ULINE H-5814 5 Gallon Portable Shop Vac User Guide
Table of Contents
ULINE H-5814 5 Gallon Portable Shop Vac
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
H-5814 SHOP-VAC®The Shop-Vac® wet/dry vacuum cleaners are for vacuuming wet and dry nonvolatile materials. Equipped with powerful, permanently lubricated motors and standard filtration systems. Double filtration is available for most Shop-Vac® models and is standard on Shop-Vac® commercial vacuums. Automatic float shutoff prevents overflow during wet pick-up. Includes versatile 1½” (3.81cm) diameter accessories and rugged dent-resistant polypropylene tank. UL listed.TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY:
Do not leave appliance unattended when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only.
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 these instructions. 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 Uline Customer Service for assistance.
Do not: Pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, pull cord around sharp edges or corners or run appliance over cord.
Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
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 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 after cleaning. 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 vac can 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 use of drugs, alcohol or medication causing diminished control.
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.
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, 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.
EXTENSION CORDS
When using the appliance at a distance where an extension cord becomes necessary, a three-conductor grounding cord of adequate size must be used for safety and to prevent loss of power and overheating. Use the table below to determine AWG wire size required. To determine ampere rating of your vacuum, refer to nameplate located on rear of motor cover.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 that have three-prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles that 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.
VOLTS
TOTAL LENGTH OF CORD IN FEET
120V
25
50
100
150
AMPERE RATING
AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE (AWG)
More Than
Not More Than
0
6
18
16
16
14
6
10
18
16
14
12
10
12
16
16
14
12
12
16
14
12
Not recommended
UNPACKING
Remove vacuum cleaner and all accessories from the carton.
IMPORTANT: Open tank cover by pushing latches or clamps outward with thumbs and remove any accessories that may have been shipped in the tank.
Depending on dry pick-up or wet pick-up operation, install proper filter.
Replace cover and make sure latches or clamps are secured over raised area of tank cover.
ASSEMBLY
TOOL HOLDER
Set tank cover onto the tank. Position with back of tank cover facing you.
Press tabs of tool holder into the slots on mounting lugs, located on back of tank cover.
Press down until tabs snap into place. Remove tank cover from tank and refer to the set up and operation section.
SET UP
Refer to the filter installation and maintenance section to make sure the correct filters are installed for your cleaning operation.
Replace tank cover. Make sure each latch or clamp is secured over the raised area of the tank cover. Failure to properly secure the latches could cause the tank cover to release from the tank.
Insert machine hose end with locking nut into the inlet in the front of the tank. Turn locking nut clockwise to tighten. Do not over-tighten.
Attach the desired cleaning accessory onto the accessory end of the hose.
Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use.
ACCESSORIES, HOSES AND WANDS
NOZZLES AND ACCESSORIES
All friction fit accessories – Insert hose into accessory and twist to form a tight fit.
HOSES
Lock-On® Hoses – Insert hose collar onto threaded tank inlet and tighten.
FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
FILTRATION SYSTEM
There are a variety of filters available for your vacuum. There are cage filters that install onto the underside of the tank cover and tank filters that install into the tank. The filters are grouped into three filtration categories. General filtration is used for large debris, such as wood chips, nails and gravel. Medium filtration is used for medium debris, such as dirt, sand and sawdust. Fine filtration is used for fine debris, such as drywall dust, cold ash and cement dust. It is important to have the correct filters installed for your cleaning operation to protect your vacuum motor. The most efficient filtration for your vacuum is a fine filtration cage filter with a fine filtration tank filter.
DRY PICKUP OPERATION
NOTE: Never use the vacuum for dry pickup without a dry-use filter installed. Using the vacuum without a filter will cause dust to discharge from the blower port and cause damage to the motor.WARNING! Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before removing the tank cover.
Follow the instructions for the filter that came with your vacuum.
CARTRIDGE FILTER
The cartridge filter can be used for dry pickup and small quantities of wet pickup. Installation is the same for both. When picking up fine dust or powders, a high efficiency filter bag must be used with the cartridge filter.
