RIDGID HD16400 6 U.S. GALLON / 60 Liter Wet/Dry VAC Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: RIDGID

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
STORAGE
MAINTENANCE
REPAIR PARTS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
MODE D’EMPLOI
16 U.S. GALLON / 60 Liter
WET/DRY VAC

HD16400
FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the US and Canada
For service, parts visit store.ridgid.com/wetdry

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual before using this product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Safety is a combination of using common sense, staying alert, and knowing how your Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner (“Vac”) works.
Safety Signal Words

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury or property damage. When using your Vac, always follow basic safety precautions including the following:
WARNING:
– To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

Read and understand this manual and all labels on the Wet/Dry Vac before operating.
Use only as described in this manual.
Do not leave Vac running while unattended – you may fail to notice important signs indicating abnormal operation such as loss of suction, debris/liquid exiting exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately stop using Vac if you notice these signs.
Do not leave Vac when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
Sparks inside the motor can ignite flammable vapors or dust. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not use near combustible liquids, gases, or dust, such as gasoline or other fuels, lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, aluminum dust, or gun powder.
Do not vacuum anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
To avoid the risk of self-ignition of drum debris, empty the drum after each use. Combustible materials, such as rags or sawdust containing stain or urethane, can be sources of such overheating.
Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold fireplace ash, or other fine dust with a standard filter. These may pass through the filter and be exhausted back into the air. Use a fine dust filter instead.
To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic vapors, do not vacuum or use near toxic or hazardous materials.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter the motor compartment. Store indoors.
This Wet/Dry Vac is not intended for use by persons(including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Do not allow it to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
Do not use with a torn filter or without the filter installed except when vacuuming liquids as described in this manual. Dry debris ingested by the impeller may damage the motor or be exhausted into the air.
Turn off Vac before unplugging.
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug the power cord before changing or cleaning the filter.
Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
Do not use a damaged cord, plug, or other parts. If your Vac is not working as it should, has missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, call customer service.
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 Vac over cord. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac with wet hands.
Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Extension cords in poor condition or too small in wire size can pose fire and shock hazards. To reduce the risk of these hazards, be sure the cord is in good condition and that liquid does not contact the connection. Do not use an extension cord with conductors smaller than 1,3 mm2 (16 AWG).
This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a separate grounding system. Use only identical replacement parts. Read the instructions for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs before servicing.
Do not put any object into ventilation openings. Do not vacuum with any ventilation openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair or anything that may reduce airflow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.
To reduce the risk of falls, use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
To reduce the risk of back injury or falls, do not lift a Vac that is heavy with liquid or debris. Partially empty by scooping debris or draining liquid.
To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to Vac, use only RIDGID recommended accessories.
When using as a blower:
– Direct air discharge only at the work area.
– Do not direct air at bystanders.
– Keep children away when blowing.
– Do not use the blower for any job except blowing dirt and debris.
– Do not use it as a sprayer.
To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear safety eyewear. The operation of any utility Vac or blower can result in foreign objects being blown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.
To reduce the risk of being struck by, or pulled down by, a rolling Vac, block the casters when used on an uneven or sloped surface.

CAUTION:

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when used for extended hours or in a noisy area.
For dusty operations, wear a dust mask.
Static shocks are common when the relative humidity of the air is low. Vacuuming fine debris with your Vac can deposit static charge on the hose or Vac. To reduce the frequency of static shocks in your home or when using this Vac, add moisture to the air with a humidifier. Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor
the housing of your Vac:

DOUBLE INSULATED – GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED. WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

WARNING:

For your own safety, read and understand the owner’s manual.
Do not run unattended.
Do not pick up hot ashes, coals, flammable, combustible / self-igniting, toxic, or other hazardous materials.
Do not use explosive liquids or vapors.

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock – do not expose to rain – store indoors.

SAVE THIS MANUAL
INTRODUCTION

This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use. It may be used for vacuuming wet or dry media and may be used as a blower. Read this Owner’s Manual to familiarize ourself with the product features and to understand the specific usage of your new Vac.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WET/DRY VAC

Familiarize yourself with the accessories included with the Vac. Each accessory may be used in various ways for vacuuming and blowing debris. Here is a list of the accessories and their uses.

Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex –
Provides transfer of vacuum or blowing capability to work site. Provides the means of attaching extension wands and nozzles.
Extension Wands – These wands can be connected together and provide additional length.
Utility Nozzle – General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications.

