KARCHER K 5 Electric Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

KARCHER K 5 Electric Pressure Washer
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Proper use
Environmental protection
Safety
Description of the Appliance
Before Startup
Start up
Operation
Maintenance and care
Troubleshooting
Accessories and Spare Parts
Warranty
Technical specifications
EC Declaration of Conformity
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

KARCHER K 5 Electric Pressure Washer

Product Information

The K 5 is a high-pressure washer manufactured by Kärcher, a German company that specializes in cleaning equipment. This product is designed to effectively clean outdoor surfaces such as cars, patios, walls, and decks. It has a maximum pressure of 14.5 MPa and a flow rate of 8.3 liters per minute. The K 5 comes with various accessories such as a Vario Power spray wand, a high-pressure hose, and a water inlet filter.

Product Usage Instructions

Before use: Ensure that all parts are properly installed and secured. Connect the high-pressure hose to the spray wand and the water inlet filter to the water supply.
Water supply: The K 5 can be connected directly to a water supply using a hose. The maximum inlet pressure is 0.8 MPa and the minimum flow rate is 10 liters per minute.
Using the product: Point the spray wand away from yourself and others while in use. Do not use the product to clean clothing or footwear while wearing them. Avoid coming into contact with the high-pressure stream as it can cause serious injury.
Using cleaning agents: Only use cleaning agents recommended by Kärcher. Incorrect use of cleaning agents can cause injury or poisoning. To use cleaning agents, attach the detergent suction tube to the spray wand and insert it into the cleaning agent container.
Transport and storage: When transporting the product by hand or in a vehicle, ensure that it is secured to prevent damage. To store the product, ensure that it is in a dry and frost-free location.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the product and check for any damage or wear. If the product is not in use during cold weather, use the frost protection function to prevent damage.

Dear Customer.
Please read and comply with these original instructions prior to the initial operation of your appliance and store them for later use or subsequent own- ers.

Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery of your appliance is il-lustrated on the packaging. Check the con-tents of the appliance for completeness when unpacking. In the event of missing accessories or any transport damage, please contact your dealer.

Proper use

This high pressure cleaner is designed for domestic use only.

– for cleaning machines, vehicles, build-ings, tools, facades, terraces, garden-ing tools, etc. by means of a high-pres-sure water jet (if necessary, with addi-tional cleaning agents).
– with accessories, replacement parts and cleaning agents approved by KÄRCHER. Please observe the infor-mation accompanying the cleaning agents.

Environmental protection

The packaging material can be recy-cled. Please do not place the packag-ing into the ordinary refuse for dispos-al, but arrange for the proper recy-cling.
Old appliances contain valuable ma-terials that can be recycled. Please arrange for the proper recycling of old appliances. Please dispose your old appliances using appropriate collec-tion systems.
The extraction of water from public waters is prohibited in some coun-tries.
Work with detergents must only be performed on liquid-tight work surfac-es with connections to the wastewa-ter runoff. Do not let release deter-gent into waters or earth.
Cleaning operations which produce oily waste water, e.g. engine washes, underbody washes, may only be car-ried out using washing stations equipped with an oil separator.

Notes about the ingredients (REACH) You will find current information about the ingredients at: www.kaercher.com/REACH.

Safety

Meaning of the notes

Danger
Pointer to immediate danger, which leads to severe injuries or death.
Warning
Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to severe injuries or death.
Caution
Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to minor injuries.
Caution
Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to property damage.

Symbols on the machine
The high pressure jet may not be directed at persons, ani-mals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself. Protect the appliance against frost. The appliance must not be directly connected to the public drinking water network.

