Ryobi 18V Wet/Dry Vacuum Operator's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Always follow basic precautions when using an electrical appliance. Read and understand all instructions before using this appliance. Failure to follow instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.

General Warnings:

• Do not expose the appliance to rain; store indoors.
• Dress properly: avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and contain long hair. Keep body parts away from openings and moving parts.
• Maintain proper footing and balance; do not use on ladders or unstable supports.
• Use safety equipment, such as a dust mask, when necessary.
• Do not allow children to operate or play with the product.
• Use the product only for its intended purpose and with recommended attachments.
• If the product is not working properly, has been dropped, damaged, or exposed to water, return it to a service center.
• Do not handle the charger plug or product with wet hands.
• Keep ventilation openings clear of dust, lint, and hair.
• Never vacuum burning or smoking materials.
• Do not incinerate the appliance, even if damaged, as batteries can explode.
• The product is always in operating condition as it is not plugged in; be aware of hazards when using or changing accessories.
• Remove the battery when the vacuum is not in use and before servicing.
• Use only with specified batteries and chargers.
• Recharge only with the manufacturer-specified charger.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs.
• Keep battery packs away from metal objects when not in use to prevent short-circuiting.
• Always remove the battery pack before assembling, adjusting, or cleaning to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not use damaged or modified battery packs or power tools; they may exhibit unpredictable behavior.
• Do not modify or attempt to repair damaged tools or battery packs.
• To reduce the risk of injury, never use or expose battery packs or cordless products to open flames or temperatures above 265°F (129.4°C).
• Ensure the switch is in the OFF position before connecting to a power source or battery pack to prevent unintentional starting.
• Avoid contact with battery liquid if ejected; flush with water if contact occurs. Seek medical attention for eye contact.
• Do not charge battery tools in damp locations.
• Do not use, store, or charge battery packs in locations with temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 100°F (38°C).
• Protect your lungs by wearing a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts and breakage of parts. Have damaged products serviced before use.
• Use only manufacturer-recommended accessories.
• Do not let gasoline, oils, or petroleum-based products contact plastic parts, as they can damage the plastic.
• Have servicing performed by a qualified repair person using identical replacement parts.
• This appliance is intended for household use only.
• This product contains no serviceable parts.
• Save these instructions and refer to them frequently.

Symbols

The following signal words and meanings explain the risk levels associated with this product:

• 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, may result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE: Indicates important information not related to potential injury.

Other symbols used on this product include:

• Safety Alert ⚠️: Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
• Read Operator's Manual ?: To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand the operator's manual before using this product.
• Wet Conditions Alert ?: Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
• Long Hair ?‍?: Risk of long hair being drawn into air inlet.
• Recycle Symbol ♻️: This product uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Local laws may prohibit disposal in ordinary trash. Consult local authorities for recycling options.
• V: Volts
• min: Minutes
• =: Direct Current
• no: No Load Speed
• .../min: Per Minute

Assembly

WARNING: Do not use the product if it is not completely assembled or if parts are missing or damaged. Improper assembly can result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Such alterations are misuse and can lead to serious personal injury.

If parts are damaged or missing, call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

Operation

WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with the product to make you careless. A moment of carelessness can cause serious injury.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack from the tool when assembling, adjusting, cleaning, or when not in use. This prevents accidental starting and serious injury.

Applications

This tool is for light-duty vacuuming of wet or dry surfaces.

Installing/Removing Battery Pack

See Figure 1, page 6.

• Insert the battery pack into the battery port.
• Ensure latches snap into place and the battery pack is secured before operation.
• To remove, depress latches on both sides of the battery pack.
• Refer to battery pack and charger manuals for charging instructions.

Starting/Stopping the Vacuum

See Figure 2, page 6.

• To start: Depress the ON/OFF switch.
• To stop: Depress the ON/OFF switch.

Dry Vacuuming

See Figure 3, page 6.

Vacuum only items small enough to fit through the accessory port. Performance decreases with a full dust bowl. Check filter when emptying the dust bowl.

NOTICE: Empty and clean the dust bowl before switching between dry and wet vacuuming. Mud can clog the filter.

Wet Vacuuming

See Figure 3, page 6.

CAUTION: Always hold the vacuum at an angle with the nose facing down when vacuuming liquids. Positioning the vacuum on its side or with the nose facing up could allow liquid to enter the motor unit.

Monitor the liquid level in the dust bowl. Do not exceed the liquid max fill line. When the dust bowl reaches full wet capacity, turn off the vacuum and empty the dust bowl.

After vacuuming, remove and clean the filter as described in the manual. Allow the filter to dry before reassembling.

WARNING: Ensure the vacuum is not submerged or doused in liquid, which could cause electric shock, vacuum failure, or personal injury.

Installing Accessories

See Figure 4, page 6.

• Install only accessories designed for use with this vacuum and/or adaptor.
• Remove the battery pack.
• Insert the accessory into the dust bowl opening. For 1-1/4 in. accessories, insert the adaptor and slide the accessory onto the adaptor.
• Push the accessory securely into place.
• When not in use, remove and store the accessory and adaptor.

Removing/Emptying/Reattaching the Dust Bowl

See Figures 5-7, page 6.

The dust bowl should be checked, emptied, and cleaned periodically.

• To remove: Remove battery pack. Position vacuum with accessory port facing down.
• CAUTION: If the dust bowl contains liquid waste, do not turn the unit upside down as liquid may enter the motor unit.
• Depress the release button on top of the hand vac. Pull the dust bowl down and out.
• To empty: Empty dust bowl into a suitable container; wash if necessary. Dry the dust bowl before reassembly.
• To reattach: Align slots on the bottom of the dust bowl with the tab on the bottom of the motor housing, then snap the two sections together.

Maintenance

This product contains no serviceable parts.

General Maintenance

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts, as they can be damaged. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, and grease.

WARNING: Do not let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or penetrating oils contact plastic parts, as chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic, potentially causing serious personal injury.

Cleaning/Replacing the Filter

See Figures 5-7, page 6.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Depress the release button on top of the hand vac.
• Remove the dust bowl, filter housing, and filter.
• Remove the filter from the filter housing by turning it counterclockwise.
• NOTE: To reassemble, insert the filter into the filter housing and turn clockwise to lock.
• Shake or brush dust off the filter and filter housing. Wash if necessary.
• Empty and wash the dust bowl if necessary. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
• NOTE: Allow 24 hours for parts to dry completely.
• For replacement filters, request part number 019188001005.

Contact Information

For service, replacement parts, or technical support:

• Visit www.ryobitools.com or call 1-800-525-2579.
• For immediate service regarding damaged or missing parts, call 1-800-525-2579.
• In Mexico, visit www.ryobitools.mx or call 800-843-1111.

Obtain your model and serial number from the product data plate.

This product is covered under a 3-year limited warranty. Proof of purchase is required.

Ryobi is a trademark of Ryobi Limited.

Manufactured by TTI Consumer Power Tools, Inc.