shop vac P11S Wet-Dry Vacuum User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: shop vac

Table of Contents

P11S Wet-Dry Vacuum
Product Information
Important Safety Instructions:
Product Usage Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY
SET UP AND OPERATION
FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
FIVE YEAR INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL MOTOR WARRANTY
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

P11S Wet-Dry Vacuum

shop vac-P11S Wet-Dry-Vacuum-PRODUCT-IMAGE

Product Information

Series: P11S P12S

User Manual:

Commercial/Industrial Use
WET/DRY VACUUM

Important Safety Instructions:

Never operate this unit when flammable materials or vapors are present because electrical devices produce arcs or sparks that can cause a fire or explosion.
Never operate unattended.
When using an electric appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including reading all instructions before use.

Product Usage Instructions

Unpacking

Remove the vacuum from the packaging.
Ensure all parts are present.

Assembly

Attach the hose to the vacuum.
Attach the extension wands to the hose.
Attach the floor nozzle to the end of the extension wands.
Attach the desired tool to the end of the hose or extension wands.

Set Up and Operation

Plug the vacuum into a properly grounded outlet.
Turn on the vacuum.
Vacuum up debris using the desired tool.
When finished, turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the outlet.

Filter Installation and Maintenance:

Remove the filter from the vacuum.
Clean or replace the filter as needed.
Reinstall the filter into the vacuum.

Blower Feature:

Attach the hose to the exhaust port.
Turn on the vacuum to use it as a blower.

Empty Liquid Waste From the Tank:

Unplug the vacuum from the outlet.
Remove the tank from the vacuum.
Empty the liquid waste from the tank.
Reattach the tank to the vacuum.

Automatic Suction Shut Off:

If liquid reaches a certain level in the tank, the automatic suction shut off will activate to prevent overflow.
Unplug the vacuum and empty the tank before continuing use.

Lubrication:

Apply lubricant to moving parts as needed.

Storage:

Unplug the vacuum and wrap the cord around it.
Store it in a dry, safe location.

Service:

If the vacuum is damaged or not working properly, contact Shop-Vac Corporation for assistance.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter any issues with the vacuum, refer to the
troubleshooting section in the user manual.

Warranty and Contact Information:

Refer to the warranty and contact information section in the user manual for details on product warranty and how to contact Shop-Vac Corporation.

TOOLS NEEDED

Safety Glasses
Flathead Screwdriver

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electric appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE.

WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY:

Do not leave appliance when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See Grounding Instructions.
Do not expose to rain – store indoors.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
Use only as described in this manual. Use only Manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water, contact Shop-Vac Corporation for assistance.
Do Not: pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug; not the cord.
Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce air ﬂow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, ﬁngers and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot ashes.
Do not use without dust bag and/or ﬁlters in place.
Turn off all controls before unplugging.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not use to pick up ﬂammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas where they may be present.
Do not use your cleaner as a sprayer of ﬂammable liquids such as oil base paints, lacquers, household cleaners, etc.
Do not vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, combustible or other hazardous materials such as asbestos, arsenic, barium, beryllium, lead, pesticides or other health endangering materials. Specially designed units are available for these purposes.
Do not pick up soot, cement, plaster or drywall dust without cartridge ﬁlter and collection ﬁlter bag in place. These are very ﬁne particles that may pass through the foam and affect the performance of the motor or be exhausted back into the air. Additional collection ﬁlter bags are available.
Do not leave the cord lying on the ﬂoor once you have ﬁnished the cleaning job. It can become a tripping hazard.
Use special care when emptying heavily loaded tanks.
To avoid spontaneous combustion, empty tank after each use.
The operation of a utility vacant result in foreign objects being blown into eyes, which can result in eye damage. Always wear safety goggles when operating vacuum.
STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use vacuum cleaner when you are tired, distracted or under the inﬂuence of drugs, alcohol or medication causing diminished control.
WARNING! Do NOT use this vacuum cleaner to vacuum lead paint debris because this may disperse ﬁne lead particles into the air. This vacuum cleaner is not intended for use under EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 745 for lead paint material cleanup.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – DO NOT LEAVE VACUUM UNATTENDED WHEN IT IS PLUGGED IN AND/OR OPERATING. UNPLUG UNIT WHEN NOT IN USE.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding 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 APPLIANCE – IF IT WILL NOT FIT THE OUTLET, HAVE A PROPER OUTLET INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
This appliance is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit, and has a grounded plug that looks like the plug illustrated in sketch A. A temporary adaptor that looks like the adaptor illustrated in sketches B and C may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle as shown in sketch B if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adaptor should be used only until a properly grounded outlet (sketch A) can be installed by a qualiﬁed electrician. The green colored rigid ear, lug or the like extending from the adaptor must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box cover. Whenever the adaptor is used, it must be held in place by a metal screw.
IN CANADA, THE USE OF A TEMPORARY ADAPTOR IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE. Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same conﬁguration as the plug. No adaptor should be used with this appliance.

