RIDGID WD03180 - 3 U.S. GALLON/11.3 LITER 18 VOLT, CORDLESS WET/DRY Vacuum Cleaner Manual

Introduction

This Cordless Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use. It may be used for light vacuuming of wet or dry media and may be used as a blower. The light weight design allows usage for most small household vacuuming chores. Familiarize yourself with the following product and features and read the entire owner's manual for specific usage of your new Wet/Dry Vac.

Checking Carton Contents

Remove contents of carton. Check each item against the Carton Contents List. Contact 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the US and Canada, 01-800-701-9811 from Mexico. E-mail us at info@ridgidvacs.com or www.ridgidvacs.com if any parts are damaged or missing.

Carton Contents List

* These items may come pre-assembled. If they are not present in the carton, check the vac power head to see if they are pre-assembled.

Getting to Know Your Device

Familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your cordless Wet/Dry Vac before operating.

Hose & Accessory Storage

1. Your Vac has a convenient area to store the Vac hose.
2. Wrap the one end of the hose under the handle of the power head and slide into the hose storage area. Snap the other end of the hose into the inlet port of the power head.
3. Place the multi-purpose tool into the depressed storage area under the handle.

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 the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately stop using Vac if you notice these signs.
• 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.

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.
• Remove battery 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.

After you install the battery, turn the unit on by pushing the switch from position "O" to position "l".

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.

Multi-Purpose Tool - Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning.

Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or blowing capability to work site. Provides the means of attaching the multi-purpose tool.

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: The paper filter must be dry in order 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.

Do not remove the filter cage and float. The float prevents water from entering the impeller and damaging the motor. The cage prevents fingers from touching the moving impeller.

Vacuuming Liquids

1. When picking up small amounts of liquid (up to one inch in the bottom of the drum) the filter may be left in place.
2. When picking up large amounts of liquid (more than one inch in the bottom of the drum) 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 airflow. 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, remove the battery 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 avoid 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, remove battery before emptying the drum.

1. To remove the lid, grasp the drum latches on both the right and left side of the power head. Slowly pull the drum latches out and up from the drum. Lift the power head off the drum. Place the lid assembly to the side.
   
2. Lay the power head on a clean dry area while emptying the drum or changing the filter.
3. Dump the drum contents into the proper waste disposal container.
   

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac has the capability to blow sawdust and other debris and to be used as a blower for yard work, patio cleanup and workshop applications.

NOTE: The blowing port is located opposite the vacuum port.

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.

Battery Installation

Turn unit OFF before removing/installing the battery.

NOTE: Lithium Ion Battery and Charger sold separately.

Installation of Battery

NOTE: Use ONLY RIDGID brand 18 volt batteries.

WD03180 will operate with the following types of batteries: 18V Battery Numbers R84008, R840083, R840084, R840085, R840086 and R840087.

1. While holding the Wet/Dry Vac's handle with one hand, pull open the battery compartment cover.
   
2. Slide the fully charged battery into the battery receptacle until you hear an audible click. Do not push the release buttons on the battery at this time.
   

Removal of Battery

1. Press both release buttons, located on each side of the battery, at the same time and slide battery out of the battery receptacle.
2. Plug charger into a wall receptacle and place battery into the charger to recharge the battery.
   

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not handle battery with wet hands or place wet battery into charger.

Maintenance

Filter Removal

1. Grasp the drum latches on both the right and left side of the power head. Slowly pull the drum latches out and up from the drum. Lift the power head off the drum. Place the lid assembly to the side.
   
2. To remove the filter for cleaning or replacement, unscrew the filter nut from the filter cage. Hold the filter tabs of the filter in each hand.
3. With one thumb on the threaded screw, which protrudes through the integrated filter plate, lift up on the filter tabs while pushing down on the screw.
4. This action will cause the filter to release from the filter cage. Slide filter off cage.

Do not remove the filter cage and float. The float prevents water from entering the impeller and damaging the motor. The cage prevents fingers from touching the moving impeller.

Filter Installation

1. Carefully slide the 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 threaded stud on the filter cage allowing it to protrude through.
   NOTE: The filter will take the shape of the oval filter cage when in place.
3. Place filter nut onto threaded screw and tighten it down. Finger tighten only.
   NOTE: Lever of filter nut should be away from filter cap as shown.

