Kärcher K 5.480 User manual

OPERATOR MANUAL
High Pressure Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MANUAL DE USUARIO
Limpiador de alta presión . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
MANUEL D‘UTILISATION
Nettoyeur haute pression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.965-834.0 (12/12)
K 5.480

2 English
DANGER
indicates “an imminently hazardous situ-
ation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.”
WARNING
indicates “a potentially hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, could result in
death or injury.”
CAUTION
indicates “a potentially hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury or in property
damage incidents.”
The owner and/or user must have an un-
derstanding of the manufacturer’s oper-
ating instructions and warnings before
using this pressure washer.
Warning information should be empha-
sized and understood.
If the operator is not fluent in English,
the manufacturer’s instructions and
warnings shall be read to and discussed
with the operator in the operator’s native
language by the purchaser/owner, mak-
ing sure that the operator comprehends
its contents.
Owner and/or user must study and
maintain for future reference the manu-
facturers’ instructions.
For household use only!
In the U.S. or Canada, please call
1-800-537-4129 for warranty issues and
visit www.karcher-help.com for techni-
cal support and product assistance.
Please take a moment to register your
pressure washer online at
www.karcher-register.com. Be sure
to save your purchase receipt, it will be
required for repairs covered by warran-
ty.
Call: 01-800-024-13-13 for help or visit
our website: www.karcher.com.mx
HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATOR MANUAL
MODEL OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUC-
TIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . 7
USING THE ACCESSORIES . . . . . . 8
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS . . . 9
TAKING A BREAK ..five minutes or
more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP . . 10
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM
STORAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CARE AND MAINTENANCE IN-
STRUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CLEANING TIPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSO-
RIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . 15
Safety Alert Symbols
Specifications
Max. Pressure 2000 PSI
Max. Water Flow 1.4 GPM
Amp draw 13 AMPS
Voltage 120 V
Part No. 1.601-922.0
Serial no.
Owner/User Responsibility
Customer Support
USA and Canada
Customer Support
Mexico

English 3
1 Garden hose connector (female)
2 Water inlet connector
3 Water inlet with filter
4 ON/OFF switch
5 High pressure hose
6 Hose drum
7 Storage for trigger gun
8 Transport handle
9 Crank
10 Accessory storage
11 Power cord with power plug
12 Detergent tank (removeable)
13 Wheels
14 Trigger gun
15 Trigger gun safety lock
16 Key to detach the high pressure hose
from the trigger gun
17 Dirtblaster® (Rotary spray wand)
18 Vario Power Spray wand
MODEL OVERVIEW

4 English
WARNING
When using this product basic precau-
tions should always be followed, includ-
ing the following:
To reduce the risk of injury, close su-
pervision is necessary when a prod-
uct is used near children.
Know how to stop the product and
bleed pressures quickly. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls.
Stay alert – watch what you are do-
ing.
Do not operate the product when fa-
tigued or under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs.
Keep operating area clear of all per-
sons.
Do not overreach or stand on unsta-
ble support. Keep good footing and
balance at all times.
Follow the maintenance instructions
specified in the manual.
WARNING
Risk of Injection or Injury – Do Not
Direct Discharge Stream At Persons.
High pressure jets can be dangerous
if misused. The jet must not be di-
rected at persons, animals, electrical
devices, or the unit itself.
Wear safety goggles.
WARNING
Risk Of Explosion – Do not spray
flammable liquids.
Do not use acids, alkaline, solvents,
or any flammable material in this
product. These products can cause
physical injuries to the operator and
irreversible damage to the machine.
CAUTION
Gun Kicks Back – Hold with both
hands.
The Trigger Gun Safety Lock pre-
vents the trigger from accidentally
being engaged. This safety feature
DOES NOT lock trigger in the ON po-
sition.
WARNING – Risk of Electrocution
Inspect cord before using – Do not
use if cord is damaged.
Keep all connections dry and off the
ground.
Do not touch plug with wet hands.
Do not use extension cord with this
product.
Connect to individual branch circuit
only.
CAUTION
This unit has been designed for use with
cleaning detergents recommended by
the manufacturer. The use of other
cleaning detergents may affect the oper-
ation of the machine and void the war-
ranty.
WARNING
DO NOT SPRAY ELECTRICAL APPA-
RATUS AND WIRING.
DO NOT USE WITH FLAMMABLE LIQ-
UIDS AND TOXIC CHEMICALS.
INJECTION HAZARD: EQUIPMENT
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF
THE SPRAY PENETRATES THE SKIN.
DO NOT POINT THE GUN AT ANY-
ONE OR ANY PART OF THE BODY. IN
CASE OF PENETRATION SEEK MED-
ICAL AID IMMEDIATELY.
THIS SYSTEM IS CAPABLE OF PRO-
DUCING 13800 KPA /2000 PSI TO
AVOID RUPTURE AND INJURY, DO
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

