KARCHER K5 Power Control

KÄRCHER Home & Garden app
The KÄRCHER Home & Garden app contains:
- Installation and initial startup information
- Information about the areas of application
- Tips & Tricks
- FAQ with detailed troubleshooting
- Connection to the KÄRCHER Service Centre The app can be downloaded here:

Trademarks
- Google Play and Android are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
- Apple® and App store® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
General notes
Read these original operating instruc-tions and the enclosed safety instruc-tions before using the device for the first time. Proceed accordingly.
Keep both books for future reference or for future owners.
Environmental protection
The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.
Electrical and electronic devices 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 device. Devices 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 a connection to the wastewater sewage system. Do not allow detergent to enter waterways or the soil.
Extraction of water from public waterways is not permitted in some countries.
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 machines, 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 deal-er.
Device description
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 figures, please refer to the graphics page Illustration A Illustration B


- Stand with carrying handle
- Water connection with built-in strainer
- Transport wheel
- Cover
- Hose guide
- Trigger “0/OFF” / “I/ON”
- Storage for spray lances
- High-pressure hose
- *Plug ‘n’ Clean detergent bottle
- Storage/parking position for high-pressure gun
- Transport handle, extendable
- Power Control spray lance Dirt grinder for stubborn contamination, pressure stage: HARD
- Power Control spray lance Vario Power for the most common cleaning tasks, pressure stages: 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 (0-MIX / 1-SOFT / 2-MEDIUM / 3-HARD)
- High-pressure gun lock
- Carrying handle
- Hose switch
- High-pressure hose reel
- Crank handle for hose reel
- Type plate
- Accessory compartment
- Hook for net attachment
- Mesh for the accessory compartment
- Main connection cable with mains plug
- Coupling for the water connection
- *Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with com-mercially available quick coupling)
- *KÄRCHER suction hose for water supply from open containers (order no. 2.643-100)
- Included screws and dowels
- * additionally required
Supplied screws and dowels
Illustration C
- Stand dowels (2 pieces)
- Screw 4×22 (2 pieces)
- Screw 4×16 (10 pieces)
Safety devices
WARNING
Danger of injury!
Serious injuries due to missing, modified or ineffective safety devices.
Do not bypass or remove the safety devices and do not render them ineffective. Safety devices are provided for your protection.
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.
Motor circuit breaker
The motor circuit breaker shuts off the device if power consumption it too high.
Symbols on the device
Do not aim the high-pressure jet may at persons, 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.
Installation
For the illustrations, refer to the graphics page.
Fit the supplied loose parts onto the device before starting up the device.
Have the included screws and the appropriate screwdriver ready.

Fitting the wheels
- Insert the wheels.
Note
Pay attention to the alignment of the hole. Illustration D - Secure the wheels with 1 screw each.
Mounting the stand
- Insert the stand. Illustration E
- Insert the 2 dowels into the holes as far as they will go.
- Secure the base with 2 screws
Mounting the storage for spray lances
- Hook in the storage for the spray lances.
- Secure the storage with 2 screws. Illustration F
- Secure the cover with 4 screws. Illustration G
Mounting the transport handle
Attach the transport handle.
Illustration H
Mounting the accessory net
Hang the accessory net on the hooks.
Illustration I
Push the high-pressure hose through the hose guide
Insert the high-pressure hose through the hose guide from the rear.
Illustration J
Installing the water connection coupling
Screw the water connection coupling onto the water connection on the device.
Illustration K
Initial startup

- Place the device on a level surface.
- Completely unwind the high pressure.
- Pull the high-pressure hose completely forward through the hose guide and eliminate any loops and twists.
- Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly clicks into place.
Note
Take care to ensure the correct alignment of the nipple.
Illustration L - Check the secure connection by pulling on the high-pressure hose.
- Plug the mains plug into a mains socket.
Water supply
For the connection values, see the type plate or the 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.
- Plug the garden hose onto the water connection coupling.
- Connect the garden hose to the water line.
- Open the water tap fully.
Illustration M
Suck water from open containers
This high-pressure cleaner with the KÄRCHER suction hose is suitable for sucking in surface water, e.g.from water butts or ponds (for maximum suction height, ).
- Unscrew the coupling on the water connection.
- Fill the suction hose with water.
- Screw the suction hose onto the water connection of the device and hang it in a water source (e.g. rain barrel).
Vent the device
- 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. - Allow the device for run a maximum of 2 minutes until the water escaping from the high-pressure gun is free of air bubbles.
- Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
Operation
ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damaging the pump during dry running. Switch off the device if it does not build up pressure within 2 minutes. 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 during operation with a Power Control spray lance.
Note
The sensitivity of materials can vary greatly depending on age and condition. The recommendations are therefore not binding.
Note
When operating with surface cleaner and other accessories, the pressure indicator is not accurate.

