KARCHER K 5 Power Control Vacuum Cleaner Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Karcher

KARCHER K 5 Power Control Vacuum Cleaner

KARCHER-K-5-Power-Control-Vacuum-Cleaner-product

General notes

Read these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions before using the device for the first time. Proceed accordingly. Keep both books for future reference or for future owners.

KÄRCHER Home & Garden app

The KÄRCHER Home & Garden app contains:

Installation and initial startup information
Information about the areas of application
Tips & Tricks
FAQ with detailed troubleshooting
Connection to the KÄRCHER Service Centre

The app can be downloaded here:

Trademarks

Google Play™ and Android™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
Apple® and App store® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Environmental protection

The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.
Electrical and electronic appliances contain valuable, recyclable materials and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which – if handled or disposed of incorrectly – can pose a potential danger to human health and the environment. However, these components are required for the correct operation of the appliance. Appliances marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish.

Cleaning work producing in oily waste water, e.g. washing engines, washing undercarriages etc., may only be performed at washing stations with an oil separator.
Working with detergents may only be performed on watertight surfaces with connection to the waste water sewage system. Do not allow detergent to enter waterways or the soil.
Extraction of water from public waterways is not permitted in some countries.

Notes on the content materials (REACH)

Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.de/REACH

Intended use

Use the high-pressure cleaner in private households only.
The high-pressure cleaner is intended for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, façades, terraces, garden machines etc. using a high-pressure water jet.

Accessories and spare parts

Only use original accessories and original spare parts.
They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.
Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging.
Check the contents for completeness when unpacking.
If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Description of the device

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging). For the illustrations, refer to the graphics page

Illustration A

KARCHER-K-5-Power-Control-Vacuum-Cleaner-fig-1

Illustration B

KARCHER-K-5-Power-Control-Vacuum-Cleaner-fig-2

Stand with carrying handle
Water connection with integrated sieve
Transport wheel
Visor
Hose guide
Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
Storage for spray lance
High-pressure hose
Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle
Storage / parking position for high-pressure gun
Transport handle, telescoping
Power Control spray lance dirt grinder for stubborn dirt, pressure level: HARD
Vario Power Power Control spray lance for the most common cleaning tasks, pressure levels: HARD / MEDIUM / SOFT / MIX
Power Control high-pressure gun
Button for separating the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun
High-pressure gun lever
Pressure indicator (0-MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3-HARD)
High-pressure gun lock
Carrying handle
Hose holder
High pressure hose reel
Crank handle for hose reel
Type plate
Accessory compartment
Hook for net attachment
Accessory compartment net
Mains connection with mains plug
Water connection coupling
Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling)
KÄRCHER suction hose for water supply from open containers (order no. 2.643-100.0)
Supplied screws and dowels
Foam nozzle with detergent container: The detergent is sucked out of the container to produce a strong detergent foam.
Rotating washing brush (e.g. for washing cars)

optional, ** additionally required

Supplied screws and dowels

Illustration C

Stand dowels (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×20 (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×22 (2 pieces)
Screw M 4×16 (8 pieces)

Safety devices

CAUTION: Missing or modified safety devices

Safety devices are provided for your own protection.
Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Power switch

The power switch prevents unintentional operation of the device.

High-pressure gun lock

The lock locks the lever of the high-pressure gun and prevents the device from starting unintentionally.

Auto-stop function

If the lever of the high-pressure gun is released, the pressure switch turns off the pump and the high-pressure jet stops. The pump switches on again when the lever is pressed.

Motor circuit breaker

The motor circuit breaker shuts off the device if power consumption it too high.

Symbols on the device

Do not aim the high-pressure jet may at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or the device itself. Protect the device against frost.
The device may not be connected to the public drinking water network.

Assembly

For the illustrations, refer to the graphics page.
Place the screws provided and matching screwdriver at the ready.
Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.

Fitting the wheels

Insert the wheels.
- Note: Pay attention to the alignment of the hole.
- Illustration D
Secure the wheels with 1 screw each.

Mounting the stand

Insert the stand.
- Illustration E
Insert the 2 dowels into the holes as far as they will go.
Secure the base with 2 screws.

Installing the spray lance storage

Hang the spray lance storage in position.
Secure the storage with 2 screws.
- Illustration F
Secure the cover with 4 screws.
- Illustration G

Mounting the transport handle

Attach the transport handle.
- Illustration H
Secure the transport handle with 2 screws.

