Black Diamond Equipment VFB511B 3801 User manual

5 GALLON WET/DRY VAC
Operation Manual
MODEL #’s VFB511B 3801
This safety alert symbol identifies important safety messages in this
manual. Failure to follow this important safety information may result
in serious injury or death.

2
Thank you for purchasing this Black DiamondTM wet/dry vacuum
cleaner. Feel confident that with Black DiamondTM you are obtaining a
high quality product engineered for optimal performance. This vacuum
is capable of picking up liquids and dry materials.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND
ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Warranty ................................................................................................. 4
Important Safety Instructions
................................................................ 5
Double Insulation Instructions ............................................................... 7
Extension Cords ..................................................................................... 8
Symbols ................................................................................................. 9
Unpacking & Checking Carton Contents
.............................................. 10
General Assembly Instructions
............................................................ 11
Dry Vacuum Operation ......................................................................... 12
Liquid Vacuum Operation ..................................................................... 13
Blower Operation ...................................................................................17
Maintenance ......................................................................................... 18
Installing & Cleaning Cartridge Filter .................................................... 19
Installing & Cleaning Foam Wet Filter
.................................................. 21
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 22
Exploded View ...................................................................................... 23
Parts List .............................................................................................. 24

3
WARRANTY
We take pride in producing a high quality, durable product. This Black
Diamond™ product carries a limited ve (5) year warranty against defects
in workmanship and materials from date of purchase under normal
household use. If product is to be used for commercial, industrial, or
rental use, a 90 day limited warranty will apply. Please keep your receipt
as proof of purchase. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and
you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. For customer
service please call 877-806-9067.
Not Covered by Warranty:
• Any part that has become inoperative due to misuse, negligence,
direct/indirect abuse, accidents, improper maintenance, repairs,
or alterations
• Consumables such as lters and accessories
• Normal wear and tear of parts and attachments, such as hose, nozzles,
or casters
• Normal deterioration of the exterior nish due to use or exposure
• Any product where serial number/data label is tampered with
or removed
• Any product purchased from an unauthorized retailer

4
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS
VACUUM. Read and understand this operator’s manual and all labels on
the Wet/Dry Vacuum cleaner before operating. Safety is a combination
of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your vacuum works.
Use this Wet/Dry Vacuum only as described in this manual. To reduce
the risk of personal injury or damage to your Wet/Dry Vacuum, use only
manufacturer recommended accessories. For Household Use Only
SAVE THIS MANUAL
When using a vacuum, basic precautions should always
be followed including the following:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY:
• Do not run vacuum unattended.
• Do not use to pick up ammable or combustible liquids, such as
gasoline, or use in areas where they may be present.
• Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry vacuum near ammable liquids,
gases, or explosive vapors like gasoline or other fuels, lighter uids,
cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, hydrogen, or explosive dusts
like coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or gun powder. Sparks
inside the motor can ignite ammable vapors or dust.
• To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors or dusts, do not
vacuum toxic materials.
• Do not use or store near hazardous materials.
• Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as
cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• If vacuum is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged,
left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug,
not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord or plug.
• 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.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not run the vacuum over cord.
• Do not handle plug or vacuum with wet hands.
• Do not use without dust bag and/or lters in place.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when
used by or near children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
WARNING
!

5
• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power
cord before changing or cleaning lter.
• Do not leave vacuum when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not
in use and before servicing.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Unplug before connecting or disconnecting hose, or any
other accessories.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening
blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce
air ow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, ngers, and all parts of body away from
openings and moving parts.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
• Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer’s
recommended attachments.
• This vacuum is provided with double insulation. Use only identical
replacement parts. See DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK-UNPLUG BEFORE CLEANING
OR SERVICING.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS-UNPLUG BEFORE
SERVICING.
WARNING
!
When using as blower:
• Direct air discharge only at work area.
• Do not use Wet/Dry Vacuum as a sprayer.
• Do not direct air at bystanders.
• Keep children away when blowing.
• Wear safety goggles.

6
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VACUUM
WITH A DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VACUUM, 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. SERVICING A DOUBLE
INSULATED WET/DRY VACUUM REQUIRES EXTREME CARE AND
DOUBLE INSULATED - GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED - WHEN
SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
This Wet/Dry Vacuum is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a
separate grounding system. Use only identical replacement parts. Read
the instructions for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry Vacuum before
servicing. Use this Wet/Dry Vacuum as described in this manual.
Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of
your Wet/Dry Vac.
DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK - DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
STORE INDOORS.
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ AND UNDERSTAND THE OPERATOR’S
MANUAL. DO NOT RUN UNATTENDED. DO NOT PICK UP HOT ASHES,
COALS, TOXIC, FLAMMABLE OR OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. DO NOT
USE AROUND EXPLOSIVE LIQUIDS OR VAPORS.
DO NOT VACUUM DRYWALL DUST OR FIREPLACE SOOT OR ASH WITH
STANDARD WET/DRY FILTER. THIS TYPE OF DUST IS VERY FINE WHICH
MAY NOT BE CAPTURED BY THE FILTER AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO MOTOR.
WHEN VACUUMING FINE DUST USE A FINE DUST FILTER.
WARNING
WARNING
!
!

