Kärcher 332 User manual

5.956–551 F 43195 03/96

2
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................ 3
1. Starting .............................................................. 5
2. Operation ........................................................... 7
3. Care and Maintenance ...................................... 8
4. Troubleshooting ................................................. 8
5. General Information ........................................... 9
6. TechnicalData ................................................... 9
7. Spare Parts...................................................... 17
INDICE
PRECAUCIONES IMPORTANTES
DE SEGURIDAD ................................................... 10
1. Puesta en marcha del aparato .......................... 12
2. Manejo del aparato ........................................... 14
3. Trabajos de cuidado y mantenimiento .............. 15
4. Localización de averías .................................... 15
5. Observaciones generales ................................. 16
6. Características Técnicas................................... 16
7. Lista de repuestos ............................................ 17

3
Please read these operating instrucions before
starting and strictly observe the “Safety Instruc-
tions for High Pressure Cleaners (5.951-949)”.
WARNING
When using this product basic precautions
should always be followed, including the
following:
•Read all the instructions before using the pro-
duct.
•To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision
is necessary when a product is used near
children.
•Know how to stop the product and bleed pres-
sures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls.
•Stay alert - watch what you are doing.
•Do not operate the product when fatigued or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Keep operating area clear of all persons.
•Do not overreach or stand on unstable sup-
port. Keep good footing and balance at all
times.
•Follow the maintenance instructions speci-
fied in the manual.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER PROTECTION
TocomplywiththeNationalElectricalCode(NFPA
70), and to provide additional protection from the
risk of electric shock, this pressure washer should
only be connected to a receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Extension Cords
Use only extension cords that are intended for
outdoor use. These extension cords are identified
by a marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor
appliances; store indoors while not in use.” Use
only extension cords having an electrical rating
not less than the rating of the product. Do not use
damaged extension cords. Examine extension
cord before using and replace if damaged. Do not
abuse extension cord and do not yank on any cord
to disconnect. Keep cord away from heat and
sharp edges. Always disconnect the extension
cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the
product from the extension cord.
If you are using an extension cord, it should
always be completely unwound from the cable
drum and have a sufficient cross-sectional area:
Up to 25 ft = 12/3 AWG; 25 to 50 ft = 10/3 AWG.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS !

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS !
CAUTION
Water Supply
•Water hose must be at least 1/2 inch in
diameter.
•The flow rate of the water supply must not fall
below 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
•Flow rate can be determined by running the
water for one minute into an empty 5-gallon
container.
•Water can also be drawn from a standing
water supply such as a lake or a drum by
means of filtered suction hose (optional
accessory).
•The water supply temperature must not
exceed 104 °F.
•Never use the device to suck in liquids con-
taining solvents, e.g. paint thinners, gasoline,
oil, etc. or unfiltered water. The seals in the
cleaner are not resistant to solvents. When
solvents are sprayed the fine mist is highly
flammable, explosive and poisonous. Grit
particles in unfiltered water could damage
both the cleaner and the object being clea-
ned.
•When connecting the water inlet to the water
supply mains, local regulations of your water
company must be observed. In some areas
the unit must not be connected directly to the
public drinking water supply. This is to ensure
that there is no feedback of chemicals into
the water supply. Direct connection via a
receiver tank or backflow preventer for ex-
ample, is permitted.
•Dirt in the feed water could lead to the ap-
pliance being damaged. To avoid this risk, we
recommend fitting a filter.Asuitable filter with
3/4" connection is available under Order No.
6.414-389.
•The safety ratchet does not lock the lever of
the gun during operation but only prevents it
from opening unintentionally.
WARNING
Risk of Injection or Injury – Do not
direct discharge atream at persons.
High Pressure jets can be dangerous if subject to
misuse. The jet must not be directed at persons,
animals or machine itself. This machine has been
designed for use with cleaning chemicals supp-
lied or recommended by the manufacturer. The
use of other cleaning chemicals may affect the
operation of the machine and void the warranty.

5
1. Starting
3
4
5
32
5
1
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
4

6
1. Starting
Electrical Connection
••
••
•See technical data of connected values.
••
••
•Check whether the voltage shown on the rating
plate corresponds to that of the power source.
Water Connection
••
••
•See technical data for connected values.
1. Screw male coupling onto the machine. Do not
overtighten.
2. Screw female coupling onto male end of garden
hose. Be sure the hose end is in good condition so
a leak does not occur. Do not overtighten.
3. To connect, push female coupling onto male
coupling all the way until it clicks twice to assure
full flow of water to the pump.
Caution: Failure to push female coupling on all
the way can damage the pump if allowed to run
dry.
4. Turn on water supply: If leak occurs, retrace
steps 1 to 3, making sure connections are tight
and that couplings are not reversed.
Caution: The male and female connection are
not the same thread size. Reversing the con-
nections will damage the coupling and cause a
water leak preventing the pump from priming
properly.
Suction: Observe the following if you are drawing
water from an open container:
1.Unscrew the union element from the water
connection of the appliance, and attach a suc-
tion hose with filter (order no. 4.440-238) directly
to the appliance.
2.Allow the pump to operate without the high-
pressure hose until water appears at the high-
pressure outlet without any more bubbles.
3. Then re-attach the high-pressure hose.
1 Carrying handle
2 Appliance switch (ON/OFF)
3 Water connection with filter
4 Male coupling
5 Female coupling
6 Connection lead
7 High-pressure outlet
8 Spray gun with safety ratchet (A) and
high-pressure hose
9 Spray lance extension
10 Spray lance (with vario nozzle)
11 Detergent nozzle
12 Detergent container
Unpacking the Appliance
••
••
•Inspect unit carefully for damages.
Should you discover any please notify your
KÄRCHER sales office at 1-800-537-4129.
••
••
•Do not simply discard the packing materials
with the house-hold waste. Take the packing
materials to the appropriate collection areas for
recycling.
Fitting the Accessories
••
••
•Connect the spray lance extension and spray
gun.
••
••
•Push the spray lance (detergent nozzle) against
the spring into the bayonet connector of the
extension, and then rotate it through 90° until it
clicks into place.
••
••
•Connect the high-pressure hose to the high-
pressure outlet.