Mounting the accessory net

Hang the accessory net on the hooks.
- Illustration I

Push the high-pressure hose through the hose guide

Insert the high-pressure hose through the hose guide from the rear.
- Illustration J

Installing the water connection coupling

Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device.
- Illustration K

Initial startup

Place the device on a flat and level surface.
For devices with a hose reel: Completely unwind the high-pressure hose from the hose reel.
For devices without a hose reel: Unwind the high-pressure hose completely and eliminate any loops and twists.
Pull the high-pressure hose all the way forwards through the hose guide.
Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly latches into place.
- Note: Take care to ensure the correct alignment of the nipple.
- Illustration L
Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
Plug the mains plug into a mains socket.

Water supply

For the connection values, see the type plate or chapter Technical data.
Observe the water distribution company regulations.

ATTENTION: Damage through contaminated water

Contamination in the water can damage the pump and the accessories.
KÄRCHER recommends using the KÄRCHER water filter for protection(special accessory, order number 4.730-059).

Connection to the water line

ATTENTION

Hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device
Damage to the pump
Never use a hose coupling with Aquastop on the water connection of the device. You can use an Aquastop coupling on the tap.

Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
Connect the garden hose to the water line.
Open the water tap fully.
- Illustration M

Sucking water from open containers

When used with the KÄRCHER suction hose with check valve (special accessory, order number 2.643-100) this high-pressure cleaner is suitable for sucking up surface water, e.g. from rain barrels or ponds (for the maximum suction height see chapter Technical data). The water connection coupling is not required for vacuuming operation.

Fill the suction hose with water.
Screw the suction hose onto the device water connection and hang it in a water source (e.g. water butt).

Vent the device

Switch the device on “I/ON”.
Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
Allow the device for run a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.

Operation

ATTENTION

Pump running dry
Damage to the device

If pressure does not build up in the device after 2 minutes then switch the device off and proceed according to the instructions in chapter Troubleshooting guide.

Power Control System

The pressure indicator on the high-pressure gun shows the currently set pressure level when operating with a Power Control spray lance.

Note

The sensitivity of materials can vary greatly depending on age and condition. The recommendations are therefore not binding.
When operating with surface cleaner and other accessories, the pressure indicator is not accurate.

High-pressure operation

ATTENTION

Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces
Surfaces can be damaged when the jet is too close to the surface or an unsuitable spray lance is used. Maintain a minimum spray distance of 30 cm when cleaning painted surfaces. Do not clean car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood with the dirt grinder.

Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it by turning it 90°.
- Illustration N
Switch the device on (“I/ON”).
Unlock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
Turn the Vario Power Power Control spray lance until the required pressure level is shown on the pressure indicator.

Operation with a washing brush

ATTENTION

Paint damage
Damage to surfaces through a dirty brush
Ensure that the washing brush is free from dirt or other particles before using it.

Note: The device operates at low pressure when using washing brushes. This means that detergent can be mixed with the water.

Insert the washing brush into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.

Operation with detergent

DANGER

Failure to adhere to the safety data sheet Incorrect handling of the detergent can seriously damage your health
Observe the safety data sheet of the detergent manufacturer, in particular the instructions on personal protective equipment.

Note

Detergent can only be mixed into the jet at low pressure.
A Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle is required for operating with detergent. KÄRCHER detergent can be purchased ready to use in a Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle.

Remove the cover from the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle.
Plug the detergent bottle into the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent connection with the opening facing down.
- Illustration O
Use the Vario Power spray lance.
Turn the spray lance towards “MIX” until “MIX” is displayed on the high-pressure gun. The detergent solution is mixed with the water jet during operation.
You can optionally use the foam nozzle.
- Fill the detergent solution into the detergent tank. Adhere to the dosage specifications on the detergent container.
- Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent container.
- Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it.
- Illustration P

Recommended cleaning method

Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and let it work for a while (do not let it dry).
Rinse off the loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.

After operation with detergent

Pull the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the mount and close it with the cap before transporting the device lying down.
Store the detergent bottle in the holder with the lid facing up.
Flush the device with clear water for approx. 30 seconds.

Interrupting operation

Release the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches off when the lever is released. The high pressure in the system is retained.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Illustration Q
Place the high-pressure gun with the spray lance in the parking position.
Switch the device off “0/OFF” during work breaks longer than 5 minutes.

