KARCHER K 3 Compact Cold Water Pressure Washer User Manual

KARCHER K 3 Compact Cold Water Pressure Washer

Safety instructions

Read this safety chapter and these origi-nal instructions before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep the original instructions for future reference or for future owners.

• In addition to the notes in the operating instructions, you also need to take into consideration the general safety regulations and accident prevention guide-lines applicable by law.
• Warnings and information notices attached to the device provide important information for hazard-free operation.

Hazard levels

• DANGER
  Indication of an imminent threat of danger that will lead to severe injuries or even death.

• WARNING
  Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to severe injuries or even death.

• CAUTION
  Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to minor injuries.

• ATTENTION
  Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to damage to property.

Protective gear

CAUTION

•  Wear suitable protective clothing and safety goggles to protect yourself from water or dirt
  backsplash.

• Aerosols can be formed when using high-pressure cleaners. Inhaling aerosols can be harmful for your health. Depending on the application, the use of fully shielded nozzles (e.g. surface cleaners) can significantly lower the emission of aqueous aerosols. De-pending on the environment to be cleaned, wear a suitable respiratory protective mask of class FFP 2 or comparable to protect yourself from inhaling aerosols if the use of a fully shielded nozzle is not possible.

General safety instructions

• DANGER Risk of asphyxiation. Keep pack-aging film out of the reach of children.

• WARNING Only use the device for its proper use. Take into account the local conditions and beware
  of third parties, in particular children, when working with the device.

  • Persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities and persons lacking experience and knowledge may only use the appliance if they are properly supervised, have been instructed on use of the appliance safely by a person responsible for their safety, and understand the resultant hazards involved.
  • Children must not operate the device
  •  Children must be supervised to prevent them from playing with the appliance.

• CAUTION

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

Risk of electric shock

• DANGER
  •  Only connect protection class I de-vices to properly earthed power sources
  • Only con-nect the device to alternating current. The voltage indicated on the type plate must match the voltage of the power source.
  •  Only operate the device via a fault current protection switch (maximum 30 mA).
  •  Never touch the mains plug and socket with wet hands.
  •  The mains plug and coupling of the extension cable must be water tight and may not be placed in water. The coupling may not be on the floor. Use cable drums to ensure that the sockets are at least 60 mm above the floor.
  • All live parts in the work area must be protected against water jets.
• WARNING
  • Only connect the device to an electrical connection which has been set up by a qualified electrician as per IEC 60364-1.
  •  Check that the mains connection cable with mains plug is undamaged each time before using the device. To avoid any possible danger, a damaged mains connection cable must be immediately replaced by the manufacturer, or the authorised customer service department or a qualified electrician.
  • Do not damage the power supply and ex-tension cable by running over it, crushing or yanking it or similar. Protect the power supply cable from heat, oil and sharp edges.
  • Unsuitable electrical extension cables are dangerous. Only use approved and appropriately marked electrical extension cables with a sufficient line cross section when outdoors: 1-10 m : 1.5 mm2, 10-30 m : 2.5 mm2
• CAUTION
  • Always fully unwind the extension cable from the cable drum.
  •  In case of longer breaks in operation and after use, switch off the device at the main switch / device switch and pull the mains plug.

Operation

• DANGER
  •  Operation in explosive atmospheres is prohibited.
  • Never suction solvents, liquids containing solvents or undiluted acids. This includes e.g. petrol, paint thinner or heating oil. The spray mist is highly flammable, explosive and poisonous.
  • Dam-aged wheels / tyre valves are extremely dangerous. Damaged wheels / tyre valves can be damaged by the high-pressure jet and explode. The first sign of this is discoloration of the tyres. Keep a spray distance of at least 30 cm when cleaning the wheels / tyre valves.
• WARNING
  •  Do not use the device if people without the proper protective clothing are in its reach.
  • Do not aim the high-pressure jet at yourself, e.g. to clean clothes or shoes.
  • Do not direct the high-pres-sure jet at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the device itself.
  •  Do not spray any objects which contain harmful substances (e.g. asbestos).
  • Check the device and the accessories, such as the high-pres-sure hose, high-pressure gun and safety devices, to make sure they are in proper safe and reliable condition before each operation. Do not use the device if it is dam-aged. Replace damaged components immediately.
  • Only use high-pressure hoses, control panels and couplings specified by the manufacturer.
  •  Risk of scalding. When disconnecting the supply or high-pres-sure hose, hot water can leak out of the connections after operation.
• CAUTION
  • According to the applicable regulations, the appliance may never be used with the drinking water network without a system separator. Ensure that the connection to your house water system, with which the high-pressure cleaner is operated, is equipped with a system separator according to EN 12729 type BA.
  •  Water that has flowed through a system separator is no longer classified as drinkable. Never leave the device unsupervised while it is in operation.
  •  Recoil force from the water stream emerging at the high-pressure nozzle acts on the high-pressure gun. Keep proper footing and hold the high-pressure gun and spray lance firmly.
  • Accidents or damage due to the device falling over. Before all actions with or on the device, you must make sure that it is stable.
• ATTENTION
  • Do not operate the device at temperatures below 0 °C.