Electric components

Danger

Never touch the mains plug and the socket with wet hands.
Check the power cord with mains plug for damage prior to every use. Immedi-ately have damaged power cord re-placed by an authorised customer ser-vice / electrician. Do not operate an ap-pliance if the power cord is damaged.
All current-conducting parts in the work-ing area must be protected against jet water.
The mains plug and the coupling of an extension cable must be watertight and must never lie in water. Moreover, the coupling may never lie on the ground. The use of cable reels that ensure that the sockets are at least 60 mm above the ground is recommended.
Make sure that the power cord or exten-sion cable is not damaged by running over, pinching, dragging or the like. Pro-tect the power cords from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

Warning

The appliance may only be connected to alternating current. The voltage must correspond with the type plate of the appliance.
The appliance may only be connected to an electric supply that has been in-stalled by an electrician in accordance with IEC 60364.
Unsuitable electrical extension cables can be hazardous. Only use electrical extension cables outdoors which have been approved and labelled for this pur-pose and have an adequate cable cross-section: 1 -10 m: 1.5 mm2; 10 – 30 m: 2.5 mm2:
Always fully unreel the extension cable from the cable drum.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you operate the appliance only via a re-sidual current device (max. 30 mA).

Safe handling

Danger

Check important components, such as high-pressure hose, hand spray gun and safety installations, for damage pri-or to every operation. Immediately re-place damaged components. Do not operate appliance with damaged com-ponents.
The high-pressure jet must not be di-rected at other persons or the user him-/herself to clean clothing or footwear.
Never use the appliance to clean ob-jects containing hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos).
Vehicle tyres/tyre valves are suscepti-ble to damage from the high-pressure jet and may burst. The first indication for this is a discolouration of the tyre. Dam-aged vehicle tyres/tyre valves are peril-ous. Keep a minimum jet distance of 30 cm during cleaning!
Keep packaging films away from chil-dren, there is a risk of suffocation!

Warning

The appliance must not be operated by children or persons who have not been instructed accordingly.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons with limited physical, senso-ry or mental capacities or lacking expe-rience and/or skills, unless such per-sons are accompanied and supervised by a person in charge of their safety or they have received precise instructions on the use of this appliance and have understood the resulting risks.
Children must not play with this appli-ance.
Supervise children to prevent them from playing with the appliance.
The user must use the appliance as in-tended. The person must consider the local conditions and must pay attention to other persons in the vicinity when working with the appliance.
High-pressure hoses, fixtures and cou-plings are important for the safety of the appliance. Only use high-pressure hos-es, fixtures and couplings recommend-ed by the manufacturer.
Do not use the appliance when there are other persons around unless they are also wearing protective clothing.
This appliance was designed to be used with detergents which are sup-plied or recommended by the manufac-turer. The use of other detergents or chemicals may compromise the safety of the appliance.

Caution

In case of extended breaks, switch the appliance off at the main switch / appli-ance switch or pull the mains plug.
Keep a distance of at least 30 cm when using the jet for cleaning painted surfac-es to avoid damage.
Never leave the appliance unattended as long as it is in operation.
Do not operate the appliance at temperatures below 0 °C.

Other risks

Danger

Do not spray flammable liquids.
Never draw in fluids containing solvents or undiluted acids and solvents! This in-cludes petrol, paint thinner and heating oil. The spray mist is highly inflamma-ble, explosive and poisonous. Do not use acetone, undiluted acids and sol-vents, as they corrode the materials used on the appliance.
The appliance may not be operated in explosive atmospheres.
If the appliance is used in hazardous ar-eas (e.g. filling stations) the corresponding safety regulations must be observed.

Personal protective equipment
Wear protective clothing and safety gog-gles to protect against splash back contain-ing water or dirt.

Stability

Caution
Create stability for the appliance prior to any work on or with the appliance to pre-vent accidents or damage.

The stability of the appliance is warrant-ed when it is placed onto an even sur-face.

Safety Devices

Caution
Safety installations serve the protection of the user and may not be modified or by-passed.

Appliance switch
The appliance switch prevents unintention-al operation of the appliance.

Lock trigger gun
This lock locks the lever of the trigger gun and prevents the inadvertent start of the ap-pliance.

Overflow valve with pressure switch
The overflow valve prevents the permissi-ble working pressure from being exceeded. If the lever on the trigger gun is released the pressure switch turns off the pump, the high pressure jet is stopped. If the lever is pulled the pump is turned on again.

