KARCHER K 5 Power Control Home Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

: June 8, 2024
: Karcher

KARCHER K 5 Power Control Home Pressure Washer

KÄRCHER Home & Garden App

The KÄRCHER Home & Garden App contains:

Information on installation and initial startup
Information on the areas of application
Tips & tricks
FAQ with detailed troubleshooting guide
Connection to the KÄRCHER Service Center

The App can be downloaded here:

Trademark

QR-Code® is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
Google Play™ and Android™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
Apple® and App store® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Customer Service

Registration

Your device must be registered in order to help with any questions or issues that you have. You can register your device at www.karcher- register.com if located in the U.S.A., www.karcher/ca if located in Canada, or www.karcher.com/mx if located in Mexico.

Warranty

In the case of a warranty claim, you can contact customer support. Please see the contact information listed below for either the USA, Canada, or Mexico. You MUST provide your proof of purchase in order to file a warranty claim either via email, phone, or fax.

USA Customer Service

You can contact our Customer Service department by phone at 1-800-537-4129 or via the website at www.karcher.com/us.

Canada Customer Service

You can contact our Customer Service department by phone at 1-800-465-4980 or via the website at www.karcher.com/ca.

Mexico Customer Service

You can contact our Customer Service department by phone at 01-800-024-13-13 or via the website at www.karcher.com/mx.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Hazard levels

DANGER Indication of an imminent threat of danger that will lead to severe injuries or even death.

WARNING Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to severe injuries or even death.

CAUTION Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to minor injuries.

ATTENTION Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to damage to property.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Observe all basic precautions when using the device, including the following:

DANGER

Risk of asphyxiation. Keep packaging film out of the reach of children.
Operation in explosive atmospheres is prohibited.

WARNING

Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when a product is used near children.
Know how to stop the product and bleed pressures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the device. Do not operate the device while you are tired or under influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the device may result in serious personal injury.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating the device. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the product in unexpected situations.
Maintain the device and accessories.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the device’s operation. If damaged, have the device repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained devices.
This product is provided with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter built into the power cord plug. If replacement of the plug or cord is needed, use only identical replacement parts.
If connection is made to a potable water system, the system has to be protected against backflow.

WARNING

High pressure! Risk of injection or injury – Keep clear of nozzle. Do not direct discharge stream at persons or animals. Product can cause serious injury if the spray penetrates the skin. Do not point the gun at anyone or any part of the body. In case of penetration seek medical help immediately.
High-pressure jets can be dangerous if misused. The jet must not be directed at persons, animals, electrical devices, or the unit itself.
This device is capable of producing high pressure (values see chapter Technical data). To avoid rupture and injury, do not operate this device with components rated less than these values (including but not limited to spray guns, hose and hose connections).
Wear safety goggles.
Before servicing or cleaning the device or removing any parts, shut off power, pull out the power plug and relieve pressure.

WARNING

Risk of explosion – Do not spray flammable liquids.
Do not use acids, alkaline, solvents or any flammable or toxic liquids or material in this device. These products can cause physical injuries to the operator and irreversible damage to the device.

WARNING

Risc of electrocution – Inspect cord before using. Do not use if cord is damaged.
Keep all connections dry and off the ground.
Do not touch plug with wet hands.
Do not spray electrical apparatus and wiring.
Do not use extension cord with this product.
Connect to individual branch circuit only.

CAUTION

Gun kicks back – Hold with both hands.
The trigger gun safety lock prevents the spray from accidentially being engaged. This safety feature DOES NOT lock spray in the ON position.

ATTENTION

This device has been designed for use with cleaning detergents recommended by the manufacturer. The use of other cleaning detergents may affect the operation of the device and void the warranty.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This device must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This device is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor and ground plug.
The plug must be inserted into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING:

Improper connection of the equipment grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the device. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
Do not use any kind of adapter with this product.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

This electric pressure washer is equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) built into the plug of the power cord for your protection. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you test all GFCI’s once a month. Since the frequency of pressure washer use varies, we recommend that you test the GFCI as part of your startup procedure each time you use your pressure washer. It might need to be reset before working with the pressure washer. To learn how to perform the GFCI test and how to reset it, visit http://www.karcher-help.com and search for GFCI for further instructions.

DO NOT USE IF GFCI FAILS TEST
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

NOTE: The actual appearance of the GFCI may be different from this illustration.

WATER SUPPLY (cold water only)

CAUTION
When connecting the water inlet with the water supply mains, local regulations of your water company must be observed. In some areas the unit must not be connected directly to the public drinking water supply. This is to ensure that there is no feedback of chemicals into the water supply. Direct connection via a receiver tank or backflow preventer, for example, is permitted.

Dirt in the feed water will damage the unit. To avoid this risk, we recommend fitting a water filter.
Never use the pressure washer to draw in water contaminated with solvents, e.g. paint thinners, gasoline, oil etc.
Always prevent debris from being drawn into the unit by using a clean water source.

