BOSCH UniversalVac 15 Home and Garden Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner Instruction Manual

October 30, 2023
Bosch

BOSCH-LOGO

UniversalVac 15 Home and Garden Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Product Information

The product is a wet and dry vacuum cleaner with two variants: UniversalVac 15 and AdvancedVac 20. It is manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, located in Stuttgart, Germany. The product is designed to be used for both home and professional cleaning purposes. The vacuum cleaner has a maximum power output of 2000W (1800W for UK), a dust bag volume of 11.8 liters (16.8 liters for AdvancedVac 20), and a maximum vacuum pressure of 240mbar (260mbar for AdvancedVac 20). It comes with a start/stop automatic feature, and its weight ranges from 6.9kg to 7.6kg depending on the variant.

Product Usage Instructions

Assembly

Saugschlauch montieren: To assemble the vacuum cleaner, insert the suction hose (16) into the hose holder (3) and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Operation

Inbetriebnahme: Before use, ensure that the voltage of the power source matches the voltage specified on the vacuum cleaner’s rating plate.

Cleaning

Staubbeutel wechseln/einsetzen (Trockensaugen): To change/insert the dust bag for dry cleaning, refer to images C1-C3 in the user manual.

Safety Precautions
Ensure that children do not play with the vacuum cleaner. Do not use the vacuum cleaner for purposes other than those specified in the user manual. If operating in a wet environment, use a residual current device to reduce the risk of electric shock. Only qualified personnel should repair the vacuum cleaner using original replacement parts.

Safety information for vacuum cleaners

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

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

  • This vacuum cleaner is not intended for use by children or persons with physical, sensory or mental impairments. It should not be used by persons who have insufficient experience and knowledge. Other-wise, there is a risk of operating errors and injuries.

  • Supervise children. This will ensure that children do not play with the vacuum cleaner.
    WARNING Do not vacuum any harmful substances, e.g. beech or oak wood dust, rock dust or asbestos. These substances are considered carcinogenic. Make sure you inform yourself about the applicable regulations/laws on how to handle harmful types of dust in your country.

  • Only use the vacuum cleaner if you have been adequately informed about how to use it. Thorough instruction on how to use the equipment prevents accidental misuse and injuries.
    WARNING The vacuum cleaner is suitable for vacuuming dry substances, and can also be used to vacuum liquids when taking appropriate measures. The penetration of liquids increases the risk of an electric shock.

  • Do not use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum combustible or explosive liquids, such as petrol, oil, alcohol or solvents. Do not vacuum hot, burning or explosive dust. Do not operate the vacuum cleaner in areas sub-ject to explosion hazards. Dust, vapors and liquids can ignite or explode.
    WARNING If you notice a foam or water leak, switch off the vacuum cleaner immediately and empty the container. Otherwise, the vacuum cleaner can become damaged.

  • NOTE: The vacuum cleaner must only be stored in-doors.

  • NOTE: Clean the float regularly and check whether it is damaged. Otherwise, the equipment may not function properly.

  • If operating the vacuum cleaner in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD). Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

  • Always check the vacuum cleaner, cable and plug be-fore use. Do not use the vacuum cleaner if you dis-cover any damage. Do not open the vacuum cleaner yourself. It should be repaired exclusively by a qualified professional using only genuine spare parts. Dam-aged vacuum cleaners, cables and plugs increase the risk of electric shock.

  • Do not crush the cable or run the device over it. Do not pull on the power cable to pull the plug out of the socket or to move the vacuum cleaner. Damaged cables increase the risk of an electric shock.

  • Pull the plug out of the socket before cleaning or per-forming maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or putting away the vacuum cleaner. This safety measure prevents the vacuum cleaner from being started accidentally.

  • Ensure that the workplace is well ventilated.

  • The vacuum cleaner should be repaired exclusively by a qualified professional using only genuine spare parts. This will ensure that the safety of the vacuum cleaner is maintained.

  • Before using the equipment for the first time, check that the vacuum hose is in perfect condition. Leave the vacuum hose fitted to the vacuum cleaner while doing this so that no dust escapes accidentally. Other-wise, you may end up inhaling dust particles.

  • Do not sit on the vacuum cleaner. You can damage the vacuum cleaner this way.

  • Take care when using the power cable and the vacuum hose. Improper use of these can put other people at risk.

  • Do not clean the vacuum cleaner by spraying a jet of water directly at it. Water entering the top of the vacuum cleaner will increase the risk of electric shock.

  • Connect the dust extractor to a properly earthed power supply system. The plug socket and extension cable must have a fully functioning protective conductor.

Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with an BS 1363/A approved electric plug with internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362).
If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an authorised customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug.
The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

  • Do not leave the dust extractor running permanently; it is not designed to be used as an extraction unit.

Additional Safety Information (AdvancedVac 20)

WARNING
Only use the socket for the purpose stipulated in the operating manual.

Symbols
Symbols and their meaning

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Product description and specifications

Intended use
The vacuum cleaner is intended for vacuuming/extracting and blowing non- hazardous materials, as well as for vacuuming/extracting non-flammable liquids.
The dust extractor is intended only for private use and not for commercial use.
Only use the dust extractor if you can fully evaluate all functions and carry them out without restrictions, or if you have received corresponding instructions.
The plug socket must only be used in dry conditions during operation.

Product features
The numbering of the product features refers to the representation of the vacuum cleaner on the graphic pages.

  1. Container
  2. Drainage opening for liquids (AdvancedVac 20)
  3. Hose adapter for vacuuming function
  4. Socket for power tool (AdvancedVac 20)
  5. Mode selector switch (AdvancedVac 20)
  6. On/off switch (UniversalVac 15)
  7. Carrying handle
  8. Top part of dust extractor
  9. Catch for top part of dust extractor
  10. Castor
  11. Castor brake
  12. Vacuum hose holder
  13. Holder for crevice nozzle
  14. Holder for floor nozzle
  15. Holder for suction tube
  16. Holder for curved nozzle/dust extraction adapter
  17. Vacuum hose
  18. Dust extraction adapter
  19. Curved nozzle
  20. Crevice nozzle
  21. Suction tube
  22. Floor nozzle
  23. Brush insertsa) (AdvancedVac 20)
  24. Rubber lipa) (AdvancedVac 20)
  25. Rubber lip/brush insertsa) (UniversalVac 15)
  26. Hose adapter for blowing function
  27. Exhaust air cover
  28. Snap fastener
  29. Connection flange
  30. Dust baga)
  31. Release buttons for rubber lip/brush inserts
  32. False air intake
  33. Textile filter
  34. Filter
  35. Filter holder
  36. Filter basket
  37. Permanent filter
  38. Cable holder
  39. Retaining strap

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Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical data

Wet/dry vacuum cleaner                  UniversalVac 15   AdvancedVac 20

Article number 3 603 CD1 1.. 3 603 CD1 2..
Rated power input W 1000 1200
Frequency Hz 50–60 50–60
Container volume (gross) l 15 20
Net volume (liquid) l 8.5 13.5
Dust bag volume l 11.8 16.8
Max. vacuum in turbine mbar 240 260
Max. flow rate of turbine l/s 65 70
Automatic start/stop
Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01:2014 kg 6.9 7.6
Protection class / II /I
Protection rating IPX4 IPX4
Mains plug Switzerland protection rating IP55 IP55

The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.

Automatic start/stop

Rated voltage Maximum power Minimum power

EU/AUS 220–240 V 2000 W 100 W
UK 220–240 V 1800 W 100 W

A) Permitted connected load of the connected power tool (country-specific)

Assembly

  • Pull the plug out of the socket before cleaning or per-forming maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or putting away the vacuum cleaner. This safety measure prevents the vacuum cleaner from being started accidentally.

Fitting the vacuum hose
Extraction Function (see figure A1).
Insert the vacuum hose (16) into the hose adapter (3) and turn it clockwise as far as possible.

Blowing Function (see figure A2)

  • The vacuum cleaner has a blowing function. Do not blow exhaust air out into the open air. Only use the blowing function with a clean hose. Dust can be hazardous to health.
    • Switch on the vacuum cleaner for at least 5 seconds (on/off switch (5)/mode selector switch (5) set to the “vacuum” symbol) to clean the vacuum hose (16) of dust de-posits.
    • Turn the vacuum hose (16) anticlockwise as far as possible and pull it out of the hose adapter (3).
    • Open the exhaust air cover (26).
    • Insert the vacuum hose (16) into the hose adapter (25) and turn it clockwise as far as possible.

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Fitting the Extraction Accessories
The vacuum hose (16) is equipped with a clip system which can be used to connect vacuuming accessories (dust extraction adapter (17), curved nozzle (18)).

Fitting the Dust Extraction Adapter or Curved Nozzle (see figure B)
Fit the dust extraction adapter (17) or the curved nozzle (18) to the vacuum hose (16) until the two snap fasteners (27) on the vacuum hose audibly click into place.
To remove the adapter, press the snap fasteners (27) in-wards and pull apart the components.

