 Getting to Know Your Vac

1. Familiarize yourself with the controls

and features of your Vac before operating. Drum Latch (2) Drum Left Cover Right Cover Accessory Storage Area Blowing Port Handle Cord & Hose Storage Area Vacuum Port Inlet Power Switch Hose

he extension wand clips are marked “L” and “R” and should be installed on the back of the PRO PACK unit. NOTE: While viewing the unit from behind, the clip marked “L” goes on the left side and the clip marked “R” goes on the right side.

xtension wand clip into the depression in the bottom of the drum. Rotate the clip upwards until the extension wand clip snaps into the slots in the drum, as shown. Slot Rotate Hook Under Vac Filter Removal:

1. Hold the filter tabs of the Qwik Lock™

filter in each hand.

2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™

stud, which protrudes through the integrated filter plate, lift up on the filter tabs while pushing down on the stud.

3. This action will cause the filter to

release from the filter cage. Slide filter off cage. Filter Installation:

1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ filter

over the filter cage and press down on the outside edge of the filter until the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter seats securely around the base of the filter cage and against the lid.

2. Align the small center hole in the top of

the filter over the Qwik Lock™ stud on the filter cage. Press firmly on top of the filter near the stud to allow the filter to snap over the ball on the end of the stud. The filter is no w attached. Filter Removal and Installation Integrated Filter Plate with Center Hole PULL Filter Cage Rubber Gasket at Bottom of Filter (cutaway view) PUSH DOWN

WARNING: Do not operate

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

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the bottom gasket could result in debris bypassing the filter. SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 6Cord, Hose & Accessory Storage

1. Your Vac has convenient locations to

store your power cord, Vac hose, and accessories.

2. Under the left cover of your Wet/Dry

Vac (as shown) is a storage location meant to hold your superflex hose, crevice tool and power cord. For ease of storage, the hose should be folded as shown and placed in the storage bin to the far left. You will also notice a rectangular feature in the bottom of this bin. The crevice tool will easily store standing up in this feature, tapered side down. Additionally, the power cord will also fit in this bin to the far right side. Fold or wrap the cord in approximately 1-foot lengths until you get within a foot of the storage bin. The folded cord should now fit neatly into the storage bin.

3. Under the right cover of your Wet/Dry

Vac (as shown) is a storage location for the dusting brush and utility nozzle. Each of these nozzles has a specific location molded into the housing. Only these two nozzles should be stored in this location. Also located inside this compartment is the blowing port. Please see the “Blowing” section for blowing directions.

4. To store the extension wands, snap

each extension wand into the extension wand clips on the back of the unit. Hose Storage Crevice Tool Storage Power Cord Storage Dusting Brush Storage Utility Nozzle Storage Blowing Port Extension Wand Extension Wand Clip Correct Hose Wrap for Storage

SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 78 Operation 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 f or "OFF" and "l" is the symbol for "ON".

acuuming mode, the accessory storage lid can be used as an air diffuser by closing this lid.

amiliariz e y ourself 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. Dusting Brush - Use for sweeping up areas with fine dust or debris. Great for detailed cleaning. Crevice Tool - Use to pick up debris in hard to reach locations. When operating your vacuum with the storage lids closed, take care to make sure that the pow er cord is positioned through the cord opening in the cover. Left Cover Power Cord Opening Drum Power Cord Opening Power Cord

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

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 independent 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.

SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 89 Operation (continued) Emptying the Dust Drum Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications. Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or blowing capability to work site. Provides the means of attaching accessories. Hose includes suction relief valve to reduce hose pull back when the inlet is blocked. Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always 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 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. 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.

3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a

predetermined level, the float mech- anism will rise automatically to cut off suction. 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 pow er cord, and empty the

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

1. To remove the power head to empty

contents of the dust drum, simply lift the two drum latches on the front and rear of the Vac and lift the power head up and off the dust drum and set to the side. Cord Storage When vacuuming is complete, unplug the cord and wrap it up as described in the “Cord, Hose & Accessory Storage” Section shown on page 7. Drum Latches (2)

WARNING: Do not operate

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

2. Set the power head upright in a clean,

dry area while emptying the drum.