INTRODUCTION

TOOLS NEEDED
Phillips Screwdriver Rubber Mallet

UNPACKING
This Product Requires Assembly.
Check all parts from the carton against the Carton Contents List. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact 1-800-4-RIDGID(the US and Canada) or by email at info@ridgidvacs.com.

CARTON CONTENTS LIST (Fig. 1)
Key Description Qty

A Powerhead Assembly ………………………………………….1
B Dust Drum Assembly …………………………………………..1
C Drain Cap …………………………………………………………….1
D Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap ………………………….1
E Pan Head Screw, #10 x 3/4” (19 mm) …………………..2
F Caster Foot w/Storage ………………………………………….4
G Caster ………………………………………………………………… 4
H Qwik Lock™ Filter ………………………………………………..1
I Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex …1
J Extension Wand …………………………………………………..2
K Utility Nozzle ………………………………………………………..1
L Owner’s Manual …………………………………………………..1

These parts come preassembled.

Select Models May Also Include (Fig. 2):
Key Description Qty

M Disposable Filter Bag …………………………………………..1
Check the Contents List on your Carton for a List of Included Accessories.

ASSEMBLY

CASTER/CASTER FOOT ASSEMBLY (Fig. 3)
NOTE: Remove Powerhead Assembly from Dust Drum prior to assembly of Casters and Caster Feet.

Place Caster Foot (F) upside down on the floor.
Place the Caster (G) into the Caster Foot (F): Insert the Caster Stem into Caster Foot Socket.
Push on the Caster until the Caster Ball end snaps fully into the Caster Foot Socket and the Caster swivels freely. Repeat for the other Three Casters and Caster Feet.
Turn Dust Drum (B) upside down on the floor.
Place Caster Foot with Caster over Dust Drum Post and press firmly in place. Repeat for the other Three Caster/ Caster Foot Assemblies (F & G). If necessary, gently tap
Caster Foot Assembly with a rubber mallet until fully seated flush with the Drum as shown in the image.
Turn the Dust Drum (B) upright.

WET/DRY VAC ASSEMBLY (Fig. 4)

Attach Powerhead Assembly to Dust Drum: Line upfront of Powerhead Assembly (A) with the Vac Inlet Port located on the front of the Dust Drum (B).
Place Powerhead Assembly (A) on top of Dust Drum (B) and push down on the top of the Powerhead Assembly snapping the Flexible Locking Tabs of the Dust Drum into the Powerhead Assembly Latch Lock Holes.
Be sure Powerhead Assembly completely covers the top of the Dust Drum and the Flexible Locking Tabs are fully snapped into place to avoid any leakage and to prevent the Powerhead Assembly from coming off.
To Remove Powerhead Assembly: Push in on the Flexible Locking Tabs, disengage them from the Powerhead Assembly Latch Lock Holes, and pull up on the Powerhead Assembly.

CARRY HANDLE / POWER CORD WRAP ASSEMBLY (Fig. 5)

Locate the Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap (D) and the Two #10 x 3/4” Pan Head Screws (E) in a loose parts bag.
Position the Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap (D) on top of the Powerhead Assembly (A), with the Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap Extended Flange to the rear of the Powerhead Assembly, as shown.
Insert a #10 x 3/4” Pan Head Screw (E) through the Hole at each end of the Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap (D) and into the Powerhead Assembly (A). Tighten securely.

ATTACHING AND REMOVING VACUUM HOSE (Fig. 6)

To Insert Hose: Locate the end of the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (I) and align the Hose Locking Tab with the Dust Drum Vac Inlet Ridges. Push the hose cuff straight into the Vac Inlet Port until the Hose Locking Tab fully engages the Dust Drum Vac Inlet Ridges.
To Remove Hose: Rotate the end of the Tug-ALong Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (I) in either direction to release the Hose Locking Tab from the Dust Drum Vac inlet Ridges. You may also press the Hose LockingTab and pull the Hose end straight out of the Vac Inlet Port.

OPERATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or damage to Vac:

Do not leave Vac running while unattended – you may fail to notice important signs indicating abnormally the operation such as loss of suction, debris/liquid exiting the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately stop using Vac if you notice these signs.
Do not leave Vac plugged in when not in use.
Do not continue running when the float has cut off suction.
Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and aerosol sprays. Explosive dust includes coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain, and gun powder.
Do not vacuum up explosive dust, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.
Do not leave sawdust or rags with stain or polyurethane residue inside Vac. Empty drum after picking up these potentially self-healing materials.

