Kärcher K 5 Pressure Washer

Introduction

This document provides comprehensive operating instructions for the Kärcher K 5 pressure washer. For additional information and support, please visit www.kaercher.com/welcome.

Safety Information

General Safety Precautions:

• Read and understand all instructions before use. Keep both the operating manual and the safety leaflet for future reference.
• Never direct the water jet at people, animals, live electrical equipment, or the device itself. ? Do not direct the water jet at people, animals, live electrical equipment or the device itself.
• Protect the device from frost. ❄️ Protect from frost!
• Do not connect the device directly to the drinking water pipeline. ? Do not connect the device directly to the drinking water pipeline.
• Safety devices are for user protection. Do not modify or bypass them.
• Device Features:
  • Main Switch: Prevents unintentional operation.
  • Trigger Lock: Locks the spray gun trigger to prevent accidental activation.
  • Pressure Relief Valve: Prevents over-pressurization.
  • Motor Protection Switch: Shuts off the device if the motor is overloaded.

Intended Use

This high-pressure washer is designed for domestic use. It is suitable for cleaning vehicles, buildings, tools, facades, terraces, and garden accessories using a high-pressure water jet, with the option of adding cleaning agents.

Only use Kärcher-approved accessories, spare parts, and cleaning agents. Always follow the instructions provided with cleaning agents.

Environmental Protection

• Recycle packaging materials. Dispose of packaging responsibly.
• Dispose of old devices properly, as they contain valuable recyclable materials.
• Do not dispose of electrical and electronic devices with household waste.
• Cleaning operations that produce oily wastewater (e.g., engine washing) must be performed at designated washing areas with an oil separator.
• Cleaning with detergents should be done on liquid-impermeable surfaces connected to the sewer system. Detergents must not enter waterways or soil.
• Water intake from open water sources may be restricted in some countries.
• For REACH information on components, visit www.kaercher.com/REACH.

Device Description

Refer to the diagram on page 2 for the following parts:

1. Water connection element
2. Quick-connect coupling for high-pressure hose
3. Storage for hand-held spray gun
4. Water supply connection with integrated filter
5. Main switch "0/OFF" / "I/ON"
6. Detergent dosing regulator
7. Storage for hand-held spray gun
8. Handle
9. Storage for detergent bottle Plug 'n' Clean with detergent connection element
10. Detergent bottle Plug 'n' Clean with sealing cap
11. Storage for high-pressure hose
12. Hooks for storing the power cable
13. Storage for spray lance
14. Power cable with plug
15. Transport wheel with hubcap
16. Hand-held spray gun
17. Hand-held spray gun trigger lock
18. Button for disconnecting the high-pressure hose from the hand-held spray gun
19. High-pressure hose
20. Dirt blaster spray lance (for stubborn dirt)
21. Vario Power spray lance (with pressure regulator)
22. Cleaning brush (optional)
23. Rotating cleaning brush (optional)
24. Foam nozzle with detergent tank (optional)
25. Reinforced water hose with standard coupling (additional requirement)

Assembly

Before initial operation, attach any loose parts as follows:

• A: Attaching Wheels: Insert wheels into the mountings and secure with the provided caps. Ensure correct cap orientation.
• B: Spray Gun Storage: Attach the lower holder for the spray gun storage into the recess and slide forward until it clicks. Attach the upper holder and press down firmly.
• C: Transport Handle: Insert the transport handle into the guide and secure with two screws using a PH 2 screwdriver.
• D: Detergent Dosing Regulator: Attach both detergent hoses to the connection points.
• E: Installing Regulator: Attach the detergent dosing regulator and secure it with two screws. Ensure the regulator's retaining tabs click into place.
• F: Connecting High-Pressure Hose: Insert the high-pressure hose into the hand-held spray gun until it clicks. Verify connection by pulling the hose.
• G: Connecting Spray Lance: Insert the spray lance into the hand-held spray gun and lock by rotating 90°.
• H: Connecting Water Supply: Connect the water supply hose to the device's water inlet.
• I: Connecting High-Pressure Hose: Insert the high-pressure hose into the quick-connect coupling on the device until it clicks. Verify connection by pulling the hose.
• J: Connecting Spray Lance: Insert the spray lance into the hand-held spray gun and lock by rotating 90°.
• K: Connecting Detergent Hose: Insert the detergent hose into the detergent connection.
• L: Adjusting Detergent Dosing: Adjust the detergent suction rate using the detergent dosing regulator.
• M: Connecting Water Hose: Connect the water hose to the water supply.

