RIDGID WD40500, WD40502 - 4 U.S. GALLON/15 LITER WET/DRY Vacuum Cleaner Manual

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 or www.ridgidvacs.com if any parts are damaged or missing.

Carton Contents List

* The filter comes pre-assembled to the power head.

Getting to Know Your Vac

Familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your Vac before operating.

Filter Removal and Installation

For your own safety, never connect plug to power source outlet until all assembly steps are complete and you have read and understood the safety and operation instructions. Do not operate Vac with any parts damaged or missing.

To Remove Power Head:

1. Grasp the drum latches on both the right and left side of the power head. Slowly pull the drum latches away from the drum. Lift the power head off the drum. Place the lid assembly of the Vac upside down.

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.

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 leave Vac plugged in when not in use.
• 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.
• Unplug Vac 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.
• 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.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a polarized 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 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.
= OFF
= ON

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.

Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning.

Diffuser - Use to disperse exhaust air stream while reducing noise. Insert into blowing port.

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. 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: A dry filter is necessary 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.

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 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, 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.

Emptying the Drum

1. To remove the lid to empty contents of the dust drum, simply lift the two drum latches on the side of the Vac and lift the power head up and off the dust drum and set to the side.
   
2. Lay the power head upside down 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 be used as a blower for yard work, patio cleanup and workshop applications to blow sawdust and other debris.

• 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.

Cord and Hose Storage

1. Your Vac has a convenient area to store your power cord and Vac hose.
2. Wrap the power cord around the top of the handle on the Vac and attach the end of the plug to the cord.
3. Wrap the hose around the Vac as shown and place the small swivel end inside the larger one.

A partially unwrapped cord may fall in coils near your feet. You could trip. To reduce the risk of this, always fully unwrap the cord before plugging it in.

Maintenance

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

Cleaning Vac Filter

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

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 Removal

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

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.

Installation

Refer "Filter Removal and Installation" Section of this manual.
Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling and storing the Vac or picking up dry debris.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Repair Parts

RIDGID 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac Model Numbers WD40500, WD40502
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

† 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 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 when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
• 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.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold fireplace ash, or other fine dusts with standard filter. These may pass through the filter and be exhausted back into the air. Use a fine dust filter instead.
• 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 to rain or allow liquid to enter motor compartment. 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.
• Turn off Vac before unplugging.
• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or other parts. If your Vac is not working as it should, has missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, call customer service.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run Vac over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac with wet hands.
• Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Extension cords in poor condition or too small in wire size can pose fire and shock hazards. To reduce the risk of these hazards, be sure the cord is in good condition and that liquid does not contact the connection. Do not use an extension cord with conductors smaller than 16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce power loss, use a 14 gauge extension cord if 25 to 50 ft long and 12 gauge for 50 ft or longer.
• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a separate grounding system. Use only identical replacement parts. Read the instructions for Servicing DoubleInsulated Wet/Dry Vacs.
• 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 in your home or when using this Vac, add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of your Vac:

DOUBLE INSULATED GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED. WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

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.

To reduce the risk of electric shock - do not expose to rain - store indoors.

SAVE THIS MANUAL

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.

Documents / Resources

References

• Wet Dry Vacs | RIDGID Tools
• RIDGID Replacement Parts | RIDGID Store

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