BOSCH UniversalVac 18 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner User Manual

: June 15, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

Safety information for vacuum cleaners
Product description and specifications
Technical data
Fitting
Operation
Maintenance and Servicing
ACCESSORIES
CUSTOMERS SUPPORT
Disposal
References
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BOSCH UniversalVac 18 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

BOSCH UniversalVac 18 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

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. Otherwise, there is a risk of operating errors and injuries.
Supervise children. This will ensure that children do not play with the vacuum cleaner.

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.

The vacuum cleaner is only suitable for vacuuming dry substances. The penetration of liquids increases the risk of an electric shock.

NOTE: The vacuum cleaner must only be used and stored indoors. The penetration of rain or moisture into the top of the vacuum cleaner increases the risk of electric shock.
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. Otherwise, you may end up inhaling dust particles.
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.
In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapours may be emitted. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and seek medical attention should you experience any adverse effects. The vapours may irritate the respiratory system.
If used incorrectly, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, rinse off with water. If the liquid comes into contact with your eyes, seek additional medical attention. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.
When the battery is not in use, keep it away from paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that could make a connection from one terminal to another. A short circuit between the battery terminals may cause burns or a fire.
Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
Protect the battery against heat, e.g. against continuous intense sunlight, fire, water, and moisture. There is a risk of explosion.
Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.
Do not vacuum hot or burning dust or in potentially explosive areas. Dust can easily ignite or explode.

Product description and specifications

Intended use

The vacuum cleaner is intended for vacuuming dry materials that are not harmful to health.
The vacuum cleaner is intended only for household and domestic use.

Product features

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

Release button for dust container
On/off button
Battery charge indicator
Battery A)
Motor housing
Dust container
Extension tube
Crevice nozzle
Brush
Holder for crevice nozzle/brush
Floor nozzle
Battery release buttonA)
Flexible extension tube A)
Coarse dirt filter
Housing wall on the coarse dirt filter
Fine dust filter

A) 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

Cordless dry vacuum cleaner	UniversalVac 18
Article number
Container volume (gross)	1
Max. vacuum (turbine)	kPa
Max. flow rate (turbine)	m3/min
Weight according to EPTA- Procedure 01:2014	kg

Permitted ambient temperature

– while charging	°C	0 to +45
– during operationA) and dur- ing storage	°C	–20 to +50
Recommended batteries		PBA 18V.. V-.

PBA 18V.. W-.
Recommended chargers| | AL 22.. CV
AL 18.. CV

A) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C Technical data determined using the battery that comes with the product.

Fitting

Charging the battery

Use only the chargers listed on the accessories page. Only these chargers are compatible with the lithium-ion battery in your vacuum cleaner.

Note: The battery is supplied partially charged. To ensure full battery capacity, fully charge the battery in the charger before using your power tool for the first time. The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life. Interrupting the charging process does not damage the battery.
The lithium-ion battery is protected against deep discharge by the Electronic Cell Protection (ECP). A protective circuit switches the cordless dust extractor off when the battery is drained.

The battery must be removed from the vacuum cleaner to charge it.

Do not continue to press the on/off button after the vacuum cleaner has automatically switched itself off.
This can damage the battery.

The battery features NTC temperature monitoring, which only permits charging in a temperature range between 0 °C and 45 °C. This achieves a long battery life. A significantly reduced operating time after charging indicates that the battery has deteriorated and must be replaced. Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Battery charge indicator
When the on/off switch (2) is pressed in completely, the battery charge indicator (3) indicates the battery’s state of charge for several seconds. The indicator consists of three green LEDs.

LED	Capacity
Continuous lighting 3 x green	≥ 66%
Continuous lighting 2 x green	33–66%
Continuous lighting 1 x green	11–33%
Slowly flashing light 1 x green	≤ 10%

Inserting and Removing the Battery

Do not use force to insert the battery. The battery is designed in such a way that it can only be inserted into the vacuum cleaner when it is in the right position.
- Insert the charged battery (4) into the vacuum cleaner until you feel it engage and it is securely locked in place.
- To remove the battery (4), press the release button (12) on the battery and pull it out of the vacuum cleaner as shown in the image (see figure A). Do not use force to do this.

Fitting the vacuum cleaner accessories (see figure B)

Fitting

Remove the battery before cleaning or performing maintenance on the dust extractor, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or placing the dust extractor in storage. This safety measure prevents the dust extractor from being started accidentally.
The vacuum cleaner accessories can be directly connected with the dust container (6).
See the illustration for the different ways of combining the vacuum cleaner accessories.
- Insert the individual vacuum cleaner accessories firmly into the connection on the dust container (6) and into one another.

Operation

Remove the battery before cleaning or performing maintenance on the dust extractor, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or placing the dust extractor in storage. This safety measure prevents the dust extractor from being started accidentally.

