Kärcher K3 Power Control - Pressure Washer Manual

KÄRCHER Home & Garden app

The KÄRCHER Home & Garden app contains:

• Installation and initial startup information
• Information about the areas of application
• Tips & Tricks
• FAQ with detailed troubleshooting
• Connection to the KÄRCHER Service Centre

The app can be downloaded here:

Intended use

Use the high-pressure cleaner in private households only. The high-pressure cleaner is intended for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, façades, terraces, garden machines etc. using a high-pressure water jet.

Accessories and spare parts

Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.
Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Description of the device

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging).
Illustration A

1. Transport wheel
2. Storage for spray lance
3. Storage / parking position for high-pressure gun
4. Power Control spray lance dirt grinder for stubborn dirt, pressure level: HARD
5. Vario Power Power Control spray lance for the most common cleaning tasks, pressure levels: HARD / MEDIUM / SOFT / MIX
6. Power Control high-pressure gun
7. Button for separating the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun
8. High-pressure gun lever
9. Pressure indicator (MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3- HARD)
10. High-pressure gun lock
11. Trigger "0/OFF" / "I/ON"
12. Mains connection with mains plug
13. Storage hook for power cord
14. Carrying handle
15. Transport handle, telescoping
16. Quick coupling for high-pressure hose
17. Type plate
18. High-pressure hose
19. Detergent suction hose with detergent filter and cap
20. Detergent tank
21. Water connection with integrated sieve
22. Water connection coupling
23. **Garden hose with commonly available coupling
    • Fabric reinforced
    • Diameter of at least 1/2 inch (13 mm)
    • Length at least 7.5 m
24. *Washing brush, suitable for working with detergents
25. *Foam nozzle for powerful detergent foam
26. *Detergent container

* optional, ** additionally required

Safety devices

Missing or modified safety devices
Safety devices are provided for your own protection.
Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Power switch

The power switch prevents unintentional operation of the device.

High-pressure gun lock

The lock locks the lever of the high-pressure gun and prevents the device from starting unintentionally.

Auto-stop function

If the lever of the high-pressure gun is released, the pressure switch turns off the pump and the high-pressure jet stops. The pump switches on again when the lever is pressed.

Symbols on the device

Do not aim the high-pressure jet may at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or the device itself.
Protect the device against frost.

The device may not be directly connected to the public drinking water network

Assembly

Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.

Fitting the wheels

1. Fasten and secure the wheels to the device.
   Illustration B
   

Installing the handles

Illustration C

1. Attach the transport handle.
2. Attach the carrying handle.

Close the detergent tank

1. Close the detergent tank with the cover.
   Illustration D
   

Installing the water connection coupling

1. Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device.
   Illustration E
   

Initial startup

1. Place the device on a flat and level surface.
2. Insert the high-pressure hose into the quick coupling until it audibly latches into place.
   Illustration F
   
3. Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly latches into place.
   Note
   Take care to ensure the correct alignment of the nipple.
   Illustration G
   
4. Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
5. Plug the mains plug into a mains socket.

Water supply

For the connection values, see the type plate or chapter Technical data.
Observe the water distribution company regulations.

ATTENTION
Damage through contaminated water
Contamination in the water can damage the pump and the accessories.
KÄRCHER recommends using the KÄRCHER water filter for protection(special accessory, order number 4.730-059).

Connection to the water line

ATTENTION
Hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device
Damage to the pump
Never use a hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device.
You can use an Aquastop coupling on the tap.
Illustration H

1. Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
2. Connect the garden hose to the water line.
3. Open the water tap fully.

Operation

ATTENTION
Pump running dry
Damage to the device
If pressure does not build up in the device after 2 minutes then switch the device off and proceed according to the instructions in chapter Troubleshooting guide.

Power Control System

The pressure indicator on the high-pressure gun shows the currently set pressure level when operating with a Power Control spray lance.

Note
The sensitivity of materials can vary greatly depending on age and condition. The recommendations are therefore not binding.

Note
When operating with surface cleaner and other accessories, the pressure indicator is not accurate.

Display	Pressure level	Recommended for e.g.
	HARD	Stone terraces made of paving stones or washed concrete, asphalt, metal surfaces, garden utensils (w heelbarrow, spade, etc.)
	MEDIUM	Cars / motorcycles, brick surfaces, plastered walls, plastic furniture
	SOFT	Wooden surfaces, bicycle, sandstone surfaces, rattan furniture
	MIX	Operation with detergent

High-pressure operation

ATTENTION
Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces
Surfaces can be damaged when the jet is too close to the surface or an unsuitable spray lance is used.
Maintain a minimum spray distance of 30 cm when cleaning painted surfaces.
Do not clean car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood with the dirt grinder.

1. Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it by turning it 90°.
   Illustration I
   
2. Switch the device on ("I/ON").
3. Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
4. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
5. Turn the Vario Power Power Control spray lance until the required pressure level is shown on the pressure indicator.

Operation with a washing brush

ATTENTION
Paint damage
Damage to surfaces through a dirty brush
Ensure that the washing brush is free from dirt or other particles before using it.

Note
The device operates at low pressure when using washing brushes. This means that detergent can be mixed with the water.

1. Insert the washing brush into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.

Operation with detergent

Failure to adhere to the safety data sheet
Incorrect handling of the detergent can seriously damage your health
Observe the safety data sheet of the detergent manufacturer, in particular the instructions on personal protective equipment.

Note
Detergent can only be mixed into the jet at low pressure.

