RIDGID WD40801 4 U.S. Gallon 15 Liter Detachable Wet/Dry Vac Owner’s Manual

RIDGID WD40801 4 U.S. Gallon 15 Liter Detachable Wet/Dry Vac

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual before using this product.

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 which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, 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 dusts, 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 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 dusts with 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 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 use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
• Do not allow 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 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 power cord before changing or cleaning filter.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with 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 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 air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of 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 personal injury or damage to Vac, use only RIDGID recommended accessories.
• When using as a blower:
  • Direct air discharge only at work area.
  • Do not direct air at bystanders.
  • Keep children away when blowing.
  • Do not use blower for any job except blowing dirt and debris.
  • Do not use 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.

CAUTION:

• To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using for extended hours or in a noisy area.
• For dusty operations, wear 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 housing of your Vac:

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

WARNING:

• For your own safety, read and understand 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 around explosive liquids or vapors.

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

WARNING:
When Using Blower:
Wear safety goggles labeled “ANSI Z87.1” on the package. Turn unit off before setting on ground or releasing grasp from handle. Electric shock could occur if used on wet surfaces. Direct tool discharge only at work area. Do not direct discharge at bystanders, Keep children away.

INTRODUCTION

This Detachable Wet/Dry Vac is intended for household use only. It may be used for light vacuuming of wet or dry media and may be used as a blower. The light weight design allows usage for most small household vacuuming chores.

Familiarize yourself with the following product and features and read the entire owner’s manual for specific usage of your new Detachable Wet/Dry Vac.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WET/DRY VAC

Familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your Vac before operating. 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 provides additional length for more reach.
Utility Nozzle – General purpose nozzle for most vacuuming applications.
Car Nozzle – Dry pickup nozzle for car interiors and most upholstery cleaning.
Blower Wand – Attaches directly to the power assembly and concentrates the air for blowing applications.

UNPACKING
Your Vacuum will come out of the box fully assembled for your convenience. Please check inside the Dust Drum for additional components before using this product.
Remove contents of carton. Check each item against the Carton Contents List.
Contact 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the US and Canada, 01-800-701-9811 from Mexico or info@RIDGIDvacs.com if any parts are damaged or missing.

CARTON CONTENTS LIST (Fig. 1)

These parts come preassembled.

ASSEMBLY

WET/DRY VAC ASSEMBLY (Fig. 2)

1. To Attach the Powerhead Assembly to Dust Drum:
   Place the Powerhead Assembly with the Detachable Blower Handle aligned above the Vac Inlet Port ofthe Dust Drum (C).

2. Lower the Powerhead Assembly onto the DustDrum (C). Rotate both Latches down until you hearthem snap over the Drum Latch Catches.

3. To Remove the Powerhead Assembly: Pull out onthe Two Latches and lift Powerhead Assembly fromthe Dust Drum. Do not force the Latches to rotatemore than slightly outside Drum Flange.

DETACHABLE BLOWER ASSEMBLY (Fig. 3)

1. To Remove the Detachable Blower from the Lid Assembly: Press down on the Detachable Blower Latch located under the Detachable Blower Handle. Lift the Detachable Blower (A) off the Lid Assembly (B) of the Vac.
   DETACHABLE BLOWER ASSEMBLY (Fig. 4)

2. To Install the Detachable Blower to the Lid Assembly: Position the Detachable Blower (A) above the Indented Area of the Lid Assembly (B). Rotate the Detachable Blower (A) down until the travel of the unit stops.

3. Lightly press down on the Carry Handle of the Detachable Blower (A) until you hear the “snap” of the Detachable Blower Latch engaging the Detachable Blower (A). The Detachable Blower (A) is now latched to the Lid Assembly (B).

ATTACHING /REMOVING VACUUM HOSE (Fig. 5)

1. To Insert Hose: Locate the larger end of the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (K). Push the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex into the Vac Inlet Port. Engage the Hose Locking Tab onto the lip of the Vac Inlet Port. The Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex should snap into place.
2. To Remove Hose: Press the Hose Locking Tab 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 abnormal 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 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 dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain, and gun powder.
• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, 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 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 theVac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.

POLARIZED PLUG / ON-OFF SWITCH (Fig. 6)

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 Plug in any way.
With Power Cord plugged in, turn the Vac “ON” by sliding the Power Switch towards the “I”. To turn “OFF”, slide the Power Switch towards the “O”. The symbols used on either side of the Switch Actuator are international “ON & OFF” symbols.

VACUUMING DRY MATERIALS

1. The Filter must always be in correct position at all times to avoid leaks and possible damage to Vac.

2. To maintain peak performance when vacuuming fine dust, clean the 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.

3. 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

1. Vacuuming up small amounts of liquid (less than 2” (5 cm) collected in Dust Drum) does not require Filter removal.
2. 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 pick up. If the paper Filter is used and becomes saturated, you may see “mist” coming from the Blower Port.
3. When the 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 Drum is “full”. Turn OFF the Vac and unplug the power cord before emptying the Drum.
4. Following 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 raised position.

