DeWalt DXPW1200E - Electric Pressure Washer 1200 PSI Manual

Overview

For best results, pump oil designed specifically for pressure washers is recommended, as these contain a rust inhibitor and an anti-foaming agent. If this oil is not available, an SAE 30W non-detergent oil may be used.

Specifications

* Rated Pressure and Rated Water Flow is within manufacturing tolerance of (+/- 10%)

In a continued commitment to improve quality, the manufacturer reserves the right to make component changes, design changes, or specification changes when necessary and without notice.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Definitions: Safety guidelines

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

ndicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS CONTACT US AT: www.dewaltpw.com or 1 (877) 362 4271

Please read this entire manual before attempting to assemble, operate or install the product.

This unit was designed for specific applications. It should not be modified and/or used for any application other than that which it was designed.

NOTICE: Always store your pressure washer in a location where the temperature will not fall below 40°F (4°C). freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, some cleaning products and dust contain chemicals know to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

When using this product basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all the instructions before using the product.
2. To reduce the risk of injury, do not operate near children or animals.
3. Know how to stop the product and bleed pressures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
4. Stay alert - watch what you are doing.
5. Do not operate the product when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. Keep operating area clear of all persons.
7. Do not overreach or stand on unstable support. Keep good footing and balance at all times.
8. Follow the maintenance instructions specified in the manual.
9. This product is provided with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built into the power cord plug. If replacement of the plug or cord is needed, use only identical replacement parts.
10. Do not touch plug or outlet with wet hands.
11. Avoid accidental starts. Move switch on unit to OFF position before connecting or disconnecting cord to electrical outlets.
12. Water spray must never be directed towards any electric wiring or directly towards the pressure washer machine itself or fatal electric shock may occur.
13. Never carry your pressure washer by the cord. Do not pull on the cord to disconnect from the outlet.
14. To prevent damage, the cord should not be crushed, placed next to sharp objects or near a heat source.
15. Check power cords before using. Damaged cords can reduce performance of pressure washer or cause a fatal electrical shock.
16. The narrow pin point stream is very powerful. It is not recommended for use on painted surfaces, wood surfaces or items attached with an adhesive backing.
17. Keep operating area clear of all persons and ani mals.
18. Always use both hands when operating pressure washer to maintain complete control of the wand.
19. Do not touch nozzle or water spray while operating. Never place hands in front of nozzle.
20. Wear safety goggles while operating. Wear protective clothing and footwear to protect against accidental spraying.
21. Disconnect power plug from the outlet when not in use and prior to the detaching of the high pressure hose.
22. Never tie knots or kink the high pressure hose as da mage could result. Inspect the high-pressure hose regularly. Replace the hose immediately if it is damaged, worn or shows any signs of cracks, bubbles, pinholes, or other leakage. Never grasp a high-pressure hose that is leaking or damaged.
23. Do not operate or store this product in temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.
24. Carefully observe all chemical instructions and warnings before using. Use only approved pressure washer cleaners. Do not use bleach, chlorine, or any cleaners containing acids. Always follow manufacturer's label recommendations for proper use of cleaners. Always protect eyes, skin and respiratory system from cleaners.
25. The pressure washer should not be used in areas where gas vapors may be present. An electric spark could cause an explosion or fire.
26. To minimize the amount of water getting into the pressure washer, the unit should be placed as far as possible from the cleaning site during operation.
27. To prevent accidental discharge, the spray gun should be secured by locking the trigger when not in use.
28. To allow free air circulation, the pressure washer should NOT be covered during operation.
29. Never touch, grasp or attempt to cover a pinhole or similar water leak on the high-pressure hose. The stream of water IS under high pressure and WILL penetrate skin.
30. Use only hoses and accessories rated for pressure higher than your pressure washer's psi. Never use with any other manufacturer's accessories or components.
31. Never defeat the safety fea tures of this product.
32. Do not op er ate machine with missing, broken or un au tho rized parts.
33. Never spray flammable liquids or use pressure washer in areas containing combustible dust, liquid, or vapors.

