Shop-Vac E4 Series Wet/Dry Vacuum User Manual

Safety Warnings and Instructions

ATTENTION!

Read all safety rules carefully before attempting to operate. Retain for future reference.

DANGER!

Never operate this unit when flammable materials or vapors are present because electrical devices produce arcs or sparks that can cause a fire or explosion. NEVER OPERATE UNATTENDED!

WARNING!

ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.

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.

General Safety Precautions:

• Do not leave appliance when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
• 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 this manual. 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 Shop-Vac for assistance.
• 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 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 your cleaner 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 once you have finished the cleaning job. 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 influence of drugs, alcohol or medication causing diminished control.
• WARNING! Do NOT use this vacuum cleaner to vacuum lead paint debris because this may disperse fine lead particles into the air. This vacuum cleaner is not intended for use under EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 745 for lead paint material cleanup.

Double Insulated Appliances

This appliance is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts.

A double insulated appliance is marked with one or more of the following: the words "Double Insulation" or "Double Insulated" or the Double Insulation symbol. In a double insulated appliance, 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 to the appliance. Servicing a double insulated appliance requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double insulated appliance must be identical to the parts they replace.

Polarization

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider then 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.

Extension Cords

When using the appliance at a distance where an extension cord becomes necessary, a 2-conductor cord of adequate size must be used for safety, and to prevent loss of power and overheating. Use TABLE A to determine A.W.G. wire size required. To determine ampere rating of your vacuum, refer to nameplate located on motor housing.

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 two-wire outdoor extension cords, which have two-prong non-grounding-type plugs and receptacles which 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.

TABLE A: Extension Cord Gauge Requirements

Unpacking and Set-Up

1. Pull lid latches in an outward motion and remove tank cover. Remove any accessories and literature which may have been shipped in the tank.
2. Attach rear wheels and front casters following the instructions and illustrations.
3. Before replacing tank cover, refer to Dry Pick Up or Wet Pick Up Operation in this manual to ensure you have the proper filters installed and inlet deflector is positioned correctly for your cleaning operation.
4. Replace tank cover and apply pressure with thumbs to each latch until it snaps tightly in place. Make sure both lid latches are clamped securely.
5. Insert long machine hose end with locking-nut into inlet of tank and tighten. Do not over-tighten.
6. Attach the extension wands (not standard with all models) to the accessory end of the hose. Twist slightly to tighten the connection.
7. Attach one of the cleaning accessories (depending on your cleaning requirements) on the extension wands. Twist slightly to tighten the connection.
8. Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use. [power plug] = ON, [power plug] = OFF

NOTE: MANY MORE USEFUL TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR SHOP-VAC® WEBSITE

Rear Wheel and Front Caster Assembly

You will find two casters. [Illustration of casters]

Two axle housings. [Illustration of axle housings]

Two wheel plugs. [Illustration of wheel plugs]

Two wheels and two screws. [Illustration of wheels and screws]

9. With cord disconnected from receptacle and tank cover removed, turn tank upside down so that the bottom is facing up with the inlet towards you. [Illustration]

10. Insert caster into bottom of tank by placing stem of caster into holes provided. Apply pressure and twisting motion until casters snap into place. [Illustration]

11. Insert axle housing into wheel, with the longer end of the housing facing up. [Illustration]

12. Insert wheel plug (with tab in upward position) through wheel and axle housing aligning the tab on the plug with the slot in the axle housing. [Illustration]

13. Place assembled wheel on hard flat surface. Apply pressure to snap assembly together. [Illustration]

14. Insert screw provided through back of axle housing. [Illustration]

15. Slide axle housing into dovetail slot at rear of tank: axle housing is tapered and should slide into dovetail slot without excessive force. Tighten screw.

16. Repeat steps 11 through 15 for other wheel assembly.

17. Return tank to upright position.

Accessory Basket Assembly

(Not standard with all models)

18. With rear of tank facing you, take accessory basket and position with tabs facing rear of tank. [Illustration]

19. Insert tabs of accessory basket into slots on rear of tank. [Illustration]

20. Press down until basket is secured into place.

Tool Holder Assembly

(Not standard with all models)

21. Replace tank cover and apply pressure with thumbs to each latch until it snaps tightly in place. Make sure both lid latches are clamped securely.

