Earlex SS76 User manual

STEAM WALLPAPER
STRIPPER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL SS76
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USE
Thank you for purchasing a Steam Wallpaper Stripper. This is a highly versatile machine
for use all around the home. In order to obtain the best results please read the instructions
before commencing any work.
Please also make a special note of the safety rules and
RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The manufacturer will accept no responsibility for the use of this product if used for
any purposes other than those detailed herein.
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CAUTION !
Check the state of your plaster before starting work.
Steam can loosen weak, porous or poorly bonded plaster - which also loosens readily if cracked, holed or if the steam plate is held in
one position for too long after the paper is soaked.
Weak plaster can normally be detected by tapping a few areas of wall. A hollow sound indicates that you should proceed only with
extreme care - stopping immediately if you hear a cracking sound or plaster starts to break loose.
The steam stripper is safe for drywall/plaster board surfaces but whatever the material, it is always wise to check a small area before
starting work properly.
PROTECT YOUR HOME
The heat generated by the boiler unit can mark carpets, soft furnishings, table tops, cabinets etc. To prevent this we recommend
placing the unit on a wooden board, tray or other barrier - making sure it will not slip off one side or tilt during use.
Dust sheets or newspapers are not suitable heat protectors for delicate surfaces.
PREPARATION
To achieve fastest paper removal always gently score the areas to be stripped.
With heavily embossed, vinyl coated or painted papers this is essential. Either use a proprietory perforator tool
or alternatively score the paper with the edge of a wall scraper in a criss-cross pattern with 150mm (6 inch)
spacing. As with all decorating work be sure to protect carpets and furniture with covers.
GKeep equipment away from children and pets.
GEnsure boiler is placed on a flat level surface, and should
the boiler become tilted in use - level again immediately.
Failure to do so can result in severe overheating,
complete element failure and void your guarantee.
GBlock boiler unit securely if using on stairs.
GThe boiler becomes hot in use. Move only by using the
carrying handle.
GSteam is produced at 100oC. Be careful, wear protective
clothing and protect your hands with heat resistant gloves
or mitts.
GNever point hose or steam plate at anyone.
GAlways keep steam plate tilted away from face and body,
beware of hot drips and regularly empty collected
condensation from plate - especially when stripping
ceilings and high areas.
GNever remove filler cap or detach hose whilst unit is
operating.
GNever block the safety valve.
GNever use outside when raining.
GSwitch off and wait for 2 minutes before removing filler
cap to refill boiler.
GDo not overfill the reservoir.
GAllow to cool completely before emptying boiler.
GDo not stand on boiler or hose.
GDo not drag or try to move boiler by pulling the mains
lead or hose.
GDo not allow water or steam to enter light switches or
power points.
GDo not leave unattended.
GUse only standard tap water. Never add detergents or
chemicals.
GExtreme care must be taken if the unit is used in
bathrooms. Always be aware of danger of electrocution
from stored water in baths and sinks.
GNever change tools when the unit is operating.
GAlways store upright.
GIt is recommended that a RCD (residual current device)
rated at 30mA is fitted into the mains supply socket for
added protection against electric shock.
GUse only genuine Earlex replacement parts.
SAFETY RULES
OPERATION
STEAM IS HOT! The unit is designed for safe, fast removal of wallpaper but please be aware that steam is produced at 100oC - so
be careful, wear protective clothing and protect your hands with heat resistant gloves or mitts.
FILLING:
Remove filler cap and fill unit to Max. level line or indicator with clean - preferably hot - water.
Replace filler cap.
The capacity of 5 litres (9 pints) provides approx 90 mins. steaming time before the safety cut-out operates. For a shorter steaming
time use less water.
Do not overfill the unit or hot water will be forced up the steam hose.
Screw hose onto threaded outlets of boiler and steam plate, hand tight is sufficient.
Do not over tighten but do check for hand tight fit from time to time during use.
Connect mains lead from unit to power socket and switch on. lt can take up to 16 mins (approx.) before steam is produced -
depending on fill water quantity and temperature.
Do not leave unattended and keep children & pets out of the room.
Just before full steam production a small amount of bubbling and water will occur at the steam plate. Beware of hot water
discharge prior to steam emission.
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STRIPPING: Remember to check a small area first.
Operation is simple for both right and left handed people. Simply hold the steam plate flat against the wallpaper for
approx. 10 seconds. Now move the plate to the spot immediately next to the one just steamed - from which the
paper should now easily come away with a little help from a wall scraper. Working this way should enable continuous
paper removal although it may be necessary to steam for longer periods with some papers, or if not completely
removed first time. If unit requires refilling, unplug cord and allow to cool for at least 2 minutes before removing filler
cap - Beware of steam. When finished, allow to cool completely and empty unit.
