Kärcher K 1 Upright High-Pressure Cleaner

Safety Instructions

Hazard Levels

DANGER: Indication of an imminent threat of danger that will lead to severe injuries or even death.

WARNING: Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to severe injuries or even death.

CAUTION: Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to minor injuries.

ATTENTION: Indication of a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to damage to property.

Operation Safety

DANGER: Operation in explosive atmospheres is prohibited. Never suction solvents, liquids containing solvents or undiluted acids (e.g., petrol, paint thinner, heating oil). The spray mist is highly flammable, explosive, and poisonous. Damaged wheels/tyre valves are extremely dangerous and can explode due to the high-pressure jet. Keep a spray distance of at least 30 cm when cleaning wheels/tyre valves.

WARNING: Do not use the device if people without proper protective clothing are within reach. Do not aim the high-pressure jet at yourself (e.g., to clean clothes or shoes). Do not direct the high-pressure jet at persons, animals, live electrical equipment, or the device itself. Do not spray objects containing harmful substances (e.g., asbestos). Check the device and accessories (high-pressure hose, gun, safety devices) for proper condition before each operation. Replace damaged components immediately. Only use manufacturer-specified hoses, control panels, and couplings. Hot water may leak from connections after operation when disconnecting the supply or high-pressure hose.

CAUTION: According to regulations, the appliance must not be used with the drinking water network without a system separator (EN 12729 type BA). Water passed through a system separator is no longer drinkable. Never leave the device unsupervised during operation. Hold the high-pressure gun and spray lance firmly due to recoil force. Ensure the device is stable before any actions.

ATTENTION: Do not operate the device at temperatures below 0 °C.

Protective Gear

CAUTION: Wear suitable protective clothing and safety goggles against water or dirt backsplash. Aerosols can form, which may be harmful. Use fully shielded nozzles (e.g., surface cleaners) to lower aerosol emission. Consider wearing a suitable respiratory protective mask (FFP 2 or comparable) if fully shielded nozzles are not used.

Risk of Electric Shock

DANGER: Connect only protection class I devices to properly earthed power sources. Connect only to alternating current matching the type plate voltage. Operate via a fault current protection switch (max. 30 mA). Never touch the mains plug and socket with wet hands. Mains plug and extension cable coupling must be watertight and not placed in water or on the floor. Use cable drums to keep sockets at least 60 mm above the floor. Protect all live parts against water jets.

WARNING: Connect only to an electrical connection installed by a qualified electrician (IEC 60364-1). Check the mains connection cable and plug for damage before each use. Replace damaged cables immediately by authorized service. Protect the power supply cable from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Use approved, appropriately marked electrical extension cables with sufficient cross-section outdoors (1-10 m: 1.5 mm², 10-30 m: 2.5 mm²).

CAUTION: Always fully unwind extension cables from the cable drum. Switch off the device and pull the mains plug during longer breaks or after use.

Operation with Detergent

WARNING: Incorrect use of detergents can cause serious injuries or poisoning.

CAUTION: Keep detergent out of reach of children. Use only specified detergents. Other detergents or chemicals may impair safety.

Care and Service

WARNING: Always pull out the mains plug before maintenance.

CAUTION: Have repairs on electrical components carried out by authorized customer service only.

ATTENTION: Do not use acetone, undiluted acids, or solvents, as they can corrode device materials.

Transportation

CAUTION: Risk of accidents and injuries. Consider the device weight for transportation and storage.

General Safety Instructions

DANGER: Risk of asphyxiation. Keep packaging film out of reach of children.

WARNING: Use the device only for its intended purpose. Be aware of local conditions and third parties (especially children). Persons with reduced capabilities or lacking experience may only use the appliance if supervised, instructed, and aware of hazards. Children must not operate the device. Supervise children to prevent them from playing with the appliance.

