RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool User Manual

RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool

Safety Symbols

In this operator’s manual and on the product, safety symbols and signal words are used to communicate important safety information. This section is provided to improve understanding of these signal words and symbols.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

• DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE indicates information that relates to the protection of property.
• This symbol means read the operator’s manual carefully before using the equipment. The operator’s manual contains important information on the safe and proper operation of the equipment.
• This symbol means always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling or using this equipment to reduce the risk of eye injury.
• This symbol indicates the risk of hands, fingers or other body parts being crushed.
• This symbol indicates the risk of electrical shock

General Power Tool Safety Warnings*

WARNING Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work Area Safety

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flam mable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and by-standers away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adap – ter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Un modified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electrical shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the OFF-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch ON invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool ON. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Power Tool Use And Care

• Do not force power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use power tool if the switch does not turn it ON and OFF. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack from the power tool RP 342-XL Press Tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s op er ation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Battery Tool Use And Care

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Specific Safety Information

WARNING This section contains important safety information that is specific to this tool. Read these precautions carefully before using the press tool to reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, explosion or serious personal injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

A compartment in the tool carrying case is included to keep this manual with the machine for use by the operator.

Press Tool Safety

• Keep your fingers and hands away from pressing attachments during press cycle. Your fingers or hands can be crushed, fractured or amputated if they become caught between the attachment or between these components and any other object.
• Never attempt to repair damaged pressing attachments (jaws, press ring, actuator, etc.). Discard the entire damaged attachment. An attachment that has been welded, ground, drilled or modified in any manner can shatter during pressing resulting in serious injury. Failure to replace the entire pressing attachment may result in component failure and serious injury.
• Large forces are generated during use that can break or throw parts and cause injury. Stand clear during use and wear appropriate protective equipment, including eye protection.
• Only use RIDGID® Press Tools with appropriate RIDGID or RIDGID approved Pressing attachments (jaws, press rings, actuators, etc.). Other uses or modifying the Press Tools for other applications may damage the press tool, damage the attachments and/or cause personal injury.
• Use proper tool, attachment and fitting combinations. Improper combinations can result in an incomplete joint, which increase the risk of leaks, equipment damage and injury.
• Before operating a RIDGID Press Tool, read and understand:
  • This operator’s manual
  • The attachment instructions
  • The battery/charger manual
  • The fitting manufacturer’s installation instructions
  • The instructions for any other equipment or material used with this tool

Failure to follow all instructions and warnings may result in property damage and/or serious injury.

RIDGID Contact Information
If you have any question concerning this RIDGID product:

• Contact your local RIDGID distributor.

Description

The RIDGID® RP 342-XL Press Tool, when used with appropriate attachments, is designed to mechanically press fittings onto tubing to create a water-tight and permanent seal, such as for plumbing and heating applications. When the run switch on the press tool is depressed, an internal electric motor powers a hydraulic pump which sends fluid into the cylinder of the tool, moving the ram forward and applying force to the attachment, pressing the fitting. The press tool has two configurations that are changed by rotating the tool sleeve. In the “Standard” configuration, the tool can be used with RIDGID Standard Series Press Attachments.

The “Extended” configuration allows use with commercially available Extended Series Press attachments (See Specifications section) approved by RIDGID for use. The press cycle for Standard Series attachments is approximately 4 seconds, and for Extended Series attachments it is approximately 9 seconds. Once the cycle begins to deform a fitting, it will automatically continue until completion, even if the run switch is released. The Tool Status Lights indicate things such as out-of-specification temperature, low battery, or maintenance required. A work light turns on when the run switch is depressed to illuminate the work area. The head can be rotated 270° for better access in tight spaces. The tool comes with two (2) fabric loops that can be used with appropriate attachments such as shoulder straps or tie off lines.

Specifications

• Attachments ……………RIDGID Standard Series
• Stroke Length ………….“Standard” Configuration 1.57″ (40 mm)
• Duty Cycle ………………3 Press /min.
• Ram Force …………….32 kN (7,200 lbs.)
• Motor
  • Voltage ……………….18V DC
  • Amperage ……………27.2 Amp
  • Power …………………490 Watts
• Power Supply ………….RIDGID RB-18XX Series18 V Li-Ion Batter y Pack
• Operating Temperature Range ………………………15° F to 122° F (-10° C to 50° C)
• Weight (no battery/ attachment) ……………….10.8 lbs. (4.9 Kg)
• Height …………………….10.5″ (267 mm)
• Width ……………………..3.35″ (85 mm)
• Length ……………………20.9″ (531 mm)

Standard Equipment
Refer to the RIDGID catalog for details on equipment supplied with specific tool catalog numbers.
NOTICE Selection of appropriate materials and joining methods is the responsibility of the system designer and/or installer. Before any installation is attempted, careful evaluation of the specific service environment, including chemical environment and service temperature, should be completed. Consult Press Fitting System manufacturer for selection information.

Pre-Operation Inspection

Daily before use, inspect your press tool and cor rect any problems to reduce the risk of serious in jury from electric shock, crushing injures, attachment failure and other causes, and prevent tool damage.

