Kärcher K 5 User manual

5.960-624 04/03/2004532
PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MACHINE
K 5.50 M
550 M

2
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING A KARCHER
PRESSURE WASHER
PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MACHINE.
WHATIS A PRESSURE WASHER?
A Pressure Washer is essentially a powerful electric motor driving a set
of pistons that force water through a small nozzle, thus creating a
pressurised jet of water. This provides the cleaning power behind the
Karcher Pressure Washer.
AKarcherPressureWashercanbeusedforanendlesslistofapplications
around the home and garden. It provides an efficient, economical and
labour saving way of cleaning with excellent results.
All Karcher domestic pressure washers are designed to run from a
suitablecoldwatersupplyalthoughsomemodelswillacceptawaterinlet
temperature of between 40 °C and 60 °C.
Environmental Comment - Save water with high pressure.
The Karcher Pressure Washer is environmentally friendly enabling you
to reduce your water consumption compared to a normal garden hose.
A definite advantage with a metered water supply
OR
with the added benefit of suction mode, water can be drawn from an
open container such as a water butt.

3
INDEX
1. APPLICATIONS
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 Contents
3.2 Water Connection
3.3 Electrical Connection
3.4 Suction Mode
3.5 Detergent
4. OPERATING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
4.1 High Pressure Operation
4.2 Adding detergent
4.3 Low Pressure Operation With Brush
4.4 End Of Operation
4.5 Storage
5. IMPORTANT – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
6. ACCESSORIES / SPARE PARTS
7. PROBLEM CHECKLIST / TROUBLESHOOTING
8. HELP-LINE
9. TECHNICAL DATA
10. ASSEMBLY
10.1 Changing the High Pressure Hose

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1. APPLICATIONS
The main applications for this product are DOMESTIC
cleaning tasks:
• Cars, motorbikes, caravans, boats and bicycles
• Patio’s, fences, garden walls, pathways, driveways and house
facades – particularly useful for cleaning block driveways
• Removal of algae and moss from roofs, brickwork and
guttering
• Garden tools and machinery, furniture and barbecues
• Hygienic cleaning of animal pens and their surroundings
With the addition of Karcher accessories, the list
continues .............
• Clearing blocked drains and pipes
• Removal of old paint and rust from garden furniture and gates
• Spraying insecticide onto trees, plants and lawns

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE STARTING UP YOUR PRESSURE WASHER PLEASE
CHECK YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
We recommend you purchase these items from a reputable store
• RCD plug and socket that will interrupt electrical supply in an
emergency.
• A typical garden hose (minimum length 7.5 metres) with suitable
hoseconnection(Hoselock/Gardena type) tomatchthe coupling
on the machine (hose and connector not supplied).
•The mains voltage and supply indicated on the Rating Plate of the
machine corresponds with that of the power source.
•The insulation of the supply cable is not damaged.
•Only earthed sockets should be used.
•If you are using an extension cable it must be completely unwound
from the cable drum and be the correct diameter:
10 metre length of cable should have a cross section of 1.5
mm²
30 metre length of cable should have a cross section of 2.5 mm²
Safety Assurance
As an added precaution, your pressure washer is fitted with a safety
locking device on the Spray Gun.
AFTER USE, ALWAYS REMOVE THE PLUG FROM THE SOCKET
BEFORE CLEANING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
!
Never use defect connection or extension lines! If the connection line
is damaged, it must be replaced with a special connection line that is
available from the manufacturer or his customer service.
!
Please make sure that the connection or extension lines are not
damaged by being ran over, pulled or dragged. Protect the
connection lines from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
!
Never touch the mains plug and the socket with wet hands.
!
The connection between connection line and extension line must not
lie in the water.
!
All current-carrying components within the working area must be jet-
proof.
!
The appliance may only be connected to an electrical connection that
was performed by an electrician according to IEC 60364.
!
Only connect the appliance to alternating current. The voltage must
comply with the voltage specified on the typeplate.
!
To avoid electric accidents, we recommend to use sockets with a
series connected residual current operated device (rated breaking
current max. 30 mA).
!
Warning: Inappropriate extension lines may be dangerous. If you
work outside, only use extension lines that are approved and
specifically labelled and provide of a sufficient conductor cross
section (see page 5).
!
The plug and the coupling of an extension line must be waterproof.
!
Always unwind the extension line completely from the cable drum.
!
The operation of the device in hazardous locations is not admissible.
!
Please comply with the corresponding safety instructions if you use
the appliance in danger areas (e.g. filling stations).
!
Do not turn on the appliance if the power supply line or important
components of the appliance, such as safety components, high-
pressure hoses, spray jet, are damaged.
!
Warning: High-pressure hoses, fittings, and couplings are of
importance for the appliance safety. Only use high-pressure hoses,
fittings, and couplings recommended by the manufacturer.