CAUTION: Safety devices are for your protection. Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Safety Devices

WARNING: Danger of injury! Serious injuries due to missing, modified, or ineffective safety devices. Do not bypass or render safety devices ineffective.

Device Features and Operation

Power Switch

The power switch prevents unintentional operation.

Trigger Lock

The trigger can be locked against unintentional operation by latching the pawl in the groove on the rear handle of the high-pressure gun. ? Locking the trigger: Fold up the pawl on the trigger until it latches in the groove. ? Unlocking the trigger: Disengage the pawl from the groove and fold it onto the trigger.

Auto-stop Function

When the trigger is released, the pressure switch turns off the pump, stopping the high-pressure jet. The pump switches on again when the trigger is pulled.

Motor Circuit Breaker

The motor circuit breaker shuts off the device if power consumption is too high.

Symbols on the Device

Do not aim the high-pressure jet 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.

Intended Use

Use the high-pressure cleaner in private households only. It is intended for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, façades, terraces, garden machines, etc., using a high-pressure water jet.

Environmental Protection

Packaging materials are recyclable. Dispose of packaging according to environmental regulations. Electrical and electronic devices contain valuable, recyclable materials. Devices marked with a ♻️ symbol must not be disposed of with household rubbish. Cleaning work producing oily wastewater (e.g., washing engines) may only be performed at washing stations with an oil separator. Working with detergents must be done on watertight surfaces connected to the wastewater sewage system. Do not allow detergent to enter waterways or soil.

Device Description and Parts

Refer to Illustration A for parts identification.

• 1 High-pressure hose
• 2 Jet nozzle
• 3 Spray lance
• 4 Detergent tank
• 5 Foam nozzle
• 6 High-pressure gun
• 7 Pawl
• 8 Trigger
• 9 Release button
• 10 Carrying handle
• 11 Mains cable holder
• 12 Power switch (“OFF/0” / “I/ON”)
• 13 High-pressure spigot
• 14 Accessory holder
• 15 Garden hose (fabric reinforced, diameter at least 1/2 inch (13 mm), length at least 7.5 m, with commercially available quick coupling) *additionally required
• 16 Hose coupling
• 17 Hose coupling plug
• 18 Cleaning needle
• 19 Screws
• 20 Sieve
• 21 Water spigot
• 22 Type plate
• 23 Mains plug
• 24 Mains cable
• 25 High-pressure hose holder

Installation

Refer to graphics pages for illustrations. Fit supplied loose parts onto the device before startup. Have screws and screwdriver ready.

Installing the Carrying Handle

Attach the carrying handle to the device and secure with 2 screws (Illustration C).

Mounting the Mains Cable Holder

Attach the mains cable holder to the mounting rail (Illustration D).

Mounting the Accessory Holder

Attach the accessory holder to the mounting rail (Illustration E).

Mounting the High-Pressure Hose Holder

Attach the high-pressure hose holder to the device and secure with 2 screws (Illustration F).

Mounting the Hose Coupling Plug

Ensure the sieve [sieve] is inserted into the water spigot [water-spigot]. Screw the hose coupling plug onto the water spigot (Illustration G). To dismantle, unscrew anti-clockwise.

Mounting the Hose Coupling

Mount the hose coupling on the garden hose: Slide the union nut onto the hose, insert the hose into the coupling, and tighten the union nut hand-tight (Illustration H).

Initial Startup

1. Place the device upright on a level, horizontal surface.
2. Unwind the high-pressure hose and eliminate loops and twists.
3. Mount the high-pressure hose on the high-pressure spigot: Insert the hose and tighten the union nut hand-tight (Illustration I).
4. Insert the high-pressure hose into the high-pressure gun until it audibly clicks [click] into place (Illustration J).
5. Pull on the high-pressure hose to check it is firmly seated.
6. Insert the mains plug into a mains socket.

Water Supply

For connected load, see Technical data or type plate. Observe water distribution company regulations. ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damage to the device and accessories from contaminated or salt water. Use only clean water and no salt water.

