General Safety Information; Work Area Safety; Electrical Safety; Personal Safety - RIDGID 600 Operator's Manual

600 Power Drive

General Safety Information

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

Work Area Safety

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids,
gases or dust. Tools create sparks which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
• Keep floors dry and free of slippery materials
such as oil. Slippery floors invite accidents.

Electrical Safety

• Double Insulated tools are equipped with a polar-
ized 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 elec-
trician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change
the plug in any way. Double Insulation
inates the need for the three wire grounded power cord
and grounded supply system.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces. There
is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is
grounded.
• Do not expose electrical tools to rain or wet con-
ditions. Water entering a tool will increase the risk of
electrical shock.
• Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to 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.
• When operating a tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked "W-A" or "W". These cords
are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of elec-
trical shock.
• Use proper extension cords. (See Chart) Insufficient
conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop and
loss of power.
2
Minimum Wire Gauge for Cord Set
Nameplate
Amps
0 – 6
6 – 10
10 – 12
12 – 16
• Keep all electric connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plugs or tool with wet hands.
Reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
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.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF
before plugging in. Plugging in tools that have the
switch ON invites accidents.
• Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool ON. A wrench or a key that is left attached to
elim-
a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
tion. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate con-
ditions.

Tool Use and Care

• Use clamp or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
• Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it ON or
OFF. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Ridge Tool Company
Total Length (in feet)
0 – 25 26 – 50
18 AWG 16 AWG
18 AWG 16 AWG
16 AWG 16 AWG
14 AWG 12 AWG
51 – 100
16 AWG
14 AWG
14 AWG
NOT RECOMMENDED