RIDGID 4000RV0 User manual

4000RV0
4 U.S. GALLON / 15 LITER
WET/DRY VAC
Part No. SP6938 Printed in Mexico
OWNER’S ANUAL
SAVE THIS ANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Thank you for buying a R DG D product.
FOR QUESTIONS OR INFOR ATION CONTACT US AT
1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the USand Canada
01-800-701-9811 from exico
www.RIDGIDvacs.com
• Español - página 13
• Français - page 25
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual
before using this product.
!
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 1

2
Safety is a combination of common sense,
staying alert, and knowing how your
Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner (“Vac”) works.
Safety Signal Words
DANGER: ndicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING: ndicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: ndicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
When using your Vac, always follow basic
safety precautions including the following:
WARNING
- To reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, or injury:
• Read and understand this manual and
all labels on the Wet/Dry Vac before
operating.
• Use only as described in this manual.
• Do not leave Vac running while
unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal
operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting exhaust, or
abnormal motor noises. mmediately
stop using Vac if you notice these
signs.
• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not use
near combustible liquids, gases, or
dusts, such as gasoline or other fuels,
lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints,
natural gas, coal dust, magnesium
dust, grain dust, aluminum dust, and
gun powder.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold
fireplace ash, or other fine dusts with
standard filter. These may pass through
the filter and be exhausted back into
the air. Use a fine dust filter instead.
• To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic
vapors, do not vacuum or use near
toxic or hazardous materials.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not expose to rain or allow liquid to
enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.
• This Wet/Dry Vac 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.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy.
Close attention is necessary when
used by or near children.
• Do not use with a torn filter or without
the filter installed except when
vacuuming liquids as described in this
manual. Dry Debris ingested by the
impeller may damage the motor or be
exhausted back into the air.
• Turn off Vac before unplugging.
I PORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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Table of Contents
Section Page
ntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Checking Carton Contents . . . . . . . . . . 4
Getting to Know Your Vac . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . 6
Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Emptying Dust Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section Page
Cord, Hose and Accessory Storage . . . 7
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Removal and nstallation
of Qwik Lock Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Servicing of Double nsulated
Wet/Dry Vacs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 2

CAUTION:
• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended time or in a noisy area.
• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.
• Static shocks are common when the
relative humidity of the air is low.
Vacuuming fine debris with your Vac can
deposit static charge on the hose or
Vac. To reduce the frequency of static
shocks in your home or when using this
Vac, add moisture to the air with a
humidifier.
3
• To reduce the risk of injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or
other parts. f your Vac is not working
as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, call customer
service.
• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord
as handle, close a door on cord, or pull
cord around sharp edges or corners.
Do not run Vac over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.
• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac
with wet hands.
• Use only extension cords that are rated
for outdoor use. Extension cords in
poor condition or too small in wire size
can pose fire and shock hazards. To
reduce the risk of these hazards, be
sure the cord is in good condition and
that liquid does not contact the
connection. Do not use an extension
cord with conductors smaller than
16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce
power loss, use a 14 gauge extension
cord if 25 to 50 ft. (8 to 15 m) long and
12 gauge for 50 ft. (15 m) or longer.
• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
replacement parts. Read the
instructions for Servicing Double-
nsulated Wet/Dry Vacs.
• Do not put any object into ventilation
openings. Do not vacuum with any
ventilation openings blocked; keep free
of dust, lint, hair or anything that may
reduce air flow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and
all parts of body away from openings
and moving parts.
• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra
care when cleaning on stairs.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
recommended accessories.
• When using as a blower:
- Direct air discharge only at work
area.
- Do not set down in liquid; electric
shock could occur.
- Do not direct air at bystanders.
- Keep children away when blowing.
- Do not use blower for any job except
blowing dirt and debris.
• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear
safety eyewear. The operation of any
utility Vac or blower can result in foreign
objects being blown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage.
SAVE THIS ANUAL
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
WARNING: For your own safety,
read and understand owner’s
manual. Do not run unattended.
Do not pick up hot ashes, coals,
toxic, flammable or other hazardous
materials. Do not use around
explosive liquids or vapors.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock - do not expose to
rain - store indoors.
DOUBLE NSULATED
GROUND NG NOT REQU RED.
WHEN SERV C NG USE ONLY
DENT CAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
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SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 3

Checking Carton Contents
4
Introduction
This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for house-
hold use only. t may be used for light
vacuuming of wet or dry media and may
be used as a blower. The light weight
design allows usage for most small
Getting to Know Your Vac
Familiarize yourself with the controls and
features of your Vac before operating.
Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Contact 1-800-4-R DG D (1-800-474-3443)
from the US and Canada, 01-800-701-9811
from Mexico or www.R DG Dvacs.com
if any parts are damaged or missing.
Carton Contents List
Key Description Qty
A Wet/Dry Vac .................................1
B* Float ............................................1
C* Filter Cage ..................................1
D* Qwik Lock™ Filter........................1
E Car Nozzle ...................................1
F Muffler/Diffuser.............................1
G Pro-Hose ......................................1
H Owner’s Manual ...........................1
* The filter comes preassembled to the
power head.
D*
F
G
H
E
B*
A
C*
Power
Head
Hose
Drum
Latches (2)
Vacuum
Port Inlet
Switch
Handle
Car Nozzle Compartment
Drum Power Cord
household vacuuming chores. Familiarize
yourself with the following product and
features and read the entire owner’s
manual for specific usage of your new
Wet/Dry Vac.
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 4

