Panasonic MCU-L426 User manual

Operating Instructions
VACUUM CLEANER (DOMESTIC)
Model No. MC-UL424
MC-UL426
1
See page 26
Thank you for purchasing this vacuum cleaner.
Please read these instructions carefully before using the vacuum cleaner
and save these instruction for future reference.
This product complies with the directive 2006/95/EC and 2004/108/EC .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
• Caution for AC Mains Lead (UK and Ireland only) ........................................................ 3
• Important Safety Instructions for the User ..................................................................... 4
• Cautions......................................................................................................................... 5
• Identification of Main Parts ......................................................................................... 6-7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
A) Handle and Hose Assembly .............................................................................. 8-9
B) Tool Storage......................................................................................................... 10
C) Mains Lead Storage............................................................................................. 11
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR VACUUM CLEANER
A) Mains Lead .......................................................................................................... 12
B) On/Off Switch ...................................................................................................... 13
C) Handle Release.............................................................................................. 13-14
D) Carpet/Bare Floor Selector ............................................................................ 15-16
E) How To Use The Accessories .............................................................................. 17-20
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
A) Edge Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 21
B) Automatic Adjusting Nozzle................................................................................. 21
C) Overload Protection (MC-UL426 only) ............................................................... 21
D) Motor Protection System ..................................................................................... 22
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
A) Emptying Dust Bin.......................................................................................... 23-24
B) Pre-Filter Cleaning ......................................................................................... 25-26
C) Primary Filter Cleaning .................................................................................. 26-27
D) HEPA Media Exhaust Filter Replacement........................................................... 28
E) Belt Replacement (MC-UL424) ...................................................................... 29-31
F) Belt Replacement (MC-UL426) ...................................................................... 31-32
G) Clog Removal................................................................................................. 33-34
H) Beater Bar Cleaning ............................................................................................ 35
I) Cleaning Exterior ................................................................................................. 36
• Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 37-38
• Specifications ............................................................................................................... 38
• Disposal Information .................................................................................................... 39
• Vacuum Cleaner Consumables / Accessories ........................................................ 40-41
• Guarantee ................................................................................................................... 41
• Reminder For Customer ............................................................................................. 42
• Notes ........................................................................................................................... 43

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FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains plug for your safety and
convenience.
A 13 amp fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the replacement fuse has rating
of 13 amps and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure that it is refitted when the
fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is
obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local Panasonic Dealer.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN
YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF
AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL
SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13 AMP SOCKET.
If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring code as shown below.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Live
As the colours of the wire 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 BLUE must be connected to the terminal in the plug which
is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal in the plug which
is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Under no circumstances should either of these wires be connected to the earth terminal
of the three pin plug, marked with the letter E or the Earth Symbol
How to replace the Fuse:
• There are two types of the supplied AC Mains Lead : A and B as shown below.
1 Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.
2 Replace the fuse and fuse cover if detachable.
ASA
CAUTION FOR AC MAINS LEAD (UK and Ireland only)
TYPE A TYPE B

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• Do not leave the vacuum cleaner plugged into mains socket. Unplug from the socket when
not in use and before cleaning the appliance or undertaking maintenance operations.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety.
• Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be
made by children without supervisions.
• Do not use if the mains lead or mains plug is damaged. If the mains lead or mains plug is
damaged it must be replaced by the manufacturer, it’s service agent or similarly qualified
persons to avoid hazard.
• If the vacuum cleaner is not working as it should be, or has been dropped, damaged, left
outdoors, or come into contact with water, consult an authorised Panasonic Service Centre.
• Do not pull or carry by the mains lead, use the mains lead as a handle, close a door on the
mains lead, pull the mains lead around sharp edges or corners. Do not run over the mains
lead with the vacuum cleaner. Keep the mains lead away from heated surfaces.
• Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of
dust, lint, hair and anything that may block or reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving
parts.
• Do not use the vacuum cleaner without filters and /or dust bin in place.
• Do not use wet filters after wash, see C) Primary Filter Cleaning.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible materials, or others that may become so
or use in areas where they may be present.
• This appliance should be serviced by an authorised Panasonic Service Centre, and only
genuine Panasonic spare parts should be used.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs. Keep hold of the handle to prevent the vacuum
cleaner from falling.
• To prevent damaging carpeted floors, tiled floors, Linoleum, etc. Do not leave the beater bar
rotating in the same place for too long.
• Keep bare feet and hands away from the beater bar. (It may cause injury)
NOTE: This vacuum cleaner is designed for general household use only and is not
suitable for use in a garage, garden or to suck up liquids.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USER
Before using the vacuum cleaner, please read these basic
precautions.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury.

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1. To avoid any possible damage to the
mains lead, never run over the mains
lead or allow it to become caught in the
beater bar when using the vacuum
cleaner.
2. Do not run the vacuum cleaner over
tassels or fringes of rugs or mats as they
could get caught up in the beater bar
and may cause damage to belt.
4. To avoid damaging the vacuum
cleaner, never let the vacuum cleaner
pick up wet matter, mud, burning ashes
or large and sharp objects.
5. Do not pull on the mains lead when
disconnecting the appliance from the
mains socket, always pull on the plug
body itself.
6. To avoid injury, keep your fingers
and hands away from the beater bar,
and never put them between the body
parts.
CAUTIONS
3. Keep the vacuum cleaner away from
heat sources such as radiators, fires,
direct sunlight, etc.