Kärcher recommends the use of an optional Kärcher water filter.

Connection to Water Line

ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damage to the pump when using a hose coupling with aquastop on the device's water connection. Do not use a hose coupling with aquastop on the device. Use a hose coupling with "aquastop" on the tap only.

1. Attach the hose coupling to the hose coupling plug (Illustration K).
2. Connect the garden hose to the tap ?.
3. Open the water tap completely.

Operation

Vent the Device

ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damaging the pump during dry running. Switch off the device if it does not build up pressure within 2 minutes. Refer to Troubleshooting guide.

1. Turn the power switch to the "I/ON" position.
2. Unlock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
3. Actuate the trigger.
4. Operate for a maximum of 2 minutes until the high-pressure jet comes out without bubbles.
5. Release the trigger.
6. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).

High-Pressure Operation

ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damage to painted or sensitive surfaces if spray distance is too short or unsuitable lance is used. Maintain at least 30 cm spray distance for painted surfaces. Do not use the dirt grinder on car tires, paint, or delicate surfaces like wood.

1. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
2. Mount the spray lance and jet nozzle: Insert the spray lance into the high-pressure gun and lock it by turning 90°. Insert the jet nozzle into the spray lance until flush (Illustrations L, M). To dismantle, hold nozzle and lance and pull apart.
3. Turn the head of the jet nozzle to set the desired spray type (point jet, flat jet) (Illustration O). WARNING: Risk of injury and damage! Lock the trigger before setting the spray type.
4. Turn the power switch to "I/ON".
5. Unlock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
6. Pull the trigger and carry out cleaning.

Operation with Detergents

DANGER: Health risk! Serious damage to health due to improper use of detergents. Observe detergent manufacturer's safety data sheet and wear prescribed personal protective gear. Kärcher detergents ensure fault-free operation.

1. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
2. Remove the spray lance from the high-pressure gun.
3. Mount the foam nozzle on the high-pressure gun: Insert and lock by turning 90° (Illustration P).
4. Remove the detergent tank from the foam nozzle.
5. Fill the detergent tank with suitable detergent at the required concentration.
6. Mount the detergent tank on the foam nozzle.
7. Unlock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
8. Pull the trigger and spray detergent sparingly onto dry surfaces. ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Detergent can damage hot surfaces or surfaces if left too long. Do not apply to hot surfaces. Observe maximum contact time. Do not allow detergent to dry on cleaned surfaces.
9. Allow detergent to act according to manufacturer's instructions (do not allow to dry).
10. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
11. ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damage and malfunction of the foam nozzle due to dried cleaning agents. Empty the detergent tank immediately after use and rinse it and the foam nozzle with clean water until no more detergent remains.
12. Flush the foam nozzle (see After operation with detergents).
13. Mount the spray lance with jet nozzle (see High-pressure operation).
14. Unlock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
15. Rinse off loosened dirt with the high-pressure jet.

After Operation with Detergents

ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Empty the detergent tank immediately after use and rinse it and the foam nozzle with clean water until no more detergent remains.

1. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
2. Empty detergent from the tank.
3. Rinse the detergent tank with clear water.
4. Fill the detergent tank with clear water and mount it on the foam nozzle.
5. Unlock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
6. Operate the trigger for approx. 30 seconds until detergent is completely rinsed out of the foam nozzle.
7. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
8. Empty water from the detergent tank.

Interrupting and Ending Operation

Interrupting Operation

1. Release the trigger. The high-pressure pump stops, pressure is maintained. 2. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock). 3. For breaks longer than 5 minutes, turn the power switch to "0/OFF". The device is switched off.

Ending Operation

CAUTION: Danger of injury! Injuries due to uncontrolled water escaping under high pressure. Only disconnect the high-pressure hose if there is no pressure in the system.

