RIDGID WD1685AU0 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
60 LITRE PROFESSIONAL
WET/DRY VAC
WD1685AU0
WD1685KR0
WD1685ND0
FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
www.RIDGID.com.au
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual
before using this product.
Part No. SP6978-1 Printed in Mexico
Thank you for buying a RIDGID product. •English – Page 1
• 한국어 – 21페이지
• Bahasa Indonesia – Halaman 41
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

2
Table of Contents
Section Page Section Page
Introduction................................................. 4
Unpacking and Checking
Carton Contents...................................... 4
Drum/Caster Foot Assembly....................... 5
Accessory Storage Holder.......................... 6
Wet/Dry Vac Assembly ............................... 6
Positioning Detachable Blower
(Power Head Assembly) ......................... 7
Operation............................................... 8-11
Vacuuming Dry Materials........................ 9
Vacuuming Liquids.................................. 9
Emptying the Drum................................. 9
Blowing Feature.................................... 10
Using the Detachable Blower
for “Blowing”........................................11
Accessory Storage ................................... 12
Maintenance........................................ 13-16
Removal and Installation
of the Qwik Lock Filter ......................... 14
Repair Parts......................................... 18-19
Servicing of Double-Insulated
Wet/Dry Vac.......................................... 19
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety is a combination of using common
sense, staying alert and knowing how your
Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner (“Vac”) works.
Safety Signal Words
DANGER: Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates 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 the 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 the
Vac if you notice any of these signs.
• Do not leave the Vac plugged in when not
in use and before servicing.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
inammable fumes or dust. To reduce the
risk of re or explosion, do not vacuum or
use near inammable liquids, gases, or
dusts, such as petrol or other fuels, lighter
uid, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural
gas, coal dust, magnesium dust, grain
dust, aluminum dust, or gunpowder.
• Do not vacuum anything that is burning or
smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or
hot ashes.
• Do not vacuum plasterboard or plaster
dust, cold replace ash or other ne dusts
with the standard lter. These may pass
through the lter and be exhausted back
into the air. Use a ne dust lter instead.
• To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic fumes,
do not vacuum or use near toxic or
hazardous materials.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
expose the Vac to rain or allow liquid to
enter motor compartment. Store the Vac
indoors.
• This vacuum cleaner 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 vacuum cleaner by a person
responsible for their safety.
• Do not allow the Vac to be used as a toy.
Close attention is necessary when used by
or near children.
• Do not use with a torn lter or without the
lter installed except when vacuuming
liquids as described in this manual. Dry
debris ingested by the impeller may
damage the motor or be exhausted into
the air.
• Turn off the Vac before unplugging.
• To reduce the risk of injury from accidental
start-up, unplug power cord before
changing or cleaning the lter.

3
• Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or
other parts. If your Vac is not working
as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, contact RIDGID
Customer Service.
• Do not pull or carry by the cord, do not use
the cord as a handle, close a door on the
cord, or pull the cord around sharp edges
or corners. Do not run the Vac over the
cord. Keep the cord away from heated
surfaces.
• Do not handle the plug, switch or the Vac
with wet hands.
• Use only extension cords that are rated
for outdoor use. Extension cords in poor
condition or that have too small a wire size
can pose re 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 1.3 mm2in size. To reduce power
loss, use an extension cord with 2.1 mm2
conductors if the length is more than 30 m.
• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
earthing system. Use only identical
replacement parts. Read the instructions
for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry
Vacs before servicing.
• Do not insert any object into the ventilation
openings. Do not vacuum with any
ventilation openings blocked; keep free of
dust, lint, hair or anything that may reduce
air ow.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, ngers 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 back injury or falls,
do not lift a Vac that is heavy with liquid
or debris. Partially empty the Vac by
scooping debris or draining liquid to make
it comfortable to lift.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to the Vac, use only Ridgid-
recommended accessories.
• When using as a detached blower:
- Direct air discharge only at work area.
- Turn unit off before setting on the ground
or releasing grasp from the handle.
- Do not set down in liquid; electric shock
could occur.
- Do not direct air at bystanders.
- Keep children away when blowing.
- Do not use the blower for any job except
blowing dirt and debris.
- Do not use as a sprayer.
• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear safety
goggles. 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.
Observe the following warnings that appear
on the motor housing of your Vac:
DOUBLE INSULATED EARTHING
NOT REQUIRED. WHEN SERVICING
USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS.
CAUTION:
• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for an
extended time or in a noisy area.
• For dusty operations, wear a dust mask.
• Static shocks are common when
the relative humidity of the air is low.
Vacuuming ne 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 humidier.
WARNING:
• For your own safety, read and
understand the owner’s manual.
• Do not run unattended.
• Do not pick up hot ashes, coals,
toxic, inflammable or other hazardous
materials.
• Do not use around explosive liquids or
vapour.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock – do not expose to rain –
store indoors.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
WARNING: When using blowers:
wear safety goggles. Turn unit off
before setting on the ground or
releasing grasp from the handle.
Electric shock could occur if used on
wet surfaces. Direct tool discharge only
at work area. Do not direct discharge at
bystanders. Keep children away.