Fitting the nozzles and tubes

  • Then attach the required vacuum accessory (floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, suction tube, etc.) firmly to the curved nozzle (18) or to the dust extraction adapter (17).

Changing/inserting the dust bag (dry vacuuming) (see figure C1–C3)
To vacuum dry dirt, you can insert a dust bag (accessory). This makes the dust easier to dispose of.

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Replacing/Inserting Dust Bag (Accessories)
Open the catches (8) and remove the top part of the dust extractor (7).

  • Pull the full dust bag (29) backwards out of the connection flange (28) and remove it from the vacuum cleaner.
  • Place the new dust bag over the vacuum cleaner’s connection flange. Make sure that the entire length of the dust bag touches the inside wall of the container (1).
  • Put the top part of the vacuum cleaner (7) on and close the catches (8).

Replacing the inserts for the floor nozzle (see figures D1–D2)
Depending on the vacuuming application (dry, wet, carpet, etc.), you can clip various inserts (rubber lip, brush inserts) into the floor nozzle (21).

  • Press the release buttons (30) on the floor nozzle (21) to release the insert from the floor nozzle.
  • Clip the required insert (22)/(23)/(24) into the floor nozzle .

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Operation

  • Pull the plug out of the socket before cleaning or per-forming maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or putting away the vacuum cleaner. This safety measure prevents the vacuum cleaner from being started accidentally.

Start-up

  • Pay attention to the mains voltage. The voltage of the power source must correspond with the data on the type plate of the vacuum cleaner.

The dust extractor must categorically not be used in potentially explosive areas.
To ensure optimum suction power, you must always fully unwind the vacuum hose (16) from the top part of the dust extractor (7).

  • Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a residual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current of 30 mA or less.
  • Do not use damaged filters (e.g. no cracks, small holes, etc.). Replace any damaged filters immediately.

Dry Vacuuming
Extracting Dust Deposits UniversalVac 15

  • To switch on the vacuum cleaner, set the on/off switch (5) to the “vacuum” symbol.
  • To switch off the vacuum cleaner, set the on/off switch (5) to the “switch off” symbol.

AdvancedVac 20

  • To switch on the dust extractor, set the mode selector switch (5) to the “extraction” symbol.
  • To switch off the dust extractor, set the mode selector switch (5) to the “switch off” symbol.

Extracting Dust that Accumulates from Working Power Tools (see figure E)

  • Mount the dust extraction adapter (17).
  • Insert the dust extraction adapter (17) into the extraction outlet of the power tool.

Note: When working with power tools that have a low air feed into the vacuum hose (e.g. jigsaws, sanders, etc.), the false air intake (31) of the vacuum hose (16) must be opened. This will improve the total output of the dust ex-tractor and the power tool.
To do this, turn the ring above the false air intake (31) until the opening is at its maximum size.

BOSCH-UniversalVac-15-Home-and-Garden-Wet-and-Dry-09

AdvancedVac 20
The dust extractor has a plug socket with a protective earth contact (4) that can be used to connect an external power tool. Observe the maximum permitted connected load of the connected power tool.

  • To activate the automatic start/stop function of the vacuum cleaner, set the mode selector switch (5) to the “automatic start/stop” symbol.
  • To start the dust extractor, switch on the power tool connected to the plug socket (4). The dust extractor will start automatically.
  • To stop dust extraction, switch the power tool off. The automatic start/stop run-on function will run for up to 6 seconds longer in order to extract the remaining dust from the vacuum hose.
  • To switch off the dust extractor, set the mode selector switch (5) to the “switch off” symbol. 0

Wet Extraction

  • Do not use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum combustible or explosive liquids, such as petrol, oil, alcohol or solvents. Do not vacuum hot, burning or explosive dust. Do not operate the vacuum cleaner in areas subject to explosion hazards. Dust, vapours and liquids can ignite or explode.BOSCH-UniversalVac-15-Home-and-Garden-Wet-and-Dry-16
  • The vacuum cleaner must not be used as a water pump. The vacuum cleaner is designed for vacuuming air and vacuuming water mixtures.
  • Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the dust extractor.

Steps to Take before Wet Extraction

  • Open the catches (8) and remove the top part of the dust extractor (7).
  • Before vacuuming wet dirt, remove the dust bag (29) and textile filter (32), and empty the container (1).
  • Clean the filter (33).
  • Replace the top part of the vacuum cleaner (7) and close the catches (8).
  • AdvancedVac 20: Fit the rubber lip (23) in the floor nozzle (21).

Vacuuming up Liquids
The vacuum cleaner is fitted with a float. The suction power is reduced when the maximum fill level is reached. Switch the vacuum cleaner off immediately (on/off switch (5)/mode se-lector switch (5) to the “vacuum” symbol).