5
Operation
After you plug the power cord into the
outlet, turn the unit on by pushing the
switch from position "O" to position "l".
The symbols used on the switch actuator
are international "On & Off" symbols.
=OFF =ON
Familiarize yourself with the accessories
included with the Vac. Each accessory
may be used in various ways for
vacuuming and blowing debris. Here is
a list of the accessories and their uses.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or damage to Vac:
• Do not leave Vac running while unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using Vac if you notice these signs.
• Do not leave Vac plugged in when not in use.
• Do not continue running when float has cut off suction.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac
near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or
explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include:
lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum,
grain, and gun powder.
• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury:
• Do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.
• Do not handle plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.
• Unplug Vac before servicing. If your Vac is not working as it should, has
missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to an authorized service center or call customer service.
• When using an extension cord, use only outdoor-rated cords that are in
good condition. Do not allow the connection to come into contact with
liquid.
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Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car
interiors and most upholstery cleaning.
uffler/Diffuser - Use to disperse
exhaust air stream while reducing noise.
nsert into blowing port.
Pro-Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum
or blowing capability to work site.
Provides the means of attaching
extension wands and nozzles.
To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this appliance has a polarized plug.
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only
one way. f the plug does not fit fully in the
outlet, reverse the plug. f it still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in
any way.
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 5

Blowing Feature
Your Wet/Dry Vac has the capability to be
used as a blower for yard work, patio
cleanup and workshop applications to
blow sawdust and other debris.
2. Lay the power head upside down on a
clean dry area while emptying the drum
or changing the filter.
3. Dump the drum contents into the proper
waste disposal container.
WARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a Blower.
CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might
be inhaled.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
hearing damage, wear ear protectors
when using the Vac/Blower for
extended time or in a noisy area.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.
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Operation (continued)
Emptying the Drum
1. To remove the lid to empty contents of
the dust drum, simply lift the two drum
latches on the side of the Vac and lift
the power head up and off the dust
drum and set to the side.
Vacuuming Dry aterials
1. The filter must always be in correct
position at all times to avoid leaks and
possible damage to Vac.
2. When using your Vac to pick up very
fine dust, it will be necessary for you to
empty the drum and clean the filter at
more frequent intervals to maintain
peak Vac performance.
NOTE: A dry filter is necessary to pick up
dry material. f you use your Vac to pick
up dust when the filter is wet, the filter will
clog quickly and be very difficult to clean.
Vacuuming Liquids
1. When picking up small amounts of
liquid (less than 2 inches (5 cm) of
liquid in the bottom of the drum) the
filter may be left in place.
2. When picking up large amounts of liquid
(more than 2 inches (5 cm)
of liquid in the bottom of the drum)
we recommend that the filter be
removed. f the filter is not removed,
it will become saturated and misting
may appear in the exhaust.
3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float
mechanism will rise automatically to cut
off airflow. You will know that the float
has risen because Vac airflow ceases
and the motor noise will become higher
in pitch, due to increased motor speed.
When this happens, turn off the Vac,
unplug the power cord, and empty the
drum.
4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids,
the filter must be dried to avoid
possible mildew and damage to the
filter.
I PORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac, do not run Vac with
float in raised position.
6
Power
Head
Drum
Pull Out
And
Lift Up
Drum Latches (2)
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7
Cord, Hose and Accessory Storage
1. Your Vac has a convenient area to
store your power cord and Vac hose.
2. Wrap the power cord around the top of
the handle on the Vac and attach the
end of the plug to the cord.
3. Wrap the hose around the Vac as
shown and place the small swivel end
inside the larger one.
Hose
Storage
Area
Power
Cord
Handle
Car Nozzle
Compartment
Filter Removal and Installation
of the Qwik Lock™ Filter
aintenance
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter or foam pad.
Filter
!
NOTE: The filter is made of high quality
paper designed to stop very small particles
of dust. The filter can be used for dry pick up
or small amounts of liquid. Handle the filter
carefully when removing to clean or
installing it. Creases in the filter pleats may
occur from installation but will not affect the
performance of the filter.
To Remove Power Head:
1. Grasp the drum latches on both the
right and left side of the power head.
Slowly pull the drum latches away from
the drum. Lift the power head off the
drum. Place the lid assembly of the Vac
upside down.
Power
Head
Drum
Pull Out
And
Lift Up
Drum Latches (2)
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 7