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!
The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm
persons without supervision. Young children should be supervised to
ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
!
The operator must use the appliance properly. He must take the local
conditions into consideration and must pay attention to third persons,
in particular children, while working with the appliance.
!
Warning: Do not use the appliance if third persons are within the
reach of the appliance unless such persons wear protective clothes.
!
Warning: High-pressure jets may be dangerous if they are used
improperly. The jet must not be directed at people, animals, active
electrical equipment, or the appliance itself.
!
Never direct the jet at yourself or third persons to clean clothes or
shoes.
!
Never use the appliance to spray objects containing hazardous
substances (e.g. asbestos).
!
Warning: Vehicle tyres/tyre valves may be damaged and burst by the
high-pressure jet. A first sign is the discoloration of the tyre. Damaged
vehicle tyres/tyre valves are hazardous. Always perform the cleaning
with a minimum distance of 30 cm.
!
Cleaning operations during which oil saturated waste water is
generated, such as engine cleaning and underbody cleaning, may
only be performed in cleaning locations that are equipped with an oil
separator.
!
If you clean varnished surfaces, please respect a minimum distance
of 30 cm to avoid damages.
!
Never take in solvent-containing liquids or undiluted acids and
solvents! These include, for example, benzene, paint thinner, or
heating oil. The spray is highly inflammable, explosive, and toxic. Do
not use acetone, undiluted acids, and solvents as they affect the
materials used on the appliance.
!
If required, wear appropriate protective clothes and glasses to protect
yourself from return spray.
!
Never leave the appliance unattended as long as it turned on.

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3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 Contents
Upon opening the carton, if you do not
have all the items as detailed please
contact the Customer Helpline.
1 Transport Bracket
2 High Pressure Hose Reel
3 High Pressure Hose
4 Power Switch (On/Off)
5 Detergent Tank
6 Detergent Suction Tube
(with Filter And Dosing Ring)
7 Mains Electric Lead with Plug
8 Mains Lead Storage
9 Support Leg
10 Hosepipe Connector
11 Inlet Water Connection
12 Spray Gun with Detergent Chamber
and Pressure Gauge
13 Safety Lock Device
14 Spray Lance with Pressure Regulator
15 Wash Brush
16 Water Filter
17 RM 555 Clean Sticks (10 pieces)
Assembly
see Page 21
Assembly
see Page 21
Assembly
see Page 21

