KARCHER K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer Instruction Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

KARCHER K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer
Safety instructions
Safety devices
Assembly
Initial startup
Operation
Troubleshooting guide
Warranty
Technical data
- Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

KARCHER K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer

Safety instructions

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.

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 signif-icantly 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

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.

Risk of electric shock

DANGER

Only connect protection class I de-vices to properly earthed power sources.
Only connect 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 pro-tection 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 discolouration 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-pressure 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-pressure 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-pressure 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 drink-ing 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.

Operation with detergent

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 acids 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 safe-ly.

Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com.

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

Transport wheel
Storage for spray lance
Storage / parking position for high-pressure gun
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 (MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3- HARD)
High-pressure gun lock
Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
Mains connection with mains plug
Storage hook for power cord
Carrying handle
Transport handle, telescoping
Quick coupling for high-pressure hose
Type plate
High-pressure hose
Detergent suction hose with detergent filter and cap
Detergent tank
Water connection with integrated sieve
Water connection coupling
**Garden hose with commonly available coupling

Fabric reinforced

Diameter of at least 1/2 inch (13 mm)

Length at least 7.5 m

*Washing brush, suitable for working with detergents
*Foam nozzle for powerful detergent foam
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-pressure jet stops. The pump switches on again when the lever is pressed.

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

Fasten and secure the wheels to the device.

Illustration B

Installing the handles

Attach the transport handle.
Attach the carrying handle.

Illustration C

Close the detergent tank

Close the detergent tank with the cover.

Illustration D

Installing the water connection coupling

Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device.

Illustration E

Initial startup

Place the device on a flat and level surface.
Insert the high-pressure hose into the quick coupling until it audibly latches into place.
Illustration F
Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly latches into place.
Check for a secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose. 5. Plug the mains plug into a mains socket.

KARCHER K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer

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 connec-tion 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 H

Operation

ATTENTION
Pump running dry
Damage to the device
If pressure does not build up in the device after 2 min-utes 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 there-fore not binding.
When operating with surface cleaner and other acces-sories, the pressure indicator is not accurate.

Display	Pressure level	Recommended for e.g.
__	HARD	Stone terraces made of paving stones or washed concrete, as-

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
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.

Note

KÄRCHER detergents ensure fault-free operation. Ask us for a consultation, request our catalogue or our detergent

information sheets.

Fill the detergent solution into the detergent tank. Adhere to the dosage specifications on the detergent container. Illustration J
Close the detergent tank with the cover. Illustration D
Latch the detergent tank in the device.
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 operatio
You can optionally use the foam nozzle.
Connect the foam nozzle to the detergent bottle.
Insert the foam nozzle into the high-pressure gun and turn by 90° to fasten it. Illustration K

KARCHER K 3 Power Control Pressure WasherS fig 2

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

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 L
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

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 de-pressurised.

Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Close the water tap.
Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 sec-onds.
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 up the device by the carrying handle, and carry it. 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

Drain the detergent tank.
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.
Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the device.
Store the high-pressure hose on the device
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.

Switch the device on “I/ON”.
Wait for a maximum of 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
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 M
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.

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.

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”.
Clean the filter on the detergent suction hose
Check the detergent suction hose for kinks

Warranty

The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possi-ble malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufac-turing 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

Input temperature (max.)	°C	40
Input amount (min.)	l/min	8

Device performance data
Operating pressure| MPa| 8
Max. permissible pressure| MPa| 12
Water flow rate| l/min| 5,5
Maximum flow rate| l/min| 6,3
Length| mm| 297
---|---|---
Width| mm| 280
Height| mm| 677
Determined values in acc. with EN 60335-2-79

Determined values in acc. with EN 60335-2-79

Hand-arm vibration value m/s2 <2,
Uncertainty K m/s2 0,
Sound pressure level LpA dB(A) 7
Uncertainty KpA dB(A)
Sound power level LWA + K uncertaintyWA dB(A) 90

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: 1.676-xxx

Currently applicable UK Regulations