shop-vac-BLB450-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-04

EXTENSION CORDS
When using the appliance at a distance where an extension cord becomes necessary, a 3-conductor grounding cord of adequate size must be used for safety, and to prevent loss of power and overheating. Use Table A to determine A.W.G. wire size required. To determine ampere rating of your vacuum, refer to nameplate located on motor housing. Before using appliance, inspect power cord for loose or exposed wires and damaged insulation. Make any needed repairs or replacements before using your appliance. Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords which have three prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles which accept the extension cord’s plug. When vacuuming liquids, be sure the extension cord connection does not come in contact with the liquid.
NOTE: STATIC SHOCKS ARE COMMON IN DRY AREAS OR WHEN THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF THE AIR IS LOW. THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY AND DOES NOT AFFECT THE USE OF THE APPLIANCE. TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF STATIC SHOCKS IN YOUR HOME, THE BEST REMEDY IS TO ADD MOISTURE TO THE AIR WITH A CONSOLE OR INSTALLED HUMIDIFIER.
TABLE A

Volts	Total length of cord in feet
120V	25
Ampere Rating More Not More Than Than	AWG

0 – 6

6 – 10

10 – 12

| 18

18

| 16

16

| 16

14

| 14

12

Not recommended

UNPACKING
Pull lid latches in an outward motion, remove tank cover and any accessories that may have been shipped in the tank. Refer to the assembly section before replacing the tank cover.

ASSEMBLY

CASTER SYSTEM
You will ﬁnd four caster feet, four casters and four screws with your vacuum. Assemble as follows:

With cord disconnected from receptacle and tank cover removed, turn tank upside down so that bottom is facing up.
With front of tank facing you, take caster feet marked with the letter A and place in slots on left front and right rear of tank also marked with the letter A. Secure with screws provided.
Take caster feet marked with the letter B and place in slots on right front and left rear of tank also marked with the letter B. Secure with screws provided.
If ﬂat washers are included in hardware package place ﬂat washer over stem of caster before installing casters into feet.
NOTE: Flat washers are not required with all units.
Insert casters into feet by placing stem of caster into holes provided. Apply Caster pressure and twisting motion until casters snap into place. Return tank to upright position.

METAL TANK WITH CASTER DOLLY

You will ﬁnd four casters with your vacuum. Assemble as follows:

With cord disconnected from receptacle and tank cover removed, turn tank upside down so that bottom is facing up.
Insert casters into bottom of dolly by placing stem of caster into holes provided. Apply pressure and twisting motion until casters snap into place. Return tank to upright position.

SIDE TANK HANDLES FOR METAL TANK
If your unit came with side tank handles, attach handles to tank with screws provided.

SET UP AND OPERATION

DANGER – This equipment incorporates parts such as switches, motors or the like that tend to produce arcs or sparks that can cause an explosion. Do not pick up ﬂammable, combustible, or hot materials. Do not use around explosive liquids or vapors, as electrical devices produce arcs or sparks which can cause a ﬁre or explosion – do not use at ﬁlling stations or anywhere gasoline is stored or dispensed.