Risk of injection or injury. Do not direct discharge stream at persons.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

MOTOR OVERLOAD

The electric motor in this pressure washer is equipped with an overload protection device which will automatically shut off the motor in the event the motor draws excessive current or overheats. The device will automatically reset itself and resume normal operation after a short period of time.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This product 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 product is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electrocution. 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 product if it will not fit the outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Do not use any type of adaptor with this product.

GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

This pressure washer is provided with a Ground-Fault CircuitInterrupter (GFCI) built into the plug of the power supply cord. This device provides additional protection from the risk of electric shock. Should replacement of the plug or cord become necessary, use only identical replacement parts that include GFCI protection.

POWER SUPPLY AND ELECTRICAL INFO

GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

The pressure washer is factory-equipped with an electrical cord and a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) power plug. This cord should only be connected to an electrical outlet installed in accordance with local safety regulations.

NOTE: The power supply must be 120 V, 60 Hz and a minimum 15 amp dedicated circuit.

1. Inspect cord before using. Do not use if cord is damaged.
2. Keep all connections dry and off the ground.
3. Do not touch plug with wet hands.
4. The pressure washer is provided with a ground fault circuit interrupter built into the power plug.

If replacement of the plug or cord is needed, use only identical replacement parts. Contact customer service for proper replacement parts.

Test GFCI before each use. DO NOT use pressure washer if test below fails.

GFCI Test Procedures:

1. Plug GFCI into power receptacle. Indicator light should illuminate.
2. Press test button (M). Light should turn off.
3. Press reset button (N) for use. Indicator light should illuminate.

Do not use if above test fails.

NOTE: The GFCI must be reset each time the pressure washer is connected to an electrical outlet. Reset by simply pushing the reset button on the GFCI power plug.

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These extension cords are identified by a marking "Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances: store indoors while not in use". Use only extension cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the product. Do not use damaged extension cords. Examine extension cord before using and replace if damaged. Do not abuse extension cord and do not yank on any cord to disconnect.

Keep cord away from heat and sharp edges. Always disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the product from the extension cord.

When using an extension cord, observe the specification below:

Cable Length
Up to 25 ft. (7.5 m)

Wire Gauge
12 AWG Outdoor

To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch plug with wet hands.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

INSTALLATION

Pressure washer assembly

1. Place handle (G) onto frame (F) and secure with saddle bolts and knobs (R).
   
   Risk of personal injury. Avoid placing hands between handle and frame when assembling to prevent pinching.
2. Attach high-pressure hose (H) to spray gun (C). Make sure it is secure.
3. Connect wand (E) to spray gun (C). Make sure connection is secure.
   

4. Place the nozzle holder (B) onto the panel assembly (A) and push each nozzle holder into place.
   
5. Remove the five colored quickconnect nozzles from the plastic bag and insert them into correct grommet on the nozzle holder. Nozzles are color coded to match colored nozzles on panel assembly.

NOTE: The high-pressure pump was filled with oil at the factory. Always check oil level before using (refer to Maintenance for more information).

Risk of bursting. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tires pressure before each use and while inflating tires; see the tire sidewall for the correct tire pressure.

NOTE: Air tanks, compressors and similar equipment used to inflate tires can fill small tires similar to these very rapidly. Adjust pressure regulator on air supply to no more than the rating of the tire pressure. Add air in small increments and frequently use the tire gauge to prevent over inflation.

OPERATION

Pressure adjustments

The pressure setting is preset at the factory to achieve op ti mum pressure and cleaning. To lower the pres sure, follow these instructions.

1. Back away from the sur face to be cleaned. The further away you are, the less the pressure will be on the surface to be cleaned.
2. Change to the 40˚ nozzle (white). This nozzle delivers a less powerful stream of water and a wider spray pattern. Refer to Spray Wand Nozzles.
3. Water pressure can be varied by turning the pressure adjusting knob (L) clockwise to increase pressure and counterclockwise to decrease pressure.

NOTICE: DO NOT attempt to increase pump pressure. A higher pressure setting than the factory set pressure may damage pump.

Spray wand nozzles

(Fig.1)

The nozzles for the spray wand are stored in the nozzle holder (B) on the panel assembly (A). Colors on the panel identify nozzle location and spray pattern. Refer to the following chart to choose the correct nozzle for the job to be performed.

