DURAVAC VHB305P 0401 User manual

Operator’s Manual
12 Litre Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum
Model No.
VHB305P 0401
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Read and understand this manual before use.
Keep this manual for future reference.
www.duravac.ca
Cleva North America
601 Regent Park Court
Greenville, SC 29607
Wet/Dry Vacuum
3084514
Conforms to UL
Standard 1017
Certified to CSA STD
C22.2 No.243-10

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
SECTION Page
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................2
Warranty............................................................................................................................................2
Safety Instructions and Warnings......................................................................................................3
Double Insulation Instructions ...........................................................................................................4
Extension Cord..................................................................................................................................4
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents .......................................................................................5
General Assembly Instructions..........................................................................................................6
Dry Vacuuming Operation .................................................................................................................7
Liquid Vacuuming Operation .............................................................................................................8
Blowing Operation.............................................................................................................................9
Maintenance......................................................................................................................................10
Installing & Cleaning Reusable Cloth Filter.......................................................................................11
Installing & Cleaning Foam Sleeve Filter...........................................................................................11
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................12
Accessories.......................................................................................................................................12
Exploded View and Parts List............................................................................................................13
We take pride in producing a high quality, durable product. This Dura Vac™ product carries a
limited one (1) 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. Warranty does not apply to defects due to direct or indirect abuse,
negligence, misuse, accidents, repairs, alterations, or lack of maintenance. Please keep your receipt
as proof of purchase. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. For product service call Customer
Service at [phone].
SPECIFICATIONS
Peak horsepower: 2.5 HP
Power: 120 V, 60 Hz, 5.5 A
Cubic Feet (airflow) per Minute (CFM): 50.88
Tank size: 3.2 Gallon (12 L)
Thank you for purchasing this Dura Vac™ wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Feel confident that with
Dura Vac™ 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.

3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS VACUUM
Read and understand this owner’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 Vac only as described in this manual. To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to your Wet/Dry Vac, use only Dura Vac™ recommended accessories.
Household Type
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed including the
following:
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY:
• Do not run vac unattended.
• Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry Vac near flammable liquids, gases, or explosive vapors like
gasoline or other fuels, lighter fluids, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, hydrogen, or explosive
dusts like coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or gun power. Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or other parts.
• If appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to a service center.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp
edges or corners.
• Do not run Wet/Dry Vac over cord.
• Do not handle plug or the Wet/Dry Vac with wet hands.
• 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 use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn filter or without the filter installed except when vacuuming
liquids as described in the operation section of this manual.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing or cleaning
filter.
• Do not leave Wet/Dry Vac unattended when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.
• Turn off Wet/Dry Vac before unplugging.
• Do not put any object into ventilation openings. Do not vacuum with any ventilation openings blocked;
keep free of dust, lint, hair or anything that may reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
When using as blower:
• Direct air discharge only at work area.
• Do not use Wet/Dry Vac as a sprayer.
• Do not direct air at bystanders.
• Keep children away when blowing.
• Use safety goggles.

4
DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS
This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a separate grounding system. Use
only identical replacements parts. Read the instructions for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs
before servicing. Use this Wet/Dry Vac as described in this manual.
Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing of your Wet/Dry Vac.
CAUTION:
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).
• To reduce the risk of electric shock-unplug before cleaning or servicing.
• DO NOT use without filters in place.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS- UNPLUG BEFORE
SERVICING.
EXTENSION CORDS
When using an extension cord with your Wet/Dry Vac 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.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK-DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
STORE INDOORS.
WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ AND UNDERSTAND 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.
DOUBLE INSULATED - GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED - WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
WARNING: 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 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.
Length of Extension Cord
110V-120V 25 Feet / 7.5 Meters 50 Feet / 15.25 Meters 100 Feet / 30.5 Meters
Amps A.W.G. Wire Size
0-6 18 16 16
7-10 18 16 14
11-12 16 16 14
13-16 14 12 Not recommended

5
UNPACKING AND CHECKING CARTON CONTENTS
Remove entire contents of carton. Check
each item against the carton contents list.
Carton contents list
Key Description ..........................................QTY
A Vac Assembly........................................ 1
B Hose...................................................... 1
C Dust Filter.............................................. 1
D Foam Sleeve Filter................................ 1
E 2-in-1 Utility Nozzle ............................... 1
F Small Car Nozzle................................... 1
G Operator's Manual................................. 1
NOTE: The hose and accessories for this
vacuum are 1.25 inch (3.2 cm) diameter.
A
B
C D E FG
Handle
Power Switch
Power Head
Vacuum Port
Container
Blower Port
Hose Storage Rack
Accessory Storage
Cord Storage
Latch