9
Please follow these instructions carefully
for troublefree cleaning.
Use the diagram on Page 8 for reference purposes.
3.2 Water Connection
• The minimum length of supply hosepipe advised for maximum user
convenience is 7.5 metres with a diameter of 12.5 mm (1/2") to allow
free flow of inlet water to the machine so avoiding backpressure and
any associated potential damage to your machine.
• Attach the water filter (No.16) to the inlet water connection (No.11)
and the hosepipe connector (No.10) to the water filter (No.16).
• Attach your supply hosepipe with its connector to the hosepipe con-
nector (No.10) and the other end should be connected to a suitable
water supply.
Dirt in the supply water could damage your Pressure Washer !
To avoid this risk always use the water filter (No.16).
3.3 Electrical Connection
• Ensure the Power Switch (No.4) is in the “OFF” position before
connecting the factory fitted Plug attached to the Mains Electric Lead
(No.7) into an earthed socket. (it is recommended that an RCD plug
socket is used.)
If using an Extension Cable make sure it is completely unwound
from the cable drum and is the correct diameter.
3.4 SuctionMode- anaddedbenefitoftheKarcherPressureWasher
• If you are drawing water from a static water supply such as a water
butt disconnect the water connection/hosepipe with coupling (No.10)
from the machine and replace with a suction hose and filter (Part
No. 4.440.238) that can be purchased as an accessory.
• Disconnect the Spray Lance from the Spray Gun.
• Allow the pressure washer to operate without the Spray Lance fitted
until water flows from the Spray Gun without bubbles.
• Re-connect the Spray Lance to the Spray Gun.

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3.5 Detergent
Only cleaning agents recommended by Karcher (UK) Ltd.
should be used. Unsuitable detergents could damage your
Pressure Washer and the object being cleaned.
Recommended Detergents
1. Detergent tablets
Karcher Clean Tabs (10 tablets per box):
10 Tablets dissolved in clean water provide 5 litres of cleaning
detergent.
2. The following cleaning agent may be used undiluted:
(But further dilution is practical but trial before application)
Universal Cleaner.............................. Profi RM 555 ASF
3. The following cleaning agents are available as concentrate
and must be diluted with 9 parts of water (1 : 9) before use:
Universal Cleaner.............................. Profi RM 555 ULTRA
Automotive Cleaner........................... Profi RM 565 ULTRA
House & Garden Cleaner.................. Profi RM 570 ULTRA
Boat Cleaner ..................................... Profi RM 575 ULTRA
NOTE:
In all instances, detergent concentration is set on the machine. It is
recommended that you start cleaning at maximum dilution, increasing
the concentration only if considered necessary for the cleaning task.

11
4. OPERATING YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
If you have followed all the instructions so far, you are
now ready to have fun cleaning the KARCHER way!!!
• Turn on the supply water and press the Spray Gun lever (No.12) until
the water flows freely and removes all air locks from the hoses.
• You may now attach the bayonet fit Spray Lance (No.14) or required
accessory to the Spray Gun.
All accessories are bayonet fit, simply push in and twist
until they click into position !
•Once water is flowing through the machine, you may now switch
on your Karcher Pressure Washer using the Power Switch (No.4)
• You can regulate the working pressure on the spray by turning the
nozzle end of the Spray Lance (No.14) in a “+” or “-” direction.
• The working pressure can be read from the pressure gauge (No.15)
on the Spray Gun.
WHEN USING YOUR KARCHER PRESSURE WASHER ON THE
HIGH PRESSURE SETTING, THE RECOMMENDED WORKING
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE NOZZLE AND THE OBJECT OR
SURFACE TO BE CLEANED IS 30 CM. IT CAN BE CLOSER IF
REQUIRED FOR PATIOS OR MASONERY.
When cleaning painted surfaces, ensure that the paint is sound and
there are no signs or rusting or blistering.
It is your responsibility to check the suitability of the surface to be cleaned.
Karcher (UK) Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any damaged caused.

12
4.1 High Pressure Operation
• Switch on the pressure washer (No.4)
• EnsuretheSprayLancewiththePressureRegulator(No.14)isattached
securely to the Spray Gun (No.12) and the nozzle is set to the required
setting (+).
• Aim the lance towards the object to be cleaned making sure the
recommended working distance is used (for reference see Page 11).
Release the Safety Lock Device (No.13) on the Spray Gun and
squeeze the lever.
The pressurised water jet alone is capable of fulfiling most
cleaning tasks around the garden or on building work but
detergent and wash brush are advantageous when cleaning
vehicles or other paint finishes.
4.2 Adding detergent
There are two possibilities:
A – Detergent with high-pressure
• Fit the detergent chamber with a
Clean Stick.
• Set the metering of the detergent.
• Switch on the pressure washer (No. 4)
• Aim the Spray Gun towards the object to be cleaned, release the
Safety Ratchet on the Spray Gun and squeeze the trigger to apply
the detergent to the working area.
After use of detergent:
• Remove remaining Clean Stick from the detergent chamber; allow to
dry; store for subsequent use.
B – Detergent with low-pressure
• Fill the Detergent Tank (No.5) with the selected detergent,
ensuring it is the correct concentration (See Page 10 or read
recommended dosage on label). The correct dilution is dependent
on the degree of soiling of surface and is best determined by
experience.