Nozzle Color	Spray Pattern	Uses	Surfaces*
Red	0˚	powerful pinpoint for spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces or for high reach areas	unpainted metal or concrete; DO NOT use on wood
Yellow	15˚	intense cleaning of unpainted hard surfaces	grills, driveways, concrete or brick walkways, unpainted brick or stucco
Green	25˚	standard cleaning nozzle for most applications	yard tools, sidewalks, lawn furniture, unpainted siding, stucco, gutters and eaves, concrete, brick surfaces
White	40˚	cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces	auto/RV, marine, wood, painted brick and stucco, vinyl, painted siding
Black	low pressure	applies cleaning solutions	low pressure spray is safe on all surfaces. always verify compatibility of cleaning solution prior to use

* NOTICE: The high-pressure spray from your pressure washer is capable of causing damage to surfaces such as wood, glass, automobile paint, auto striping and trim, delicate objects such as flowers and shrubs. Before spraying, check the item to be cleaned to assure yourself that it is strong enough to resist damage from the force of spray.

CHANGING NOZZLES ON SPRAY WAND

Risk of fluid injection. Do not direct discharge stream toward persons, unprotected skin, eyes or any pets or animals. Serious injury will occur.

Flying objects could cause risk of serious injury. DO NOT attempt to change nozzles while pressure washer is running. Turn engine off before changing nozzles.

1. Pull quick-connect coupler back and insert nozzle.
   
2. Release quick-connect coupler and twist nozzle to make sure it is secure in coupler.

Flying object could cause risk of serious injury. Ensure nozzle is completely inserted in quick-connect socket and quick- connect snap ring is fully engaged (forward) before squeezing gun trigger.

Chemicals and cleaning solvents

Applying chemicals or cleaning solvents is a low-pressure operation.

NOTE: Use only soaps and chemicals designed for pressure washer use. Do not use bleach.

TO APPLY CHEMICALS AND SOLVENTS

1. Press chemical hose (S) onto barbed fitting located near high pressure hose connection of pump as shown.
   
2. Place the other end of chemical hose with filter on it into the container holding chemical/ cleaning solution.
   NOTE: For every 10 gallons (38 liters) of water pumped 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of chemical/cleaning solution will be used.
3. Install low-pressure (black) nozzle into quick connect fitting of spray wand, refer to Spray Wand Nozzles. NOTE: Chemicals and soaps will not siphon if the black soap nozzle is not installed on the spray wand.
4. After use of chemicals, place chemical hose into container of clean water and draw clean water through chemical injection system to rinse system thoroughly. If chemicals remain in the pump it could be damaged. Pumps damaged due to chemicals will not be covered under warranty.

CLEANING TECHNIQUES

When cleaning with the pressure washer, some cleaning tasks can be solved with water alone, but for most tasks it is advantageous to use a detergent. A detergent ensures a quick soaking of the dirt allowing the high pressure water to penetrate and remove the dirt more effectively.

APPLICATION OF DETERGENT

Avoid working on hot surfaces or in direct sunlight to minimize the chance of the soap damaging painted surfaces.

Damage may occur to painted surface if soap is allowed to dry on the surface. Wash and rinse a small section at a time.

1. Apply the solution to a DRY work surface.

NOTE: Wetting the surface first is not recommended, as it dilutes the detergent and reduces its cleaning ability.

On a vertical surface, apply soap horizontally from side to side starting from the bottom to avoid streaking.

2. Allow detergent to remain on the surface for a short time before rinsing.
3. Rinse with clean water under high pressure. On a vertical surface, first rinse from the bottom up, then rinse from the top down. Hold nozzle 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) from the work surface at a 45° angle using the flat spray as a peeling tool rather than a scrub brush. NOTE:Ensure that the detergent injection system is completely clean prior to switching from one detergent to another.

Starting

To reduce the risk of injury, read the pressure washer instruction manual before starting pressure washer.

Risk of fluid injection and laceration. When using the high-pressure setting, DO NOT allow the high-pressure spray to come in contact with unprotected skin, eyes, or with any pets or animals. Serious injury will occur.