Owner/User Responsibility

The owner and/or user must have an understanding of the manufacturer’s operating instructions and warnings before using this pressure washer.
Warning information should be emphasized and understood.
If the operator is not fluent in English, the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings shall be read to and discussed with the operator in the operator’s native language by the purchaser/ owner, making sure that the operator comprehends its contents.
Owner and/or user must study and maintain the manufacturers’ instructions for future reference.

Intended use

For home use only!
The high-pressure cleaner is designed for cleaning machines, vehicles, structures, tools, facades, terraces, garden tools, etc. with high-pressure water streams.

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. During unpacking, check the contents for completeness. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Description of the device

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

Stand with carrying handle
Water connection with built-in strainer
Transport wheel
Cover
Hose guide
Device switch “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
Storage for spray lances
High-pressure hose
*Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle
Storage / parking position for high pressure gun
Transport handle, extendable
Power Control spray lance Dirt grinder for stubborn contamination, pressure stage: HARD
Power Control spray lance Vario
Power for the most common cleaning tasks, pressure stages: HARD / MEDIUM / SOFT / MIX
Power Control high-pressure gun
Button for disconnecting the high pressure hose from the high-pressure gun
High-pressure gun lever
Pressure indicator (0-MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3-HARD)
High-pressure gun lock
Carrying handle
Hose holder
Type plate
Accessory compartment
Hook for net attachment
Mesh for accessory compartment
Mains connection cable with mains plug
Coupling for the water connection
Garden hose connector
**Garden hose (fabric-reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m)
**KÄRCHER suction hose for water supply from open containers (order no. 2.643-100.0)
Included screws and dowels
*Foam nozzle for powerful detergent foam
Rotating washing brush (e.g. for car cleaning) optional, ** additionally required

Included screws and dowels

Dowel stand (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×20 (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×22 (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×16 (8 pieces)

Safety devices

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

Power switch
The power switch stops you from operating the device unintentionally.

High-pressure gun lock
The lock blocks the lever of the highpressure gun and prevents the device from starting unintentionally.

Auto-stop function
If the lever on the high-pressure gun is released, the pressure switch switches the pump off and the high-pressure jet stops. If the lever is pressed, the pump switches on again.

Motor circuit breaker
The motor circuit breaker shuts off the device if power consumption it too high.

Installation

Have the included screws and the appropriate screwdriver ready.
Before initial startup, mount the loose enclosed parts on the device.

Mounting the wheels

Plug in the wheels.
Note
Pay attention to the alignment of the hole.
Secure the wheels with 1 screw each.

Mounting the stand

Insert the stand.
Insert the 2 dowels into the holes as far as they will go.
Secure the stand with 2 screws.

Mounting the storage for spray lances

Hook in the storage for the spray lances.
Secure the storage with 2 screws.
Secure the cover with 4 screws.

Mounting the transport handle

Attach the transport handle.
Secure the transport handle with 2 screws.

Mounting the accessory net

Hook the accessory net into the hooks.

Inserting the high-pressure hose through the hose guide

Insert the high-pressure hose through the hose guide from behind.

Mounting the coupling for the water connection

Screw the coupling for the water connection onto the water connection of the device.

Initial startup

Place the device on a level surface.
Unwind the high-pressure hose completely and release any loops or twists.
Pull the high-pressure hose completely forward through the hose guide.
Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly clicks into place.
Note: Make sure the nipple is oriented correctly.
Check the secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
Insert the mains plug into an outlet.

Water supply

For connected loads, see type plate or chapter Technical data.
Observe the instructions of the water supply company.

ATTENTION
Damage due to contaminated water
Contaminated water can damage the pump and accessories.
For protection, KÄRCHER recommends the use of the KÄRCHER water filter (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.

Screw the supplied hose coupling on to the end of your garden hose.
Attach the garden hose to the coupling for the water connection.
Connect the garden hose to the water line.
Open the water tap completely.

Suck water from open containers

This high-pressure cleaner is equipped with the KÄRCHER suction hose with check valve (special accessory, order no. 2.643-100) is suitable for sucking in surface water, e.g. from water butts or ponds (for maximum suction height, see chapter Technical data).

In suction operation, the coupling for the water connection is not required.

Fill the suction hose with water.
Screw the suction hose onto the water connection of the device and hang it in a water source (e.g. water butt).

Vent the device

Switch on the device “I/ON”.
Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun.
The device switches on.
Let the device run for a maximum of 2 minutes until the water comes out of the high-pressure gun without bubbles.
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.

Operation

ATTENTION
Dry running of pump
Damage to the device
If the device does not build up any pressure within 2 minutes, switch off the device and proceed according to the instructions in chapter Troubleshooting guide.

Power Control System

The pressure indicator on the highpressure gun shows the currently set pressure level during operation 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
The pressure indicator is not meaningful when operating with a surface cleaner and other accessories.

Dis- play	Pres- sure stage	Recommended for e.g.
HARD	Stone terraces made of paving stones or washed concrete, asphalt,

High-pressure operation

ATTENTION
Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces
Surfaces are damaged if the spray distance is too close or if an unsuitable spray lance is chosen.
Keep at least 30 cm spray distance when cleaning painted surfaces.
Do not clean car tires, paint or delicate surfaces such as wood with the dirt blaster.