13
• Set the nozzle to the lowest working pressure setting (-).
• Set the Dosing Ring on the Detergent Suction Tube
(No.5) to the desired dosage.
• Switch on the pressure washer (No.4)
• Aim the nozzle towards the object to be cleaned, release the Safety
Locking Device on the Spray Gun and squeeze the lever to apply the
detergent to the working area.
• To rinse the detergent away increase the nozzle setting towards “+”
setting. (No detergent will be drawn in with high working pressure).
Spray with the required jet spray setting until no trace of detergent
can be found.
We recommend the following cleaning method:
Step 1: Remove loose dirt by washing over the surface to be cleaned
with the high pressure jet.
Step 2: Spray on the detergent and leave for 1-4 minutes, so assi-
sting the easy removal of fine dirt and associated greasy adhesions.
Step 3: Finally, sprayofftheloosened dirt with the highpressurespray.
4.3 Low Pressure Operation with Brush
When cleaning surfaces with a grease contamination - typically car
paintwork that always has a greasy traffic film covering adopt the
following procedure:
• Washing loose dirt away with the clean water high pressure spray.
• Apply the detergent in low pressure mode by setting the bayonet fit
spray lance (No.14) to its lowest (-) setting.
• Leave for 2-4 minutes for the detergent to have maximum effect.
•Remove the bayonet fit spray lance and fit the Wash Brush
(No.15) to the Spray Gun (No.12). The Wash Brush is suitable
for use with a water inlet temperature into the Pressure Washer of
maximum 40 °C.
• With or without the pressure washer switched on, brush down the surface
being cleaned, this physical agitation removes all trace of traffic film.
• Finally revert to the high pressure operation with the Spray Lance
and complete the wash down.

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4.4 End Of Operation
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO RINSE YOUR PRESSURE WASHER
AFTER USING DETERGENT BY FILLING THE DETERGENT
CONTAINER WITH CLEAN WATER AND RUN THE PUMP FOR
APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE
In the event of a break of 5 minutes in the operation of your
Karcher Pressure Washer, always switch off the pump to
avoid damage due to overheating.
• Switch off the pressure washer by the Power Switch (No.4) and
unplug the Mains Electric Lead (No.7) from the socket.
• Close the water inlet (tap) and disconnect the hosepipe.
• Squeeze the lever to remove all pressure from the machine.
Release the lever and then secure the trigger with the Safety
Locking Device to prevent accidental opening.
4.5 STORAGE
• The Spray Gun (No.12), the Spray Lance (No.14)
and the Wash Brush (No.15) can be stored with
the Pressure Washer.
• The Mains Electric Lead (No.7) can be wound up
over the Mains Lead Storage (No.8).
5. IMPORTANT – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To ensure prolonged life and trouble-free use of your
Karcher Pressure Washer we strongly recommend
that you always adopt the following procedures:
Water
• Before use, always check the water inlet filter for dirt or debris.
• Visually check to see if the nozzle is blocked by dirt or grit, if so,
remove the dirt from the nozzle hole with a needle and rinse with
water from the front.