Note
KÄRCHER detergents ensure fault-free operation. Ask us for a consultation, request our catalogue or our detergent information sheets.

1. Fill the detergent solution into the detergent tank. Adhere to the dosage specifications on the detergent container.
   Illustration J
   
2. Close the detergent tank with the cover.
   Illustration D
3. Latch the detergent tank in the device.
4. Use the Vario Power spray lance.
5. Turn the spray lance towards "MIX" until "MIX" is displayed on the high-pressure gun.
   The detergent solution is mixed with the water jet during operation.
6. You can optionally use the foam nozzle.
   1. Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent bottle.
      Illustration K
      
   2. Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.

Recommended cleaning method

1. Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and let it work for a while (do not let it dry).
2. Rinse off the loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.

After operation with detergent

1. Flush the device with clear water for approx. 30 seconds.

Interrupting operation

1. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
   The device switches off when the lever is released.
   The high pressure in the system is retained.
2. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
   Illustration L
   
3. Place the high-pressure gun with the spray lance in the parking position.
4. Switch the device off "0/OFF" during work breaks longer than 5 minutes.

Ending operation

Pressure in the system
Injuries from high-pressure water escaping uncontrollably
Only disconnect the high-pressure hose from the highpressure gun or the device when the system is fully depressurised.

1. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
2. Close the water tap.
3. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds.
   The pressure remaining in the system is discharged.
4. Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
5. Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
6. Disconnect the device from the water supply.
7. Switch off the device "0/OFF".
8. Pull the mains plug out of the socket.

Transport

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during transportation.

Carrying the device

1. Lift up the device by the carrying handle, and carry it.

Pulling the device

1. Pull the transport handle out until it audibly latches into place.
2. Pull the device via the transport handle.

Transporting the device in a vehicle

1. Drain the detergent tank.
2. Secure the device against slipping and tipping over.

Storage

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.

Storing the device

1. Place the device on a level surface.
2. Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
3. Press the separation button on the high-pressure gun and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun.
4. Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the device.
5. Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
6. Store the mains connection cable and accessories on the device.

Observe the additional notes before storing the device for a long period of time, see chapter Care and service.

Frost protection

ATTENTION
Danger of frost
Incompletely emptied devices can be destroyed by frost.
Completely empty the device and accessories.
Protect the device from frost.

The following requirements must be satisfied:

• The device is disconnected from the water supply.
• The high-pressure hose is removed.

1. Switch the device on "I/ON".
2. Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
3. Switch off the device.
4. Store the device in a frost-protected room, together with all accessories.

Care and service

Danger of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.

The device is maintenance-free, i.e. you do not need to perform any maintenance work.

Clean the sieve in the water connection

ATTENTION
Damaged sieve in the water connection
Damage to the device through contaminated water Check the sieve for damage before inserting it in the water connection.

If necessary, clean the sieve in the water connection.

1. Remove the water connection coupling.
2. Pull the sieve out using flat pliers.
3. Clean the sieve under running water.
   Illustration M
   
4. Insert the sieve into the water connection.

Clean the detergent filter

Clean the detergent filter before longer periods of storage.

1. Pull the filter off the detergent suction hose.
2. Clean the filter under running water.
   Illustration N
   

Troubleshooting guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.

Danger of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.

Device not running

1. Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
2. Check that the voltage specified on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the power source.
3. Check the mains connection cable for damage.

Device does not reach required pressure

The water supply is too low

1. Open the water tap fully.
2. Check the water inlet for an adequate flow rate.

The sieve in the water connection is dirty.

1. Pull the sieve in the water connection out using flat pliers.
2. Clean the sieve under running water.

Air is in the device.

1. Vent the device:
   1. Switch on the device without a connected spray lance for a maximum of 2 minutes.
   2. Press the high-pressure gun and wait until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
   3. Connect the spray lance.

Strong pressure fluctuations

1. Clean the high-pressure nozzle:
   1. Use a needle to remove dirt from the nozzle drill.
   2. Rinse the high-pressure nozzle from the front with water.
2. Check the water supply volume.

Device leaking

1. The device leaks a small amount for technical reasons. If the leak is severe, request authorised Customer Service.

Detergent is not sucked in

1. Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it to "MIX".
2. Clean the filter on the detergent suction hose.
3. Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.

Technical data

Electrical connection
Voltage	V	220-240
Phase	~	1
Frequency	Hz	50-60
Current consumption	A	6
Degree of protection		IPX5
Protection class		II
Power protection (slow-blowing)	A	10
Water connection
Feed pressure (max.)	MPa	1,2
Input temperature (max.)	°C	40
Input amount (min.)	l/min	8
Device performance data
Operating pressure	MPa	8
Max. permissible pressure	MPa	12
Water flow rate	l/min	5,5
Maximum flow rate	l/min	6,3
Detergent flow rate	l/min	0,3
High-pressure gun recoil force	N	12
Dimensions and weights
Typical operating weight	kg	5,4
Length	mm	297
Width	mm	280
Height	mm	677
Determined values in acc. with EN 60335-2-79
Hand-arm vibration value	m/s2	<2,5
Uncertainty K	m/s2	0,6
Sound pressure level LpA	dB(A)	74
Uncertainty KpA	dB(A)	2
Sound power level LWA + K uncertaintyWA	dB(A)	90

Subject to technical modifications.

Register your product
www.kaercher.com/welcome

Documents / Resources

References

• Google Play
• App Store - Apple
• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA | Kärcher

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