6
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER OUTLET, MAKE SURE PLUG IS
DISCONNECTED BEFORE ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC
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 5. (fig. 4)
5. For dry vacuum cleaning, install the supplied reusable cloth filter. (fig. 5) See page 11 for filter
installation.
6. For wet vacuum cleaning, install the supplied foam filter. (fig. 6) See page 11 for filter installation.
7. Place the power head back on the collection tank, aligning the top section with the latches, and
snap into place. (fig. 7 & 8)
8. Insert the larger end of the hose into the desired port. (fig. 9)
9. Choose the desired accessories and insert onto the end of the hose. (fig. 10)
POLARIZED PLUG
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this appliance has a double polarized plug (with one blade wider
than 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. Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire
grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.
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6

7
DRY VACUUM OPERATION
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION, ENTITLED
‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS’. 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-BASE
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.
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig. 1) Make sure that the container is
clean and free from dust and dirt.
2. In order to prepare your vacuum for dry vacuuming, make sure the filter is completely covering the
filter cage against the power head. (fig.2 & 3) Your Wet/Dry Vac comes with the reusable cloth filter
preinstalled. See page 11 for installation instructions.
3. Place the power head section back on the collection tank, and secure it in place using the latches.
(fig.4)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: DRY VACUUMING
4. Insert the larger end of the hose into the vacuum port on the tank. Push the required attachment
onto the free end of the hose or extension. (fig.5)
5. Plug the power cord into the outlet. (fig.6)
6. Turn the motor on by flipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position and begin vacuuming. (fig.7)
7. Once you have completed vacuuming, flip the switch to the ‘O’ OFF position and unplug the power
cord from the outlet.
O = OFF I = ON
DO NOT USE THE REUSABLE CLOTH FILTER FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
1 2 3
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5
6
4
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER OUTLET, MAKE SURE PLUG IS
DISCONNECTED BEFORE ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC

8
LIQUID VACUUM OPERATION
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY INFORMATION, ENTITLED
‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS’. 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-BASE
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.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER OUTLET. MAKE SURE PLUG IS
DISCONNECTED BEFORE ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig. 1) Make sure that the container is
clean and free from dust and dirt.
2. Remove reusable cloth filter, then carefully install the foam sleeve filter over the filter cage and place
the power head back on the collection tank (fig. 2, 3 & 4). See filter installation instructions on page
11.
DO NOT USE THE REUSABLE CLOTH FILTER FOR LIQUID VACUUMING.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – WET VACUUMING
3. Fit the desired nozzle to the vacuum hose. (fig. 5)
4. Verify that the switch is in the ‘O’ OFF position before plugging the power cord into the outlet. (fig. 6)
5. Turn the motor on by flipping the switch to the ‘I’ ON position. (fig. 7)
6. After use, empty the collection tank, clean and dry the inside and outside before storage.
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 inflow. The machine is fitted with
a float valve that stops the suction action when the container 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. To continue vacuuming, refit the
container with the drain cap. After wet vacuuming, turn the machine off and remove plug from power
supply. Empty the container, clean and dry the inside and outside before storage.
REMEMBER! The foam filter must be removed after wet vacuuming, and a reusable cloth filter must
be installed before dry vacuuming again.
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1 2 3 4 5
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9
BLOWING OPERATION
WARNING: KEEP BYSTANDERS CLEAR FROM BLOWING DEBRIS.
WARNING: WEAR A DUST MASK IF BLOWING CREATES DUST THAT MIGHT BE INHALED.
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES COMPLYING WITH CSAZ94.3 BEFORE
USING BLOWER.
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.
3. Remove hose from the vacuum port.
4. Insert the larger end of the hose into the blowing port on the backside of the power head and push
in tightly. (fig. 2)
5. Ensure the power switch is turned to the ‘O” OFF position and plug into the power supply. (fig. 3)
6. Before turning on the vac, firmly hold the loose end of the hose. Turn the motor on by flipping the
switch to the ‘I’ ON position. (fig. 4)
This Wet/Dry Vac has blowing capabilities. To use the blower feature follow the instructions listed.
5
1 2 3 4

