6
OPERATION
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the
Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.
WARNING:
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.
• Do not leave sawdust or rags with stain or polyurethane residue inside Vac. Empty drum after picking up
these potentially self-heating materials.
WARNING:
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 authorized 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.
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VACUUMING DRY MATERIALS
1. The Filter must always be correctly installed to
avoid leaks and possible Vac damage.
2. To maintain peak performance when vacuuming
fine dust, clean the Dust Drum and Filter regularly.
NOTE:
Do not use a wet Filter when picking up dry
material. The Filter will quickly clog and be difficult to
clean.
3. If the Filter is wet, you must allow it to dry
completely or replace it with a dry Filter before
using the Vac to pick up dry material.
VACUUMING LIQUIDS
1. Vacuuming up small amounts of liquid (less than
2” (5 cm) collected in Dust Drum) does not require
Filter removal.
2. When larger amounts of liquid are to be picked up,
remove all dry use only Paper Filter(s) and replace
with a RIDGID wet application Foam Filter. Do Not
remove the Filter Cage or Float. The Foam Filter is
specifically designed for high volume liquid pick up.
If the paper Filter is used and becomes saturated,
you may see “mist” coming from the Blowing Port.
3. When the Dust Drum is “full” the Float will rise and
cut off airflow. The motor sound will rise in pitch
and its speed will increase indicating the Dust Drum
is “full”. Turn OFF the Vac and unplug the power
cord before emptying the Dust Drum.
POLARIZED PLUG / ON-OFF SWITCH (Fig. 7)
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this Vac 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.
With Power Cord plugged in, turn the Vac “ON” by
pressing in on the “I” (top) on the Power Switch.
To turn “OFF”, press the “O” (bottom) on the Power
Switch. The symbols used on the Switch Actuator are
international “ON & OFF” symbols.
= OFF
= ON
Power Switch
Polarized
Plug
Fig. 7