Ending operation

CAUTION

Pressure in the system
Injuries from high-pressure water escaping uncontrollably Only disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun or the device when the system is fully depressurised.

Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Close the water tap.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds. The pressure remaining in the system is discharged.
Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Disconnect the device from the water supply.
Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
Pull the mains plug out of the socket.

Transport

CAUTION

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during transportation.

Carrying the device

Lift and carry the device by the carrying handles.

Pulling the device

Pull the transport handle out until it audibly latches into place.
Pull the device via the transport handle.

Transporting the device in a vehicle

Before transporting lying down, pull the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the mount and close it with the cap.
Secure the device against slipping and tipping over.

Storage

CAUTION

Failure to observe the weight
Risk of injury and damage
Be aware of the weight of the device during storage.

Storing the device

Place the device on a level surface.
Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
Press the separation button on the high-pressure gun and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun.
- ATTENTION: Damage to the high-pressure hose
- Damage to the high-pressure hose through incorrect direction of rotation Observe the correct direction of rotation of the hose reel when winding on the hose.
For devices with a hose reel: Use the crank handle to turn the hose reel anticlockwise and coil up the high-pressure hose.
For devices without a hose reel: Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
Store the mains connection cable and accessories on the device.

Observe the additional instructions before storing the device for a longer period of time, see chapter Care and service.

Frost protection

ATTENTION

Danger of frost
Incompletely emptied devices can be destroyed by frost.
Completely empty the device and accessories. Protect the device from frost.

The following requirements must be satisfied:

The device is disconnected from the water supply.
The high-pressure gun is disconnected from the high-pressure hose.

Switch the device on “I/ON”.
Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure hose.
Switch off the device.
Store the device in a frost-protected room, together with all accessories.

Care and service

DANGER

Danger of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts
Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.
The device is maintenance-free, i.e. you do not need to perform any maintenance work.
Clean the sieve in the water connection

ATTENTION

Damaged sieve in the water connection
Damage to the device through contaminated water
Check the sieve for damage before inserting it in the water connection.
If necessary, clean the sieve in the water connection.

Remove the water connection coupling.
Pull the sieve out using flat pliers.
Clean the sieve under running water. ****
- Illustration R
Insert the sieve into the water connection.

Troubleshooting guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.

DANGER

Danger of electric shock
Injuries due to touching live parts
Switch off the device.
Remove the mains plug.

Device not running

Press the lever of the high-pressure gun. The device switches on.
Check that the voltage specified on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the power source.
Check the mains connection cable for damage.
If the motor is overloaded and the motor circuit breaker has triggered:
- Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
- Allow the device to cool down for 1 hour.
- Switch the device on “I/ON” and resume operation.

Have the device checked by Customer Service if this fault occurs repeatedly.

The device does not start up, the motor buzzes

Voltage drop due to a weak mains grid or when using an extension cable

When switching on, first press the lever on the high-pressure gun and then switch on the device “I/ON”. Device does not reach required pressure

The water supply is too low

Open the water tap fully.
Check the water inlet for an adequate flow rate.

The sieve in the water connection is dirty

Pull the sieve in the water connection out using flat pliers.
Clean the sieve under running water.

Air is in the device

Vent the device:
- Switch on the device without a connected spray lance for a maximum of 2 minutes.
- Press the high-pressure gun and wait until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
- Connect the spray lance.
- Observe the maximum suction height during suction operation (see chapter Technical data).

Strong pressure fluctuations

Clean the high-pressure nozzle:
- Use a needle to remove dirt from the nozzle drill.
- Rinse the high-pressure nozzle from the front with water.
Check the water supply volume.

Device leaking

The device leaks a small amount for technical reasons.

If the leak is severe, request authorised Customer Service.

Detergent is not sucked in

Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it to “MIX”.
Check that the Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle is sitting correctly with the opening facing down in the detergent connection.

Warranty

The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing defect is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site. (See overleaf for the address)

Technical data

KARCHER-K-5-Power-Control-Vacuum-Cleaner-fig-26

Subject to technical modifications.

EU Declaration of Conformity

We hereby declare that the machine described below complies with the relevant basic safety and health requirements in the EU Directives, both in its basic design and construction as well as in the version placed in circulation by us. This declaration is invalidated by any changes made to the machine that are not approved by us.

Product: High-pressure cleaner
Type: 1.324-xxx

Currently applicable EU Directives