General Safety Information; Work Area Safety; Electrical Safety; Personal Safety - RIDGID 5228 Operator's Manual

5228 Double Insulated Variable Speed, Dual Action Reciprocating Saw

General Safety Information

WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to fol-
low all instructions listed below may result in
electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Work Area Safety

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away
while operating a power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
4. Do not let visitors contact the tool or extension
cord. Such preventative measures reduce the risk of
injury.

Electrical Safety

1. Double Insulated tools are equipped with a po-
larized 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, re-
verse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way. Double insulation
eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power
cord and grounded supply system.
2. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is
grounded.
3. Don't expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the
risk of electrical shock.
4. Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to carry the
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electrical shock.
5. When operating a power tool outside, use an out-
door extension cord marked "W-A" or "W". These
cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electrical shock.
2
6. Connect the tool to an AC power supply that
7. Use proper extension cords. (See chart.) Insufficient
Nameplate
Amps
0 – 6
6 – 10
10 – 12
12 – 16
8. Keep all electrical connections dry and off the

Personal Safety

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
2. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
3. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF
4. Remove adjusting keys or switches before turning
5. Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and bal-
6. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
7. Wear hearing protectors, ear plugs or muffs when
Ridge Tool Company • Elyria, Ohio • U.S.A.
matches the name plate specifications. Incorrect
voltage supply can cause electrical shock or burns.
conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop and
loss of power.
Minimum Wire Gauge for Cord Set
Total Length (in feet)
0 – 25 26 – 50
18 AWG 16 AWG
18 AWG 16 AWG
16 AWG 16 AWG
14 AWG 12 AWG
ground. Do not touch plug with wet hands. Reduces
the risk of electrical shock.
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use tool while tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of inat-
tention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, cloth-
ing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts.
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on
the switch or plugging tools in that have the switch ON
invites accidents.
the tool ON. A wrench or a key that is left attached to
a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
ance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
tion. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate con-
ditions.
using tool. Noise level may affect hearing with pro-
longed use.
51 – 100
16 AWG
14 AWG
14 AWG
NOT RECOMMENDED