Description of the Appliance

These operating instructions describe the maximum equipment. Depending on the model, there are differences in the scopes of delivery (see packaging). Illustrations on fold-out

Coupling element for water connection
Quick coupling for high pressure hose
Storage for trigger gun
Water connection with integrated sieve
Appliance switch “0/OFF“/ „I/ON“
Dosage regulator for detergent
Storage for trigger gun
Transport handle
Storage of Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle with detergent connection
Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle with locking lid
Storage for high pressure hose
Storage hook for mains connection cable
Storage for spray lance
Mains cable with mains plug
Transport wheel with wheel cap
Trigger gun
Lock trigger gun
Key to detach the high pressure hose from the trigger gun
High pressure hose
Spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power)
Carrying out the most common cleaning tasks. The work pressure can be stage- lessly regulated between “Min” and “Max”. You can add detergent when “Mix” is selected. In order to adjust the working pressure, release the lever of the hand spray gun and turn the spray lance to the desired position.
Spray lance with Dirtblaster For strong contaminations
Optional accessories
Washing brush
Suitable for use with detergents.
Rotary washing brush Suitable for use with detergents.
Especially suitable for cleaning cars.
Foam nozzle with detergent container With powerful foam for effortless cleaning.
Not included in the delivery
Water supply hose
Use a fabric reinforced water hose with a commercially available coupling. Min-imum diameter 13 mm (1/2 inch); mini-mum length 7.5 m.

Before Startup

Attaching the Accessories
Illustrations on the fold-out

Mount loose parts delivered with appliance prior to start-up.

Install wheels

Illustration A

Push the wheels into the intake and se-cure them with the plugs. Align the plug properly.

Install the storage for trigger gun

Illustration B

Place the bottom holder into the recesses and push forward until it audibly locks in.
Insert the top holder and push down all the way.

Install the transport handle
You will need the 2 included screws as well as a Phillips screwdriver PH 2. Illustration C

Slide the transport handle into the guide and secure it with 2 screws.

Install the dosage regulator for detergent
You will need the 2 included screws as well as a Phillips screwdriver PH 2. Illustration D

Insert both detergent hoses onto the hose fittings.
Install the dosage regulator and connect using 2 screws.

Note: During installation you must make sure that the tongues of the dosage regulator match up with the intended recesses in the casing.

Connect the high pressure hose to the trigger gun

Illustration E

Push the high pressure hose into the trigger gun until it locks audibly. Note: Make sure the connection nipple is aligned correctly. Check the secure connection by pulling on the high pressure hose.

Water supply

Caution
Impurities in the water can damage the high-pressure pump and the accessories. For protection, the use of the KÄRCHER water filter (optional accessory, order no. 4.730-059) is recommended. For connection values, see type plate/technical data. Observe regulations of water supplier.

Water supply from mains

Warning
According to applicable regulations, the ap-pliance must never be used on the drinking water net without a system separator. A suitable system separator by KÄRCHER or alternatively a system separator according to EN 12729 type BA must be used. Water that has flown through a system sepa-rator is no longer classified as drinking water.

Caution
Always connect the system separator to the water supply, never directly to the appliance! Illustration F

Screw the coupling element to the water connection on the appliance.

Drawing in water from open reservoirs
This high-pressure cleaner is suited to work with the KÄRCHER suction hose with back-flow valve (Optional accessory, order no. 4.440-238) to draw in surface water, e.g. from water butts or ponds (see specifica-tions for max. suction height).

Fill the suction hose with water.
Screw the suction hose into the water con-nection of the appliance and insert it into the water source (e.g. rainwater drum).

Start up

Caution
Dry running of more than 2 minutes leads to damage of the high-pressure pump. If the appliance does not build up pressure within 2 minutes, switch the appliance off and pro-ceed in accordance with the instructions in Chapter “Troubleshooting”.

Illustration G

Push the high pressure hose into the quick coupling until it locks audibly.
Note: Make sure the connection nipple is aligned correctly.
Check the secure connection by pulling on the high pressure hose.
Attach the water supply hose to the coupling on the water connection. Note: The supply hose is not included.
Connect the water supply hose to the water supply.
Completely open the water tap.
Insert the mains plug into the socket.
Turn on the appliance “I/ON”. Illustration H
Unlock the lever on the trigger gun.
Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.
Switch the appliance on for a (max. of 2 minutes) and wait until the water exits at the hand spray gun without bubbles.
Release the lever on the trigger gun. Note: Release the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch off again. High pressure remains in the system. Illustration I
Lock the lever on the trigger gun.