10
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE POWER OUTLET BEFORE
REMOVING THE POWER HEAD FROM CONTAINER.
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)
4. Clear all dirt or debris from the collection tank and hose. (fig. 4)
5. Clean or replace the filters. (fig. 5)
6. Check the hose, attachments, and power cord to verify that they have not been damaged.
IMPORTANT! Clean or change the dust filter regularly for best performance. ALWAYS USE DUST
FILTER FOR DRY VACUUMING. If the machine is used without the dust filter, the motor will burn out
and the warranty will be voided. Always keep spare filters on hand.
NOTICE! The filter included is made of high quality material designed to stop small dust particles.
The filter should be used for dry pick-up only. A dry filter is necessary to pick up dust. If the dust filter
is wet, it will clog quickly and be very difficult to clean. Handle the filter carefully when removing it
for cleaning and replacing it. Check the filters for tears or small holes. A small hole can let dust pass
through and out of the cleaner. Do not use a filter with holes or tears in it; replace it immediately.
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INSTALLING & CLEANING REUSABLE CLOTH FILTER
INSTALLING & CLEANING FOAM SLEEVE FILTER
Installing Reusable Cloth Filter
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig.1)
2. Remove power head and place in upside down position.
3. Slide reusable cloth filter down over the filter cage making sure the whole cage is covered. (fig.2 & 3)
4. Replace and lock the power head on to the container.
Removing and Cleaning Reusable Cloth Filter
1. Remove power head and place in upside down position.
2. Carefully remove the reusable cloth filter from the filter cage. (fig. 4) Clean the filter by gently
tapping or brushing dirt off. Cleaning should not be done indoors in living areas.
3. Use a mild soap and water solution to wash reusable cloth filter and rinse with clean water. (fig. 5)
4. Allow the wet filter to air dry for 24 hours before installing onto the filter cage.
Installing Foam Sleeve Filter
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig.1)
2. Remove power head and place in upside down position. Follow above instructions to remove cloth
filter.
3. Carefully slide foam sleeve filter down over the filter cage making sure the whole cage is covered.
(fig.2 & 3)
4. Replace the power head onto the container.
Cleaning Foam Sleeve Filter
1. With the removed power head in the upside down position, carefully remove foam sleeve filter. (fig. 4)
2. Use a mild soap and water solution to wash foam sleeve filter and rinse with clean water. (fig. 5)
3. Allow filter to air dry before installing and using again.
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12
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK-UNPLUG BEFORE
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
Vacuum will not operate
1) No power supply. 1) Check power supply – cord,
breakers, fuses.
2) Faulty power cord. 2) Unplug and check the power cord. If damaged, have it repaired by a
professional.
3) Container full. 3) Empty container.
4) Switch in the wrong
position. 4) Press the ON 'I' button on the power head.
Dust comes from motor cover.
1) The reusable cloth filter is
missing or damaged. 1) Attach or replace the reusable cloth filter.
2) Vacuum has been used
to collect fine dust, such as
drywall dust, fireplace soot,
or ash, wishout a fine dust
filter equipped.
2) Remove the standard cartridge
filter and install the appropriate fine
dust cartridge filter.
Reduced efficiency and motor/
speed vibration.
1) There is a blockage in the
nozzle, hose, or the vacuum
inlets. Or the dust filter is
blocked by fine dust.
1) Check nozzle, hose and inlets for
blockage. Take off the filter and clean
it. Or install new filter.
ACCESSORIES
Additional accessories for your Dura Vac™ Wet/Dry Vacuum are available.
Consumables
CVFF21 Foam Sleeve /Wet Filter
CVRC2 Dry Reusable filter

13
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST
VHB305P 0401 Parts List
Key No. Drawing Description Qty. Key No. Drawing Description Qty.
1 VH57PF.11.00 Handle 1 7 CVRC2 Dust Filter 1
2 Power Head 1 8  Foam Sleeve Filter 1
3 Float 1 9 551092105 Small Car Nozzle 1
4 Filter Cage 1 10 551012124 Hose 1
5 Container 1 11 Operator's Manual 1
6 2-in-1 Utility Nozzle 1