Porter-Cable PCX18156 User manual

10 Gal/3S LITERS WET/DRY VACUUM
OWNER'S
MANUAL
" 3YEARlIMrrEDWARRAHTY
If you have any problems with this product or questions under this warranty,
contact us at 1-888-899-0146. Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm Central
Time. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Alton Industry Ltd.Group; 643 Innovation Dr.
West Chicago, IL 60185; 1-888-899-0146
IMPORTANT:RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE USING!
www.portercable.com
Thank you for choosing PORTER-CABLE! To register your new product, go to:
www.portercable.comlServiceAndSupportlProductRegistration.aspx
ASSEMBLY AND
CARE & USE
INSTRUCTIONS
Intertek

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specificatioris.::-...........................................................................................................2
Package Contents
.. ........................................................................................ .. ..........3
Safety Information........
.. ........ ... .............................................. .. ..................................4
Operating Instructions.................................................................................................6
Care and Maintenance...............................................................................................9
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................1
0
Expanded View and Parts List........................................................................... .. ..... 11
Warranty................ .. ............. ... ...... .. .........................................................................12
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model PCX18156
Power
120V- / 60Hz / 10A
Motor Single Stage
Tank Capacity 10 Gallon
Hose 10 ft x 2-1/2 in /3.0 m x 64mm
Power cord SJTW18AWG 18 ft.
/5.5 m Length
AWARNING!
Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Extension cords in poor
condition
or that are too small in wire size can pose fire and shock hazards. To
reduce the risk
of these hazards when using an extension cord, be sure it is in
good condition and that the connection does not come into contact with liquid.
To keep power loss to a minimum, use the following table to choose the minimum
wire size extension cord.
Extension Cord Length Gauge A.W.G.
o-15.2 m / 0 - 50 ft. 14
0- 30.5 m / 50 -100 ft. 12
2

PACKAGE CONTENTS
_______ ~~~~-_ 6 CD ~
7
Part Description Part No. Qty
A 10' x 2-1/2" Flexible hose 08-2537 1
8 Extension wand 08-2502 2
C Floor brush 08-2591 1
0 Utility nozzle 08-2503 1
E Crevice nozzle 08-2506 . 1
F Disposable dust bag (Dry) 19-3101N 1
G Cartridge filter (Dry)
08-25668
1
H Foam filter (Wet) 19-1600 1
Cleaner Description
1 Handle
2 Power switch
3 Two lid latches
4 Vacuum port
5 Dust tank
6 Drain cover
7 Caster
3

SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should be always followed,
including the following: READ
ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS
APPLIANCE.
ADANGER!
Never operate this unit when flammable materials or vapors are present because
electrical devices produce arcs or sparks that can cause a fire or explosion.
AATTENTION!
Read all safety rules carefully before attempting to operate. Retain for future reference.
AWARNING!
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
1. Do not leave appliance when plugged in or when in operation. Unplug from outlet
when not in use and before performing any service on it.
2. Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
3. Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before removing the tank cover.
4. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by
or
near children.
5. Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If appliance is not working as it should,
has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water, contact service
center for assistance.
6. Do not pull
or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord or pull
cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run appliance over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.
7. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
8. Do not handle plug or appliance with wet hands.
9. Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep
the openings free
of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce airflow.
10. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts
of body away from openings and
moving parts.
11 . Do not pick up anythi~ that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches
or hot ashes.
12. Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.
13. Turn off all controls before unplugging.
14. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
15. Do not use to pick up flammable
or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use
in areas where they may be present.
16. Do not use the cleaner as a sprayer
of flammable liquids such as oil-based paint,
lacquers, etc.
17. Do not vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, combustible
or other hazardous materials such
as asbestos, arsenic, barium, beryllium, lead, pesticides
or other health
endangering materials.
18. Do not pick up soot, cement, plaster
or drywall dust without filter and dust bag in
place. These are very fine particles that may affect the performance of the motor or
be exhausted back into the air. Additional dust bag is available.
4