3. Dump the drum contents into the proper

waste disposal container.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

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

Vac, do not run motor with float in raised position. SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 910 NOTE: The filter is made of high quality paper designed to stop very small particles of dust. The filter can be used for dry pick up or small amounts of liquid. 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. Maintenance

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter. Cleaning Vac Filter 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 the filter immediately. 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. Raise the right cover and install the locking end of the hose into the blower port. Operation (continued) Right Cover Blowing Port Locking End of Hose Removal Refer to page 6 "Filter Removal and Installation" Section of this man ual. IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the blower wheel and motor, always reinstall the filter bef ore using the

WARNING: Always wear safety

eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before using as a blower. CAUTION: 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 time or in a noisy area.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.

WARNING: To assure product

SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Independent Service Centers, always using RIDGID replacement parts. Cleaning A Dry Filter NOTE: 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.

1. Remove filter from Vac. Gently tap the

filter against the inside wall of your dust drum and the debris will loosen and fall.

2. For thorough cleaning of a dry filter

with fine dust (no debris) you may run water through it as described in the “Cleaning A Wet Filter” Section. 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 cause a lot of dust to come out of your Vac. If your filter is damaged or worn, Replace the filter immediately. Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling and storing the Vac. Cleaning and Disinfecting the 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:

2. Wash drum thoroughly with warm water

y cloth. Before prolonged storage or as needed (i.e., waste water pick up) the drum should be disinfected. To disinfect the drum:

1. Pour 1 gallon of water and 1 teaspoon

chlorine bleach into the drum.

2. Let solution stand for 20 minutes,

carefully swishing every few minutes, making sure to wet all inside surfaces of the drum.

3. Empty drum after 20 minutes. Rinse

with water until bleach smell is gone. Allow drum to dry completely before sealing the motor on the drum. Cord Maintenance When vacuuming is complete, unplug the cord and store it properly under the left cover (see "Cord, Hoses and Accessory Storage" section on page 7). If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or their service agent or by similarly qualified personnel to reduce the risk of accident. Storage Before storing your Vac, the drum should be emptied and cleaned. The cord should be stored properly inside the unit and the hose should be stored as described in this manual. Accessories should be kept in the same area as the Vac so they can be readily available. The Vac should be stored indoors. Maintenance (continued) SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 11Key No. Part No. Description 1 510158 Filter Cage Assembly 2 VF3500 Filter, Fine Dust 3 831327 Hose Assembly 4 VT1702 Crevice Tool 5 VT1701 Dusting Brush 6 VT1709 Utility Nozzle 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. Repair Parts RIDGID 4.5 Gallon PRO PACK Wet/Dry Vac Model Number WD45500 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number Key No. Part No. Description 7 831095 Right Cover 8 831094 Left Cover 9 831096 Handle 10 VT1708 Extension Wand 11 832199 Wand Clip (Left) 12 832200 Wand Clip (Right) 13 SP6734 Owner’s Manual † These replacement parts may be available where you purchased your Vac.

SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 12Repair Parts (continued) RIDGID 4.5 Gallon PRO PACK Wet/Dry Vac Model Number WD45500 RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number

SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 13Part No. SP6734-1 Form No. SP6734-1 Printed in Mexico 04/12

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL

essional Tools Emerson Tool Company

Division Of Emerson Electric Co. Stock No. WD4522 Model No. WD45500 Serial Number Model and serial numbers may be found on the handle.You should record both model and serial numbers in a safe place for future use. c 2012 Emerson

• What is covered RIDGID

Wet/Dry Vacs are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and material.

• How long coverage lasts This warranty lasts for the lifetime of the RIDGID

• How to obtain service To obtain the benefit of this warranty, deliver via prepaid transportation the complete product to RIDGE TOOL COMPANY, Elyria, Ohio, or any authorized RIDGID

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. Pipe wrenches and other hand tools should be returned to the place of purchase.

• What we will do to correct problems Warranted Wet/Dry Vacs will be repaired or replaced, at Ridge Tool Company's option, and returned at no charge; or, if after three attempts to repair or replace during the warranty period the Wet/Dry Vac is still defective, you can elect to receive a full refund of your purchase price.

• What is not covered Failures due to misuse, abuse or normal wear and tear are not covered by this warranty. RIDGE TOOL COMPANY SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

• How local laws relate to the warranty Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state, province to province, or country to country.

• No other express warranty applies This FULL LIFETIME WARRANTY is the sole and exclusive warranty for RIDGID

Wet/Dry Vacs. No employee, agent, dealer, or other person is authorized to alter this warranty or make any other warranty on behalf of Ridge Tool Company. SP6734-1 RIDGID WD45500 4.5 Gallon - ES 4/25/12 12:21 PM Page 14WD45500

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