DeWalt XR LI-ION DCS388 User manual

DCS388
Final Page size: A5 (148mm x 210mm)

B
Copyright
DeWALT
English (original instructions) 4

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Fig. A
Fig. B
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6
Fig. C
Fig. D Fig. E
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1
7
8
4
3
5
8
7
7
8
11
9
10

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Fig. I
Fig. F
Fig. H
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Fig. G
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Fig. J Fig. K
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2

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ENGLISH
Battery pack DCB546
Battery type Li-Ion
Voltage VDC 18/54
Capacity Ah 6.0/2.0
Weight kg 1.05
Charger DCB118
Mains voltage VAC 230
Battery type 18/54 Li-Ion
Approx. charging time
of battery packs
min 22 (1.3 Ah) 22 (1.5 Ah) 30 (2.0 Ah)
45 (3.0 Ah) 60 (4.0 Ah) 75 (5.0 Ah)
60 (6.0 Ah)
Weight kg 0,66
The DCB118 charger accepts 18V Li-Ion XR and XRFLEXVOLTTM
battery packs (DCB181, DCB182, DCB183, DCB183B, DCB184,
DCB184B, DCB185 and DCB546).
Fuses:
Europe 230V tools 10 Amperes. mains
U.K. & Ireland 230V tools 3 Amperes. in plugs
EC-Declaration of Conformity
Machinery Directive
Cordless Reciprocating Saw
DCS388
DeWALT
declares that these products described under
Technical Data are in compliance with:
2006/42/EC, EN60745-1:2009+A11:2010, EN60745-2-11:2010.
These products also comply with Directive 2014/30/EU and
2011/65/EU. For more information, please contact
DeWALT
at
the following address or refer to the back of themanual.
The undersigned is responsible for compilation of the technical
file and makes this declaration on behalf of
DeWALT
.
Markus Rompel
Director Engineering
DeWALT
, Richard-Klinger-Straße 11,
D-65510, Idstein, Germany
09.05.16
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the
instruction manual.
English (original instructions)
CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW
DCS388
Congratulations!
You have chosen a
DeWALT
tool. Years of experience, thorough
product development and innovation make
DeWALT
one of the
most reliable partners for professional power toolusers.
Technical Data
DCS388
Voltage VDC 54
Type 1
Battery type Li-Ion
Max. power output W1550
No load speed min-1 0–3000
Stroke length mm 28.6
Cutting capacity in wood/metal profiles/
plastic tubes
mm 300/130/160
Weight (without battery pack) kg 3.54
Noise values and vibration values (triax vector sum) according to EN60745-2-11:
LPA (emission sound pressure level) dB(A) 86
LWA (sound power level) dB(A) 97
K (uncertainty for the given sound level) dB(A) 3
While cutting boards
Vibration emission value a
h,B
= m/s212.5
Uncertainty K = m/s21.5
While cutting wood beams
Vibration emission value a
h,WB
= m/s212.0
Uncertainty K = m/s22.3
The vibration emission level given in this information sheet has
been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in
EN60745 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It
may be used for a preliminary assessment ofexposure.
WARNING: The declared vibration emission level
represents the main applications of the tool. However if
the tool is used for different applications, with different
accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration emission
may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure
level over the total workingperiod.
An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should
also take into account the times when the tool is switched
off or when it is running but not actually doing the job.
This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the
total workingperiod.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator
from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool
and the accessories, keep the hands warm, organisation
of workpatterns.

5
ENGLISH
Definitions: Safety Guidelines
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each
signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to
thesesymbols.
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: Indicates a practice not related to
personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in
propertydamage.
Denotes risk of electricshock.
Denotes risk offire.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all
instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or
seriousinjury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-
operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless)
powertool.
1) Work area safety
a ) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas inviteaccidents.
b ) Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which
may ignite the dust orfumes.
c ) Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to losecontrol.
2) Electrical safety
a ) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter
plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of
electricshock.
b ) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is earthed orgrounded.
c ) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electricshock.
d ) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electricshock.
e ) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord
suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electricshock.
f ) If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of
electricshock.
3) Personal safety
a ) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use a power tool while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personalinjury.
b ) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear
eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce personalinjuries.
c ) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
is in the off position before connecting to power
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energising power tools that have the switch on
invitesaccidents.
d ) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning
the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached
to a rotating part of the power tool may result in
personalinjury.
e ) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power tool
in unexpectedsituations.
f ) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair
can be caught in movingparts.
g ) If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of dust collection
can reduce dust-relatedhazards.
4) Power tool use and care
a ) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power
tool for your application. The correct power tool
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it
wasdesigned.
b ) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn
it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must berepaired.
c ) Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or
the battery pack from the power tool before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing

6
ENGLISH
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power toolaccidentally.
d ) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children
and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrainedusers.
e ) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any
other condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained powertools.
f ) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less
likely to bind and are easier tocontrol.
g ) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.,
in accordance with these instructions taking into
account the working conditions and the work to be
performed. Use of the power tool for operations different
from those intended could result in a hazardoussituation.
5) Battery tool use and care
a ) Recharge only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type
of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with
another batterypack.
b ) Use power tools only with specifically designated
battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create
a risk of injury andfire.
c ) When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from
other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys,
nails, screws or other small metal objects that can
make a connection from one terminal to another.
Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns
or afire.
d ) Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact. If contact
accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid
contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid
ejected from the battery may cause irritation orburns.
6) Service
a ) Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts. This
will ensure that the safety of the power tool ismaintained.
Additional Safety Instructions for
Reciprocating Saws
• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when
performing an operation where the cutting accessory
may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting
a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the power tool
“live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• ALWAYS wear a dust mask. Exposure to dust particles can
cause breathing difficulty and possible injury.
• Never switch on the tool when the saw blade is jammed in
the workpiece or in contact with the material.
• Keep hands away from moving parts. Never place your
hands near the cutting area.
• Use extra caution when cutting overhead and pay
particular attention to overhead wires which may be
hidden from view. Anticipate the path of falling branches
and debris ahead of time.
• Do not operate this tool for long periods of time.
Vibration caused by the operating action of this tool may
cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use
gloves to provide extra cushion, take frequent rest periods, and
limit daily time of use.
Switching On and Off
• After switching off, never attempt to stop the saw blade with
your fingers.
• Never put the saw down on a table or work bench unless
switched off. The saw blade will keep running briefly after the
tool has been switched off.
When Sawing
• When using saw blades specially designed for cutting wood
remove all nails and metal objects from the workpiece before
starting work.
• Wherever possible, use clamps and vices to fasten the
workpiece securely.
• Do not attempt to saw extremely small workpieces.
• Do not bend too far forward. Make sure that you always stand
firmly, particularly on scaffolding and ladders.
• Always hold the saw with both hands.
• For cutting curves and pockets, use an adapted saw blade.
Checking and Changing the Saw Blade
• Only use saw blades conforming to the specifications
contained in these operating instructions.
• Only sharp saw blades in perfect working condition should
be used; cracked or bent saw blades should be discarded and
replaced at once.
• Ensure that the saw blade is securely fixed.
Residual Risks
In spite of the application of the relevant safety regulations
and the implementation of safety devices, certain residual risks
cannot be avoided. These are:
• Impairment ofhearing.
• Risk of personal injury due to flyingparticles.
• Risk of burns due to accessories becoming hot
duringoperation.
• Risk of personal injury due to prolongeduse.
Electrical Safety
The electric motor has been designed for one voltage only.
Always check that the battery pack voltage corresponds to the
voltage on the rating plate. Also make sure that the voltage of
your charger corresponds to that of yourmains.
Your
DeWALT
charger is double insulated in
accordance with EN60335; therefore no earth wire
isrequired.

7
ENGLISH
WARNING: 115 V units have to be operated via a fail-safe
isolating transformer with an earth screen between the
primary and secondary winding.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a
specially prepared cord available through the
DeWALT
serviceorganisation.
Mains Plug Replacement
(U.K. & Ireland Only)
If a new mains plug needs to be fitted:
• Safely dispose of the oldplug.
• Connect the brown lead to the live terminal in theplug.
• Connect the blue lead to the neutralterminal.
WARNING: No connection is to be made to the
earthterminal.
Follow the fitting instructions supplied with good quality plugs.
Recommended fuse: 3A.
Using an Extension Cable
An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely
necessary. Use an approved extension cable suitable for
the power input of your charger (see Technical Data). The
minimum conductor size is 1mm2; the maximum length
is30m.
When using a cable reel, always unwind the cablecompletely.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Chargers
DeWALT
chargers require no adjustment and are designed to be
as easy as possible tooperate.
Important Safety Instructions for All
Battery Chargers
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS: This manual contains important
safety and operating instructions for compatible battery
chargers (refer to TechnicalData).
• Before using charger, read all instructions and cautionary
markings on charger, battery pack, and product using
batterypack.
WARNING: Shock hazard. Do not allow any liquid to get
inside charger. Electric shock mayresult.
WARNING: We recommend the use of a residual current
device with a residual current rating of 30mA orless.
CAUTION: Burn hazard. To reduce the risk of injury,
charge only
DeWALT
rechargeable batteries. Other types of
batteries may burst causing personal injury anddamage.
CAUTION: Children should be supervised to ensure that
they do not play with theappliance.
NOTICE: Under certain conditions, with the charger
plugged into the power supply, the exposed charging
contacts inside the charger can be shorted by foreign
material. Foreign materials of a conductive nature such
as, but not limited to, steel wool, aluminum foil or any
buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from
charger cavities. Always unplug the charger from the
power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity.
Unplug charger before attempting to clean
• DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any
chargers other than the ones in this manual. The charger
and battery pack are specifically designed to worktogether.
• These chargers are not intended for any uses other than
charging
DeWALT
rechargeable batteries. Any other uses
may result in risk of fire, electric shock orelectrocution.
• Do not expose charger to rain orsnow.
• Pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting
charger. This will reduce risk ofdamage to electric plug
andcord.
• Make sure that cord is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to
damage orstress.
• Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely
necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in risk
of fire,electric shock, orelectrocution.
• Do not place any object on top of charger or place
the charger on a soft surface that might block the
ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat.
Place the charger in a position away from any heat source. The
charger is ventilated through slots in the top and the bottom
of thehousing.
• Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug—
have them replacedimmediately.
• Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow,
been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it
to an authorised servicecentre.
• Do not disassemble charger; take it to an authorised
service centre when service or repair is required. Incorrect
reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution
orfire.
• In case of damaged power supply cord the supply cord must
be replaced immediately by the manufacturer, its service agent
or similar qualified person to prevent anyhazard.
• Disconnect the charger from the outlet before
attempting any cleaning. This will reduce the risk of
electric shock. Removing the battery pack will not reduce
thisrisk.
• NEVER attempt to connect two chargerstogether.
• The charger is designed to operate on standard
230V household electrical power. Do not attempt to
use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the
vehicularcharger.
Charging a Battery (Fig. B)
1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting
battery pack.
2. Insert the battery pack 7 into the charger, making sure the
battery pack is fully seated in the charger. The red (charging)
light will blink repeatedly indicating that the charging
process has started.
3. The completion of charge will be indicated by the red
light remaining ON continuously. The battery pack is fully
charged and may be used at this time or left in the charger.