7
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SYSTEM, AND SHOULD BE DONE ONLY BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL. REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR A DOUBLE-INSULATED
WET/DRY VACUUM MUST BE IDENTICAL TO THE PARTS THEY REPLACE.
YOUR DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC IS MARKED WITH THE WORDS
‘DOUBLE INSULATED’ AND THE SYMBOL (SQUARE WITHIN A
SQUARE) MAY ALSO BE MARKED ON THE APPLIANCE.
When using an extension cord with your Wet/Dry Vacuum refer to the
following table to determine the required A.W.G. wire size. Before using
the cleaner make sure the power cord and extension cord are in good
working condition. Make repairs or replacements before using the
vacuum cleaner. Only use extension cords that are rated for outdoor
use.
25ft (7.62m) 50ft (15.24m) 100ft(30.48m)
Length of Extension Cord
150ft (45.72m)120V
Ampere rating
More than Not more than A.W.G. Wire Size
Not recommended
0
6
10
12
6
10
12
16
18
18
16
14
16
16
16
12
16
14
14
14
12
12
EXTENSION CORDS

8
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with
this product.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result
in property damage.
SYMBOLS

9
A
B
FGH I
J K L M
C D E
27-TONVERTICAL/
HORIZONTALLOG SPLITTERS
Operation Manual
MODEL#’sBDKL27T (27-Ton)
Thissafetyalert symbol identifies important safety messages in this
manual.Failuretofollow this important safety information may result
inseriousinjuryor death.
Remove all contents from the box. Remove the power
head and take out any contents inside the collection
tank. Check each item against the carton contents list.
Carton Contents List:
NOTE: The hose and accessories for this vacuum are
1-7/8" diameter.
Key Description Qty.
A
Vacuum Assembly ............................................1
B
Handle ..............................................................1
C
Extension Wand ................................................1
D
Foam Wet Filter .................................................1
E
Crevice Tool ......................................................1
F Car Nozzle
........................................................ 1
G Utility Nozzle .....................................................1
H Cartridge Filter ..................................................1
I
EVA Hose ..........................................................1
J
Noise Diffuser ...................................................1
K
2 Screws (Bag) .................................................1
L
Hose Storage Rack .......................................... 2
M
Operator’s Manual ............................................1
Handle
Collection Tank
Latch
Cord Storage Rack
Power Head
On/Off Switch
Hose Storage Rack
Vacuum Port
UNPACKING & CHECKING CARTON CONTENTS

10
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
A Philips head screw driver is required.
16
8
234
11 12
910
13 14
1
2
1
2
5
7
DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO A POWER OUTLET. MAKE SURE THE
PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VACUUM.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
WARNING
!
UNPACKING YOUR WET/DRY VACUUM & GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
2. Undo the latches (Fig. 2).
3. Lift the power head off the collection tank (Fig. 3).
4. Remove the contents from inside the collection tank; make sure you
have all contents as listed on page 9 (Fig. 4).
5. Insert the handle into the slots located on the top of the power head
and secure it with the screws provided. Do not over-tighten the
screws (Fig. 5).
6. Your vacuum comes ready for dry vacuum cleaning. If the cartridge
lter is not installed, refer to page 13 for installation instructions
(Fig. 6 & 7).
7. For wet vacuum cleaning, remove the cartridge lter, and install
the supplied foam wet lter. See page 13 for the foam wet lter
installation instructions (Fig. 8).
8. Place the power head back on the collection tank (Fig. 9).

11
9. Position the hose storage rack as illustrated. Insert one side of the
rack into the channel making sure it is secured in place. Squeeze
the other end and insert it into the corresponding channel making
sure it is secured (Fig. 10 & 11).
10. Align the top section with the latches, and snap into place
(Fig. 12).
11. Insert the locking end of the hose into the vacuum port on the
collection tank and turn to lock into place (Fig. 13).
12. Choose the desired attachment and insert onto the end of the hose
or extension wand (Fig. 14).
NOISE DIFFUSER
For quiet operation, install the noise diffuser into the blower port by
inserting the locking end of the diffuser into the blower port and
turning clockwise to lock into place.
POLARIZED PLUG
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this appliance has a polarized
plug (one blade wider than the other). This plug will t in a polarized
outlet only one way. If the plug does not t fully in the outlet, reverse
the plug. If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Double insulation
eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and
grounded power supply system.