Operation with detergent

• WARNING
  • Incorrect use of detergents can cause serious injuries or poisoning.
• CAUTION
  • Keep the detergent out of the reach of children.
  • Only use the detergents supplied or specified by the manufacturer. The use of other deter-gents or chemicals can impair the safety of the device.

Care and service

• WARNING
  • Always pull out the mains plug before all care and maintenance work.
• CAUTION
  • Have repair work and work on electrical components carried out by the authorised customer service only.
• ATTENTION
  • Do not use acetone, undiluted ac-ids or solvents, as they corrode the materials used on
    the device.

Transportation

• CAUTION
  

  • Risk of accidents and injuries. Take into account the weight of the device for transportation and storage. See chapter Technical data in the operating instructions.

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.
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 ma-chines, 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

1. Transport wheel
2.  Storage for high-pressure hose and mains connection cable
3. Storage for spray lance
4. Storage for high-pressure gun
5. Spray lance with dirt grinder for stubborn soiling
6. Vario Power spray lance for common cleaning tasks: The working pressure can be continuously in-creased from “SOFT” to “HARD”. To adjust the working pressure, release the high-pressure gun lever and turn the spray lance to the desired position. Detergent can be added to the water jet when the spray lance is turned all the way in the SOFT direction.
7. High-pressure gun
8. Clamp for the high-pressure hose
9. High-pressure gun lever
10. High-pressure gun lock
11. High-pressure hose
12. Mains connection cable with mains plug
13. Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
14. Carrying handle
15. Transport handle, telescoping
16.  Coupling for high-pressure hose
17. Type plate
18.  Water connection with integrated sieve
19. Suction hose for detergent (with filter)
20. Water connection coupling
21.  Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling)
22. Washing brush, suitable for working with detergents
23. Foam nozzle for powerful detergent foam
24. Detergent container* optional, ** additionally required

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-pres-sure jet stops. The pump switches on again when the lever is pressed.

Symbols on the device

Do not aim the high-pressure jet may at per-sons, 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. Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.

Fitting the wheels

1. Fasten and secure the wheels to the device. Illustration B

Installing the water connection coupling

1. Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device. Illustration C

Initial startup

1. Place the device on a flat and level surface.
2. Connect the high-pressure hose to the device.
   • Pull out the clamp on the coupling.
   • Insert the high-pressure hose into the coupling.
   • Insert the clamp into the coupling.
3. Connect the high-pressure hose to the high-pressure gun.
   • Squeeze the clamp.
   • Pull out the clamp.
   • Insert the high-pressure hose.
   • Press the clamp in until it latches into place.
4. Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
   5. 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.ss

1. Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
2. Connect the garden hose to the water line.
3. Open the water tap fully. Illustration F

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

1. Place the device on a level surface.
2. Disconnect the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
3. Disconnect the high-pressure gun from the high-pressure hose.
4. Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the device.
5. Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
6. Store the mains connection cable and accessories on the device. Observe the additional notes before storing the device for a long 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 hose is removed.
  1. The device is disconnected from the water supply.
  2. The high-pressure hose is removed.

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.

1. Remove the water connection coupling.
2. Pull the sieve out using flat pliers.
3. Clean the sieve under running water. Illustration K
4. Insert the sieve into the water connection.

Clean the detergent filter

Clean the detergent filter before longer periods of storage.

1. Pull the filter off the detergent suction hose.
2.  Clean the filter under running water. Illustration L

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

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

The sieve in the water connection is dirty.

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

Air is in the device.

1. Vent the device:
   • Switch on the device without a connected high- pressure hose for a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure connection is free of air bubbles.
   • Switch off the device.
   • Connect the high-pressure hose.

Strong pressure fluctuations

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

Device leaking

1. The device leaks a small amount for technical reasons. If the leak is severe, request authorised Customer Service.

Detergent is not sucked in

1. Use the Vario Power spray lance and turn it all the way in the “SOFT” direction.
2.  Clean the filter on the detergent suction hose.
3. Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.

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

Declaration of Conformity

We hereby declare that the product described below complies with the relevant provisions of the following UK Regulations, 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 product is modified without our prior approval.

• Product: High-pressure cleaner
• Type: K 3 Compact
• Currently applicable UK Regulations
  • S.I. 2001/1701 (as amended)
  • S.I. 2008/1597 (as amended)
  • S.I. 2012/3032 (as amended)
  • S.I. 2016/1091 (as amended)
• Designated standards used
  • EN 60335-1
  • EN 60335-2-79
  • EN 62233: 2008
  • EN 55014-1: 2017
  • EN 55014-2: 2015
  • EN 61000-3-2: 2014
  • EN 61000-3-3: 2013
  • EN IEC 63000: 2018

Applied conformity assessment procedure

• S.I. 2001/1701 (as amended): Schedule 8
• Sound power level dB(A)
• Measured: 87
• Guaranteed: 89

The signatories act on behalf of and with the authority of the company management.

Documentation supervisor: S. Reiser
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28 – 40 71364
Winnenden (Germany)
Ph.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212
Winnenden, 2021/02/01

References

• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Dealer Search | Kärcher International
• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA - Kärcher

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