  • Empty the container (1).
    AdvancedVac 20: Empty the container via the drainage opening for liquids (2).

Steps to Take after Wet Extraction
To prevent mould growth after vacuuming wet dirt:

  • Remove the top part of the vacuum cleaner (7) and leave it to dry thoroughly.
  • Remove the filter (33) and also leave this to dry thoroughly.

Maintenance and service

Maintenance and Cleaning

  • Pull the plug out of the socket before cleaning or performing maintenance on the vacuum cleaner, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or putting away the vacuum cleaner. This safety measure prevents the vacuum cleaner from being started accidentally.
  • To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the dust extractor and the ventilation slots clean.
  • Wear a dust mask when servicing and cleaning the vacuum cleaner.

In order to avoid safety hazards, if the power supply cord needs to be replaced, this must be done by Bosch or by an after-sales service centre that is authorized to repair Bosch power tools.

Cleaning/replacing the filter (see figures F1–F4)
The suction power is dependent on the condition of the fil-ter. Therefore, the filter should be cleaned regularly. Replace any damaged filters immediately.

  • Open the catches (8) and remove the top part of the dust extractor (7).

  • Remove the textile filter (32) from the filter (33) and tap it repeatedly to remove dirt.

  • Turn the filter holder (34) as far as it will go in the direction of rotation and remove the filter (33) from the container (1).

  • Brush the pleats of the filter with a soft brush
    or
    replace the filter if damaged.

  • Place the filter (33) over the filter basket (35) and turn the filter holder (34) as far as it will go in the direction of rotation  .
    Make sure that the opening of the filter (33) is lined up precisely with the positioning cam on the filter
    basket (35). The filter holder (34) clicks into place.

  • Place the textile filter (32) over the filter (33). Make sure that the textile filter (32) covers the filter (33) completely and the elasticated edge is slotted in the groove between the filter and the housing.

  • Replace the top part of the vacuum cleaner (7) and close the catches (8).

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Cleaning the container

  • Wipe the container (1) from time to time using a non-abrasive off-the-shelf cleaning product and leave it to dry.

Cleaning the Permanent Filter (see figure G)
Clean the permanent filter (36) from time to time in order to ensure that the dust extractor continues to perform optimally.

  • Open the exhaust air cover (26) and remove the permanent filter (36).
  • Rinse the permanent filter (36) under running water and then leave it to dry.
  • Reinsert the cleaned filters, ensuring that they are positioned correctly and securely. Close the exhaust air cover (26) again.

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Faults
If the suction power is insufficient, check:

  • Is the top part of the vacuum cleaner (7) positioned correctly?
  • Is the hose system blocked?
  • Are the suction tubes (20) firmly joined together?
  • Is the container (1) full?
  • Is the dust bag (29) full?
  • Are the filters clogged with dust?

If the dust extractor overheats, it will switch off. Proceed as follows:

  • Leave the dust extractor to cool down for 60 mins.
  • Remove the mains plug from the plug socket and insert it back into the plug socket.
  • Ensure that the container (1) and dust bag (29) are empty and that the vacuum hose (16), filter (33) and permanent filter (36) are not clogged.

Regularly emptying the container (1) will ensure optimum suction power.
If sufficient suction power is not achieved after following these steps, please contact a Bosch customer service agent.

Storage and transport (see figure H)

  • Insert the suction tubes (20) into the holders (14).
  • Wrap the vacuum hose (16) around the top part of the vacuum cleaner and place in the holders (11), put the end of the vacuum hose in one of the two (11).
  • Wrap the power cable around the cable holder (37).
  • Attach the retaining strap (38) to the cable holders (37).
  • Insert the curved nozzle (18) or the extraction adapter (17) into the holder (15).
  • Insert the crevice nozzle (19) into the holder (12).
  • Insert the floor nozzle (21) into the holder (13).
  • Carry the vacuum cleaner by the carrying handle (6).
  • Store the vacuum cleaner in a dry room and secure it so that it cannot be used by unauthorized persons.
  • Apply the castor brake (10) to hold the castors (9) in place.

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After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at:
www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain
Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair. Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: [email protected]
You can find further service addresses at: www.bosch- pt.com/serviceaddresses

Disposal
The vacuum cleaner, its accessories and packaging should be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

BOSCH-UniversalVac-15-Home-and-Garden-Wet-and-Dry-19Do not dispose of the vacuum cleaner along with household waste.

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, vacuum cleaners that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environ-mentally friendly manner.
If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Only for United Kingdom:
According to The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113) (as amended), products that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

References

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