Refer to the ﬁlter installation and maintenance section to make sure the correct ﬁlters are installed for your cleaning operation.
Replace tank cover. Make sure each latch or clamp is secured over the raised area of the tank cover. Failure to properly secure the latches could cause the tank cover to release from the tank.
Insert machine hose end with locking nut into inlet located in the front of the tank. Turn locking nut to tighten. Do not over-tighten.
Attach the desired cleaning accessory onto the accessory end of the hose.
NOTE: Many more useful tools are available at your local dealer or the Shop-Vac® website.
Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use.
I = ON, O = OFF

ACCESSORIES, HOSES AND WANDS
All Shop-Vac® vacuums covered in this manual come with accessories to cover wet and dry cleanup jobs. Not all vacs include all accessories shown.

Nozzles and Accessories shop vac-P11S Wet-Dry-
Vacuum-04

FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

FILTRATION SYSTEM
There are a variety of ﬁlters available for your vacuum. There are cage ﬁlters that install onto the underside of the tank cover and tank ﬁlters that install into the tank. The ﬁlters are grouped into three ﬁltration categories. General ﬁltration is used for large debris; such as, wood chips, nails and gravel. Medium ﬁltration is used for medium debris; such as, dirt, sand and sawdust. Fine ﬁltration is used for ﬁne debris; such as drywall dust, cold ash and cement dust. It is important to have the correct ﬁlters installed for your cleaning operation to protect your vacuum motor. THE MOST EFFICIENT FILTRATION FOR YOUR VACUUM IS A FINE FILTRATION CAGE FILTER WITH A FINE FILTRATION TANK FILTER.
NOTE: When using the vacuum to pick up very ﬁne dust. It will be necessary to empty the tank and clean the cage ﬁlter at more frequent intervals to maintain maximum pick up power or add a disposable ﬁlter bag.

DRY PICK UP OPERATION
NOTE: Never use the vacuum for dry pick up without a dry use ﬁlter installed. Using the vacuum without a ﬁlter will cause dust to discharge from the blower port and cause damage to the motor.

WARNING – ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.
Follow the instructions for the ﬁlter that came with your vacuum. Some ﬁlters mentioned do not come standard with all vacuums. Additional ﬁlters are available at your local dealer or the Shop-Vac® website.

CARTRIDGE FILTER
The cartridge ﬁlter can be used for dry pick up and small quantities of wet pick up. Installation is the same for both. When picking up ﬁne dust or powders a high efﬁciency ﬁlter bag must be used with the cartridge ﬁlter.

If a foam sleeve is installed on the lid cage, remove it by sliding it off the lid cage.
NOTE: If the cartridge ﬁlter has been used for wet pick up, it must be cleaned and dried before using it for dry pick up.
With the tank cover in an upside down position, slide the cartridge down over the lid cage, pushing until the ﬁlter seals against the cover.
Place the ﬁlter retainer into the top of the cartridge ﬁlter. Hold the tank cover with one hand, turn the handle on the ﬁlter retainer clockwise to lock the ﬁlter into place.
To remove the ﬁlter for cleaning, hold the tank cover and turn the ﬁlter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove.
Slide the cartridge ﬁlter off the lid cage.
For standard cartridge ﬁlters and Ultra-Web® cartridge ﬁlters, clean the ﬁlter by shaking or gently brushing off excess dirt. Extremely dirty ﬁlters may be cleaned with water by rinsing from the inside of the ﬁlter. Dry completely (approximately 24 hours).
For CleanStream® Abrasive Resistant cartridge ﬁlter, tap end cap against hard surface to loosen debris. Additional debris can be removed by rinsing outside surface of the ﬁlter with running water. Avoid dampening inside of ﬁlter. Completely air dry after washing.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT BRUSH. DO NOT clean ﬁlter with abrasive materials or scrub between pleats. This will permanently damage the ﬁlters ability to stop dust.
Check the ﬁlter for tears or small holes. If none are found, reinstall the ﬁlter. To prevent damage to your vacuum, do not use a ﬁlter with a hole or tear.

NOTICE – This ﬁlter is made of high quality paper designed to stop small particles of dust. The ﬁlter can be used for wet or dry pick up. A dry ﬁlter is necessary to pick up dry material. If you use your vac to pick up dust when the ﬁlter is wet, the ﬁlter will clog quickly and be very difﬁcult to clean. The ﬁlter may become saturated when picking up large quantities of liquid causing misting to appear in the exhaust air. At this time, you should dry or change the ﬁlter to eliminate this occurrence. Please handle the ﬁlter carefully when removing it for cleaning or when installing it. Check the ﬁlter for tears or small holes. Even a small hole can cause dust to be exhausted. Do not use a ﬁlter with holes or tears. Replace it immediately.