19. Do not leave the cord lying on the floor once have finished the cleaning job. It
can become a tripping hazard.
20. Use special care when emptying heavily loaded tanks.
21. To avo
id spontaneous combustion, empty tank after each use.
22. The operation of a utility vacuum can result
in foreign objects being blown into eyes,
which can result
in eye damage. Always wear safety goggles when operating
vacuum.
23. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use
vacuum cleaner when you are tired, distracted
or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication causing diminished control.
24. This appliance is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement
parts. See instructions for servicing double insulated appliances.
25. Unplug appliance before connecting the hose, nozzles, filters, or other accessories.
NOTICE: Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended
attachments.
AWARNING!
SERVICING OF A DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VACUlJM
In a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vacuum, two systems of insulation are provided instead
of grounding. This means that no grounding is provided on a double-insulated appliance,
nor should a means for grounding be added. Servicing a double-insulated Wet/Dry
Vacuumrequires extreme care and knowledge
of the system and should be done only
by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated Wet/Dry
Vacuum must be identical to the parts they replace. The double-insulated Wet/Dry
Vacuum is marked with the words "DOUBLE INSULATED" and the symbol [Q] (square
within a square) may also be marked on the appliance.
To reduce the risk
of injury from electrical shock, unplug power cord before servicing the
electrical parts
of the Wet/Dry Vac.
AWARNING!
Ifthe supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service
agent or a similarly qualified person
in order to avoid a hazard.
AWARNING!
Remove the plug from the socket before performing maintenance. Before using the
machine make sure that the frequency and voltage shown on the rating plate correspond
with the mains voltage. Specifications and details are subject to change without prior
notice. The accessories shown
in the pictures may vary from model to model.
AWARNING!
This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
AWARNING!
This product is NOT to be used for filtering of pathogens, for example COVID-19. Follow
all local, state and federal guidance on general cleaning practices.
5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
UNPACKING & SET-UP SUMMARY
1 .Puillid latches in an outward motion, remove power head and some accessories that
may have been shipped
in the tank.
2 .Attach caster following the instructions as below:
a.lnvert dust tank, take the caster to align the tank bottom sinking place.
Secure with screws provided.
b.Return dust tank assembly upright.
3.Before replacing power head, refer to this manual to ensure you have
the proper filters installed for the cleaning operation.
4.Replace power head, and apply pressure with thumb to each latch until it
snaps tightly
in place. Make sure all lid latches are clamped securely.
5.lnsert the hose end into inlet
of tank.
6.Attach the extension wands to the end
of the hose. Apply slight pressure until
fitting is tight.
7.Attach one
of the cleaning accessories (depending on the cleaning requirements) on
the extension wands. Twist slightly to tighten the connection.
8.Plug the cord into the wall outlet. The cleaniner is ready for use.
9.Turn the unit "ON" by pushing the switch from position
"0" to position "I". The "0" is
the "OFF" position and the "I" is the "ON" position.
O=OFFI=ONe
AWARNING!
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not operate this vacuum in areas with
flammable gases, vapors or explosive dust in the air. Flammable gases or vapors
include but are not limited to: lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints,
gasoline, alcohol or aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include but are not limited to: coal,
magnesium, aluminum, and grain or gun powder. Do not vacuum explosive dust,
flammable or combustible liquids or hot ashes. Do not use this vacuum as a sprayer for
any flammable
or combustible liquid. To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors
or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materi~ls.
AWARNING!
The operation of any utility vacuum can result in foreign objects being blown into the
eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety eyewear complying
with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before starting operation.
ACAUTION:
To reduce risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the vacuum for
extended hours
or when using it in a noisy area.
6