SAFETY CUT-OUT
A safety cut-out is fitted to prevent overheating the element if the water boils low. If unit stops boiling during use this may be the
cause. Wait for 2 minutes before removing filler cap then re-fill with water. The cut-out will self reset and steam be produced again
within 5-15 minutes. The cut-out will not protect the element if a part filled unit is tilted during use in a way which enables
part of the element to be out of the water for longer than 15-20 seconds.
OTHER USES
Artex®
Normally Artex®can be removed using the same method as for wallpaper although the steaming time will be longer.
CAUTION: Some textured finishes may contain asbestos which may be hazardous to health and which are subject to licensing
controls operated by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).
Vinyl Floor Tiles
Vinyl floor tiles can also be removed if the plate is left long enough for the heat to penetrate the adhesive. Once the adhesive is hot it
softens and the tile can be peeled from the floor.
Sterilising Soil
To sterilise soil in seed trays or greenhouses rake the soil to obtain a fine surface. Leave the steam plate on
each section, for 2 to 2.5 minutes which should ensure that the steam has penetrated through the surface.
Killing Weeds
Steam will kill weeds on paths and patios without the use of chemicals. You will need to steam the weeds for 1
to 1.5 minutes in order to kill them.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Unit Fails to Boil
The unit has probably not been left for long enough to cool - refer to section on safety cut-out. Check the fuse in the plug is sound
and is rated at 13 amps. If using an extension lead check that it is rated at a minimum of 10 amps and it is fully unwound.
Unit Leaks Steam from Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a special low pressure valve and cannot be replaced by any other valve. If steam is leaking from the
valve, the most likely cause is a blockage in the hose. Allow the hose to cool then remove the hose and check for any blockage.
Always check the inlet in the tool you are using.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES FORCE THE VALVE SHUT. THIS IS OPERATING FOR YOUR PROTECTION.
DESCALING
To maintain peak performance of the unit, particularly in areas of hard water, it may be necessary to descale the element in the unit.
Proprietary kettle descaling products can be used in your Steam Cleaning Kit - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Killing weeds
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MAINS CONNECTION
Your unit has been supplied with a mains lead with a fitted plug. This is identified by the fuse holder in the base of the plug. Please
read the following safety instructions before use.
1If the fitted plug is cut off from the mains lead then the plug must be disposed of safely. NEVER under any circumstances insert
such a plug into a 13 amp socket.
2 NEVER under any circumstances use the appliance or mains lead without the fuse cover fitted. This is the little cover fixed into the
base of plug to hold the fuse in place.
3If you lose the fuse cover then please contact any electrical dealer for a replacement or ring our helpline.
4A replacement fuse must be rated at 13 amp. These must be manufactured and approved to BS1362.
5 IF IN ANY DOUBT PLEASE CONSULT AN ELECTRICIAN.
If you need to fit a plug to the mains lead, this should be fitted in accordance with the wiring instructions on the mains lead, and will
need to be used with a 13 amp fuse. If in doubt consult an electrician.
WARNING - THlS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED. If you are using an extension lead it must be rated at a minimum of 10 amps
and fully unwound. Do not operate with a lead rated at less than 10 amps as this will cause premature failure of the element which is
not covered by the guarantee.
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the
earth symbol, or coloured green or green and yellow.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured
black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or
coloured red.
© Earlex Ltd. 2006
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed for a period of 24 months against faulty materials and workmanship. Whilst every possible care is taken by
the manufacturer to ensure that our products leave the factory in good working order, we canot under any circumstances accept liability
for problems or damage caused by their subsequent use. It is the responsibilty of the user to ensure that surfaces to be cleaned or
stripped are suitable for steam. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights. This guarantee excludes the use for hire purposes.
EC Declaration of Conformity
We declare that the unit: SS76 conforms to: 73/23/EEC, BSEN60335-1, BSEN60335-2-54 & 89/336/EEC, EN55014-1, EN55014-2,
EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3.
Tim Hopper-Technical Director
INFORMATION ON THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT KNOWN AS WEEE
Your attention is brought to new directives applicable to the disposal of this electrical equipment, where in accordance with
the legislation this product must not be disposed of in your normal household waste. Instead it is your responsibility to
dispose of this type of waste by handing it over to special designated collection points for recovery and recycling. This
product is marked with a ‘Wheelie bin’ symbol with a cross on it to remind you of this action. The objective of this directive
is to help conserve resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
For more information about where you can drop off your waste please contact your local authority, take back facilities are
free of charge.
IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT OUR HELPLINE ON:
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08.30-18.00 (Excluding Bank Holidays)
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