7
2. Operation
Operation with High-pressure
••
••
•Connect the spray lance with the spray lance
extension.
••
••
•Release the gun trigger with the safety ratchet
and pull the trigger.
••
••
•Switch on the appliance.
••
••
•Youcanchoosebetweendifferenttypes of spray
byrotatingthe front protective device on thevario
nozzle.
Operation with Detergent
••
••
•Connect the detergent nozzle with the spray
lance extension.
••
••
•Fill the detergent container with suitable deter-
gent and screw the container back on the deter-
gent nozzle.
••
••
•Werecommendthatyou use detergent sparingly
for the sake of the environment. Observe the
recommended dosage on the detergent label.
Note:
We offer you an individual cleaning and
detergent range, thereby guaranteeing fault-free
work. Please allow us to advise you or order our
catalogue or the detergent information sheets.
Unsuitable detergents can damage the ap-
pliance and the object being cleaned.
We recommend the following cleaning methods:
Step 1: Loosening dirt
Spray on detergent sparingly and allow to react
for a short time.
Step 2: Removing dirt
Spray off the loosened dirt with the high-pres-
sure spray.
Interrupting Operation
••
••
•In the event of extended work breaks (more than
5 minutes), switch off the pump to avoid damage
due to water overheating.
Switching OFF
••
••
•Switch off the appliance and unplug the power
cable from the mains.
••
••
•Close the water inlet and detach the appliance
from the water connection.
••
••
•Pull the trigger until there is no more pressure in
the appliance, and secure the trigger with the
safety ratchet against unintentional opening.
Purpose
– Use the appliance to clean machines, vehicles,
buildings, tools etc.
– Clean facades, terrasses, garden equipment
etc. without detergent only with the high-pres-
sure Water Jet.
– Engines may only be cleaned at locations with
appropriate oil separators (environmental
protection).
– When the appliance is used at petrol stations
and other dangerous areas, the appropriate
safety regulations must be observed.
– We recommend the dirt blaster as a special
attachment for stubborn dirt.

8
3. Care and Maintenance
Monthly or as Required
••
••
•Clean the nozzle.
Remove dirt from the nozzle hole with a needle,
and rinse with water from the front.
••
••
•Clean the strainer in the water connection. It can
be easily removed with a flat-nosed pliers.
Note:
Disconnect the appliance from the power mains before all repair work. Only authorized customer
service personnel may inspect electrical components.
4. Troubleshooting
Sub-zero Temperature Protection
••
••
•Frost will destroy an appliance which has not
been completely emptied of water. Ideally, the
appliance shold be stored in a frost-free room.
In this chapter, we would like to give you some
hints on dealing with malfunctions yourself.
In all other cases or in the case of electrical faults,
please contact the authorized customer service.
Appliance does not Work
••
••
•Check the mains voltage.
••
••
•Check the connector cable for damage.
••
••
•If the motor overheats, allow it to cool down for
a few minutes. Then switch back on again.
Appliance does not reach Operating
Pressure
••
••
•Ventilate the appliance. (→Suction 2.)
••
••
•Clean the strainer in the water connection.
••
••
•Check the inlet water flow rate.
••
••
•Check all inlet pipes to the pump for leaks or
blockage.
Strong Pressure Fluctuations
••
••
•Clean the nozzle. Remove dirt from the nozzle
hole with a needle, and rinse with water from the
front.
Pump Leaks
••
••
•3 drops per minute are permissible. In the case
of more serious leakage, you should contact the
authorized customer service.

9
5. General Information
Safety Equipment
Safety Valve/Overflow valve
The safety valve is also an overflow valve.
When the hand-held spray gun is closed, the valve
opens and water flows back to the suction side of
the pump.
Spare Parts
A selection of the most common spare parts
numbers is listed at the end of these operating
instructions.
Warranty
The applicable warranty conditions in different
countries are issued by the respective national
distributor of KÄRCHER products. During the
warranty period, any malfunctions of the unit
caused by a material or manufacturing defect will
be repaired free of charge. In the event of a war-
ranty claim, please take the unit, with proof of
purchase, to your original dealer, or to the nearest
authorised customer service centre.
6. Technical Data
Power connection
Voltage ............................................................... 120 V
Type of current ............................................... 1~60 Hz
Amp. draw ............................................................ 14 A
Water connection
Supply temperature (max.) ............................... 104 °F
Supply rate (min.) ............................................... 2.5 g.p.m.
Supply pressure (max.)..................................... 170 psi
Supply hose
– length (min.) ........................................... 25 ft
– diameter (min.) ...................................... 1/2 in
Suction height from open tank
at a water temperature of 68 °F............................ 3 ft
Performance data
Pressure ........................................................... 1300 psi
Flow rate ............................................................. 1.7 g.p.m.
Detergent intake .................................................. 11 oz.p.m.
Recoil force of hand-held spray gun
at operating pressure (max.) .............................. 15 N
Sound pressure level (DIN 45635) ................. 74.5 dB(A)
Dimensions
Length................................................................ 14.2 in
Width.................................................................. 11.0 in
Height ................................................................ 11.8 in
Weight with accessories ..................................... 26 lbs
Circuit Diagram
C 1 Capacitor
M 1 Motor
Q 1 Motor protective circuit breaker
F 1 Fuse