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 blaster.
- Insert a spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it into position by turning it 90°.
Illustration N - 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 Power Control spray lance Vario Power until the required pressure stage is indicated on the pressure indicator.
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
Detergents may only be added at low pressure.
Note
A Plug n Clean detergent bottle is required for operating with detergent. KÄRCHER detergents can be purchased ready for use in a Plug ’n’ Clean detergent bottle.
- Remove the lid from the Plug ’n’ Clean detergent bottle.
- Press the detergent bottle into the Plug ’n’ Clean detergent connection with the opening facing downwards.
Illustration O - Use the Vario Power spray lance.
- Turn the spray lance in the direction of “MIX” until “MIX” is displayed on the high-pressure gun.
During operation, the detergent solution is mixed into the water stream.
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 the operation with detergent
- Pull the Plug ’n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the holder and close it with the lid.
- For storage, place the detergent bottle in the holder with the lid facing upwards.
- Rinse the device with clean water for about 30 seconds.
Interrupting operation
- Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
When the lever is released, the device switches off.
The high pressure in the system is maintained. - Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun. Illustration P
- Set the high-pressure gun with the spray lance in the parking position.
- For work breaks longer than 5 minutes, switch off the device “0/OFF”.
- Ending operation
CAUTION
Danger of injury! Injuries due to uncontrolled water escaping under high pressure.
Only disconnect the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun or the device if there is no pressure in the system.
- Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Close the water tap.
- Press the lever of the high-pressure gun for 30 seconds.
The pressure in the system is released. - Release the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Lock the lever of the high-pressure gun.
- Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
- Disconnect the device from the water supply.
- Pull the mains plug out of the outlet.
Transport
CAUTION
Risk of injury or damage due to the weight of the device!
Injury and damage.
Be aware of the weight of the device during transport.
Carrying the device
- Lift up the device by the carrying handle, and carry it.
Pulling device
- Pull out the transport handle until it audibly engages.
- Pull the device by the transport handle.
Transporting the device in a vehicle
- Before horizontal transport, pull the Plug ’n’ Clean detergent bottle out of the holder and close it with the lid.
- Secure the device against shifting and tipping
Storage
CAUTION
Risk of injury or damage due to the weight of the device!
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.
- Without a hose reel: Store the high-pressure hose on the device.
ATTENTION
Damage to the high-pressure hose
Damage to the high-pressure hose through the incorrect direction of rotation
Observe the correct direction of rotation of the hose reel when winding on the hose. - With a hose reel: Use the crank handle to turn the hose reel counterclockwise and wind up the high-pressure hose.
- Stow the mains connection and accessories on the device.
Put both spray lances into the storage for the spray lance:
-
- Spray lance dirt grinder: Nozzle downwards
- Spray lance Vario Power: Nozzle upwards Before prolonged storage, observe additional instructions, 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 must be met:
- The device is disconnected from the water supply.
- The high-pressure gun is separated from the high-pressure hose.
- Switch on the device I/ON.
- Wait a maximum of 1 minute until no more water comes out of the high-pressure hose.
- Switch off the device.
- Store the device with all accessories in a frost-proof room.
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
Risk of damage!
Damage to the sieve due to improper cleaning.
Clean the sieve only under running water against its flow direction.
Do not use sharp or hard objects.g. needles or wire brushes.
ATTENTION
Risk of damage!
Damage to the device and accessories when operating
without a sieve or with a damaged sieve.
Check the sieve for damage before inserting it into the water connection. Replace a damaged sieve immediately.
Do not operate the device without a sieve.
Clean the sieve in the water connection if necessary.
- Unscrew the coupling on the water connection.
- Pull out the sieve.
Illustration Q - Clean the sieve under running water.
- 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 authorized Customer Service.
DANGER
Danger of death!
Fatal injuries due to electric shock when touching live parts.
Do not touch any live parts.
Switch off the device.
Pull the mains plug out of the mains socket.
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.
- If the motor is overloaded and the motor circuit breaker has triggered:
- Switch off the device “0/OFF”.
- Allow the device to cool down for 1 hour.
- Switch the device on “I/ON” and resume operation.
Have the device checked by Customer Service if this fault occurs repeatedly.
The device does not start up, the motor buzzes
Voltage drop due to a weak mains grid or when using an extension cable
- When switching on, first press the lever on the high-pressure gun and then switch on the device “I/ON”.
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.
- Check the setting at the spray lance.
- Check that the maximum suction height is not exceeded.
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.
Illustration Q
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
- Cleaning the high-pressure nozzle: a Remove contamination from the nozzle drill with a needle.
- Rinse the high-pressure nozzle with water from the front.
- 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”.
- Check that the Plug ’n’ Clean detergent bottle is seated in the connection for the detergent with the opening facing down.
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 flaw 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)
Further warranty information (if available) can be found in the service area of your local Kärcher website under “Downloads”.
Technical data

EU Declaration of Conformity
We hereby declare that the product named below complies with the relevant provisions of the directives and regulations listed. This declaration is invalidated by any changes made to the product that are not approved by us.
Product: High-pressure cleaner
Type: 1.324-xxx
Currently applicable EU Directives
2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC)
2014/30/EU
2011/65/EU
2000/14/EC
2009/125/EC
Commission Regulation(s)
(EU) 2019/1781
Harmonised standards used
EN 60335-1
EN 60335-2-79
EN 62233: 2008
EN 55014-1: 2017 + A11: 2020
EN 55014-2: 2015
EN 61000-3-2: 2014
EN 61000-3-3: 2013
EN IEC 63000: 2018
Applied conformity evaluation method
2000/14/EG: Annex V
Sound power level dB(A)
Measured: 89
Guaranteed: 92
Name and address
Documentation supervisor:
S. Reiser
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28 – 40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Tel.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212

Winnenden, 2021/06/01
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40
71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Documents / Resources
![]() |
KARCHER K5 Power Control [pdf] Instruction Manual K5 Power Control, K5, Power Control, Control |