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IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS (MC-UL424)
Belt (inside)
Handle
Dust Bin
Furniture
Guard
Primary Filter
(inside)
Exhaust
Filter
(inside)
Crevice
Tool
QuickDraw
Wand
Hose
Nozzle
Mains
Lead
Dusting
Brush
On/Off
Switch
Carrying
Handle
Hose
Holder
Locking
Notch
Carpet/Bare
Floor Selector
Air Turbine
Mains Lead
Quick
Release
Raised
Tabs
Beater Bar
(underneath)

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IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS (MC-UL426)
Belt
(inside)
Handle
Dust Bin
Furniture
Guard
Primary Filter
(inside)
Exhaust
Filter
(inside)
Crevice
Tool
Hose
Nozzle
Mains
Lead
Dusting
Brush
On/Off
Switch
Carrying
Handle
Hose
Holder
Air Turbine
Overload
Protector/
Belt Reset
Bonus
Wand
Floor
Brush
Bonus
Hose
Locking
Notch Mains Lead
Quick
Release
QuickDraw
Wand
Raised
Tabs
Beater Bar
(underneath)
Carpet/Bare
Floor Selector
Handle Release
Pedal

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A) HANDLE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY
Handle
Handle Screw
Remove the handle screw from the rear
of the handle.
Insert the handle in the handle opening as
shown in the illustration.
Using screwdriver, tighten handle screw.
NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust the
handle slightly to align the screw hole.
13
12
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Hose
Nozzle
Hose
11
Remove the hose from the nozzle hose and
carrying handle.
Reinstall hose onto nozzle hose. Route
hose as shown.
Hose
Nozzle
Hose
14

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Alternate assembly:
To use the QuickDraw feature, the QuickDraw wand
can be installed and stored on-board the vacuum
cleaner.
Insert the raised tab on the wand into the “J” slot on the
hose.
Twist the wand to lock in place.
Place the wand into the wand holder and press firmly
onto nozzle hose.
Route hose in the hose holders as shown.
Nozzle
Hose
Wand
Holder
Hose
Holder
Hose
Holder
15
“J” Slot
QuickDraw
Wand
Hose
Handle
Raised
Tab

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Clip
Handle
Air Turbine
Crevice
Tool
Insert crevice tool into the storage location
as shown.
Place the air turbine into the clip located
on the handle.
Insert the dusting brush into the back of
the vacuum cleaner.
B) TOOL STORAGE
Dusting
Brush
12
11

- 11 -
Lower
Cord Hook
Mains Lead
Quick Release
Locking Notch
11
Make sure that the mains lead quick
release is rotated in the upright position as
shown.
Insert mains lead into the locking notch on
rear of the handle.
Wrap mains lead loosely around mains
lead quick release and mains lead lower
hook.
Lock the plug onto the mains lead.
C) MAINS LEAD STORAGE
Cord
Lock
12

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HOW TO OPERATE YOUR VACUUM CLEANER
CAUTION
Moving parts! To reduce the risk of
personal injury, DO NOT touch the
beater bar when vacuum cleaner is on.
Contacting the beater bar while it is
rotating can cut, bruise, or cause other
injuries. Always unplug from electrical
socket before servicing.
Use caution when operating near
children.
A) MAINS LEAD
Mains Lead
Quick Release
11
Turn the mains lead quick release to
either side and down to release the mains
lead.
Detach the plug from the mains lead and
pull the mains lead off the mains lead
quick release.
Plug
Mains Lead
12
Mains
Lead
Locking
Notch
13
Be sure the mains lead is locked under
the locking notch on the rear of the
handle.
Plug the mains lead into a 230-240 volt
mains socket located near the floor.
Note: To store mains lead, turn the
mains lead quick release to the upright
position, then wrap mains lead loosely
around mains lead quick release and
lower hook. Refer to MAINS LEAD
STORAGE, page 11.

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B) ON/OFF SWITCH
To turn vacuum cleaner on or off, press on
the on/off switch.
On/Off
Switch
11
CAUTION
To prevent damaging carpeted floors,
tiled floors, linoleum, etc. Do not
leave the beater bar rotating in the
same place for too long.
C) HANDLE RELEASE
Your vacuum cleaner is equipped with three
(3) position handle release;
• Upright position (locked)
• Middle position (normal use)
• Low position (under furniture)
CAUTION
To prevent damaging carpeted floors,
tiled floors, linoleum, etc. Do not leave
the beater bar rotating in the same
place for too long.
NOTE: After use, unplug the mains lead
from the socket and store the vacuum
cleaner in the upright (vertical) position.
Move vacuum cleaner to upright position
for storage and tool use.
UPRIGHT POSITION
11
MC-UL424:
Release the handle by
placing foot on the nozzle
and pulling back and
down on the handle with
your hand.
MC-UL426:
Release the handle by
pressing down on the body
release pedal with your foot
and pulling back and down on
the handle with your hand.
Move vacuum cleaner to
middle position for normal use.
13
12
MIDDLE POSITION (NORMAL USE)