Getting Started and Operation

Place the device on a level surface.

• Water Supply: Ensure water parameters meet specifications. Use a Kärcher water filter (Part No. 4.730-059) for dirty water. For open water sources, use the Kärcher suction hose with a non-return valve (Part No. 4.440-238). Remove air from the system before use by running the device briefly without the high-pressure hose attached until water flows without bubbles.
• Starting Operation: Turn the device on using the main switch (I/ON). Release the trigger lock on the spray gun. Pull the trigger to start the water flow. Release the trigger to stop the water flow; the device remains pressurized.
• High-Pressure Operation: Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm from painted surfaces to prevent damage. Do not use the dirt blaster on tires, paintwork, or sensitive surfaces like wood.
• Detergent Operation: Detergent can only be used at low pressure. Use the Kärcher Plug 'n' Clean system for easy detergent application. Insert the detergent bottle into the connection. Use the Vario Power spray lance set to "SOFT" for detergent application.

Work Breaks and End of Operation

• During Breaks: Release and lock the spray gun trigger. Store the spray gun in its holder. For breaks longer than 5 minutes, switch the device off.
• End of Operation: After releasing system pressure by pulling the spray gun trigger, switch the device off (0/OFF). Unplug the power cord. Close the water tap. Disconnect the water supply hose. Store the detergent bottle and accessories.

Transport and Storage

• Transport: Be aware of the device's weight. Carry by the handle. Secure the device when transporting it on vehicles. Remove the detergent bottle before horizontal transport. Secure against shifting and tipping.
• Storage: Place the device on a level surface. Disconnect the high-pressure hose by pressing the quick-release coupling. Detach the hose from the spray gun. Store the spray gun in its holder and the spray lance in its designated holder. Store the power cable, high-pressure hose, and accessories on the device.

Frost Protection

To prevent damage from freezing:

• Completely empty the device and accessories of water.
• Briefly run the device without the high-pressure hose attached to expel any remaining water.
• Store the device and accessories in a frost-free location.

Care and Maintenance

• Safety: Always disconnect the power plug before performing any maintenance.
• Water Inlet Filter: Remove the water connection coupling, pull out the filter using pliers, clean it under running water, and reinsert it. Do not damage the filter.
• Detergent Filter: Remove and clean the filter from the detergent suction hose under running water.
• The device does not require routine preventative maintenance.

Troubleshooting

Device does not work:

• Ensure the spray gun trigger is released (device turns on).
• Check voltage and power cable.
• If the motor is overloaded, switch off, allow to cool for 1 hour, then restart. If the problem persists, contact service.

Device does not start, motor hums:

• Check for voltage drop (weak power source or extension cord).
• Purge air from the system: Run the device briefly without the high-pressure hose until water flows without bubbles.

Pressure fluctuations:

• Clean the high-pressure nozzle with a needle and rinse with water.
• Check the water supply volume.

Device is not sealed:

• Minor leaks are normal due to technical design. For significant leaks, contact authorized service.

Detergent is not sucked in:

• Use the Vario Power lance set to "SOFT".
• Check the detergent dosing regulator.
• Ensure the detergent bottle is correctly inserted into the connection.

Pressure does not increase:

• Check the spray lance setting.
• Ensure adequate water supply.
• Clean the water inlet filter.

Technical Data

EU Declaration of Conformity

Kärcher declares that the product described herein, by its design and construction, and in the form marketed by us, complies with the relevant EU directives for safety and health. This declaration loses its validity if the product is modified without our consent.

Product: High-pressure cleaner

Type: 1.180-xxx

Relevant EU Directives: 2000/14/EC, 2014/30/EU, 2006/42/EC (+2009/127/EC), 2011/65/EC.

Harmonized Standards Applied: EN 50581, EN 55014-1:2017, EN 55014-2:2015, EN 60335-1, EN 60335-2-79, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-3:2013, EN 62233:2008.

Conformity assessment procedure for 2000/14/EC: Annex V.

Measured Sound Power Level: 84 dB(A)

Guaranteed Sound Power Level: 86 dB(A)

The undersigned persons are acting on behalf of the management.

H. Jenner, Chairman of the Board of Management

S. Reiser, Director Regulatory Affairs & Certification

Authorized representative for technical documentation: S. Reiser, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, Alfred-Kärcher-Straße 28-40, 71364 Winnenden (Germany).

Winnenden, 2018/10/01