12
DO NOT VACUUM DRYWALL DUST OR FIREPLACE SOOT OR ASH WITH
STANDARD WET/DRY FILTER. THIS IS A VERY FINE DUST WHICH WILL
NOT BE CAPTURED BY THE FILTER AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO
MOTOR. WHEN VACUUMING FINE DUST USE A FINE DUST FILTER (SOLD
SEPARATELY).
DRY VACUUMING
1
10
89
5
2346
7
DRY VACUUM OPERATION
BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION ENTITLED
“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS
WITH FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN THE
AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO: LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE CLEANERS, OIL-BASED PAINTS,
GASOLINE, ALCOHOL, OR AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN, OR GUN POWDER.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO
NOT VACUUM TOXIC MATERIALS.
DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO A POWER OUTLET. MAKE SURE THE
PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE CHANGING THE FILTERS.
WARNING
CAUTION
!
!
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
2. In order to prepare your vacuum for dry vacuuming, make sure the
cartridge lter completely covers the lter cage against the
power head.

13
Your wet/dry vacuum comes with the cartridge lter pre-installed.
For installation instructions, see page 13 (Fig. 2 & 3).
3. Place the lter retainer on the top of the cartridge lter and tighten
down by turning the retainer handle clockwise (Fig. 4).
4. Optional: For improved dust ltration, t the collection bag ange
onto the inlet port, taking care not to damage the bag. Dust bag
sold separately (Fig. 5).
5. Place the power head back on the collection tank and secure it in
place using the latches (Fig. 6).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: DRY VACUUMING
6. Insert the locking end of the hose into the vacuum port on the
power head and turn to lock into place.
7. Push the required attachment onto the free end of the hose or
extension wand (Fig. 7).
8. Verify that the switch is in the ‘O’ OFF position before plugging
the power cord into the power outlet. Plug the power cord into the
outlet (Fig. 8 & 9).
9. Turn the motor on by ipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position and
begin vacuuming (Fig. 10).
10. Once you have completed vacuuming, ip the switch to the ‘O’ OFF
position and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
O = OFF I = ON
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
DO NOT USE THE COLLECTION BAG FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.

14
LIQUID VACUUMING
1
6
5
7
234
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. Make sure
that the collection tank is clean and free of dust and dirt (Fig. 1).
2. Remove the cartridge lter, then carefully install the foam wet lter
over the lter cage and place the power head back on the collection
tank. For foam wet lter installation instructions, see page 13 (Fig. 2).
DO NOT USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: WET VACUUMING
3. Push the required attachment onto the free end of the hose or
extension wand (Fig. 3).
4. Verify that the switch is in the ‘O’ OFF position before plugging the
power cord into the power outlet. Plug the power cord into
the outlet (Fig. 4 & 5).
5. Turn the motor on by ipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position (Fig. 6).
LIQUID VACUUM OPERATION
BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION ENTITLED
“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS”. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS
WITH FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN THE
AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO: LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE CLEANERS, OIL-BASED PAINTS,
GASOLINE, ALCOHOL, OR AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN, OR GUN POWDER.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO
NOT VACUUM TOXIC MATERIALS.
DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO THE POWER OUTLET. MAKE SURE
THE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE CHANGING THE FILTERS.
WARNING
!

15
6. Once you have completed vacuuming, ip the switch to the 'O' OFF
position and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
7. After use, empty the collection tank, clean and dry the inside and
outside before storage (Fig. 7).
IMPORTANT! When vacuuming large quantities of liquids, do not
immerse the nozzle completely in the liquid; leave a gap at the tip of
the nozzle opening to allow air inow. The machine is tted with a oat
valve that stops the suction action when the collection tank reaches its
maximum capacity. You will notice an increase in motor speed. When
this happens, turn off the machine, disconnect from power supply, and
drain the liquid into a suitable receptacle or drain. After wet vacuuming,
turn the machine off and remove plug from power supply. Empty the
collection tank, clean and dry the inside and outside before storage.
REMEMBER! The foam wet lter must be removed after wet vacuuming
and the cartridge lter must be installed before dry vacuuming again.

16
This Wet/Dry Vac has blowing capabilities. To use the blower feature
follow the instructions listed.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
2. Make sure the collection tank is empty before using as a blower.
Clear all dirt and debris from the hose and collection tank.
3. Remove the hose from the vacuum port. Remove the noise diffuser
from the blower port.
4. Secure the larger end of the hose into the blower port on the back of
the power head (Fig. 2).
5. Fit the desired attachment onto the hose or extension wand (Fig. 3).
6. Verify that the power switch is in the ‘O’ OFF position before plugging
the power cord into the outlet. Plug the power cord into the outlet
(Fig. 4 & 5).
7. Before turning on the vacuum, rmly hold onto the loose end of the
hose. Turn the motor on by ipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position
(Fig. 6).
8. The unit will now blow through the vacuum hose and can be used to
clear obstructions within the hose (Fig. 7).
9. Once you have completed blowing, ip the power switch to the ‘O’
OFF position and unplug the power cord from the outlet (Fig. 8).
2
1
8
6
7
35
4
BLOWER OPERATION
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES COMPLYING WITH ANSI Z87.1 (OR IN
CANADA, CSAZ94.3) BEFORE USING BLOWER.
KEEP BYSTANDERS CLEAR FROM BLOWING DEBRIS.
WEAR A DUST MASK IF BLOWING CREATES DUST THAT MIGHT BE
INHALED.
WARNING
!