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

EMPTYING THE DUST DRUM (Fig. 7)

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

1. Unplug Power Cord from power source.
2. To empty contents of the Dust Drum (C), simply lift on the Two Drum Latches located on the side of the Vac. Then lift the Powerhead Assembly (Detachable Blower and Lid Assembly) up and off the Dust Drum (C).
3. Lay the Powerhead Assembly upside down on a clean dry area while emptying the Dust Drum (C) or changing the Filter (D).
4. Empty Dust Drum (C) contents into the proper waste disposal container.
5. The Dust Drum (C) should be emptied and cleaned before storing your Vac.

BLOWING FEATURE (Fig. 8)
Your Wet/Dry Vac has a Detachable Blower (A) with a Blower Port. It has the capability to be used as a Detachable Blower for yard work, patio cleanup, and garage applications to blow dust and other debris.

1. To Remove the Detachable Blower from the Lid Assembly: Press down on the Detachable Blower Latch located under the Detachable Blower Handle. Lift the Detachable Blower (A) off the Lid Assembly (B) of the Vac.

WARNING:
Always wear safety eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before using as a blower.
To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.

CAUTION:
Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust which might be inhaled.
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.

BLOWER USAGE (Fig. 9)
Two suggested methods of using the Detachable Blower (A):

1. Insert the round end of the Blower Wand (J) into the Detachable Blower Port and turn the Blower Wand (J) clockwise to lock.
   – OR –

2. The Wet/Dry Vac may also be used for blowing using the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (K) supplied with the Wet/Dry Vac. Install the push button end of the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex in the Detachable Blower Port.
   For added control, an Extension Wand (G) and/or Accessory can be added to the opposite end of the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (K). The unit is ready for blowing applications.
   NOTE: It is advisable to wear safety equipment when using the Blower, such as Safety Goggles and Dust Mask.
   With Power Cord plugged in, turn the Vac “ON” by sliding the Power Switch towards the “I”. To turn “OFF”, slide the Power Switch towards the “O”.

STORAGE

When vacuuming is complete, your RIDGID Detachable Wet/Dry Vac has convenient storage locations.

ACCESSORY STORAGE (Fig. 10)

1. Place the Utility Nozzle (H) on one of the Extension Wands (G) for storage.
2. The Accessory Storage Bin, located on the back of the Wet/Dry Vac, holds the Two Extension Wands (G), Car Nozzle (I) and Blower Wand (J).

CORD STORAGE (Fig. 11)

1. To Store Cord: Wrap the Power Cord around the Detachable Blower Cord Wrap.
2. Secure the Power Cord using the Cord Clip on the Polarized Plug.

HOSE STORAGE (Fig. 12)

1. Wrap the Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose with Dual-Flex (K) around the Powerhead Assembly as shown and place the small Swivel End inside the larger one.

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

DETACHABLE BLOWER INTAKE (FIG. 13)

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning filter or foam pad.

After using the Detachable Blower (A) of your Wet/Dry Vac, examine the bottom of the Blower for dust and debris. Check to see if the Intake to the Blower has debris stuck to the Plastic Vents and Foam Pad.

To clean the Foam Pad under the Intake Shield of the Detachable Blower (A):

1. Remove the Three Screws holding the Intake Shield.
2. Lift the Intake Shield off and set aside.
3. Lift the Foam Pad away from the Detachable Blower (A).
4. Remove the Foam Pad and clean in warm soapy water or brush debris away. Allow Foam Pad to dry.
5. Examine Foam Pad for reuse. If you need to replace it, check on-line at store.ridgid.com/wetdry.
6. Replace Foam Pad by reversing Steps 1 through 4.
7. Reinstall Intake Shield and 3 Screws.
   The unit is ready for use.

DANGER:
Do not operate without reinstalling the intake shield.

FILTER

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

NOTE: The Filter (D) 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. 14)

1. To Remove Filter: Place fingers under the Two Filter Tabs.

2. While pressing down with one thumb on the Qwik Lock™ Stud, that protrudes through the center of the Filter Plate lift up on the Tabs until Filter releases.

3. Slide Filter off Filter Cage. Filter Cage and Float should not be removed.
   IMPORTANT: To avoid Blower Wheel and Motor Damage always reinstall Filter before using Vac for dry pickup.

4. To Install Filter: Slide the Qwik Lock™ Filter (D) 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.

5. Make sure the Rubber Gasket at the bottom of the Qwik Lock™ Filter (D) seats around the base of the Filter Cage.

6. 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 filter cage and float, as they prevent liquid from entering the impeller and damaging the motor.

CLEANING A DRY FILTER

1. 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.
2. For best cleaning results due to accumulated dust, clean the Filter outdoors in an open area.
3. 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.
4. 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 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 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

4 U.S. Gallon (15 Liter) Detachable Wet/Dry Vac
Model Number WD40801
Electrical Ratings:
120 V 10 A 60 Hz
RIDGID parts are available online at store.ridgid.com/wetdry
Always order by Part Number – Not by Key Number

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 power cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.

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

Part No. SP7124 Form No. SP7124 Printed in Mexico 08/21
© 2021 Emerson
www.RIDGID.com
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.

References

• RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac and Backpack Vac Full Lifetime Warranty | RIDGID Tools
• Parts | Wet Dry Vacs - Professional/Industrial | RIDGID Store
• Parts | Wet Dry Vacs - General Purpose | RIDGID Store
• Rugged Jobsite Tools | RIDGID Tools
• Wet Dry Vacs | RIDGID Tools

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