If a foam sleeve is installed on the lid cage, remove it by sliding it off the lid cage.
With the tank cover in an upside down position, slide the cartridge down over the lid cage, pushing until the filter seals against the cover.
Place the filter retainer into the top of the cartridge filter. Hold the tank cover with one hand and turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to lock the filter into place.
To remove the filter for cleaning, hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise.
Slide the cartridge filter off the lid cage.
For standard cartridge filters and Ultra Web® cartridge filters, clean the filter by shaking or gently brushing off excess dirt. Extremely dirty filters may be cleaned with water by rinsing from the inside of the filter. Dry completely (approximately 24 hours). Additional debris can be removed by rinsing outside surface of the filter with running water. Avoid dampening inside of filter. Completely air dry after washing. IMPORTANT: DO NOT BRUSH. DO NOT CLEAN FILTER WITH ABRASIVE MATERIALS OR SCRUB BETWEEN PLEATS. This will permanently damage the filters ability to stop dust.
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 tear.
NOTE: This filter is made of high quality paper designed to stop small particles of dust. The filter can be used for wet or dry pickup. A dry filter is necessary to pick up dry material. If you use your vacuum to pick up dust when the filter is wet, the filter will clog quickly and be very difficult to clean. The filter may become saturated when picking up large quantitiesof liquid, causing misting to appear in the exhaust air. At this time, you should dry or change the filter to eliminate this occurrence. Please handle the filter carefully when removing it for cleaning or when installing it. Check the filter for tears or small holes. Even a small hole can cause dust to be exhausted. Do not use a filter with holes or tears. Replace it immediately.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.
DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG
Use the disposable filter bag in conjunction with the cartridge filter for easy disposal of the debris. The bag is not required for normal dry pickup. When picking up fine dust or powders, a high efficiency filter bag must be used. NOTE: For dry use only.
Make sure the cord is disconnected from the receptacle, tank cover is removed and the hose is disconnected from tank inlet.
Remove inlet deflector from deflector guide. NOTE: Hose must be removed before inlet deflector can be taken out.
With the opening of the inlet deflector facing the left or right side of the filter bag, slide filter bag collar over deflector, matching notches of bag collar to tabs on inlet deflector. Bag will only fit properly one way.
Slide deflector with filter bag attached into deflector guide.
Reinsert hose into inlet and tighten locking nut. When secured in place, expand bag and position around inside of tank.
NOTE: When removing filter bag from tank, remove inlet deflector from filter bag collar and reinstall into deflector guide. Inlet deflector should always be in place for any type of cleaning.WARNING! For fine dust and powders – When vacuuming fine dust or powders of any kind (plaster, drywall dust, cold ashes, concrete dust, etc.) a high efficiency drywall filterbag must be used. When vacuuming normal household dust and debris, standard household disposable filter bags may be used.
WET PICKUP OPERATION
Your vacuum can be used for wet pickup. Remove all dirt and debris found in the tank. Remove all dry use filters, including the filter bag, from the vacuum.
A clean cartridge filter may be used to pick up small quantities of liquid. To use the cartridge filter, follow the instructions under dry pickup.
For vacuuming large quantities of liquid, use a foam sleeve. A foam sleeve can be purchased from Uline. To use the foam sleeve, follow the 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 pickup. 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 pickup job or when tank is full and ready to be emptied. When the tank is full, suction will drastically reduce. Refer to the automatic suction shutoff section for more information. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. Follow the instructions in the emptying liquid waste section.
Before storing the vacuum cleaner or using for dry pickup, clean and dry the interior of the tank and the underside of the tank cover. Clean and allow the filters to dry completely.
Wet pickup accessories should be washed periodically, especially after picking up wet, sticky liquids. This can be accomplished with a warm solution of soap and water.
FOAM SLEEVE
With the tank cover in an upside down position, slide the foam sleeve down over the lid cage, pulling until foam sleeve completely covers the lid cage.
Place the filter retainer onto the top of the foam sleeve. Hold the tank cover with one hand and turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to lock the filter into place.
To clean the foam sleeve, hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove. Slide the foam sleeve 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 couple minutes, rinsing from the inside of the filter. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the filter.