WARNING – KEEP FILTERS CLEAN. EFFICIENCY OF THE VACUUM IS LARGELY DEPENDENT ON THE FILTER. A CLOGGED FILTER CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE CLEANER. CHECK THE FILTER PERIODICALLY AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED.

DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG
Use the disposable ﬁlter bag in conjunction with the cartridge ﬁlter for easy disposal of the debris. The bag is not required for normal dry pick up. When picking up ﬁne dust or powders a high efﬁciency ﬁlter bag must be used. NOTE: For dry use only.

Make sure the cord is disconnected from the receptacle, tank cover is removed and the hose is disconnected from tank inlet.
Grasp the cardboard collar ﬁrmly and slide rubber guard onto inlet ﬁtting as far as possible.
When secured in place, expand the ﬁlter bag and position around the inside of the tank.

WARNING – FOR FINE DUST AND POWDERS.
When vacuuming ﬁne dust, or powders of any kind (plaster, drywall dust, cold ashes, concrete dust, etc.) a high efﬁciency drywall ﬁlter bag must be used. When vacuuming normal household dust and debris, standard household disposable ﬁlter bags may be used.

WET PICK UP OPERATION

Your vacuum can be used for wet pick up. Remove ALL dirt and debris found in the tank. Remove all dry use ﬁlters, including the ﬁlter bag, from the vacuum.
A clean cartridge ﬁlter may be used to pick up small quantities of liquid. To use the cartridge ﬁlter; follow the instructions under dry pick up.
For vacuuming large quantities of liquid use a foam sleeve. If a foam sleeve did not come standard with your unit, one may be purchased at your local dealer, the Shop-Vac® website or by contacting Shop-Vac® customer service. To use the foam sleeve; follow the instructions in this section.
Misting in the exhaust air or dripping of liquid around the tank cover may occur if the ﬁlter becomes saturated during wet pick up. If this occurs, remove the ﬁlter and allow to dry, or replace with another dry ﬁlter.
Turn the unit off immediately upon completing a wet pick up job or when tank is full and ready to be emptied. When the tank is full, suction will drastically reduce. Refer to the automatic suction shut
off section for more information. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. Follow the instructions in the emptying liquid waste section.
Before storing the vacuum cleaner or using for dry pick up, clean and dry the interior of the tank and the underside of the tank cover. Clean and allow the ﬁlters to dry completely.
Wet pick up accessories should be washed periodically; especially after picking up wet, sticky kitchen accidents. This can be accomplished with a warm solution of soap and water.

FOAM SLEEVE

With the tank cover in an upside down position, slide the foam sleeve down over the lid cage, pulling until foam sleeve completely covers the lid cage.
To clean the foam sleeve, slide it up and off the lid cage. Shake excess debris off of the foam sleeve with a rapid up and down movement.
Hold foam sleeve under running water for a couple minutes, rinsing from the inside of the ﬁlter. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the ﬁlter.
Check the ﬁlter for tears. If any are found, replace with a new ﬁlter.

BLOWER FEATURE
Your vacuum can be used as a powerful blower. To use the blower feature, clear the hose of any debris or obstructions.
For vacuums with a blower port cover (not standard on all models), unscrew blower port cover located on the back of tank cover. The blower port cover is equipped with a retaining strap to prevent loss of the cover.
NOTE: For maximum performance when vacuuming, remove the blower port cover.
Insert machine hose end into blower port located on the back of the tank cover.
Twist the hose end slightly to tighten the connection. Caution should be used when using as a blower due to the powerful force of air when using certain attachments.

WARNING – ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION TO PREVENT ROCKS OR DEBRIS FROM BEING BLOWN OR RICOCHETING INTO THE EYES OR FACE WHICH CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY..

EMPTYING LIQUID WASTE FROM THE TANK
To empty liquid waste from the tank, turn the vacuum off and remove the plug from the wall outlet. Remove the drain cap and deposit the liquid waste in a suitable drain. Use side carry handles for lifting vac when draining tank into drains that are located above ﬂoor level. After the tank is empty, return the drain cap to it’s original position.