Do not overtighten as this may deform or crack the filter cage or filter.

4. To assemble the power head to the drum, position power head over drum, with drum latches lined up with recess in drum. (The power head will only fit on the drum one way).
5. Position bottom of the latch in drum recess. Push top of latch towards power head to lock.
6. Your Vac is now ready to use.

Filter

To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, remove battery before changing 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.

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

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. Light cleaning of some dry debris from the filter can be accomplished without removing the filter from the vac. Simply slap your hand on top of the handle while the vac is turned off.
2. Remove filter from vac. Gently tap the filter against the inside wall of your dust drum and the debris will loosen and fall.
3. For thorough cleaning of a dry filter with fine dust (no debris) you may run water through it as described under "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.

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 it immediately.

Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling and storing the Vac or picking up dry debris.

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Device

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 warm water 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 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.

Storage

Before storing your Vac, the drum should be emptied and cleaned. Accessories should be kept in the same area as the Vac so they can be readily available.
The Vac should be stored indoors.

Repair Parts

RIDGID 3 Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vac - Model Number WD03180
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidvacs.com
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number

† These replacement parts may be available where you purchased your vac.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert, and knowing how your Wet/Dry vacuum cleaner ("Vac") works.

Safety Signal Words

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

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

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:

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

• Read and understand this manual and all labels on the Wet/Dry Vac before operating.
• Use only as described in this manual.
• Do not leave the 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 the Vac if you notice these signs.
• Use only the batteries specified in this manual. See "Battery Installation" section.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite flammable vapors or dust. To reduce the 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, and gun powder.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• 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 Vac or batteries to rain. 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 the filter installed except when vacuuming liquids as described in this manual. Dry debris ingested by the impeller may damage the motor or be exhausted back into the air.
• Do not handle the switch, Vac, or battery with wet hands.
• 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 set down in liquid; electric shock could occur.
  • 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 safety eyewear. The operation of any utility Vac or blower can result in foreign objects being blown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.

• 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 or when using this Vac, add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

Observe the following warnings that appear on the Wet/Dry Vac:

• Only use RIDGID Battery Numbers R84008, R840083, R840084, R840085, R840086 and R840087.
• 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.
• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not handle battery with wet hands or place wet battery into charger.

Important Safety Instructions for Battery & Charger

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, battery explosion, or injury due to battery / charger operation:

• Read all instructions on the battery and on the charger before using.
• Use only battery specified for the Vac.
• Recharge battery only using the specified charger for the battery.
• Never use a battery that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly dispose of a damaged battery immediately.
• To avoid the risk of explosion, do not expose the batteries to fire or heat.
• 
  To reduce the risk of sparks, burns, or fire, do not allow metal objects such as paper clips or keys to come into contact with the battery terminals.
• Batteries should be charged in a location where the temperature is between 40°F and 100°F.
• Battery must be dry when installed on the charger.
• Do not store batteries outside or in vehicles.
• Do not expose charger to wet or damp conditions. Do not handle charger with wet hands. Store indoors.
• To reduce the risk of damage to the charger body and cord, pull by the plug rather than cord when unplugging.
• Locate charger cord so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
• Do not abuse cord. Never carry charger by cord or yank it to unplug from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• 
  Use of extension cords in poor condition or that are too small in wire size can pose fire and shock hazards. To reduce the risk of these hazards, be sure the extension cord is in good condition and that the connection does not come into contact with liquid. Use cord with 16 AWG or larger and no longer than 100 feet in length.
• Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or plug. If damaged, have it replaced by a qualified technician.
• Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, has been dropped, or is otherwise damaged. Have it inspected by a qualified technician before using.
• Do not disassemble charger. Take it to a qualified technician if service or repair is necessary.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug charger before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
• Unplug charger when not in use.

Batteries vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the presence of an ignition source, such as a pilot light. To reduce the risk of explosion, do not use any cordless product in the presence of open flame.

Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water, then neutralize with lemon juice or vinegar. If liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.

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.

© 2014 Emerson

Documents / Resources

References

• Wet Dry Vacs | RIDGID Tools

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download RIDGID WD03180 - 3 U.S. GALLON/11.3 LITER 18 VOLT, CORDLESS WET/DRY Vacuum Cleaner Manual