1. Remove battery from tool.

2. Clean any oil, grease or dirt from the equipment, especially the handles and controls. This aids inspection and helps to prevent the tool or controls from slipping from your grip.

3. Inspect the press tool for:

   • Proper assembly, maintenance and completeness.
   • Any broken, worn, missing, misaligned or binding parts. Confirm fabric loops are in good condition.
   • Confirm attachment mounting pin moves smoothly between the fully open and fully closed position and locks into each. Confirm that the run switch moves freely and does not bind or stick.
   • Presence and readability of warning label (Figure 2).
   • Any other condition which may prevent safe and normal operation.
     Do not use the press tool until problems have been repaired.

4. Inspect and maintain tool attachments per their instructions. Remove attachment from the tool. Confirm that attachments are in good condition and clearly marked as to use.

5. Inspect and maintain any other equipment being used per its instructions to make sure it is functioning properly.

Set-Up And Operating Instructions

Keep your fingers and hands away from the tool attachment during the press cycle. Your fingers or hands can be crushed, fractured or amputated in the attachment or tool or between the attachment, work piece and other objects. Large forces are generated during product use that can break or throw parts and cause injury. Stand clear during use and wear appropriate protective equipment, including eye protection. Use proper tool, attachment and fitting combinations. Improper combinations can result in an in – complete connection, which increases the risk of leaks, equipment damage and injury. Follow set up and operating instructions to reduce the risk of injury from crushing and other causes and to prevent tool damage.

1. Confirm appropriate work area (See General Power Tool Safety Warnings). Operate in a clear, level, sta ble, dry location. Do not use tool while standing in water.
2. Inspect the work to be done and determine the correct RIDGID tool and attachment for the application per their specifications. Using incorrect equipment for an application can cause injury, damage the tool and make incomplete connections.
3. Confirm all equipment has been inspected and set up as directed in their instructions.

Removing/Installing Attachment

1. Remove battery from tool.
2. Unlock and open the attachment mounting pin by slightly depressing the knob (1) and turning slightly counter-clockwise (2). The pin is spring loaded and will retract, control the pin movement. See Figure 6A.
3. If needed, Change Tool Configuration for the attachment (Extended/Standard).
4. Insert appropriate attachment.
5. Fully close attachment mounting pin. Attachment mounting pin must be fully closed to prevent tool damage during use.
6. Inspect the gap between attachment and sleeve (See Figure 6B ). Do not use tool if gap is greater than 0.39″ (10 mm).

WARNING Excessive gap between the attachment and sleeve can allow access to the tool rollers during use. This increases the risk of crushing injuries. Do not use Standard attachments with tool in Extended configuration.

Changing Tool Configuration (“Extended”/“Standard”)
The RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool can be configured for use with RIDGID Standard or Extended Series attachments (See Specifications for more information). To convert between configurations:

1. Remove any attachment from tool
2. With dry hands, insert a fully charged battery into tool. Depress ON/OFF button to turn tool ON.
3. From “Standard” to “Extended” Configurations– With hands clear of the rollers, depress the run switch to move the rollers forward approximately 1/8″ (3 mm). Rotate the sleeve to align the “Extended” icon arrow with the housing arrow (Figure 7).
4. From “Extended” to “Standard” Configurations – With hands clear of the rollers, depress the run switch to move the rollers forward till the roller housing is past the line on sleeve (see Figure 7B). Rotate the sleeve to align the “Stan dard” icon arrow with the housing arrow (Figure 7).

In the “Extended” configuration, the slots of the sleeve will align with the openings in the housing to allow Extended Series attachments to mount to the tool. In the “Standard” configuration, the sleeve will cover part of the housing openings and prevent the rollers from retracting further than necessary. This will reduce the tool cycle time in the “Standard” configuration. Do not use Standard attachments with tool in “Extended” configuration.

Preparing Connection
NOTICE These instructions are generalized practices for several types of press tool attachments. Always follow the specific instructions for the press tool attachment being used and the fitting manufacturers’ specific installation instructions to reduce the risk of improper press connections and extensive property damage.

1. Prepare the connection according to the fitting manufacturer’s instructions.
2. With dry hands, insert a fully charged battery into tool. Depress ON/OFF button one time to turn tool ON. The green light will turn on. See Figure 5 – Tool Status Lights for any other light. Tool will automatically turn OFF if left unused for ten (10) minutes.

Pressing A Fitting With Typical Scissor Jaws

1. Squeeze jaw arms to open jaws.

2. Place open jaws around fitting (Figure 8). Properly align jaw press profile with contour of the fitting as specified in Fitting Manufacturer’s Installation Instruc – tions. Release jaw arms to close jaws around fitting. Do not hang jaw set from fitting. Tool could unexpectedly drop and cause serious injury or death.

3. Confirm jaw is appropriately placed and square to fitting (Figure 9). Keep fingers and hands away from the jaws to avoid crushing injuries in jaws or between jaws and surroundings. Depress the run switch (Figure 1). Once the tool cycle begins and the rollers contact the jaw arms, the tool will lock-on and automatically complete the cycle. Releasing the switch will not stop the tool once it has locked on. This assures consistent, repeatable press connection integrity.
   If tool must be removed before a connection is completed, depress the pressure release button (Figure

4. Any time release button is depressed, press is NOT complete and the connection must be pressed again to ensure completion. If the tool malfunctions during operation, use this procedure. In case of emergency, release run switch and depress pressure release button.

