Panasonic GB40 Cordless Men’s Beard Trimmer Owner’s Guide
- June 9, 2024
- Panasonic
Table of Contents
Panasonic GB40 Cordless Men’s Beard Trimmer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be
followed, including the following:Read all instructions before using this
appliance.
DANGER To reduce the risk of electric
- Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug immediately.
- Charger unit is not for immersion or for use in shower.
- Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not place in or drop into water or other liquid.
- Except when charging, always unplug this appliance from the electrical outlet immediately after using.
- Unplug this appliance before cleaning.
- Do not use an extension cord with this appliance.
WARNING To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
- Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by, on, or near children or invalids.
- Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the appliance to a service center for examination and repair.
- Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
- Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
- Do not use outdoors or operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
- Do not use this appliance with a damaged or broken comb, as it has the potential to result in facial injury.
- Always attach the plug to the appliance first, then to the outlet. To disconnect, turn all controls to “off” and then remove the plug from the outlet.
Thank you for choosing a Panasonic trimmer. Please read all instructions before use.
Important
This trimmer has a built‑in rechargeable battery. Do not throw into the
fire, apply heat, or charge, use, or leave in a high-temperature environment.
Before use
This WET/DRY trimmer can be used for wet trimming or for dry trimming. You can use this watertight trimmer in the shower and clean with water. The following symbol means suitable for use in a bath or shower.
Using the trimmer
- Check that the blades are not damaged or deformed before use.
- Terminate usage when there is an abnormality or failure.
- Turn off the appliance before changing the trimming length or removing the comb attachment.
- Before and after each use, apply oil at the places marked with arrows. (See page 9.)
- The appliance should not be used on animals.
- Do not press the blade against the skin.
- Do not use the trimmer for any purpose other than trimming.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Charging the trimmer
- Never use the AC adaptor in the bathroom or shower room.
- Use the dedicated AC adaptor (RE7‑70) only. Do not use the dedicated AC adaptor to charge other appliances.
- Charge the appliance in a location where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources, at temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F).
- Plug in the AC adaptor into a household outlet where there is no moisture and handle it with dry hands.
- The trimmer may become warm during use and charging. However, this is not a malfunction.
- Hold the plug when disconnecting it from the household outlet. If you tug on the power cord, you may damage it.
- Do not use the trimmer if the power cord or the AC adaptor is worn, or if the plug does not fit snugly in the outlet.
- Do not damage or deform the power cord. Do not place heavy objects on the power cord or trap it between objects.
- The supply cord cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged, the AC adaptor should be scrapped.
Cleaning the trimmer
Warning
Disconnect the AC adaptor from the household outlet before cleaning to prevent
electric shock.
- The trimmer housing should not be taken apart as this can affect the watertight construction of the appliance.
- If you clean the trimmer with water, do not use salt water or hot water. Do not soak the trimmer in water for a long period of time.
- Clean the housing only with a soft cloth slightly dampened with tap water or soapy tap water. Do not use thinner, benzine, alcohol or other chemicals.
- Do not wash the AC adaptor with water.
- Clean the power plug regularly to remove any dust or dirt.
Storing the trimmer
- Store the trimmer in a place with low humidity after use.
- Do not store the trimmer where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
- Remove the trimmer from the AC adaptor when storing it.
- Do not bend the power cord or wrap it around the AC adaptor.
- Store the AC adaptor in a dry area where it is protected from damage.
- Keep the oil away from children.
Parts identification
Main body
-
Trimming height indicator
-
Dial (Height adjustment control)
-
Side terminals
-
Power switch
-
Water inlet
Blade assembly -
Cleaning lever
-
Moving blade
-
Stationary blade
-
Mounting hook
Comb attachment
(1 mm (1/32˝) to 10 mm (13/32˝))
AC adaptor (RE7‑70) -
Charging terminals
-
Charge indicator lamp
-
Power cord
Oil
Cleaning brush
Charge
Charging the trimmer
Perform the following steps to charge the trimmer if it seems to lose speed.
-
Turn off the trimmer and insert it in the AC adaptor until it clicks as illustrated.
