RIDGID WD12701, WD1270EX0 - 12 U.S. GALLON/45 LITER WET/DRY Vacuum Cleaner Manual

Introduction

This 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.
Read this owner's manual to familiarize yourself with the product features and to understand the specific usage of your new Vac.

Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

Caster/Caster Foot Assembly

1. Turn the dust drum upside down onthe floor.
2. Insert the caster feet into the bottom ofdrum, as shown (4 places).
3. Push on the caster foot until the foot isflush with bottom of the dust drum.
4. Insert the caster stem into the socketof the caster foot, as shown (4 places).
5. Push on the caster until the ball on thecaster stem is inserted all the way into the socket. You will hear the ball snap into the socket and the caster will swivel easily when positioning is correct.
6. Turn the drum upright.

Filter Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation of the Qwik Lock™ Filter

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 now attached.

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the bottom gasket could result in debris bypassing the filter.

Do not operate without filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

1. Line up front of power head assembly with vacuum port located on the front of the drum, as shown.
2. Place power head assembly on top of drum.
3. Be sure lid completely covers the top of the drum so leakage does not occur.

4. Push down on top of the drum latch areas to cause the flexible locking tabs to hook onto the drum channel.
5. Make sure that the locking tabs are snapped in place to prevent the lid from coming off. (See inset).

Your new Wet/Dry Vac is ready for use.

Insert Hose

Insert the push button end of the "Tug-aLong" hose into the inlet of the Vac. The hose should snap into place. To remove the hose from the Vac, press the release button in the hose assembly and pull the hose out of the Vac inlet, as shown.

To Store Your Accessories

Operation

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

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.
• Do not service Vac while it is plugged-in. 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.
• Do not vacuum toxic materials to reduce the risk of inhaling the vapors or dust.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this Vac has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other except 230 volt models). 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:

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.
Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications.
Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning.
Wet Nozzle - Used for wet pickup on smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry the surface in one stroke.
Extension Wands - These wands can be connected together and provides additional length for more reach.
Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or blowing capability to work site. Provides the means of attaching extension wands and nozzles.

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct position at all times to avoid leaks and possible damage to Vac.
2. Your 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 material 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 mechanism will rise automatically to cut off air-flow. 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 power cord, and empty the drum.
4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids, the filter must be dried to avoid possible mildew and damage to the filter.

To reduce the risk of damage to the Vac, do not run motor with float in raised position.

Emptying the Drum

To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before emptying the drum.

1. The Vac comes equipped with a drain for easy emptying of liquids. Simply unscrew the drain cap and lift the opposite side slightly to empty the drum.
2. Another option is to remove the lid. Pull the flexible latches outward on each side of the lid to release from the drum.
3. While holding the latches out, lift the top assembly up and away from the drum.
4. Lay top assembly upside down on a clean area while emptying drum or changing filter.
5. Dump the drum contents into the proper waste disposal container.

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.

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

Should it become necessary to pick the Vac up to move it, the handles on the sides of the dust drum are used to lift. To maneuver the Vac, the pull handle above the inlet should be used.

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac features "Full Blowing". It can blow sawdust and other debris. Follow the steps below to use your Vac as a blower.

Always wear safety eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before using as a blower.

To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.

Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust which might be inhaled.

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.

1. Locate blowing port of your Wet/Dry Vac.
2. Insert Tug-A-Long end of hose into the blowing port of the Vac.
3. (Optional) Attach extension wand to swivel end of hose, then place a car nozzle on the wand.
4. Turn Vac on and you are ready to use your Vac as a blower.

Maintenance

Filter

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

Filter Cleaning
Your filter should be cleaned often to maintain peak Vac performance.
Be sure to dry the filter before storing or picking up dry debris.

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 it immediately.

Filter Removal
Refer to "Filter Removal and Installation" Section of this manual.

Do not operate without filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

To avoid damage to the blower wheel and motor, always reinstall the filter before using the Vac for dry material pick-up.

Cleaning A Dry Filter

1. Some removal of dry debris can beaccomplished 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 toaccumulated 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, removethe 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 withfine 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.

Installation
Refer to "Filter Removal and Installation " Section of this manual.
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:

1. Dump debris out.
2. Wash drum thoroughly with warmwater and mild soap.
3. Wipe out with dry 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 teaspoonchlorine 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. Rinsewith 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 wrap it around the motor cover. 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.

Cord Storage
Simply, wrap the power cord around the power head and snap the connector on the plug to a wrap of the cord.

Storage

Before storing your Vac, the drum should be emptied and cleaned. The cord should be wrapped around 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.

Casters

If your casters are noisy, you may put a drop of oil on the roller shaft to make them quieter.

To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Authorized Service Centers, always using RIDGID replacement parts.

Repair Parts

12 U.S. Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Catalog Number WD1270 includes Model Numbers WD12701/WD1270EX0
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number

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 doubleinsulated 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.

* Standard Hardware Item - May Be Purchased Locally
† These replacement parts are available where you purchased your Vac.

12 U.S. Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Catalog Number WD1270 includes Model Numbers WD12701/WD1270EX0
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the US and Canada 01-800-701-9811 from Mexico www.ridgidvacs.com
Please have your Model Number and Serial Number on hand when calling.