5. Release the run switch.

6. Squeeze jaw arms to open jaws.

7. Remove jaw from fitting. Avoid sharp edges that may have formed on fitting during pressing operation.

8. When operation is complete, depress ON/OFF button one time to turn tool OFF. Remove battery from tool.

Pressing A Fitting With Typical Actuator And Press Ring Set

1. Open ring and place around fitting. Properly align ring press profile with contour of the fitting as specified in Fitting Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions. Release ring to close around fitting.
2. Confirm appropriate actuator is installed in tool. Squeeze actuator arms to open the actuator tips. Align actuator tips with ring. Release actuator arms and fully engage actuator into ring (Figure 11). Misaligning actuator to ring can damage the ring or actuator during pressing. Do not hang tool and actuator from press ring. Tool could unexpectedly drop and cause serious injury or death.
3. Confirm ring is appropriately placed and square to fitting. Keep fingers and hands away from the actuator and ring to avoid crushing injuries in attachment or between attachment and surroundings. Depress the run switch. Once the tool cycle begins and the rollers contact the jaw arms, the tool will lock-on and automatically complete the cycle. Releasing the switch will not stop the tool once it has locked on. This assures consistent, repeatable press connection integrity.
4. If tool must be removed before a connection is completed, depress the pressure release button (Figure
5. Any time release button is depressed, press is NOT complete and the connection must be pressed again to ensure completion. If the tool malfunctions during operation, use this procedure. In case of emergency, release run switch and depress release button.
6. Release the run switch.
7. Squeeze actuator arms to open actuator. Remove actuator from fitting.
8. Remove ring from fitting. Avoid sharp edges that may have formed on fitting during pressing operation.
9. When operation is complete, depress ON/OFF button one time to turn tool OFF. Remove battery from tool.

Inspecting The Pressed Connection

1. Inspect the pressed fitting for:

   • Full insertion of tube into fitting.
   • Excessive misalignment of the tubes. A slight amount of misalignment at a pressed connection is considered normal.
   • Incorrect attachment alignment with the fitting contour. Distorted or deformed fitting.
   • Any other issues per the fitting manufacturer. This could include the removal of a control ring or decal (used to indicate the connection has not yet been pressed).
     If any issues are found, remove fitting and install a new connection.

2. Test connection in accordance with fitting manufacturer instructions, normal practice and applicable codes.

Storage
Remove battery from tool. Store press tool and battery in case. Avoid storing in extreme heat or cold. The tool will not turn ON if the tool is outside the specification range. This will be indicated by the tool status lights. (See Figure 5.)
WARNING Store tool in a dry, secured, locked area that is out of reach of children and people unfamiliar with the Press Tools. The tool is dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

Maintenance Instructions

WARNING Make sure battery is removed from tool before performing maintenance or making any adjustment.

Cleaning And Lubrication

1. Wipe the tool clean daily with a clean dry cloth.
2. Inspect the attachment mounting pin and lubricate the pin with silicone lubricant as needed.
3. Check return springs in attachments with each use. Attachments should open and close freely with only moderate finger effort required.

Required Maintenance By RIDGID Authorized Independent Service Center
The RP 342-XL Press Tool must be serviced at set intervals by a RIDGID Authorized Independent Service Center to ensure proper operation. This will be indicated by a tool status light (See Figure 5).

Service And Repair
WARNING Improper service or repair can make machine unsafe to operate.

Service and repair on the RP 342-XL Press Tool must be performed by a RIDGID Authorized Independent Press Tool Service Center.
For information on your nearest RIDGID Authorized Independent Service Center or any service or repair questions see Contact Information section in this manual.

Troubleshooting

Optional Equipment

WARNING To reduce the risk of serious injury, only use equipment specifically designed and recommended for use with the RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool, such as listed below.

Battery and Adapter Packs

Chargers and Cords
Ridge Tool Company provides Standard series press attachments designed specifically for use with RIDGID Standard Press Tools. Only use attachments that are specifically designed to press the fitting system you are installing. For a complete listing of RIDGID equipment available for these tools, see the Ridge Tool Catalog online at Contact Information.

Disposal
Parts of these tools contain valuable materials and can be recycled. There are companies that specialize in recycling that may be found locally. Dispose of the components in compliance with all applicable regulations. Contact your local waste management authority for more information. For EC Countries: Do not dispose of electrical equipment with household waste!
According to the European Guideline 2012/ – 19/ EU for Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment and its implementation into national legislation, electrical equipment that is no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

The term electromagnetic compatibility is taken to mean the capability of the product to function smoothly in an environment where electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic discharges are present and without causing electromagnet interference to other equipment.
NOTICE These tools conform to all applicable EMC standards. However, the possibility of them causing interference in other devices cannot be precluded. All EMC related standards that have been tested are called out in the tool’s technical document.

1.888.610.7664
www.calcert.com
sales@calcert.com

References

• Calcert

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