**WARNING:** To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury:

Do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter the motor compartment. Store indoors.
Do not handle plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.
Unplug Vac before servicing. If your Vac is not working as it should, has missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to an authorized service center or call customer service.
When using an extension cord, use only outdoor-rated cords that are in good condition. Do not allow the connection to come into contact with liquid.

**CAUTION:** To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for an extended time or in a noisy area.

POLARIZED PLUG / ON-OFF SWITCH (Fig. 7)
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this Vac has a Polarized Plug (one blade is wider than the other). This Plug will fit in a Polarized Outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the Outlet, reverse the Plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper Outlet. Do not change the Plugin any way.
With Power Cord plugged in, turn the Vac “ON” by pressing in on the “I” (top) on the Power Switch. To turn “OFF”, press the “O” (bottom) on the Power Switch. The symbols used on the Switch Actuator are international “ON & OFF” symbols.

VACUUMING DRY MATERIALS

The filter must always be correctly installed to avoid leaks and possible Vac damage.
To maintain peak performance when vacuuming fine dust, clean the Dust Drum and Filter regularly.
NOTE: Do not use a wet Filter when picking up dry material. The Filter will quickly clog and be difficult to clean.
If the filter is wet, you must allow it to dry completely or replace it with a dry Filter before using the vac to pick up dry material.

VACUUMING LIQUIDS

Vacuuming up small amounts of liquid (less than 2” (5 cm) collected in Dust Drum) does not require Filter removal.
When larger amounts of liquid are to be picked up, remove all dry use only Paper Filter(s) and replace with a RIDGID wet application Foam Filter. Do Not remove the Filter Cage or Float. The Foam Filter is specifically designed for high volume liquid to pick up. If the paper Filter is used and becomes saturated, you may see “mist” coming from the Blowing Port.
When the Dust Drum is “full” the Float will rise and cut off airflow. The motor sound will rise in pitch and its speed will increase indicating the Dust Drum is “full”. Turn OFF the Vac and unplug the power cord before emptying the Dust Drum.
Following the use of Vac for wet pick up, allow Filter to dry completely to avoid mildew and Filter damage.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of damage to the Vac, do not run Motor with Float in the raised position.

WARNING:
Do not operate without a filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

EMPTYING THE DUST DRUM (Fig. 8)

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug the power cord before emptying the drum.

Unplug Power Cord from the power source.
The Vac comes equipped with a Drain for easy emptying of liquids. Position the Vac near a suitable drain or receptacle and remove the Drain Cap (C).
To Remove Powerhead Assembly: Push in on the Flexible Locking Tabs, disengaging them from the Powerhead Assembly Latch Lock Holes. Pull up on the Powerhead Assembly and set aside.
Empty Dust Drum (B) into a proper waste disposal container.
The Dust Drum (B) should be emptied and cleaned before storing your Vac.

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of back injury or falls, do not lift a Vac heavy with liquid or debris. Scoop or drain enough contents out to make the Vac light enough to lift comfortably.

BLOWING FEATURE (Fig. 9)
Your Vac features a Blowing Port. It can blow sawdust and other debris. Follow the steps below to use your Vac as a Blower.

Locate the Blowing Port, at the rear of the Wet/Dry Vac Powerhead Assembly (A).
Align the Hose Locking Tab of the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex End (I) with the Blower Port Ridges. Push the Hose Cuff straight into the Blower Port until the Hose Locking Tab fully engages the Blower Port Ridges.
(Optional) Attach the Extension Wand (J) to the swivel end of the Hose (I).
Turn the Vac ON and you are ready to use your Vac as a Blower.
To Remove Hose: Rotate Hose Cuff in either direction to disengage Blower Port Ridges.
Press the Hose Locking Tab and pull the Hose Cuff straight out of the Blower Port.

WARNING:
Always wear safety eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before using it as a blower.
**WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.
****CAUTION:
Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust that might be inhaled.
****CAUTION:**
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for an extended time or in a noisy area.

STORAGE

When vacuuming is complete, your RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac has convenient storage locations.
ACCESSORY STORAGE (Fig. 10)

For Storage: Slide the Extension Wands (J) and the Utility Nozzle (K) onto the Caster Feet Posts.
To Remove Wands and Accessories: Lightly rotate and pull upward.

CORD STORAGE (Fig. 10)

To Store Cord: Wrap Power Cord around the top Carry Handle / Power Cord Wrap (D) beneath the Two Tabs.
Secure the Power Cord using the Cord Clip on the Polarized Plug.