English 5
NOT OPERATE THIS PUMP WITH
COMPONENTS RATED LESS THAN
13800 KPA /2000 PSI WORKING
PRESSURE (INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO SPRAY GUNS, HOSE
AND HOSE CONNECTIONS).
BEFORE SERVICING, CLEANING OR
REMOVING ANY PARTS, SHUT OFF
POWER AND RELIEVE PRESSURE.
This product must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or breakdown,
grounding provides a path of least resis-
tance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock. This product is
equipped with a cord having an equip-
ment-grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that is
properly installed and grounded in ac-
cordance with all local codes and ordi-
nances.
DANGER
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk
of electrocution. Check with a qualified
electrician or service personnel if you
are in doubt as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Do not modify the
plug provided with the product - if it will
not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet in-
stalled by a qualified electrician. Do not
use any type of adapter with this prod-
uct.
CAUTION
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 con-
nected directly to the public drinking wa-
ter 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 example,
is permitted.
Dirt in the feed water will damage the
unit. To avoid this risk, we recommend
fitting a water filter.
Garden hose must be at least 1/2
inch or 5/8 inch in diameter.
Flow rate of water supply must not
fall below 2 GPM (gallons per min-
ute).
Flow rate can be determined by run-
ning the water for one minute into an
empty 5-gallon container.
The water supply temperature must
not exceed 104°F/40°C.
Never use the pressure washer to
draw in water contaminated with sol-
vents, e.g. paint thinners, gasoline,
oil, etc.
Always prevent debris from being
drawn into the unit by using a clean
water source.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
WATER SUPPLY
(Cold Water Only)

6 English
For more detailed information on
how to assemble this pressure wash-
er, please visit
www.karcherresidential.com/
assembly
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
Push the high pressure hose into the
trigger gun until it locks audibly.
Note: Make sure the connection nip-
ple is aligned correctly.
Check the secure connection by pull-
ing on the high pressure hose.
Disconnect:
Press the disconnect key on the trig-
ger gun and remove the high pres-
sure hose from the trigger gun.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Assembly
Connect the high pressure hose to
the trigger gun

English 7
STEP 1:
Insert the spray wand of your choice
into the trigger gun. Press in against
the spring tension and twist into
locked position.
STEP 2:
Install the supplied connector to the
unit’s water inlet.
STEP 3:
Screw the supplied garden hose con-
nector on to the end of your garden
hose.
STEP 4:
Push the garden hose connector on
to the water inlet connector and
make sure you hear it click into place
before proceeding.
STEP 5:
Connect garden hose to the cold wa-
ter source and turn water on com-
pletely.
STEP 6:
Insert the power plug into a working
outlet.
STEP 7:
Unlock the trigger gun safety lock.
Trigger the gun to eliminate trapped
air, wait for a steady flow of water to
emerge from the spray nozzle.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

8 English
STEP 8:
Turn on the high pressure washer (I/
ON).
The motor starts only if the trigger
of the gun is pulled and shuts off
when the trigger is released.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury never point
spray nozzle at yourself, other per-
sons or animals.
Always test an inconspicuous area
before cleaning with high pressure.
The Vario Power Spray Wand allows
you to adjust the cleaning pressure.
To clean at maximum pressure, the
wand must be positioned to the high
pressure setting (Max).
For lower pressure turn the wand col-
lar in the minus (Min) direction.
To apply detergent, the wand must
be positioned to the lower pressure
setting (Mix).
This nozzle features a 0º pencil jet
which rotates 360º for maximum dirt
cutting action, effectively increasing
cleaning performance up to 50%.
This nozzle combines the cleaning
performance of a 0º pencil jet with
the surface coverage of a wide angle
nozzle.
Not recommended for soft materi-
als, siding, painted surfaces,
decks or autos.
Always test an inconspicuous area
before cleaning with the Dirtblaster® .
USING THE ACCESSORIES
Vario Power Spray Wand
Dirtblaster ®