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Move vacuum cleaner to low
position for cleaning under
furniture.
MC-UL424:
Release the handle by placing
foot on the nozzle and pulling
back and down on the handle
with your hand.
MC-UL426:
Release the handle by pressing down on the
body release pedal with your foot and
pulling back and down on the handle with
your hand.
15
LOW POSITION (UNDER FURNITURE USE)
14
16
Beater Bar: AUTO OFF Beater Bar: AUTO ON
MC-UL426 ONLY:
This model is fitted with an auto beater bar stop.
While operating the vacuum cleaner in the CARPET
position, the beater bar will automatically stop rotating
when vacuum cleaner is in the upright (locked) position for
storage or tool use.

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D) CARPET/BARE FLOOR SELECTOR
Carpet/Bare
Floor
Selector
Carpet/Bare
Floor
Selector
MC-UL424 MC-UL426
11
Selector should be placed in BARE FLOOR (TOOLS) position when using vacuum
cleaner on bare floors and when using tools. The agitator does not rotate in the BARE
FLOOR (TOOLS) position.
Selector should be placed in CARPET position when using vacuum cleaner on carpeted
floors.
CAUTION
Incorrect setting may
cause floor or carpet
damage.
12
Use foot to move pedal to CARPET or BARE FLOOR (TOOLS) position.
MC-UL424 MC-UL426

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MC-UL424:
Use the vacuum with selector in CARPET
position when cleaning carpets.
Use the vacuum with selector in CARPET
position when cleaning carpets.
13 13
Use the vacuum with selector in BARE
FLOOR position to clean on bare floors
and when using attachments.
14 14
MC-UL426:
For best performance it is recommended
to use the bonus brush WHEN
CLEANING BARE FLOORS.
Place vacuum cleaner in upright position.
Connect wand and bonus wand to hose
(See HANDLE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY,
page 8-9).
Attach floor brush (See HOW TO USE
THE ACCESSORIES, page 17-20).
For additional reach the bonus hose may
be added.

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E) HOW TO USE THE ACCESSORIES
Hose
11
Disconnect the hose from the vacuum
cleaner by gently pulling the wand in the
direction of the arrow. (Fig. A)
Wand
12
If using QuickDraw:
Disconnect the wand from the vacuum
cleaner by gently pulling the wand in the
direction of the arrow. (Fig. B)
NOTE: It may be necessary to slightly twist the hose or wand to loosen from the
nozzle hose.
NOTE: Hold the handle to support the vacuum cleaner when using tools and
disconnecting or attaching the hose.
Place selector in BARE FLOOR (TOOLS) position (See CARPET/BARE FLOOR
SELECTOR, page 15 ).
CAUTION
To avoid accidental injury, keep children away from the agitator while in operation.
Fig. A Fig. B

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Attach crevice tool, floor brush (MC-UL426 only), dusting brush, or Air Turbine to the hose
or wand.
Hose /
Bonus Hose
(MC-UL426)
Wand /
Bonus Wand
(MC-UL426)
Dusting
Brush
Air
Turbine
Crevice
Tool
Floor Brush
(MC-UL426)
13 14
15
For additional reach, the dusting brush
may be attached to the end of the crevice
tool.
Crevice
Tool
Dusting Brush
16 17
CAUTION
While using the accessories, hold the
handle with one hand to avoid pulling
the vacuum cleaner over.

- 19 -
The crevice tool may be used on the
following items:
• Furniture
• Cushions
• Curtains
• Stairs
• Walls
Note: Always clean tools before using.
The dusting brush may be used on the
following items:
• Furniture
• Curtains
• Stairs
• Walls
18 19
The air turbine may be used on the
following items:
• Furniture
• Stairs
Operating instructions for the air turbine
are included with the product.
110
The floor brush may be used on the
following items:
• Bare Floors
No Tabs
The bonus wand (no tabs) may be used
for:
• Additional Reach
111
112
The bonus hose may be used for:
• Additional Reach
113
MC-UL426 ONLY
MC-UL426 ONLY MC-UL426 ONLY

- 20 -
MC-UL426 ONLY:
Bonus hose may be added to the hose for
additional reach. Insert the two tabs on
the end of the bonus hose into the two “J”
shaped slots on the unit hose and twist to
connect.
The crevice tool, dusting brush, and floor
brush can also be attached to the bonus
hose or bonus wand.
Hose
Bonus
Hose
Rasied Tab
115 MC-UL426 ONLY:
It is recommended when vacuuming
stairs to use the crevice tool, dusting
brush, or air turbine.
To prevent tipping, make sure vacuum
is below you and resting against the
bottom step or wall.
Attach bonus wand and bonus hose for
additional reach if needed.
116
Insert Air Turbine onto wand or hose end
and press firmly to secure.
Air Turbine swivels and pivots for more
convenient cleaning.
114