HOSE STORAGE (Fig. 10)

The Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (I) may be stored around the Powerhead Assembly (A) and secured into the Two Hose Storage Clips.

LOCKING ACCESSORIES (Fig. 10)
Your RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac includes Locking Accessories to prevent the Accessories from falling off when in use.

To Connect the Locking Accessories: Align the Nozzle Ridges of the Accessory with the Locking Tab of your Extension Wand (J). Press to secure the Nozzle to the Extension Wand.
To Disconnect the Locking Accessories: Twist the Nozzle and Extension Wand to disengage the Nozzle Ridges and pull. You may also press the Locking Tab and pull to disengage.

WARNING:
Do not put any object into ventilation openings. Do not vacuum with any ventilation openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, or anything that may reduce air flow.
**CAUTION:**
Do not operate vacuum while the hose is still wrapped around the powerhead assembly in the storage position.

MAINTENANCE

FILTER (Fig. 11)
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug the power cord before changing or cleaning the filter.

NOTE: The Filter (H) is made of high-quality paper designed to stop small particles of dust. The Filter can be used for dry pick up or small amounts of liquid. Handle the filter carefully when removing or installing it. Creases in the Filter Pleats may occur from installation but will not affect the performance of the Filter.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION OF THE **QWIK LOCK™ FILTER (Fig. 11)**

To Remove Filter: Place fingers under the Two Filter Tabs.
While pressing down with one thumb on the Qwik Lock™ Stud, which protrudes through the center of the Filter Plate, lift up on the Tabs until Filter releases.
Slide Filter off Filter Cage. Filter Cage and Float should not be removed.
IMPORTANT: To avoid Blower Wheel and Motor Damage always reinstall the Filter before using Vac for dry pickup.
To Install Filter: Slide the Qwik Lock™ Filter (H) over the Filter Cage while aligning the Qwik Lock™ Stud on the Filter Cage with the center hole in the Qwik Lock™
Integrated Filter Plate.
Make sure the Rubber Gasket at the bottom of the Qwik Lock™ Filter (H) seats around the base of the Filter Cage.
Firmly press the Qwik Lock™ Integrated Filter Plate down around the Qwik Lock™ Stud until it snaps into place.
NOTE: Failure to properly seat the bottom Gasket and Integrated Filter Plate to the Filter Cage could result in debris bypassing the Filter. Your Filter should be cleaned often to maintain peak Vac performance.

WARNING:
Do not operate without a filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

CLEANING A DRY FILTER

Some removal of dry debris can be accomplished without removing the Filter from the Vac. Slap your hand on top of the Lid while the Vac is turned OFF.
For best cleaning results due to accumulated dust, clean the Filter outdoors in an open area.
After Filter removal from Vac, remove the dry debris by gently tapping Filter against the inside wall of your Dust Drum. The debris will loosen and fall.
For thorough cleaning of Dry Filter with fine dust (no debris), run water through Filter as described under “Cleaning A Wet Filter”.

CLEANING A WET FILTER
After the filter is removed, run water through the Filter from a hose or spigot. Take care that water pressure from the hose is not strong enough to damage the Filter.
IMPORTANT: After cleaning, check the filter for tears or small holes. Do not use a filter with holes or tears in it. Even a small hole can allow dust to come out of your Vac.
Replace it immediately.
Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling and storing the Vac or picking up dry debris.

WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any other maintenance, repairs, and adjustments should be performed by Authorized Service Centers, always using RIDGID replacement parts.

REPAIR PARTS

WARNING:
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC
In a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding.No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated appliance, nor should a means for grounding be added. Servicing a double- insulated Wet/Dry Vac requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac must be identical to the parts they replace. Your double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac is marked with the words “DOUBLE INSULATED” and the symbol (square within a square) may also be marked on the appliance. To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.
WARNING: All disassembly and repairs should be performed by qualified personnel.

This product has a 90-day Satisfaction Guarantee Policy as well as a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For Warranty and Policy details go to RIDGID.com/VacWarranty or call 1-800-4-RIDGID.

16 U.S. Gallon (60 Liter) Wet/Dry Vac
Model Number HD16400
Electrical Ratings:
120 V 7.8 A 60 Hz
RIDGID parts are available online at store.ridgid.com/wetdry
Always order by Part Number – Not by Key Number
www.RIDGID.com
© 2021 Emerson Part No. SP7117
Form No. SP7117-1
Printed in Mexico 04/21