AUTOMATIC SUCTION SHUT OFF
The vacuum is equipped with an automatic suction shut-off that operates when picking up liquids. As the level of the liquid rises in the tank, an internal ﬂoat rises until it seats itself against a seal at the intake of the motor, shutting off suction. When this happens, the motor will develop a higher than normal pitch noise and the suction is drastically reduced. If this occurs, turn unit off immediately. Failure to turn unit off after ﬂoat rises and shuts off suction will result in extensive damage to the motor. To continue use, empty the liquid waste from the tank as outlined in the previous section.
NOTE: IF ACCIDENTALLY TIPPED OVER, THE VACUUM COULD LOSE SUCTION, IF THIS OCCURS, TURN UNIT OFF AND PLACE VAC IN UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS WILL ALLOW THE FLOAT TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATION.

LUBRICATION
No lubrication is necessary as the motor is equipped with lifetime lubricated bearings.
STORAGE
Before storing your vacuum the tank should be emptied and cleaned. Never allow liquids to sit in the tank for any extended period of time. The vacuum should be stored indoors.

SERVICE
Do not attempt to service your Shop-Vac® wet/dry vacuum cleaner beyond that described in this manual. Refer all other servicing to a qualiﬁed service center.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION
Parts/accessories missing	1. Packed in tank	1. Check in tank
Vacuum cleaner will not start

No power at receptacle
Defective switch
**** Defective motor

|

Check for power
Contact Shop-Vac® customer service
Contact Shop-Vac® customer service

Dust discharging from exhaust|

Filter not installed/not installed properly
Filter damaged
Filter clogged or dust is too fine
Filter not functional

| 1. Properly install filter
| 2. Replace filter

3. Use more efficient filter

4. Clean or replace filter

Loss of suction|

Loose hose connection
Filter clogged
Full tank
Hole in hose

|

Tighten hose connection
Clean or replace filter
Empty tank
Replace hose

Static shock|

Dry environment
Relative humidity of air is low

|

Add moisture to air (if practical, use a console or installed humidifier).
This situation is temporary and does not affect the use of the vacuum cleaner.

WARNING – IF ANY OF THE MOTOR HOUSING PARTS SHOULD BECOME DETACHED OR BROKEN, EXPOSING THE MOTOR OR ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, OPERATION SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VACUUM. REPAIRS SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE REUSING THE VACUUM.

FIVE YEAR INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL MOTOR WARRANTY

Five year limited warranty
Shop-Vac® Corporation warrants the vacuum cleaner motor contained in this package for ﬁve years from date of purchase to correct by repair or parts replacement without charge any motor defect due to faulty material or workmanship. This warranty only covers the motor and does not cover accessories or any other components. Use of non-recommended ﬁlters and/or accessories may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Shop-Vac® assumes no responsibility for damage or faulty performance caused by misuse, careless handling, and where repairs or modiﬁcations have been made. Do not attempt to service your vacuum beyond that described in the User Manual. Proof of purchase date is required. The warranty gives you speciﬁc legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province. This warranty is void outside of the United States and Canada.
Customers in the United States: for product service contact Shop-Vac® Corporation Customer Service, at 570-326-3557 or go to www.shopvac.com/support. Visit www.shopvac.com for your vacuum’s parts list schematic..

Customers in Canada: for product service return the complete unit, (transportation prepaid), to the Authorized Shop-Vac® Service Centre nearest you. Visit www.shopvac.ca for a complete list of authorized service centres in your area.
Customers in Mexico: for product service see paperwork that came with your unit.

SHOP-VAC CORPORATION
2323 Reach Road, P.O. Box 3307 Williamsport, PA 17701-0307 570-326-3557
www.shopvac.com

SHOP-VAC CANADA
1770 Appleby Line
Burlington, Ontario L7L 5P8
905-335-9730 www.shopvac.ca

Shop Vac-México, S.A. de C.V.
Paseo de los Adobes 1081-3
Fraccionamiento Guadalajara Technology Park Zapopan, Jalisco, México C.P. 45019

Patents Issued and Pending.

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