8
ENGLISH
To remove the battery pack from the charger, push the
battery release button 8 on the battery pack.
NOTE: To ensure maximum performance and life of lithium-ion
battery packs, charge the battery pack fully before first use.
Charger Operation
Refer to the indicators below for the charge status of the battery
pack.
Charge Indicators
Charging
Fully Charged
Hot/Cold Pack Delay*
*The red light will continue to blink, but a yellow indicator light
will be illuminated during this operation. Once the battery pack
has reached an appropriate temperature, the yellow light will
turn off and the charger will resume the charging procedure.
The compatible charger(s) will not charge a faulty battery pack.
The charger will indicate faulty battery by refusing to light or by
displaying problem pack or charger blink pattern.
NOTE: This could also mean a problem with a charger.
If the charger indicates a problem, take the charger and battery
pack to be tested at an authorised service centre.
Hot/Cold Pack Delay
When the charger detects a battery pack that is too hot or too
cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending
charging until the battery pack has reached an appropriate
temperature. The charger then automatically switches to the
pack charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery
pack life.
A cold battery pack will charge at a slower rate than a warm
battery pack. The battery pack will charge at that slower rate
throughout the entire charging cycle and will not return to
maximum charge rate even if the battery pack warms.
The DCB118 charger is equipped with an internal fan designed
to cool the battery pack. The fan will turn on automatically
when the battery pack needs to be cooled. Never operate the
charger if the fan does not operate properly or if ventilation slots
are blocked. Do not permit foreign objects to enter the interior
of the charger.
Electronic Protection System
XR Li-Ion tools are designed with an Electronic Protection
System that will protect the battery pack against overloading,
overheating or deep discharge.
The tool will automatically turn off if the Electronic Protection
System engages. If this occurs, place the lithium-ion battery
pack on the charger until it is fully charged.
Wall Mounting
These chargers are designed to be wall mountable or to sit
upright on a table or work surface. If wall mounting, locate the
charger within reach of an electrical outlet, and away from a
corner or other obstructions which may impede air flow. Use
the back of the charger as a template for the location of the
mounting screws on the wall. Mount the charger securely using
drywall screws (purchased separately) at least 25.4mm long
with a screw head diameter of 7–9mm, screwed into wood to
an optimal depth leaving approximately 5.5mm of the screw
exposed. Align the slots on the back of the charger with the
exposed screws and fully engage them in the slots.
Charger Cleaning Instructions
WARNING: Shock hazard. Disconnect the charger
from the AC outlet before cleaning. Dirt and grease
may be removed from the exterior of the charger using a
cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any
cleaning solutions. Never let any liquid get inside the tool;
never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.
Battery Packs
Important Safety Instructions for All
Battery Packs
When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include
catalog number and voltage.
The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before
using the battery pack and charger, read the safety instructions
below. Then follow charging procedures outlined.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not charge or use battery in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. Inserting or removing the battery from the charger may
ignite the dust or fumes.
• Never force battery pack into charger. Do not modify
battery pack in any way to fit into a non-compatible
charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious
personal injury.
• Charge the battery packs only in
DeWALT
chargers.
• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in
locations where the temperature may reach or exceed
40 ˚C (104 ˚F) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings
in summer).
• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely
damaged or is completely worn out. The battery pack can
explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when
lithium-ion battery packs are burned.
• If battery contents come into contact with the skin,
immediately wash area with mild soap and water. If
battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye
for 15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention
is needed, the battery electrolyte is composed of a mixture of
liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
• Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory
irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persists, seek medical
attention.
WARNING: Burn hazard. Battery liquid may be flammable
if exposed to spark or flame.
WARNING: Never attempt to open the battery pack for
any reason. If battery pack case is cracked or damaged,