shop-vac L250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet or Dry Portable Vacuum User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: shop vac

Table of Contents

shop-vac L250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet or Dry Portable Vacuum
CARTON CONTENTS
- TOOLS REQUIRED
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

shop-vac L250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet or Dry Portable Vacuum

CARTON CONTENTS

WARNING: REVIEW IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
Check to make sure you have the following:

Vacuum
Foam Sleeve
Reusable Dry Filter
Mounting Ring
Nozzle
Crevice tool
Hose
Wall Bracket
Screws (2)
Filter Bag

TOOLS REQUIRED

Safety Glasses
Flathead Screwdriver

ATTENTION! Read all safety rules carefully before attempting to operate. Retain for future reference.
DANGER! 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!
WARNING! ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.
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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical 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 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
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 vaccan 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 adapter that looks like the adapter 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 adapter 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 adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as
a properly grounded outlet box cover. Whenever the adapter is used, it must be held in place by a metal screw. shop-vac-L250-2.5-Gallon-2.5-Peak-HP-Wet-or-
Dry-Portable-Vacuum-04 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 adapter should be used with this appliance.

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.

UNPACKING

Remove the tank cover by pushing in the side lugs with thumbs and lifting up on the tabs of the tank cover. Remove any accessories and literature that may have been packed in the vacuum tank.

GENERAL SET UP

Before replacing tank cover, refer to Dry Pick Up or Wet Pick Up Operation in user manual to ensure you have the proper filters installed for your cleaning operation.
Replace tank cover on the tank by aligning tabs with the lugs. Press down firmly on the upper housing until tank cover snaps into place.
Insert machine hose end into inlet of tank. Twist slightly to tighten the connection FIGURE 1.
Attach one of the cleaning accessories (depending on your cleaning requirements) to the accessory end of the hose. Twist slightly to tighten the connection FIGURE 1.
Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use. I = ON, O = OFF
NOTE: Many more useful tools are available at your local dealer or the Shop-Vac® website.

INSTALLATION MOUNTING THE WALL BRACKET

WARNING! INADEQUATE MOUNTING COULD ALLOW THE UNIT TO FALL, CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE UNIT.

Select mounting location at a wall stud and /or provide a surface that is strong enough to hold the combined weight of the vacuum with a full tank of debris and accessories.
Secure wall bracket to mounting surface with 2 screws provided or other suitable fastener.
(NOTE: The screws provided are adequate ONLY for mounting into wood. Be sure to use the proper, suitable fasteners for mounting vacuum to a surface other than wood.) Be sure wall bracket is level FIGURE 2.
Install vacuum by aligning groove on either side of tank to engage as the vacuum is lowered onto the wall bracket FIGURE 3.
To avoid possible injury or damage by dislodging vacuum from wall bracket or dropping tank during unlatching, always remove the entire vacuum from wall bracket and set on floor to empty tank or service filter.
Before removing vacuum from wall bracket, check to make sure tank cover is secured to tank. To remove vacuum from wall bracket, grasp top handle with one hand and tank bottom with other hand. Slide vacuum off of wall bracket by lifting straight up on vacuum

FILTER INSTALLATION AND CLEANING

DRY PICK UP OPERATION

NOTE: Never use the vacuum for dry pick up without a dry use filter installed on the lid cage. Using the vacuum without a filter will cause dust to discharge from blower port and cause damage to motor.
INSTALLING AND CLEANING THE REUSABLE DRY FILTER:
WARNING! ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.

The reusable dry filter can be used with the foam sleeve for dry pick up. You must install both to ensure proper filtration. If the vacuum has been used to pick up liquids, the foam sleeve must be cleaned and dried before installing for dry pick up.
Install the foam sleeve following the instructions in the Wet Pick Up Operation section in user manual.
Center the reusable dry filter on lid cage FIGURE 5.
Slide mounting ring down over filter until ring is positioned against the ribs of the lid cage FIGURE 6.
Never use the foam sleeve without the reusable dry filter for dry pick up.
NOTE: Ensure that the mounting ring is completely secure and in position by pressing down firmly around the ring in several places. Be sure the reusable dry disc filter completely covers the foam sleeve. Check to en-sure that all edges of the reusable dry filter are secure under the mounting ring.
To clean the reusable dry filter, remove mounting ring and filter from lid cage FIGURE 7. Shake off excess dirt and dust or (depending on the condition of the filter) rinse with water. DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY. Allow filters to dry completely before reinstalling.
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 a tear.
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.
INSTALLING THE DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG:
WARNING! ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.
Use the disposable filter bag in conjunction with the reusable dry 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 (not standard with all models) must be used.
NOTE: Use for dry pick up only.
With cord disconnected from the receptacle, remove tank cover and hose.
Slide collar of filter bag into retainer guides until bottom of collar is resting on the retainer guide stops FIGURE 8.
FIGURE 8 When secured in place, expand the filter bag and position around the inside of the tank. Replace tank cover and hose.
WARNING! FOR FINE DUST 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 only filters, including the filter bag, from the vacuum.
Wet pick up requires the foam sleeve to be in position over the lid cage. To install, follow the installation 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 “automatic suction shut off” in this manual. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. Follow the “emptying liquid waste” section in this manual.
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.
NOTE: 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 INSTALLATION AND CLEANING:
With tank cover in an upside down position, slide foam sleeve down over lid cage pulling until foam sleeve completely covers lid cage. FIGURE 9.
To clean the foam sleeve, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. Remove the tank cover and place the cover in an upside-down position. Remove foam sleeve by sliding 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 minute or two, rinsing from the inside of the filer. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the foam sleeve.
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 your unit as a blower, clear hose of any obstructions. Insert hose end into blower port on rear of unit. FIGURE 10. Twist 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
Your vacuum can be emptied of liquid waste by removing the tank cover. To empty, turn unit off and remove plug from the wall receptacle. Remove the tank cover and deposit the liquid waste contents in a suitable drain. After the tank is empty, return the tank cover to its original position. To continue use, plug the cord into the wall receptacle and turn the unit on.
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 cleaner the tank should be emptied and cleaned. The power cord can be wrapped around the tank cover.
Accessories may be stored in the built-in tool storage provided on the tank cover on rear of unit. FIGURE 11. The vacuum should be stored indoors.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before doing any work on your vacuum, turn the unit off and disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.

PROBLEM 1:
- Loss of suction wet pick up
- CAUSE
  - Clogged filter
  - Full tank
    - SOLUTION
    - Clean filter, see steps 27 – 30 on page 7
    - Empty tank, see step 32 on page 7
PROBLEM 2:
- Loss of suction dry pick up
- CAUSE
  - Full tank
  - Clogged filter
    - SOLUTION
    - Empty and clean tank
    - Clean filter, see steps 15 – 16 on page 6
PROBLEM 3:
- Loss of suction or misting during wet pick up
- CAUSE
  - Full tank
  - Saturated filter
    - SOLUTION
    - Drain and clean tank, see step 32 on page 7
    - Clean filter, see steps 27 – 30 on page 7

This product has a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For Warranty Policy and Vacuum Registration details go to:

https://www.shopvac.com/warranty

https://shopvac.com/register

Customers in the United States:
Visit www.shopvac.com for your vacuum’s parts list schematic.
This product has a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
For Warranty Policy and Vacuum Registration details go to:
https://www.shopvac.com/warranty
https://shopvac.com/register
SHOP-VAC
2323 Reach Road
Williamsport, PA 17701
www.shopvac.com
U.S. Patents Issued and Pending.