Filter Removal:
1. Hold the filter tabs of the Qwik Lock™
filter in each hand.
2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™
stud, which protrudes through the
integrated filter plate, lift up on the filter
tabs while pushing down on the stud.
3. This action will cause the filter to
release from the filter cage. Slide filter
off cage.
I PORTANT: To avoid damage to the
blower wheel and motor, always reinstall
the filter before using the Vac for dry
material pickup.
Filter Installation:
1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ filter
over the filter cage and press down on
the outside edge of the filter until the
rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter
seats securely around the base of the
filter cage and against the lid.
2. Align the small center hole in the top of
the filter over the Qwik Lock™ stud on
the filter cage. Press firmly on top of
the filter near the stud to allow the filter
to snap over the ball on the end of the
stud. The filter is now attached.
NOTE: Failure to properly seat the
bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.
8
aintenance (continued)
Filter
Cage
Filter
Tabs (2)
Integrated Filter
Plate with Center
Hole
PUSH
DOWN
PULL
UP
Rubber
Gasket at
Bottom of
Filter
(cutaway
view)
Qwik Lock™
Stud
WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.
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Cleaning A Dry Filter
NOTE: For best cleaning results due to
accumulated dust, clean the filter in an
open area. Cleaning SHOULD be done
outdoors and not in the living quarters.
1. Light cleaning of some dry debris from
the filter can be accomplished without
removing the filter from the Vac. Simply
slap your hand on top of the handle
while the Vac is turned off.
2. Remove filter from Vac. Gently tap the
filter against the inside wall of your dust
drum and the debris will loosen and fall.
3. For thorough cleaning of a dry filter
with fine dust (no debris) you may run
water through it as described under
“Cleaning A Wet Filter” Section.
Filter Cleaning
The filter should be cleaned often to
maintain peak Vac performance.
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 8

9
Cleaning and Disinfecting the
Wet/Dry Vac
To keep your Wet/Dry Vac looking its
best, clean the outside with a cloth
dampened with warm water and mild
soap.
To clean the drum:
1. Dump debris out.
2. Wash drum thoroughly with warm water
and mild soap.
3. Wipe out with dry cloth.
Before prolonged storage or as needed
(i.e., waste water pick up) the drum
should be disinfected.
To disinfect the drum:
1. Pour 1 gallon (4 l) of water and
1 teaspoon (5 ml) chlorine bleach into
the drum.
2. Let solution stand for 20 minutes,
carefully swishing every few minutes,
making sure to wet all inside surfaces
of the drum.
3. Empty drum after 20 minutes. Rinse
with water until bleach smell is gone.
Allow drum to dry completely before
sealing the motor on the drum.
aintenance (continued)
Cleaning A Wet Filter
After filter is removed, run water through
the filter from a hose or spigot. Take care
that water pressure from the hose is not
strong enough to damage filter.
I PORTANT: 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 a lot of dust to come out
of your Vac. f your filter is damaged or
worn, Replace it immediately.
Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling
and storing the Vac or picking up dry
debris.
Cord aintenance
When vacuuming is complete, unplug the
cord and wrap it around the motor cover.
f the power cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or their
service agent or by similarly qualified
personnel to reduce the risk of accident.
Storage
Before storing your Vac, the drum should
be emptied and cleaned. The cord should
be wrapped around the unit and the hose
should be stored as described in this
manual. Accessories should be kept in
the same area as the Vac so they can be
readily available. The Vac should be
stored indoors.
WARNING: to assure product
SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any other
maintenance, repairs or adjustments
should be performed by Authorized
service centers, always using
RIDGID replacement parts.
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SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 9

Key
No. Part No. Description
1 510158 Filter Cage Assembly
2 VF3500 Filter
3 830521-2 Dust Drum
4 831337-10 Pro-Hose
5 VT2525 Muffler/Diffuser
6 VT1781 Car Nozzle
7 SP6938 Owner’s Manual
WARNING
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC
In a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac, two systems of insulation are provided
instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated
appliance, nor should a means for grounding be added. Servicing a double-
insulated Wet/Dry Vac requires extreme care and knowledge of the system,
and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac must be identical to the parts they replace.
Your double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac is marked with the words "DOUBLE
INSULATED" and the symbol (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.
Repair Parts
RIDGID 4 Gallon / 15 Liter Wet/Dry Vac
odel Number 4000RV0
Electrical Rating: 120 V, 9 A, 60 Hz.
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.RIDGIDparts.com
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number
† These replacement parts may be available
where you purchased your Vac.
†
†
†
†
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SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 10

Repair Parts (continued)
RIDGID 4 Gallon / 15 Liter Wet/Dry Vac
odel Number 4000RV0
RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.RIDGIDparts.com
4
7
3
1
2
6
5
11
SP6938-2 4 gallon ESF_SP6938 4/26/16 11:34 AM Page 11