Operation

Danger
The water jet that is emitted from the high-pressure nozzle results in a repulsion pow-er acting on the hand spray gun. Make sure that you have a firm footing and are also holding the hand spray gun and spray lance firmly.

Danger
High-pressure jets can be dangerous if im-properly used. The jet may not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equip-ment or at the appliance itself.

Caution
Car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood should not be cleaned with the dirt blaster, as there is a risk of damage.

Caution

Risk of damage to the paintwork
When working with the washing brush, it must be free of dirt or other particles. Illustration J

Push the spray lance into the trigger gun and fasten it by turning it through 90°.
Unlock the lever on the trigger gun.
Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.

Working with detergent

Danger
The use of wrong detergents or chemicals can compromise the safety of the appli-ance. Please use exclusively KÄRCHER deter-gents and care products to carry out the re-spective cleaning task, as these were spe-cifically developed for your appliance. The use of other detergents and care products may lead to premature wear and can inval-idate your warranty claims. Please obtain information at your local dealer or request information directly from KÄRCHER.

Danger
The improper use of detergents can cause severe injuries or toxication. When using detergents, the material data safety sheet issued by the detergent manu-facturer must be adhered to, especially the instructions regarding personal protective equipment.

Notes regarding the detergent:
The most commonly used KÄRCHER detergents can be purchased ready to use in their Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottles with locking lids. This will make the pesky refilling and filling processes redundant.

Illustration K

Remove the lid from the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle and press the detergent bottle into the detergent connec-tion with the opening facing down.

Illustration L

Adjust the suction volume of the detergent solution by means of the dosage regulator for detergents.
Use spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power).
Turn the spray lance to the “Mix” position. Note: This will mix the detergent with the water stream.
Fill the detergent solution in the detergent tank of the foam nozzle (observe dosage instructions on the packaging of the detergent).

Recommended cleaning method

Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and allow it to react, but not to dry.
Spray off loosened dirt with the high pressure jet.

Optional

Foam nozzle

Fill the detergent solution in the deter-gent tank of the foam nozzle (observe dosage instructions on the packaging of the detergent).
Connect the detergent tank to the foam nozzle.
Connect the foam nozzle to the trigger gun.

Interrupting operation

Release the lever on the trigger gun.
Lock the lever on the trigger gun.
Insert the trigger gun in its holder.
During longer breaks (more than 5 min-utes), also turn the appliance off using the “0/OFF” switch.

Finish operation

Caution
Only separate the high-pressure hose from the hand spray gun or the appliance when there is no pressure in the system.

Remove the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle from the intake and close it with the lid. To store, place into the intake ro-tated by 180°.
Release the lever on the trigger gun.
Turn off the appliance “0/OFF”.
Turn off tap.
Press the lever on the trigger gun to re-lease any remaining pressure in the system.
Lock the lever on the trigger gun.
Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
Detach the appliance from the water supply.

Transport

Caution
In order to prevent accidents or injuries, mind the weight of the appliance during transport (see technical data).

When transporting by hand

Pull the appliance by its transport handle.

When transporting in vehicles

Prior to horizontal transport: Remove the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle from the intake and close it with the lid.
Secure the appliance against shifting and tipping over.

Storage

Caution
In order to prevent accidents or injuries, mind the weight of the appliance when choosing the storage location (see techni-cal data).

Storing the Appliance
Prior to extended storage periods, as dur-ing the winter, also observe the instructions in the Care section.

Park the machine on an even surface.
Push the casing of the quick coupling for the high-pressure hose toward the rear and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the appliance.
Press the disconnect on the trigger gun and remove the high-pressure hose from the trigger gun.
Insert the trigger gun in its holder.
Engage the spray lance in its compartment.
Stow away the mains cable, the high-pressure hose and accessories on the appliance.