English 9
Detergents can only be applied at low
pressure setting (Mix).
STEP 1:
Install the Vario Power Spray Wand.
Set the spray wand to the low pres-
sure setting (Mix).
STEP 2:
Fill the Detergent Tank with the se-
lected detergent.
STEP 3:
Turn on the pressure washer (I). Pull
trigger to operate unit. Liquid deter-
gent is drawn into the unit and mixed
with water. Apply detergent to work
area. Do not allow detergent to dry
on surface.
STEP 4:
To rinse, move the VPS out of „Mix“
position and pull trigger to operate
unit.
STEP 5:
Cleaning up: Always draw fresh wa-
ter through the detergent tank or si-
phon tube when done to flush any
remaining detergents from the injec-
tion system.
For best results see Cleaning Tips for
specific information on how to clean
different surfaces.
Always Use Kärcher® Detergent for
Best Results
Kärcher® biodegradable detergents are
specially formulated to protect the envi-
ronment and your pressure washer. The
special formula won’t clog the suction
tube filter and will protect the internal
parts of the pressure washer for a longer
life. For Kärcher® Detergents, check
your retailer or visit our website:
www.buykarcher.com
CAUTION
Never use:
–Bleach, Chlorine products and other
corrosive chemicals
–Liquids containing solvents (i.e.,
paint thinners, gasoline, oils)
–Tri-sodium phosphate products
–Ammonia products
–Acid-based products
These chemicals will harm the unit and
will damage the surface being cleaned.
Use of these items will void the war-
ranty.
WORKING WITH DETERGENTS

10 English
STEP 1:
Release trigger and engage gun
safety lock.
STEP 2:
Turn pressure washer to OFF (0) po-
sition.
STEP 1:
Turn the switch to OFF (0) position
and unplug cord from outlet.
STEP 2:
Turn off the water source.
STEP 3:
Press trigger to release water pres-
sure.
STEP 4:
Release trigger and engage gun
safety lock.
STEP 5:
Disconnect the garden hose from the
water inlet on the unit.
TAKING A BREAK ..five minutes or more
SHUTTING DOWN & CLEAN-UP

English 11
1: Disconnect all water connections.
2: Turn on the machine for a few sec-
onds, until the water which had re-
mained in the pump exits, turn off
immediately.
3: Do not allow high pressure hose to
become kinked.
4: Store the machine and accesso-
ries in a room which does not reach
freezing temperatures. DO NOT
store near furnace or other sources
of heat as it may dry out the pump
seals.
CAUTION
Failure to follow the above directions will
result in damage to the pump assembly
and accessories and will void the war-
ranty.
Kärcher
®also recommends the regular
practice of using a pump protector like
“Kärcher
®Pump Guard” to prevent cold
weather damage during storage in the
winter months.
STEP 1:
Pull out water inlet filter with flat-nose
pliers.
STEP 2:
Rinse out water inlet filter in warm
water.
STEP 3:
Reinsert water inlet filter.
The unit is maintenance-free.
WINTERIZING AND LONG-TERM STORAGE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Cleaning the water inlet filter
Maintenance

12 English
CAUTION
Before cleaning any surface an in-
conspicuous area should be cleaned
to test spray pattern and distance for
maximum cleaning results.
If painted surfaces are peeling or
chipping, use extreme caution as
pressure washer may remove the
loose paint from the surface.
When using on surfaces which might
come in contact with food, flush sur-
faces with plenty of drinking water.
For additional cleaning tips and a
complete video library, visit our web-
site:
www.karcherresidential.com
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
deck and surrounding area with fresh
water. If using detergent, apply to sur-
face at low pressure. For best results,
limit your work area to smaller sections
of approximately 25 square feet. Allow
detergent to remain on surface 1-3 min-
utes. Do not allow detergent to dry on
surface. Rinse at high pressure in a long
sweeping motion keeping the spray noz-
zle approximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. Always clean from top
to bottom and from left to right. When
moving on to a new section of the clean-
ing surface, be sure to overlap the previ-
ous section to eliminate stop marks and
ensure a more even cleaning result.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If us-
ing detergent, apply to surface at low
pressure (for best results, limit your
work area to sections of approximately
6 feet and always apply detergent from
bottom to top). Allow detergent to re-
main on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not al-
low detergent to dry on surface, if
surface appears to be drying, simply wet
down surface with fresh water. If need-
ed, use special wash brush attachment
(not included) to remove stubborn dirt.
Rinse at high pressure from top to bot-
tom in an even sweeping motion keep-
ing the spray nozzle approximately
6 inches from the cleaning surface.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If us-
ing detergent or Degreaser, apply to
surface at low pressure. For best re-
sults, limit your work area to smaller sec-
tions of approximately 25 square feet.
Allow detergent or Degreaser to remain
on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not allow de-
tergent to dry on surface. Rinse at high
pressure in a sweeping motion keeping
the spray nozzle approximately 3-6
inches from the cleaning surface. Al-
ways clean from top to bottom and from
left to right. For removing extremely
stubborn stains, use the Dirtblaster®
Nozzle.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
vehicle with fresh water. If using deter-
gent, apply to surface at low pressure.
For best results, clean one side of vehi-
cle at a time and always apply detergent
from bottom to top, do not allow deter-
gent to dry on surface. If needed, use
special wash brush attachment (not in-
cluded) to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse
CLEANING TIPS
Deck Cleaning
House Siding
Cement Patios, Brick and Stone
Cars, Boats & Motorcycles