4
Introduction
This Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable Blower
is intended for household use or for normal
housekeeping purposes in hotels, ofces,
schools, hospitals and similar premises.
It may be used for vacuuming wet or dry
media and may be used as a blower.
Read this owner’s manual to familiarise
yourself with the product features and
to understand the specic usage of your
new Vac.
4
Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents
Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List. If
any parts are missing or damaged please
contact us at www.RIDGID.com.au.
Carton Contents List
Key Description Qty
A Wet/Dry Vac ..................................1
B Accessory Storage Holder .............1
C Extension Wands ...........................2
D Qwik Lock™ Filter..........................1
E Dual-Flex™ Locking Hose .............1
F Caster Feet ...................................2
G Caster Feet with Storage ...............2
H #10 x 1-3/4” (44 mm) Screws......... 4
I Caster Wheel .................................4
J Car Nozzle .....................................1
K Utility Nozzle ..................................1
L Wet Nozzle..................................... 1
M Blower Wand..................................1
N Owner’s Manual .............................1
A
B
C
F
E
D
G
H
J
K
L
M
N
I

55
If any parts are missing or damaged
contact Customer Service.
Do not assemble until you have all the
parts.
1. Insert the front and rear caster feet into
the bottom of the drum, as shown. Light
taps with a mallet or hammer may be
needed to fully seat both caster feet.
2. Install four screws into matching holes
on both front and rear caster feet,
securing them to the bottom of the
drum. Tighten screws until just snug.
Do not over tighten as this may tend to
deform the caster feet.
3. Insert the caster stem into each of the
caster feet, as shown.
4. Push on the caster until the ball on the
caster stem is inserted all the way into
the socket. You will be able to hear the
ball snap into the socket and the caster
will swivel easily when positioning is
correct.
Drum/Caster Foot Assembly
Socket
Caster Stem
Caster Ball
Rear
Caster
Foot
Drain
Front
Caster
Foot
Drum
Front
Caster
Foot
Drain
Screws (4)
Rear Caster
Foot

Installing Accessory Storage
Holder
1. Position rods of accessory storage
holder directly over the accessory rod
receptacles in the dust drum.
2. Slide accessory storage holder into the
accessory rod receptacles until fully
seated with holder clips locked.
Removing Accessory Storage
Holder
Push in both accessory storage holder
clips and then pull straight up on the rods
of the accessory storage holder.
6
Accessory Storage Holder
Accessory
Storage
Holder
Accessory
Holder
Receptacles
Accessory Storage
Holder Clips
Accessory
Holder
Receptacles
Accessory
Storage
Holder
Accessory Storage
Holder Clips
1. Locate the lid assembly and the drum
assembly (assembled earlier).
2. Position the lid assembly with the
detachable blower handle of the unit
located above the vacuum inlet on the
dust drum.
3. To assemble the lid assembly to the
drum assembly, lower the lid assembly
onto the dust drum. Rotate both latches
down until you hear them snap over the
drum latch catches of the drum.
Wet/Dry Vac Assembly
Lid
Assembly with
Detachable Blower
Drum Latch
Drum Catch
Inlet
Drain Cap
Dust Drum
Assembly
Vacuum
Inlet
Detachable
Blower
Handle

1. To remove the detachable blower from
the lid assembly, press down on the
detachable blower latch under the
detachable blower handle and lift the
blower off the lid of the Vac.
2. To replace the detachable blower
onto the lid assembly, position the
detachable blower above the indented
area of the lid assembly. Rotate the
detachable blower down until the travel
of the unit stops.
3. Lightly press down on the carry handle
of the detachable blower until you hear
the “snap” of the detachable blower
latch engaging the detachable blower.
The detachable blower is now latched
to the lid assembly.
4. Your new Wet/Dry Vac is ready for
use. With the Wet/Dry Vac completely
assembled and ready for use, insert
the push button end of the “Dual-Flex™
Locking” hose into the inlet of the Vac.
The hose should snap into place. To
remove the hose from the Vac, press
the release button in the hose assembly
and pull the hose out of the Vac inlet,
as shown.
7
Positioning Detachable Blower
(Power Head Assembly)
Detachable
Blower Handle
Detachable
Blower
Latch
Detachable
Blower
Molded
Leads
Detachable
Blower
Detachable
Blower Latch
Release
Button
Press and Pull