15
Failure to do this will seriously damage your machine and
invalidate the warranty.
• Connect the water supply hose and, without the lance attached,
squeeze the Spray Gun lever to run water through your pressure
washer until the water flow is constant. Then plug in to the electric
supply.
• Unless drawing water from an open water source such as a water
butt, always have a minimum of 10 metres (25 feet) of uncoiled hose
between the water tap and your machine. The internal diameter of
the feed water hose should be 12 mm (1/2”).
• Water Regulations require the use of a back-flow preventer valve at
the tap end of the supply hose.
Only use a full flow connector to connect the hose to the machine.
Electricity
• If using an electrical extension lead it must be rated at a minimum
of 13 amps.
• Always fully uncoil any extension lead when used.
Chemicals
Use of chemicals other than those recommended by Karcher could
cause significant damage which may not be covered by your warranty.
• After using chemicals, always run fresh water through your machine.
• The high pressure hose of your Karcher Pressure Washer should not
be mistreated. It is designed to withstand high pressure operation so
vehicles should NOT run over it, nor should it be pulled across sharp
or abrasive edges. These actions may weaken the hose and cause
ballooning.
IMPORTANT
REMEMBER FROST WILL DAMAGE YOUR KARCHER
PRESSURE WASHER IF IT HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY
EMPTIED OF WATERAFTER USE. ALWAYS STORE IN A
FROST FREEAREA.

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6. ACCESSORIES
A wide range of popular accessories are available from your
local store selling Karcher Pressure Washers.
4.763-228 Dirt Blaster/Rotary Jet
A rapidly rotating pencil jet used to remove loose paint, stubborn algae and moss from hard surfaces.
4.760-269 Triple Nozzle Lance
An integral fan jet, pencil jet and low pressure chemical jet in one unit allows optimal nozzle selection.
4.760-212 Underbody Lance
Extended lance with angled end and upward firing jet for cleaning under cars, gutters etc.
6.903-276 Car Wash Brush
Simple bayonet fitting attaches the brush to the hand gun, used in conjunction with RM555.
4.762-065 Rotary Wash Brush
Ideal for car bodywork and windows as the water forces the brush to rotate enhancing cleaning power.
4.760-262 Extension Lance
To add length to the standard lance.
2.637-729 Drain Kit (7.5 m Hose)
2.637-767 Drain Kit (15 m Hose)
A flexible hose with backwards firing high pressure jet to create turbulence and dislodge blockages.
2.637-728 Sandblaster
Used to remove paint, rust and cement from metallic and stone surfaces by using a combination of high pres-
sure water and sand.
4.760-265 Flexi Lance
A lance which can be angled to any degree to clean hard to reach areas such as wheel arches etc.
2.637-755 Floor Cleaning Lance
An extended lance fitted with three shrouded high pressure nozzles to provide a wide area of cleaning power
without any splash back.
4.440-238 Suction Hose and Filter
Used to provide a water supply to the unit where a mains water supply is not available by placing the kit into a water butt.
6.541-040 Trolley
Eliminates the need to carry the pressure washer when the unit has no built in mobility.
6.964-006 Foam Nozzle
A bayonet fit accessory that generates a low pressure detergent foam. This allows longer detergent contact time
on the surface to be cleaned.
2.637-214 Water Pump Kit
9.300-051 25 Kg Grit
6.291-080 RM 555 (5 litre)
6.291-079 RM 555 (6 x 1 litre)

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6. Spare Parts
In the event that your KarcherPressure Washer requires replacement
parts – please refer to the diagram below AND identify the particular
modelofyourmachinebyreferencetothedataplateontheunderside.
Please write, email or fax Karcher (see page 19) with any parts order
you wish to place. A premium rate Help-line Number is available for
telephone enquires of any type.
5.960-624.0 6.435-385.0
6.647-681.0
6.435-425.0
6.389-870.0
4.730-097.0
2.880-296.0
6.362-498.0
6.390-553.0
5.071-115.0
6.362-740.0
4.862-032.0
4.071-113.0
6.388-216.0
5.063-880.0
6.388-216.0
6.648-321.0
5.037-140.0
5.332-464.0
6.363-198.0
4.775-401.0
KARCHER
2.883-111.0
A
4.760-544.0
A
11/02
6.903-276.0
2.883-111.0
A