• You washer operates at fluid pressures high enough to penetrate human and animal flesh, which could result in amputation or other serious injury. Leaks caused by loose fittings or worn or damaged hoses can result in injection injuries. DO NOT TREAT FLUID INJECTION AS A SIMPLE CUT! See a physician immediately!

NOTICE: NEVER pull water supply hose to move pres sure washer. This could damage hose and/or pump inlet.

• DO NOT use hot water, use cold water only.
• NEVER turn water supply off while pressure washer engine is running or damage to pump will result.
• DO NOT stop spraying water for more than two minutes at a time. Pump operates in bypass mode when spray gun trigger is not pressed. When the temperature inside the pump rises too high the thermal relief valve (T) will open and release a gush of water in an effort to lower the temperature inside the pump. The thermal relief valve will then close. If pump is left in bypass mode for more than two minutes internal components of the pump can be damaged.
  

START-UP PROCEDURE

1. Connect the water hose to the water source. Turn the water source on to remove all air from the hose. When a steady stream of water is present, turn the water source off.
2. Verify the filter screen (U) is in water inlet of pump. The cone side faces out.
3. Connect the cold water source (V) to pump inlet.

NOTE: Water source must provide a minimum of 5 gallons per minute at 20 psi (138 kPa).

To reduce the possibility of contamination always protect against backflow when connected to a potable water system.

4. Connect high-pressure hose (H) to pump outlet.
5. If applying a chemical or cleaning solution, refer to Chemicals and Cleaning Solvents.
6. Turn the water source on.

9. Place the motor ON/OFF switch (K) to the ON Position.
   
10. Depress trigger on gun to start water flow.

Risk of unsafe operation. Stand on a stable surface and grip gun/wand firmly with both hands. Expect the gun to kickback when triggered.

11. Release trigger to stop water flow.
    
    Risk of injury from spray. Engage the trigger lock (X) when gun is not in use to prevent accidental spraying.
    
12. Adjust spray for the task being performed by changing quick connect nozzle. Refer to Spray Wand Nozzles.

Shutting down

1. If chemicals were applied, place the chemical hose into a container of clean water and draw clean water through chemical injection system to rinse system thoroughly.

NOTICE: Risk of property damage Failure to do so could cause damage to the pump.

2. Place the motor ON/OFF switch (K) to the OFF Position.NOTICE: Risk of property damage. NEVER turn water supply off while pressure washer is running or damage to pump will result.
3. Turn water source off.
4. Pull trigger on spray gun to relieve any water pressure in hose or spray gun.
5. Remove both the garden hose and high pressure hose from the unit.
6. Disconnect the wand from the gun.
7. Turn ON the machine and allow it to run for 5 seconds. (This will clear out most of the water trapped in the pump).
8. Unplug machine.
9. Refer to Storage for proper storage procedures.

MAINTENANCE

Risk of burning. When performing maintenance, you may be exposed to hot surfaces, water pressure or moving parts that can cause serious injury or death.

To ensure efficient operation and longer life of your pressure washer, a routine maintenance schedule should be prepared and followed. If the pressure washer is used in unusual conditions, such as high temperatures or dusty conditions, more fre quent maintenance checks will be required.

Pump

NOTE: The pump was filled with oil at the factory. Change pump oil after the first 20 hours of operation and every 150 hours thereafter, or every 3 months. Use SAE 15W-40 oil. Oil capacity is 11.2 oz. (0.33 liters). Oil should be changed at least once a year.

TO CHECK OIL

The oil level should come to the dot in the middle of the sight glass (AA).

HOW TO CHANGE PUMP OIL

1. Loosen pump oil fill plug (BB).
2. Place a container under the oil drain plug.
3. Remove pump oil drain plug.
4. After oil is drained, replace oil drain plug. Tighten securely.
5. Remove pump oil plug and fill with pump oil.
6. Replace pump oil plug and tighten securely.