After you plug the power cord into the
socket, turn the unit on by pushing the
switch from position “O” to position “l”.
Familiarise 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.
Extension Wands – These wands can
be connected together and provides
additional length for more reach.
Utility Nozzle – General purpose nozzle
for most vacuuming applications.
Car Nozzle – Dry pick-up nozzle for car
interiors and most upholstery cleaning.
Wet Nozzle – Used for wet pickup on
smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry
the surface in one stroke.
Blower Wand – Attaches directly to the
power assembly; concentrates the air for
blowing applications.
Dual-Flex™ Locking Hose – Provides
transfer of vacuum or blowing capability
to work site. Provides the means of
attaching extension wands and nozzles.
Accessory Storage Holder – Store all
the accessories with your Vac.
Caster Feet – Store accessories with
your Vac.
8
Operation
8
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion or damage to the Vac:
• Do not leave the 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 the Vac if you notice these signs.
• Do not leave the Vac plugged in when not in use.
• Do not continue running when float has cut off suction.
• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne inflammables. Do not operate
the Vac near inflammable liquids or in areas with inflammable gases, fumes
or explosive/airborne dust. Inflammable liquids, gases and fumes include:
lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, petrol, alcohol and
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminium, grain
and gun powder.
• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, inflammable 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 authorised service centre 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.
= OFF = ON

Vacuuming Dry Materials
1. The lter must always be in the correct
position at all times to avoid leaks and
possible damage to the Vac.
2. When using your Vac to pick up very
ne dust, it will be necessary for you
to empty the drum and clean the lter
at more frequent intervals to maintain
peak Vac performance.
NOTE: A dry lter must be used to pick
up dry material. If you use your Vac to
pick up material when the lter is wet, the
lter will clog quickly and be very difcult
to clean.
Vacuuming Liquids
1. When picking up small amounts of
liquid (less than 5-10 cm of liquid in the
bottom of the drum) the lter may be
left in place.
2. When picking up larger amounts of
liquid (more than 10 cm of liquid in the
bottom of the drum) we recommend
removing the lter. If the lter 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 oat
mechanism will rise automatically to cut
off air-ow. You will know that the oat
has risen because the Vac airow will
cease 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 lter must be dried to avoid possible
mildew and damage to the lter.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac, do not run the Vac
with oat in raised position.
Emptying the Drum
1. To remove the lid to empty contents of
the dust drum, simply lift the two drum
latches on the sides of the dust drum
and lift the lid assembly up and off the
dust drum and set to the side.
2. Lay the lid assembly upside down on a
clean area while emptying the drum or
changing the lter.
3. Dump the drum contents into the proper
waste disposal container.
4. If the contents are liquid, you may
dispose by using the drain provided
in the drum for easy emptying. Simply
unscrew the drain cap and allow the
liquid to drain completely out of the Vac
drum.
9
Operation (continued)
WARNING: To reduce the risk
of injury from accidental starting,
unplug the power cord before
emptying the drum.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
back injury or falls, do not lift a Vac
heavy with liquid or debris. Scoop
or drain enough contents out to
make the Vac light enough to lift
comfortably.
WARNING: Do not operate without
a filter cage and float, as they prevent
liquid from entering the impeller and
damaging the motor.
Drum
Latch

10
Moving the Wet/Dry Vac
Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, the handles on the
sides of the dust drum are used to lift. To
manœver the Vac, the handle above the
inlet can be used.
Blowing Feature
Your Wet/Dry Vac has a “detachable
blower.” It has the capability to be used
as a dedicated blower for removing dust
and debris from oors, tools, and work
surfaces.
1. Familiarise yourself with the detachable
blower portion of your Wet/Dry Vac.
2. Remove the detachable blower of
your Vac by pressing down on the
detachable blower latch under the
handle of the detachable blower and lift
by the handle to remove.
Operation (continued)
WARNING: Always wear safety
goggles before using as a blower.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them clear
of blowing debris.
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.
Detachable
Blower Handle
Detachable
Blower
Latch
Detachable
Blower
Molded
Leads