22. With rear of unit facing you, take tool holder and position it with the tabs facing rear tank cover. [Illustration]

23. Press tabs of tool holder into the slots on mounting lugs on rear of tank cover. [Illustration]

24. Press down until tabs snap into place.

NOTE: TOOL HOLDER NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ACCESSORY BASKET.

Filter Installation and Cleaning

Dry Pick Up Operation

WARNING!

ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.

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.

Installing Foam Sleeve and Reusable Dry Filter:

(Not standard with all models)

To pick up dust and dry material, you must install foam sleeve and reusable dry filter to ensure proper filtration. If the vacuum has been used to pick up liquids, the foam sleeve must be cleaned and dried before installing for dry pick up.

25. With tank cover in an upside down position, slide foam sleeve down over lid cage pulling until foam sleeve completely covers lid cage. [Illustration]

NOTE: Bottom of foam sleeve must be positioned on the OUTSIDE of groove around lid cage for the reusable dry filter to fit properly.

26. Place the filter retainer onto the top of the foam sleeve. Hold the tank cover with one hand, turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to lock the filter into place.

27. To clean the foam sleeve, hold the tank cover with one hand 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.

28. 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.

29. Check the filter for tears. If any are found, replace with a new filter.

30. Center the reusable dry filter on lid cage. [Illustration]

31. Slide mounting ring down over filter until ring is positioned against the ribs of the lid cage. The reusable dry filter should always be in position over the foam sleeve for dry pick up.

32. To remove the filter for cleaning, remove mounting ring and filter from lid cage. To clean the reusable dry filter, shake off excess dirt and dust or (depending on the condition of the filter) rinse with water. Allow the filter to dry completely and re-install. DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE INSTALLING REUSABLE FILTER BE SURE THAT FOAM SLEEVE IS OUTSIDE OF GROOVE AND AROUND LID CAGE. NOTE: ENSURE THAT THE MOUNTING RING IS COMPLETELY SECURE AND IN POSITION BY PRESSING DOWN FIRMLY AROUND THE RING IN SEVERAL PLACES. BE SURE THE REUSABLE DRY DISC FILTER COMPLETELY COVERS THE FOAM SLEEVE. CHECK TO ENSURE THAT ALL EDGES OF THE REUSABLE DRY FILTER ARE SECURE UNDER THE MOUNTING RING.

Installing the Cartridge Filter:

(Not standard with all models)

33. The cartridge filter can be used for wet or dry pick up; installation is the same for both.

34. With the tank cover in an upside down position, slide the cartridge filter down over the lid cage, pushing until the filter seals against the cover. [Illustration]

35. Place filter retainer into the top of the cartridge filter, hold the tank cover with one hand, turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to tighten, locking the filter into place. [Illustration]

36. To remove the filter for cleaning, again hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove, slide the cartridge filter off the lid cage. [Illustration]

37. To clean the cartridge filter shake or brush off excess dirt or rinse (from the inside of the filter) with water, dry completely (approximately 24 hours) and re-install. Note: If the filter has been used for wet pick up, it must be cleaned and dried before using for dry pick up.

Installing the Disposable Filter Bag:

(Not standard with all models)

38. Use for dry pick up only. Use in conjunction with cartridge filter for picking up soot, cement, plaster or drywall dust.

39. With cord disconnected from receptacle, pull latches in an outward motion and remove tank cover.

40. Unscrew hose locking-nut and remove hose from inlet. [Illustration]

INSTRUCTIONS FOR UP AND DOWN DEFLECTOR: NOTE: Hose must be removed before inlet deflector can be taken out.

41. Remove deflector from retainer guide. [Illustration]

42. Make sure curve of the deflector is in a downward position, slide collector bag collar over deflector matching notches of collar to tabs on deflector. [Illustration]

43. Slide deflector with collector bag attached into retainer guide. [Illustration]

44. When secured in place, expand bag and position around the inside of tank.

45. Use for dry pickup only.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIDE TO SIDE DEFLECTOR: NOTE: Hose must be removed before inlet deflector can be taken out.

46. Remove inlet deflector from deflector guide. [Illustration]

47. 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. [Illustration]

48. Slide deflector with filter bag attached into deflector guide. [Illustration]

49. When secured in place, expand bag and position around the inside of tank.

50. Use for dry pickup only.

Fine Dust Powders

WARNING!