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7. PROBLEM CHECKLIST
Themachineyouhavechosenisofthehighestquality.Correctlystored
away from frost it should operate without problems. If a problem does
arise, please check the following chart as a solution may be at hand.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
Machine refuses
to start Plug not connected
Defective socket
Fuse blown
Defective extension cable
Wrong mains voltage
Connect plug
Try another socket
Change the fuse
Try without extension cable
Check mains voltage corresponds
to specifications of machine
Pump stops Fuse blown
Overheating due to poor
water Supply
Change fuse and check size of
extension cable
Check inlet water flow rate - hose
should fill a 10 litre bucket in one
minute
Strong pressure
fluctuations Nozzle partly blocked
Inadequate mains water
Clean dirt from nozzle hole with
needle and rinse from the front
Check inlet water flow rate
Machine does
not reach
operating
pressure
Nozzle blocked/worn out
Inadequate mains water
Inlet hose squeezed
Water filter clogged (3.1
item15)
Inlet hose blocked
Clean/replace nozzle
Check inlet water flow rate
Straighten out hose
Clean filter
Check hose for leaks or blockages
No detergent
suction Wrong pressure
Blocked filter in
detergent tank
Set Spray Lance at the minimum
working pressure
Unblock filter
Clean ventilation hole in cover of
Detergent Tank
In the unlikely event that you need to return your machine to your supplier,
please ensure that this is returned, complete with hose, gun and all
accessories.
Note: Inrush currents cause short-time voltage drops. Under unfavourable
powersupplyconditionsotherequipmentmaybeaffected.Ifthesystemimpe-
danceofthe power supply is < 0,15 Ohms,disturbancesareunlikely to occur.

19
8. HELP - LINE
Karcher(UK)Limitedoperate a help-line allowing customers to discuss
any problems experienced with our products.
The help-line operates during normal business hours, if you have diffi-
culty getting through, please understand that there are peak periods
during the day when our consultants are unable to take all calls coming
in.In these circumstances wewouldask that youtryto contact usagain
later in the day.
The help-line number is 0906 6800632
(calls at this number are charged at 25p per minute)
From 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday – Friday
It helps us if you have the model number and data plate details to
handbeforemakingyourcallasthereareverymanydifferentmodelsof
Karcher Pressure Washers in use.
Alternatively you may write or e-mail to the address below:
Karcher (UK) Limited
Karcher House
Beaumont Road
Banbury
Oxon, OX16 1TB
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

20
9. TECHNICAL DATA
Power Connection
Voltage ........................................................ 230-240 V (AC)
Current.............................................................. 1~50 Hz
Connected/Load .................................................. 2.0 KW
Mains Fuse ........................................................... 13 AMP
Water Connection
Supply Temperature (Max)................................... 40 °C
Supply Rate (Min)................................................. 10 litres per minute
Supply Pressure (Max)........................(6 bar) ...... 0,6 MPa
Supply Hose Length ............................................ 7.5 metres
Diameter......................................... 1/2 inch
Suction Height from open tank
at Water Temperature 20 °C .................................. 1 metre
Performance Data
Pump Pressure (Max. at bypass).... (130 bar) ....... 13 MPa
Operating Pressure .................... (20-120 bar) ... 2-12 MPa
Flow Rate ........................................ (420 l/h) .......7,0 litres per minute
Detergent Intake .................................................. 0,4 litres per minute
Recoil Force of Spray Gun
at Operating Pressure .......................................... 22 N
Optimum Working Distance on High Pressure..... 30 cm
Unit vibrations (ISO 5349) .......................................... 0,8 m/s²
Sound pressure level LPA(EN 60704-1) ...................... 72 dB(A)
Sound power level LWA(2000/14/EC) .......................... 87 dB(A)
Dimensions
Length..................................................................... 438 mm
Width ...................................................................... 411 mm
Height ..................................................................... 936 mm
Weight ...................................................................... 16 Kg
Circuit Diagramm
C1 Running capacitor
F1 Temperature fuse
M1 Motor
S1 Appliance switch
S2 Pressure-operated switch