The trimmer will not charge unless the side terminals are in contact with the charging terminals.
Wipe off any water droplets on the side terminals.
If you charge the trimmer with power switch turned on, it will start working when you remove from the AC adaptor. -
Put the plug into a household outlet.
The charge indicator lamp glows red.
Charging is completed after approx. 15 hours.
When charging the trimmer for the first time or when it has not been in use for more than 6 months, the charge indicator lamp may not glow for a few minutes, or the operating time may shorten. Please charge it for more than 23 hours in such cases. -
Disconnect the plug after charging is completed.
To keep charging the battery will not affect battery performance.
Recommended ambient temperature for charging is 0 ‑ 35 °C (32 ‑ 95 °F). The battery may not charge properly or not at all under extreme low or high temperatures.
The charge indicator lamp glows and stays on until the plug is disconnected from a household outlet.
A full charge supplies enough power for approximately 50 minutes of use.
Note
You cannot operate the trimmer while charging.
Use
Using the comb attachment
Make sure that the trimmer is turned off.
-
Turn the dial to the “1” position.
-
Mount the comb attachment to the main body until it clicks.
-
Turn the dial to move the comb attachment to the desired trimming length (between 1 mm (1/32˝ ) to 10 mm (13/32˝ )).
- Actual hair length will be a little longer than the height you set.
Using the trimmer
Make sure there is no damage to the blade. We recommend using the trimmer
in an ambient temperature range of 0 ‑ 35 °C (32 ‑ 95 °F). If used outside
this range, the appliance may stop operating.
Dry trimming
Trimming with the comb attachment
Do not use with shaving creams applied or when the beard is wet.
-
Press the power switch to turn off the trimmer.
-
Mount the attachment and adjust the dial. (See page 5.)
-
Press the power switch to turn on the trimmer.
-
Hold the trimmer with the power switch facing downward, and cut the beard by moving the trimmer back against the flow of the beard.
- Hair trimmings may collect inside the attachment when a large volume of beard is cut, so discard hair trimmings after each use.
Trimming without the comb attachment
Shaping your moustache
Above the lips
Place the trimmer at a right angle to your skin with the power switch facing
upwards and trim around your mustache.
To round out the shape, trim around your moustache by holding the main body sideways.
Trimming the edge of beard
Cut your beard gradually with the power switch facing your skin, taking care
not to cut too much.
Shaping your sideburns
Place the trimmer at a right angle to your skin and cut your sideburns.
Shaping the hair around your ears
Trim the hair around your ears by holding the main body sideways.
Cutting your vellus hair
Cut your vellus hair slowly, moving upward from the bottom with the power
switch facing your skin.
Press the power switch to turn on the trimmer.
Cut your beard slowly, moving upward from the bottom with the power switch facing your skin.
Notes
- Do not use any shaving creams as these may cause a decrease in cutting performance due to the scoring of the blades.
- Make sure to rinse the main body with water and apply the oil to the blades after wet trimming.
Cleaning the trimmer
It is recommended to clean at every use.
-
Remove the trimmer from the AC adaptor.
To remove light dirt -
Remove the comb attachment and turn the trimmer on.
-
Run water down the water inlet at the back of the main body, rinse thoroughly for approximately 20 seconds, and then turn the trimmer off.
Rinse with water and shake up and down several times to remove the water.
To remove heavy dirt
- Remove the comb attachment and blade assembly.
- Clean the trimmer and the blade assembly with running water.
- Rinse with water and shake up and down several times to remove the water.
- Wipe off the water with a towel and let it dry naturally.
- It will dry faster with the blade removed.
- Apply the oil to the blade after drying.
- Attach the comb attachment and blade assembly to the trimmer.
Cleaning with the brush
-
Remove the trimmer from the AC adaptor.
Make sure that the trimmer is turned off. -
Remove the comb attachment.
-
Hold the main body, place your thumb against the blade assembly and then push it away from the main body.
-
Brush off any hair trimmings from the main body and from around the blade assembly.
- Brush any hair trimmings out from between the stationary blade and the moving blade while pressing down the cleaning lever to raise the moving blade.
- Apply the oil to the blade.