English 13
at high pressure in a sweeping motion
keeping the spray nozzle approximately
6-8 inches from the cleaning surface
(distance should increase when rinsing
pin-striping or other sensitive surfaces).
Always clean from top to bottom and
from left to right. For best results, wipe
surface dry with a chamois or soft dry
cloth.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
cleaning surface with fresh water. If us-
ing detergent or Degreaser, apply deter-
gent at low pressure. Allow detergent to
remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do not
allow detergent to dry on surface. Rinse
at high pressure keeping the spray noz-
zle approximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. For removing ex-
tremely stubborn dirt, it may be neces-
sary to move the spray nozzle even
closer to the surface for greater dirt cut-
ting action.
(with or without detergent). Pre-rinse
furniture and surrounding area with
fresh water. If using detergent, apply to
surface at low pressure. Allow detergent
to remain on surface 1-3 minutes. Do
not allow detergent to dry on surface. If
needed use special Wash Brush Attach-
ment (not included) to remove stubborn
dirt. Rinse at high pressure in a sweep-
ing motion keeping the spray nozzle ap-
proximately 3-6 inches from the
cleaning surface. For best results, clean
from top to bottom and from left to right.
Optional accessories are available to
further enhance your cleaning capabili-
ties. These accessories are accurate as
of the printing date of this manual.
Please check our website for pricing and
up-to-date information.
Specially formulated to protect your
pressure washer from freezing, corro-
sion and premature wear. The Pump
Guard also adds lubrication to valves
and seals to prevent sticking. Highly rec-
ommended for all Kärcher® pressure
washers!
Part No. 9.558-998.0
Extension Hose for all Kärcher® high
pressure washers between the original
equipment hose and gun up to
2000 PSI.
Part No. 2.642-588.0
Need to clean second story windows or
other high areas? Increase the reach of
your pressure washer by up to 66" with
this extension kit. Includes 4 aluminum
sections for variable length. 66" fully as-
sembled. Fits most Kärcher® pressure
washers up to 2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-746.0
Barbecue Grills, Outdoor Power
Equipment & Gardening Tools
Patio & Lawn Furniture
OPTIONAL CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Pump Guard
25 Ft. Extension High-Pressure
Hose
66" Extension Wand (Four piece)