Frost protection

Caution
Appliances and accessories that are not completely drained can be destroyed by frost. Completely drain appliances and accessories and protect them against frost.

To avoid damage:

Completely drain all water from the appliance: Switch the appliance on with a detached high-pressure hose and detached water supply (max. 1 minute) and wait, until no more water exits at the high pressure connection. Turn off the appliance.
Store the appliance and the entire accessories in a frost free room.

Maintenance and care

Danger
Risk of electric shock. Turn off the appli-ance and remove the mains plug prior to performing any care and maintenance work.

Care
Prior to longer periods of storage, e.g. in the winter:

Remove filter from the suction hose for detergent and clean under running water.
Pull out the sieve in the water connection using flat-nose pliers and clean under running water.

Maintenance
The appliance is maintenance-free.

Troubleshooting

Danger
Risk of electric shock. Turn off the appli-ance and remove the mains plug prior to performing any care and maintenance work. Repair work and work on the electrical components may only be performed by an authorised customer service. You can rectify minor faults yourself with the help of the following overview. If in doubt, please consult the authorized customer service.

Appliance is not running

Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.
Check whether the voltage indicated on the type plate corresponds to the volt-age of the mains supply.
Check the mains connection cable for damages.

Appliance does not start, motor hums
Voltage reduction due to weak mains sup-ply or when using an extension cable.

When switching on, first pull the lever of the trigger gun and then switch the ap-pliance switch to “I/ON”.

Pressure does not build up in the appliance

Check setting at the spray lance.
Check water supply for adequate deliv-ery rate.
Pull out the sieve in the water connec-tion using flat-nose pliers and clean un-der running water.
Appliance ventilation: Switch the appli-ance on with the high-pressure hose detached and operate (max. 2 minutes) until the water exits the high-pressure connection without bubbles. Switch off appliance and reconnect high-pressure hose.

Strong pressure fluctuations

Clean high-pressure nozzle: Remove dirt and debris from the nozzle bore, us-ing a needle and rinse through with wa-ter from the front.
Check water flow quantity.

Appliance is leaking
Slight leakage from the appliance pump is normal. If the leakage increases con-tact the authorized customer service.

No detergent infeed

Use spray lance with pressure regula-tion (Vario Power). Turn the spray lance to “Mix” position.
Check the settings at the dosage regu-lator for detergent.
Check whether the Plug ‘n’ Clean deter-gent bottle is placed into the detergent connection facing down.

Accessories and Spare Parts

Special accessories
Special accessories expand the possibili-ties of using your appliance. Please contact your KÄRCHER dealer for further informa-tion.

Spare parts
Use only original KÄRCHER spare parts. You will find a list of spare parts at the end of these operating instructions.

Warranty

The warranty terms published by the relevant sales company are applicable in each country. We will repair potential failures of your appliance within the warranty period free of charge, provided that such failure is caused by faulty material or defects in manufacturing. In the event of a warranty claim please contact your dealer or the nearest authorized Customer Service center. Please submit the proof of purchase. Addresses can be found at: www.kaercher.com/dealersearch.

Technical specifications

EC Declaration of Conformity

We hereby declare that the machine de-scribed below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements of the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version put into circulation by us. This declaration shall cease to be valid if the machine is modified without our prior approval.

Product: High pressure cleaner
Type: 1.180-xxx

Relevant EU Directives

2000/14/EC
2004/108/EC
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2011/65/EU

Applied harmonized standards

EN 50581
EN 55014–1: 2006+A1: 2009+A2: 2011
EN 55014–2: 1997+A1: 2001+A2: 2008
EN 60335–1
EN 60335–2–79
EN 61000–3–2: 2006+A1: 2009+A2: 2009
EN 61000–3–3: 2008
EN 62233: 2008

Applied conformity evaluation method
2000/14/EC: Appendix V

Sound power level dB(A)

Measured: 84
Guaranteed: 86

The undersigned act on behalf and under the power of attorney of the company management.

Authorised Documentation Representative S. Reiser

Alfred Kärcher GmbH Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28 – 40 71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Phone: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212
Winnenden, 2013/09/01

http://www.kaercher.com/dealersearch