Nozzle cleaning

If the nozzle becomes clogged with foreign materials, such as dirt, excessive pressure may develop. If the nozzle becomes partially clogged or restricted, the pump pressure will pulsate. Clean the nozzle immediately using the nozzle kit supplied and the following instructions:

1. Shut off the pressure washer and turn off the water supply.
2. Pull trigger on gun handle to relieve any water pressure.
3. Disconnect the spray wand from the gun.
4. Remove the high-pressure nozzle from the spray wand. Remove any obstructions with the nozzle cleaning tool (Y) provided and back flush with clean water.
   
5. Direct water supply into spray wand to back flush loosened particles for 30 seconds.
   
6. Reassemble the nozzle to the wand.
7. Reconnect spray wand to gun then turn on water supply.
8. Start pressure washer and place spray wand into high pressure setting to test.

To clean the water inlet filter

This filter screen (U) should be checked periodically and cleaned if necessary.

1. Remove the filter screen (U) by grasping the end and removing it from water inlet of pump.
   
2. Clean filter by flushing it with water on both sides.
3. Reinsert filter into water inlet of pump. Cone side faces out.

NOTE: Do not operate pressure washer without filter properly installed.

Storage

NOTICE: The manufacturer recommends using a pump protector/ winterizer when storing the unit for more than 30 days and/or when freezing temperatures are expected. FREEZE DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.

Pump protector/winterizer is usually available at the store where the pressure washer was purchased. If a pump protector/winterizer is not available, RV antifreeze needs to be run through the pump.

NOTE: Using a pump protector/winterizer or RV antifreeze is to provide proper lubrication to the internal seals of the pump regardless of temperature or environment.

Pressure washer

1. Drain all water from high-pressure hose, coil it and store it in cradle of the pressure washer handle.
2. With nozzle pointed down and the spray gun and wand in a vertical position, squeeze trigger to drain all water from spray gun and wand. Store in gun holder.
3. Store chemical hose so it is protected from dam age.
4. Store the machine and accessories in a dry, climate controlled environment. Do not store the machine or accessories in a place where the temperature could drop below 40°F (4°C).

Risk of personal injury. Avoid placing hands between handle and frame when assembling to prevent pinching.

NOTICE: Risk of property damage. Always store and transport unit in an upright position.

ACCESSORIES

Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available for purchase from your local dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance in locating any accessory for your tool, please contact the FNA Group at www.dewaltpw.com, 1825 Greenleaf Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Il 60007, or call 1 (877) 362 4271.

Risk of fluid injection. When using replacement lances or guns with this pressure washer, DO NOT use a lance and/or lance/ gun combination that is shorter in length than what was provided with this pressure washer as measured from the nozzle end of the lance to the gun trigger.

The use of any other accessory not recommended for use with this tool could be hazardous. Use only accessories rated equal to or higher than the rating of the pressure washer.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Please have the following information available for all service calls:
Model Number
Serial Number
Date and Place of Purchase

Repairs

To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by a FNA factory service center, a FNA authorized service center or other qualified service personnel. Always use identical replacement parts.

Glossary

Bypass mode: Allows water to re-circulate within pump when the gun trigger is not pulled.

Chemical hose: Feeds cleaning agents into the pump to mix with the water. Refer to Chemicals and Cleaning Solvents.

Chemical injection system: Mixes cleaners or cleaning solvents with water to improve cleaning effectiveness.

CU: Cleaning Units. GPM multiplied by psi. (GPM x PSI = CU)

GPM: Gallons Per Minute. The unit of measure for the flow rate of water.

PSI: Pounds per Square Inch. The unit of measure for water pressure. Also used for air pressure, hydraulic pressure, etc.

kPa (kilopascal): Metric pressure measurement. 1 kilopascal equal 1000 pascals.

Quick-connect spray wand: Allows the user to quickly change out high-pressure nozzles. Refer to Spray Wand Nozzles.

Thermal relief valve: When the temperature inside the pump rises too high the valve will open and release a gush of water in an effort to lower the temperature inside the pump. The valve will then close.

Water supply: All pressure washers must have a source of water. The minimum requirements for a water supply are 20 psi (138 kPa) and 5 gallons per minute.

Troubleshooting guide

This section provides a list of the more frequently encountered malfunctions, their causes and corrective actions. The operator or maintenance personnel can perform some corrective actions, and others may require the assistance of a qualified FNA technician or your dealer.

Troubleshooting codes