14 English
For more effortless cleaning of all
smooth surfaces (painted, glass and
plastic) try the Kärcher® Rotating Wash
Brush. Use it on your automobile, house
siding or windows. The water pressure
from your pressure washer causes the
inner brushes to gently spin, making
your cleaning job much easier. The an-
gle of brush head is adjustable to help
you reach difficult areas. Excellent for
the application of detergent. A must-
have accessory designed for Kärcher®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI. (bay-
onet)
Part No. 2.640-743.0
Made with soft bristles that will not harm
painted surfaces. Easily attaches direct-
ly to the trigger gun. Ideal for stubborn
dirt on cars, boats, patio furniture and
other surfaces. Great for applying deter-
gent. Fits most Kärcher® pressure wash-
ers up to 2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.640-740.0
Need to clean blocked pipes, drains or
downspouts? The Kärcher® pipe clean-
ing kit is the answer! The pipe cleaner
propels itself forward while simultane-
ously flushing out debris. For example,
insert the cleaning nozzle in the base of
a downspout, pull the trigger on the
pressure washer gun and watch as the
nozzle shoots out leaves and other de-
bris while climbing upward. Connects di-
rectly to the trigger gun of most Kärcher®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI. (bay-
onet)
Part No. 2.640-747.0
Why spend hours stripping old paint and
rust by hand using harsh chemicals? Let
the Kärcher® Wet Sandblasting Kit do
the work! Attach the kit to your pressure
washer, add abrasive material and at-
tack the rust and paint with our eco-
friendly alternative. Fits most Kärcher®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI. (bay-
onet)
Part No. 2.638-792.0
Ideal for applications which require a
thick foam. Simply fill the resevoir cup
with liquid pressure washer detergent to
generate a foam spray. Connects direct-
ly to the trigger gun. Fits most Kärcher®
pressure washers up to 2300 PSI. (bay-
onet)
Part No. 6.964-507.0
For cleaning surfaces such as patios,
terraces and driveways without splash-
back, there is no better solution than the
Kärcher® T 200. It saves time by clean-
ing a one foot wide area gently as it hov-
ers, providing consistent, streak-free
cleaning. When you finish cleaning the
patio and driveway, remove the wand
and use the handle to clean garage
doors and other vertical surfaces. In-
cludes two nozzles which spin at high
speed for optimum results. Our top sell-
ing accessory for Kärcher® pressure
washers up to 2300 PSI. (bayonet)
Part No. 2.642-188.0
Rotating Wash Brush (bayonet)
Soft Clean Washing Brush
25 ft. Pipe Cleaning Kit (bayonet)
Wet Sandblasting Kit (bayonet)
Detergent Foamer Attachment
T 200 Wide Area Surface Cleaner

English 15
AUTION Disconnect the machine from the power
source before making any repair.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Cause Solution
Motor will not start On/Off switch is in the “OFF”
(0) position.
Turn switch to the “ON” (I) posi-
tion
Power cord is not plugged in. Plug in power cord.
Electrical outlet does not sup-
ply adequate power.
Try a different outlet.
Tripped GFCI plug. Press “RESET” button on GFCI
plug.
Tripped circuit breaker. Switch off pressure washer. The
reset comes automatically once
the temperature of the unit
drops.
Unit does not
reach high pres-
sure.
Diameter of garden hose is
too small.
Replace with a 5/8 inch or larger
garden hose.
Water supply is restricted. Check garden hose for kinks,
leaks and blockage.
Not enough inlet water sup-
ply.
Open water source full force.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Spray wand is on low pres-
sure position.
Turn spray wand to high pres-
sure position.
Output pressure
varies high and
low.
Not enough inlet water sup-
ply.
Turn water on full force. Check
garden hose for kinks, leaks or
blockage.
Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeezing
trigger gun until a steady flow of
water emerges through the noz-
zle.
Water inlet filter is clogged. Remove filter and rinse out in
warm water.
Discharge nozzle is obstruct-
ed.
Blow out or remove debris with
a fine needle.
Calcified gun, hose or spray
wand.
Run distilled vinegar through
detergent suction tube.

16 English
No detergent. Detergent suction tube not
properly connected to the
machine.
Check connection.
Detergent is too thick. Dilute detergent, for best results
use Kärcher® detergent.
Filter on detergent suction
tube is clogged.
Run warm water through filter to
remove debris.
Damaged or clogged deter-
gent suction tube.
Remove obstruction or replace
detergent suction tube.
Spray wand is in high pres-
sure position.
Turn spray wand tip to low pres-
sure position.
Discharge nozzle is obstruct-
ed.
Blow out or remove debris with
fine needle.
Garden hose con-
nection leaks.
Loose fittings. Tighten fittings.
Missing/worn rubber washer. Insert new washer.
Spray wand leaks. Spray wand not properly at-
tached.
Insert the spray wand into the
trigger gun. Carefully press in
against the spring tension and
twist into the locked position.
Broken o-ring or plastic in-
sert.
Call Customer Support
Pump is noisy. Pump is sucking air. Check that hoses and fittings
are air tight. Turn off machine
and purge pump by squeezing
trigger gun until a steady flow of
water emerges through the noz-
zle.
Water leaks from
pump (up to 10
drops per minute is
permissible).
Loose fittings. Check that all fittings are tight.
Water seals are damaged or
worn.
Call Customer Support
Oil Drip. Oil seals are damaged or
worn.
Call Customer Support
Symptom Cause Solution
If you encounter any additional difficulties not listed, please visit our website.
USA / Canada:
www.karcher-help.com
Mexico:
www.karcher.com.mx