- Attach the comb attachment and blade assembly to the trimmer.
Lubrication
Apply the oil to the blade assembly before and after each use. Apply a drop of the oil to the points indicated by the arrows.
Remounting the blade assembly
Fit the mounting hook into the blade mounting on the trimmer and then push
in until you hear a click.
Blade life
Blade life varies according to the frequency and length of use of the
trimmer. For example, the blade life is approximately 3 years when using the
trimmer for 5 minutes 10 times a month. Replace the blade assembly if cutting
efficiency reduces substantially despite proper maintenance.
Battery life
Battery life will vary according to the frequency and length of use. If the
battery is charged once every 2 weeks, the service life will be approximately
3 years.
- It is recommended that the trimmer be recharged at least every 6 months even when not in regular use because the charge will drain from the battery and its service life may be shortened.
Removing the built-in rechargeable battery
ATTENTION
A nickel metal hydride battery that is recyclable powers the product you have
purchased. Please call 1‑800‑8‑BATTERY for information on how to recycle this
battery.
Remove the built‑in rechargeable battery before disposing of the trimmer. Do not dismantle or replace the battery so that you can use the trimmer again. This could cause fire or an electric shock. Please contact an authorised service center. The battery replacing service is available only in the United States of America.
- Remove the trimmer from the AC adaptor when removing the battery.
- Perform steps 1 to 11 and lift the battery, and then remove it.
- Please take care not to short‑circuit the battery.
Specifications
This product is intended for household use only.
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, install and use in accordance with provided instructions. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A TOLL-FREE (IN USA ONLY) NATIONAL ACCESSORY PURCHASE HOT LINE AT 1-800-332-5368.
IN CANADA, CONTACT PANASONIC CANADA INC. AT THE ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER ON THE BACK PAGE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Panasonic beard trimmer wet?
Yes, you can. It is 100% waterproof and can be used in the shower.
Can I use the Panasonic beard trimmer on my head?
No, this is only for trimming your beard, not your head hair.
What is the difference between the Panasonic beard trimmer and the Panasonic hair clipper?
The Panasonic hair clipper is a full body grooming kit that includes a full size hair clipper and a body groomer. The Panasonic beard trimmer is just a beard trimmer.
What is the difference between the Panasonic beard trimmer and the Panasonic body groomer?
The Panasonic body groomer has an adjustable comb so you can adjust it to different lengths. The Panasonic beard trimmer does not have this feature.
How many attempts are necessary to achieve the specified length? Is the guard made of FLIMSY or HARD plastic?
Three passes, I’d say, and you’re good to go. It is made of a durable plastic. I’ve used different shavers. I like this one a lot. lovely to hold in your hands.
How can you tell whether a device is fully charged? I’ve charged mine for about 30 hours, but Red
The light’s hue remains constant. As long as it is parked in the cradle and linked to a power source, it will remain red.
Would the skin be completely shaved with this? shave close?
I’m not sure, but I do like the shaver. Although the height of the comb head is adjustable, I have never attempted to shave that closely. I shave my own head with it, but I set the blade to around 1/8-inch. quick and does an excellent job. It’s not really for close shaves, in my opinion.
When you press the comb against your face, does it bend? I’ve had it happen before; it doesn’t provide a decent, even length cut.
No. The guard is quite strict. There are no bending problems at all. blade is significantly better than previous Wahl models.
Is this product voltage-independent?
Check out the manufacturer’s website. I don’t recall seeing anything in the packing concerning dual voltage.
Can long women’s hair be trimmed with this?
For hairs longer than 12 mm, it can be used to clip them.
Does it feature an additional detail trimmer like the ER224, or do you have to take the combs out and use the main clipper instead?
Trim with the exposed trimmer after removing the comb attachment. Simple to accomplish.
Can I simply wash it with water or does it need to be waterproof?
You can use this trimmer in the shower. After use, the trimmer features a port to be rinsed. After use, this trimmer leaves behind oil.
Is it both corded and cordless compatible?
A rechargeable battery powers it. It is designed to be used cordlessly. Yes, if you wish to hold a large docking station.
Video
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