When vacuuming fine dust, or powders of any kind (ex. plaster, drywall dust, cold ashes, concrete dust, etc.)...a high efficiency drywall filter bag must be used. When vacuuming normal household dust and debris, standard household disposable filter bags may be used. These "large bag" filters connect to the air inlet fitting on the inside of the vacuum tank.

Wet Pick Up Operation

51. Remove ALL dirt and debris found in the tank. The vacuum requires only a minimum of conversion when going from dry to wet pick up. Remove all dry use filters from the vacuum. A clean cartridge filter may be used for vacuuming small amounts of liquids. For best results when vacuuming large quantities of liquid, remove the cartridge filter. When vacuuming liquids containing debris, it is recommended purchasing a foam sleeve and install over filter cage; otherwise a foam sleeve is not required for wet pick up. Foam sleeve and additional filters may be purchased by visiting our website at www.shopvac.com, contacting our customer service department, or purchasing at your local Shop-Vac distributor.

52. Misting in exhaust air may occur if the filter becomes saturated during wet pick up. If misting occurs, remove filter and allow to dry or, replace with another dry filter to eliminate the misting and possible dripping of liquid around the lid. Turn the unit off immediately upon completing a wet pick up job or when tank is full and ready to be emptied. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. The interior of the tank should be periodically cleaned.

53. The foam sleeve should be cleaned periodically as described in the following steps:

54. Always disconnect the plug from the wall receptacle before removing the tank cover. Place tank cover in an upside down position. Remove foam sleeve by sliding it up and off the lid cage.

55. Hold foam sleeve under running water for a minute or two, rinsing from the inside. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the foam sleeve.

56. Gently wring out excess water, blot foam sleeve with a clean towel, and allow to dry. The foam sleeve is now ready to be reinstalled on the lid cage.

NOTE: WET PICK UP ACCESSORIES SHOULD BE WASHED PERIODICALLY, ESPECIALLY AFTER PICKING UP WET, STICKY KITCHEN ACCIDENTS. THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH A WARM SOLUTION OF SOAP AND WATER.

Blower Feature

57. This vacuum can be used as a powerful blower. To use your unit as a blower unscrew blower port cover located on the backside of the motor housing. [Illustration]

58. The blower port cover is equipped with a retaining strap to prevent loss of the port cover while blower is in use. Clear hose of any obstructions before attaching to blower port. Insert hose end with locking-nut into blower port on rear of unit and tighten. Do not over-tighten. 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

59. Your Shop-Vac Wet/Dry may be emptied of liquid waste by removing the tank cover. To empty, stop the motor and remove the plug from the wall receptacle. Remove the tank cover and deposit the liquid waste contents in a suitable drain. After the tank is empty, return the cover to its original position. To continue use, plug the cord into the wall receptacle and start the motor.

Automatic Suction Shut Off

60. The vacuum is equipped with an automatic suction shut-off 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 paragraph.

NOTE: IF ACCIDENTALLY TIPPED OVER, THE VACUUM COULD LOSE SUCTION. IF THIS OCCURS, TURN UNIT OFF AND PLACE VAC IN UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS WILL ALLOW THE FLOAT TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION, AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATION.

Lubrication

61. No lubrication is necessary as the motor is equipped with lifetime lubricated bearings.

Storage

62. Before storing your vacuum cleaner the tank should be emptied and cleaned. The power cord can be wrapped around the cord wraps on the side of the tank cover. [Illustration] Not standard with all models. If your vacuum does not include cord wraps, power cord can be wound around the tank cover for your convenience.

NOTE: THE VACUUM SHOULD BE STORED INDOORS.

Troubleshooting

BEFORE DOING ANY WORK ON YOUR VACUUM, TURN THE UNIT OFF AND DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

This product has a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For Warranty Policy and Vacuum Registration details go to:

https://www.shopvac.com/warranty

https://shopvac.com/register

Visit www.shopvac.com for your vacuum's parts list schematic.

Shop-Vac Customer Service: www.shopvac.com/support

Contact Shop-Vac® Customer Service if any parts are missing or damaged.

SHOP-VAC
2323 Reach Road
Williamsport, PA 17701
www.shopvac.com

U.S. Patents Issued and Pending.
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