Start-up

Before extraction, ensure that the filter unit is securely fitted.
Do not use damaged filters (e.g. no cracks, small holes, etc.). Replace any damaged filters immediately.

Switching on/off

To switch on the vacuum cleaner, press the on/off button (2).
To switch off the vacuum cleaner, press the on/off button (2) again.

Maintenance and Servicing

Maintenance and cleaning

Remove the battery before cleaning or performing maintenance on the dust extractor, making tool adjustments, changing accessories or placing the dust extractor in storage. This safety measure prevents the dust extractor from being started accidentally.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the dust extractor and the ventilation slots clean.
- Clean the housing of the vacuum cleaner occasionally with a damp cloth.
- Clean dirty charging contacts using a dry cloth.

Cleaning the Dust Container (see figures C1–C2)

Maintenance and Servicing

Clean the dust container (6) after each use in order to ensure that the vacuum cleaner continues to perform optimally.

Hold the vacuum cleaner down slightly so that dust cannot fall out of the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is opened.
Press the release button (1) and remove the dust container (6) from the motor housing (5).
Shake out the dust container (6) over a suitable waste bin.
If necessary, clean the filters (see “Cleaning the filters (see figures D1 – D4)”, page 11).
Then fit the dust container into the bottom of the motor housing and apply light pressure to the dust container until you hear it click into place.

Cleaning the filters (see figures D1 – D4)

Maintenance and Servicing

The fine dust filter (16) must not be wet cleaned.

Hold the vacuum cleaner down slightly so that dust cannot fall out of the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is opened.
Press the release button (1) and remove the dust container (6) from the motor housing (5).
Brush the coarse dirt filter (14).
- Pull the filter unit (coarse dirt filter (14) and fine dust filter (16)) by the housing wall (15) away from the motor housing.
- Pull the fine dust filter (16) out of the coarse dirt filter (14).
- Gently push the fine dust filter (16) together along the long sides and carefully tap it over a suitable waste bin. If necessary, brush the flaps of the fine dust filter with a soft brush.
- To assemble, perform the same steps in reverse order.

Faults

If the suction power is insufficient, check:

Is the dust container (6) full?
▷ (see “Cleaning the Dust Container (see figures C1– C2)”, page 11)
Are the filters (14)/(16) clogged with dust?
▷ (see “Cleaning the filters (see figures D1 – D4)”, page 11)
Is the battery’s state of charge (4) too low?
▷ (see “Charging the battery”, page 10)

Regularly emptying the dust container and cleaning the filters will ensure optimum suction power.

If suction power is still not sufficient, take the vacuum cleaner to the after-sales service.

After-sales service and advice on using products

Our after-sales service can answer questions concerning product maintenance and repair, as well as spare parts. You can find exploded 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 type plate of the product.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories

CUSTOMERS SUPPORT

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: boschservicecentre@bosch.com

Ireland

Origo Ltd.
Unit 23 Magna Drive
Magna Business Park
City West
Dublin 24
Tel. Service: (01) 4666700
Fax: (01) 4666888

Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd.
Power Tools
Locked Bag 66
Clayton South VIC 3169
Customer Contact Center
Inside Australia:
Phone: (01300) 307044
Fax: (01300) 307045
Inside New Zealand:
Phone: (0800) 543353
Fax: (0800) 428570
Outside AU and NZ:
Phone: +61 3 95415555
www.bosch-pt.com.au
www.bosch-pt.co.nz

Republic of South Africa
Customer service
Hotline: (011) 6519600

Gauteng – BSC Service Centre
35 Roper Street, New Centre
Johannesburg
Tel.: (011) 4939375
Fax: (011) 4930126
E-mail: bsctools@icon.co.za

KZN – BSC Service Centre
Unit E, Almar Centre
143 Crompton Street
Pinetown
Tel.: (031) 7012120
Fax: (031) 7012446
E-mail: bsc.dur@za.bosch.com

Western Cape – BSC Service Centre

Democracy Way, Prosperity Park
Milnerton
Tel.: (021) 5512577
Fax: (021) 5513223
E-mail: bsc@zsd.co.za

Bosch Headquarters

Midrand, Gauteng
Tel.: (011) 6519600
Fax: (011) 6519880
E-mail: rbsa-hq.pts@za.bosch.com

Transport

The contained lithium-ion batteries are subject to the Dangerous Goods Legislation requirements. The batteries are suitable for road-transport by the user without further restrictions.

When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labelling must be observed. For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.

Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undamaged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

Dust extractors, batteries, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmentally friendly recycling.

Symbol Do not dispose of dust extractors or battery packs/batteries with household waste.

Only for EU countries:

According to European Directive 2012/19/EU, dust extractors that are no longer usable, and according to European Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or used battery packs/batteries, must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.

Battery packs/batteries: Li-ion:

Please observe the notes in the section on transport (see “Transport”, page 12).

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