17
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
2. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum (Fig. 2).
3. Undo the latches and remove the power head from the collection tank
(Fig. 3). Place power head on a soft, clean surface upside down.
4. Clear all dirt or debris from the collection tank and hose into a proper
waste container (Fig. 4).
5. Clean or replace the lters (Fig. 5).
6. Check the hose, attachments, and power cord to ensure that they
have not been damaged.
7. Place the power head back onto the collection tank and secure
latches.
IMPORTANT! Clean or change the lter regularly for best performance.
ALWAYS USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR DRY VACUUMING. If the
machine is used without the cartridge lter, the motor will burn out and
the warranty will be voided. Always keep spare lters on hand.
NOTICE! The lters included are made of high quality materials designed
to stop small dust particles. The cartridge lter should be used for dry
pick-up only. A dry cartridge lter is necessary to pick up dust. If the
cartridge lter is wet, it will clog quickly and be very difcult to clean.
Handle the lter carefully when removing it for cleaning and replacing
it. Check the lters for tears or small holes. A small hole can let dust
pass through and out of the lter. Do not use a lter with holes or tears;
replace it immediately.
1245
3
EMPTYING THE COLLECTION TANK
MAINTENANCE
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE POWER OUTLET BEFORE
REMOVING THE POWER HEAD FROM COLLECTION TANK.
WARNING
!

18
2 3 4 5 61
INSTALLING CARTRIDGE FILTER
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
2. Remove the power head and place in an upside down position.
3. Install the cartridge lter over the lter cage making sure the cage is
completely covered (Fig. 2 & 3).
4. Place the lter retainer on the top of the cartridge lter over the raised
lip and tighten down by turning the retainer clockwise; do not
over-tighten (Fig. 4 & 5).
5. Place the power head back onto the collection tank.
CORD STORAGE
1. When unpacking your new Wet/Dry Vacuum, the cord storage hooks
will be turned inward.
2. To use the cord storage, rotate both hooks outward until they click
into place (Fig. 1 & 2).
3. When you are ready to use your vacuum, simply rotate one of the
hooks inward to quickly release the cord (Fig. 3).
STORAGE
Before storing your vacuum, the collection tank should be emptied and
cleaned. The accessories should be cleaned and stored so they can be
readily available when needed. Store the wet/dry vacuum indoors.
REPAIRS
Repairs for this wet/dry vacuum should be performed only by qualied
service personnel using only identical replacement parts.
INSTALLING & CLEANING CARTRIDGE FILTER
123

19
REMOVING & CLEANING CARTRIDGE FILTER
1. Unlock and remove the lter retainer by turning the retainer handle
counter clockwise.
2. With the removed power head in an upside down position, carefully
remove the cartridge lter from the lter cage (Fig. 6).
3. Clean the cartridge lter by gently tapping or brushing dirt off.
Cleaning should not be done indoors in living areas. For optimal
performance a new lter is recommended.
4. Install cleaned or new lters as above in steps 2-4 of Installing
Cartridge Filter.
5. Allow the wet lter to air dry for 24 hours before installing onto the
lter cage.
IMPORTANT! Clean or change the cartridge lter regularly for best
performance.
ALWAYS USE THE CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR DRY VACUUMING. If the
machine is used without the cartridge lter, the motor will burn out and
the warranty will be voided. Always keep spare lters on hand.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE POWER OUTLET BEFORE
REMOVING THE POWER HEAD FROM THE COLLECTION TANK.
WARNING
!

20
2 3 4 5 1
INSTALLING FOAM WET FILTER
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig.1).
2. Remove the power head and place in an upside down position. Follow instructions to remove the
cartridge lter on page 13.
3. Carefully slide the foam wet lter down over the lter cage making sure the cage is completely covered
(Fig. 2 & 3).
4. Place the power head onto the collection tank.
CLEANING FOAM WET FILTER
1. With the removed power head in an upside down position, carefully remove the foam wet lter (Fig. 4).
2. Use a mild soap and water solution to wash the foam wet lter and rinse with clean water (Fig. 5).
3. Allow the wet lter to air dry for 24 hours before installing onto the lter cage.
INSTALLING & CLEANING FOAM WET FILTER