1. Release the trigger.
2. Close the water tap.
3. Actuate the trigger for 30 seconds to release system pressure.
4. Release the trigger.
5. Lock the trigger (see Trigger lock).
6. Turn the power switch to "0/OFF". The device is switched off.
7. Disconnect the device from the water supply.
8. Pull the mains plug out of the mains socket.

Transport and Storage

CAUTION: Risk of injury and damage! Be aware of the device weight during transport and storage.

Carrying the Device

Lift the device by the carrying handle and carry it.

Transporting the Device in a Vehicle

Secure the device against slipping and tipping over.

Storing the Device

1. Finish operation (see Ending operation). 2. Press the release button and pull off the high-pressure hose from the high-pressure gun (Illustration Q). 3. Remove the spray lance, let water drain, and store it with the jet nozzle and high-pressure gun on the accessory holder (Illustration R). 4. Remove the high-pressure hose from the device and store it on the device. 5. Store the mains cable with the mains plug on the device. Observe additional notes for long-term storage (see Care and maintenance).

Frost Protection

ATTENTION: Risk of damage! Damage to the device and accessories due to freezing water. Completely empty the device and accessories after each use. Protect from temperatures below or equal to 0 °C (32 °F).

1. Disconnect the water supply.
2. Remove the high-pressure hose.
3. Switch the device on ("I/ON").
4. Wait up to 1 minute until no more water escapes from the high-pressure connection.
5. Switch off the device ("0/OFF").
6. Store the device and accessories in a frost-protected room.

Care and Maintenance

DANGER: Danger of death! Fatal injuries due to electric shock when touching live parts. Do not touch live parts. Switch off the device and pull the mains plug. The device is maintenance-free.

Cleaning the Sieve

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 (e.g., needles, 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 without a sieve.

1. Pull off the hose coupling from the hose coupling plug.
2. Remove the hose coupling plug from the water spigot (see Mounting the hose coupling plug).
3. Remove the sieve.
4. Clean the sieve under running water ? (Illustration S).
5. Install the sieve in reverse order.

Cleaning the Jet Nozzle

1. Remove the jet nozzle from the spray lance (see High-pressure operation). 2. Insert the cleaning needle [cleaning-needle] into the jet nozzle and loosen dirt (Illustration T). 3. Flush the jet nozzle with water from the front and rear. 4. Mount the jet nozzle on the spray lance (see High-pressure operation).

Troubleshooting Guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes. Contact authorized Customer Service for issues not listed or if unsure.

DANGER: Danger of death! Fatal injuries due to electric shock when touching live parts. Do not touch live parts. Switch off the device. Pull the mains plug.

Device is not running

1. Unlock and actuate the trigger; the device should start. 2. Check if the voltage on the type plate matches the power source voltage. 3. Unplug the mains plug and check the mains cable for damage. Have damaged cables replaced by authorized Customer Service.

The device does not reach required pressure

Water supply is too low: 1. Open the water tap completely. 2. Check water inlet for sufficient flow rate. 3. Lay the garden hose without kinks. The sieve is contaminated: 1. Clean the sieve (see Cleaning the sieve). There's air in the device: 1. Ensure high-pressure hose and garden hose are installed correctly. 2. Vent the device: Disconnect the high-pressure hose, operate the device for up to 2 minutes until water emerges without bubbles, switch off, and reconnect the hose.

Strong pressure fluctuations

1. Clean the jet nozzle (see Cleaning the jet nozzle). 2. Check the water supply volume.

Device leaking

1. The device may leak a small amount for technical reasons. If the leak is severe, contact authorized Customer Service.

Warranty

Warranty conditions are issued by the relevant sales company and apply in all countries. Kärcher will remedy possible malfunctions free of charge within the warranty period if caused by material or manufacturing flaws. Contact your dealer (with receipt) or the nearest authorized customer service site. Further warranty information can be found on the local Kärcher website under "Downloads".

Technical Data

Subject to technical modifications.