Insert a spray lance into the highpressure gun and lock it into position by turning it 90°.
Switch on the device (“I/ON”).
Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun.
The device switches on.
Turn the Power Control spray lance Vario Power until the required pressure stage is indicated on the pressure indicator.

Operation with washing brush

ATTENTION
Paint damage
Damage to surfaces due to contaminated washing brush
Make sure the washing brush is free of dirt or other particles before you use it.

Note
When using washing brushes, the device works with low pressure. Therefore, detergents can be added.

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

Operation with detergent

DANGER
Failure to observe the safety data sheet
Serious damage to health due to improper use of the detergent
Observe the safety data sheet of the detergent manufacturer, in particular the instructions for personal protective equipment.

Note
Detergents may only be added at low pressure.

Note
A Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle is required for operation with detergents.
KÄRCHER detergents can be purchased ready for use in a Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle.

Remove the lid from the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle.
Press the detergent bottle into the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent connection with the opening facing downwards.
Use the Vario Power spray lance.
Turn the spray lance in the direction of “MIX” until “MIX” is displayed on the high-pressure gun.
During operation, the detergent solution is mixed into the water stream.
Optionally use the foam nozzle.
Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent tank.
Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and secure it in place by turning it 90°.

Recommended cleaning method

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

After operation with detergent

Pull the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the holder and close it with the lid.
For storage, place the detergent bottle in the holder with the lid facing upwards.
Rinse the device with clean water for about 30 seconds.

Interrupting operation

Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
When the lever is released, the device switches off. The high-pressure in the system is maintained.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Set the high-pressure gun with the spray lance in the parking position.
For work breaks longer than 5 minutes, switch off the device “0/OFF”.

Finishing operation

CAUTION
Pressure in the system
Injuries due to uncontrolled water escaping under high pressure
Only disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun or the device if there is no pressure in the system.

Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Close the water tap.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds.
The pressure still remaining in the system is released.
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Disconnect the device from the water supply.
Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
Pull the mains plug out of the outlet.

Transport

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

Carrying the device

Lift up the device by the carrying handles and carry it.

Pulling device

Pull out the transport handle until it audibly engages.
Pull the device by the transport handle.

Transporting the device in a vehicle

Before horizontal transport, pull the
Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the holder and close it with the lid.
Secure the device against shifting and tipping.

Storage

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

Keep the device safe

Place the device on a level surface.
Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
Press the disconnect button on the high-pressure gun and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun.
Stow the high-pressure hose on the device.
Stow the mains connection and accessories on the device.
Before prolonged storage, observe additional instructions, see chapter Care and service.

Frost protection

ATTENTION
Risk of frost
Devices that are not completely emptied can be destroyed by frost.
Fully empty the device and accessories.
Protect the device from frost.

The following must be met:

The device is disconnected from the water supply.
The high-pressure gun is separated from the high-pressure hose.

Switch on the device “I/ON”.
Wait a maximum of 1 minute until no more water comes out of the high pressure hose.
Switch off the device.
Store the device with all accessories in a frost-proof room.

Care and service

DANGER
Risk of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts
Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.
The device is maintenance-free, so it is not necessary to carry out regular maintenance work.

Clean the sieve in the water connection

ATTENTION
Damaged sieve in the water connection
Damage to the device due to water contamination
Check the sieve for damage before inserting it into the water connection.
If necessary, clean the sieve in the water connection.

Remove the coupling from the water connection.
Pull out the sieve with a pair of flat pliers.
Clean the sieve under running water.
Insert the sieve into the water connection.

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 authorized Customer Service.

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

Device is not running

Press the lever of the high-pressure gun.
The device switches on.
Check if the voltage specified on the type plate matches the voltage of the power source.
Check the mains connection for damage.
If the motor is overloaded and the motor circuit breaker has tripped:
Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
Allow the device to cool off for 1 hour.
Switch on the device “I/ON” and put it into operation.
If the malfunction occurs several times, have the device checked by Customer Service.

Device does not start, motor hums
Voltage drop due to weak mains or when using an extension cable

When switching on, first press the lever of the high-pressure gun, then switch on the device “I/ON”.

The device does not reach required pressure
The water supply is too low

Open the water tap completely.
Check the water inlet for sufficient flow rate.

The sieve in the water connection is contaminated.

Pull out the sieve in the water connection with flat pliers.
Clean the sieve under running water.

There’s air in the device.

Vent the device:
Switch on the device for a maximum of 2 minutes without the spray lance connected.
Press the high-pressure gun and wait until water comes out of the high-pressure gun without bubbles.
Connect the spray lance.
During suction operation, observe the max. suction height (see chapter Technical data).

Strong pressure fluctuations

Cleaning the high-pressure nozzle:
Remove contamination from the nozzle drill with a needle.
Rinse the high-pressure nozzle with water from the front.
Check the water supply volume.

Device leaking

A slight leakage in the device is due to technical reasons. In case of severe leakage, contact an authorized Customer Service center.

Detergent is not sucked in

Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it to “MIX”.
Check that the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle is seated in the connection for the detergent with the opening facing down.