Check the filter for tears. If any are found, replace with a new filter.
OPERATION
BLOWER FEATURE
Your vacuum can be used as a powerful blower. To use the blower feature, clear the hose of any debris or obstructions.Unscrew blower port cover located on the back of tank cover. The blower port cover is equipped with a retaining strap to prevent loss of the cover.
Insert machine hose end into blower port located on the back of the tank cover. Twist the hose end 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
To empty liquid waste from the tank, turn the vacuum off and remove the plug from the wall outlet. Remove the tank cover and deposit the liquid waste in a suitable drain. Use side carry handles for lifting vacuum when draining tank into drains that are located above floor level. After tank is empty, return the tank cover to its original position.
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF
The vacuum is equipped with an automatic suction shutoff 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 vacuum 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.
SERVICE
Do not attempt to service your Shop-Vac® wet/dry vacuum cleaner beyond that described in this manual. Refer all other servicing to Uline Customer Service.
STORAGE
The power cord can be wrapped around the cord wraps provided on the top of the tank cover located in front and behind the handle.
To remove the cord from the cord wraps, grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap located behind the handle. Turn counter-clockwise 180° until the tip of the cord wrap is above the handle.
Grasp the entire cord behind the handle and pull above the rear cord wrap. Pull cord towards the front of the vacuum until the cord becomes disconnected from the front cord wrap.
Grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap and turn clockwise 180° to return it to its original position.
The hose holder may be used for easy storage of the hose. Remove accessory from end of hose. With hose connected to tank inlet and front of unit facing you, wrap hose around top of the tank cover in a clockwise direction. Secure end of hose by clipping it in the hose holder attached to right side of tank cover.
Never allow liquids to sit in the tank for any extended period of time. The vacuum should be stored indoors.
FILTERS
BESTHigh Efficiency Collection Filter Bags
Dry pickup only
Fine dust and particles
Easy to install and use
Reduces loss of suction
BETTERUltra Web® Cartridge Filter**
Wet or dry pickup
Easy cleanup
Fine dust and particles
GOODFoam Sleeve
Wet pickup only (when used alone)
Can be used in place of cartridge filter for dry pickup when used with filter bag.
FILTER COMBINATIONS
CAGE FILTERS
TANK FILTERS
Cartridge Filters Foam Sleeve
PLUS
High Efficiency Collection Filter Bags
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
DAILY
Filter – Check cartridge filter for clogs or heavy soiling and replace if necessary. Ensure that correct filters are being used for the task – see Filters section of instruction manual.
Collection Bag – If using collection filter bag, check to ensure that there are no rips or tears in the bag and that the bag is not full.
Tank – If vacuuming up wet or damp material, empty the tank after use, as musty odors may occur if debris is left inside.
Extension Cord and Plug – Check extension cord and plug for any cuts or damage. If damaged, replace motor housing unit.
Motor – If there are unusual sounds or if poor performance occurs, the motor should be inspected immediately. Contact Uline Customer Service.
WEEKLY
Wands/Tools – Inspect wands and tool attachments for any damage. Replace if necessary.
Hose – Inspect hose for any damage and replace if necessary.
MONTHLY
Cleaning – Inspect and clean all areas of the vacuum, including the inside of the tank.
TROUBLESHOOTING
ISSUE
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Parts/accessories missing
Packed in tank
Check in tank
Vacuum cleaner will not start
No power at receptacle
Defective switch
Defective motor
Check for power
Replace switch
Replace motor
Dust discharging from exhaust
Filter not installed or installed improperly
Filter damaged
Filter clogged or dust is too fine
Filter not functional
Properly install filter
Replace filter
Use more efficient filter
Clean and replace filter
Loss of suction
Loose hose connection
Filter clogged
Full tank
Hole in hose
Tighten hose connection
Clean or replace filter
Empty tank
Replace hose
Static shock
Dry environment
Relative humidity of air is low
Add moisture to air (if practical, use a console or installed humidifier)
This situation is temporary and does not affect the use of the vacuum cleaner