DRY PICK-UP
1. The filter must always be in correct position to reduce the risk of leaks and possible
damage to the vacuum. Make sure that the filter is completely covering the filter cage.
Make sure there are no gaps between the filter and the lid. (See illustration). It is very
important to assemble the filter to the cage without allowing any possible leaks
or tears.
Any leaks will allow the picked up debris to be blown out
of the blower port and back
into the surrounding environment.
2. When using the vacuum to pick up very fine dust, it will
Cartridge filter
be necessary to empty the dust tank and clean or replace
the filter at more frequent intervals to maintain peak vacuum
performance.
A NOTICE
A dry filter is necessary to pick up dry material. If you use the vacuum to pick up dust
when the filter is wet, the filter will clog quickly and be very difficult to clean. If the
filter gets wet, replace it before continuing to do dry pickups.
INSTALLING DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG
1. Slide the cardboard collar opening firmly onto the vacuum port deflector until it
stops against the deflector wall.
2. Position the bag so that it is distributed around the inside of the tank.
3. Replace and secure the power head onto the tank.
Disposable
filter bag
WET PICK-UP
1. Remove disposable and reusable filter and replace it with foam filter when you do wet
pickups.
2. This wet/dry vac is equipped with a float mechanism which will rise automatically to
cut off the airflow when the liquid
in the tank reaches a predetermined level. When this
happens, turn off vac, unplug the power cord, and empty the dust tank. You will know
that the float has shut the airflow off because the suction ceases and the motor noise
becomes higher
in pitch due to increased motor speed. The liquid capacity may vary
with the rate
of pickup.
A NOTICE
To-reduce the risk of damage to the vacuum, do not run motor with float in raised
position.
Foam filter
Float in raised position
7

EMPTING THE TANK
AWARNING!
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before emptying
the dust tank.
1. Remove the power head assembly ofthe wet/dry vacuum by pulling outward on the lid
clips located on each side of the vacuum. Lift off the power head assembly.
2. Dump the tank contents into the proper waste disposal container.
3. Liquids may be emptied through the tank drain. To empty,
turn the Unit off and remove the plug from the wall outlet.
Remove the drain cap and deposit the liquid waste conents
in a suitable drain. After tank is empty, return the drain cap
to its original position. To continue use, plug the cord into
the wall outlet and turn the unit on.
BLOWING OPERATION
AWARNING!
Always wear safety eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada CSA Z94.3)
when using as a blower.
AWARNING!
To avoid injury to bystanders, keep them clear of blowing debris.
ACAUTION
Wear a dust mask if blowing creates dust which might be inhaled.
ACAUTION
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when using the vac/blower
for extended hours or or in confined space.
The vacuum contains a blowing feature. Follow the steps below to use the vacuum
as a blower.
1. Locate blowing port on the vacuum.
2. Insert one end of the 10ft x 2-1/2 in / 3.0 m x 64 mm hose into the blower port.
3. Turn the vacuum "ON".
8

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FILTER REPLACEMENT
AWARNING!
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter.The filter should be cleaned often to maintain peak Vacuum
performance.
AWARNING!
Do not remove filter cage and float. The float prevents water from entering the impeller
and damaging the motor. The cage prevents fingers from touching the moving impeller.
ANOTICE
To avoid damage to the blower wheel and motor, always reinstall the reusable filter
before using the vacuum for dry pickups and always reinstall the foam filter before
using the vacuum for wet pickups.
ANOTICE
After cleaning, check the filter for tears or small holes. Do not use a filter with holes or
tears in it. Even a small hole can cause dust to come out of the vacuum. Replace it
immediately.
ANOTICE
Before installing the filter on the vacuum, clean the area of the lid so that the clamp ring
will seal the bag against the lid and stop small particles from bypassing the filter bag. If
the filter is clean and not damaged, replace it on the filter cage. Ifit cannot be reused,
place a new filter over the filter cage.
ANOTICE
Clean the filter in an open area.
CLEANING
To keep the wet/dry vacuum looking its best, clean the outside with a cloth dampened
with warm water and mild soap.
To clean the tank:
1. Dump out debris.
2. Wash tank thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
3. Wipe out with dry cloth.
STORAGE
Before storing the vacuum, the dust tank should be emptied and cleaned. The cord
should be wrapped and hung on the unit and the accessories should be kept in the
accessory holder so they can be readily available. The vacuum should be stored
indoors.
9

TROUBLESHOOTING
AWARNING!
Minor problems often can be fixed without calling customer service.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Vacuum will not No electricity Make sure electrical outlet has voltage
run (A qualified electrician may need to be contacted)
Loss of suction,
1. Full tank
1. Drain and clean tank
wet pick-up
2. Clogged hose 2. Remove hose and clean debris
3. Clogged filter 3. Clean or replace filter
Loss of suction,
1. Full tank 1. Drain and clean tank
dry pick-up 2. Clogged hose 2. Remove hose and clean debris
3. Clogged filter
3. Clean or replace filter·
10