Vacmaster VMVQ1218S User manual

Wet/Dry Vacuums
Operator’s Manual
1250W / 20L
Model No. VMVQ1218S
IPX4
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Read and understand this manual before use.
Keep this manual for future reference.

SECTION
Table of contents
Warranty
Safety Instructions and Warnings
Double Insulation instructions
Specitications
Location of parts
General Assembly Instructions
Dry Vacuum Operation
Wet Vacuum Operation
Blowing Operation
Maintenance
Instaling&Cleaning Dust Filter
Instaling&Cleaning Foam Filter
Troubleshooting
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
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Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
2
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
16
Thank you for purchasing this Vacmaster®wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Feel
confident that with Vacmaster® you are obtaining a high quality product
engineered for optimal performance.
This vacuum is capable of picking up liquids and dry materials.
This Vacmaster®takes pride in producing a high quality, durable product. This
Vacmaster®
product carries a limited two (2) year warranty against defects in
workmanship and materials from date of purchase under normal household use. If
product is to be used for commercial, industrial or rental use, a 90 day limited
warranty will apply. Warranty does not apply to defects due to direct or indirect
abuse, negligence, misuse, accidents, repairs or alterations and lack of
maintenance. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which
vary form state to state.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING THIS VACUUM
Read and understand this owner’s manual and all labels on the
Vacuum cleaner before operating. Safety is a combination of
common sense, staying alert and knowing how your vacuum
works.
Use this Wet/Dry Vac only as described in this manual. To reduce
the risk of personal injury or damage to your Wet/Dry Vac, use only
Vacmaster®recommended accessories.
Household Type
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should
always be followed including the following:
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC
SHOCK OR INJURY:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
This Vacmaster®takes pride in producing a high quality, durable product. This
Vacmaster®product carries a limited two (2) year warranty against defects in
workmanship and materials from date of purchase under normal household use. If
product is to be used for commercial, industrial or rental use, a 90 day limited
warranty will apply. Warranty does not apply to defects due to direct or indirect
abuse, negligence, misuse, accidents, repairs or alterations and lack of
maintenance. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which
vary form state to state.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS
3
Do not run vac unattended.
Do not vacuum, or use this Wet/Dry Vac near flammable liquids,
gases, or explosive vapors like gasoline or other fuels, lighter
fluids, cleaners, oil-based paints, natural gas, hydrogen, or
explosive dusts like coal dust, magnesium dust, grain dust, or
gun power. Sparks inside the motor can ignite flammable vapors
or dust.
Do not vacuum anything that is burning or smoking, such as
cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
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.
If the appliance is not working as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water,

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4
return it to a service center.
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 Wet/Dry Vac over cord.
Do not handle plug or the Wet/Dry Vac with wet hands.
To reduce the risk of health hazards from vapors or dusts, do not
vacuum toxic materials.
Do not use or store near hazardous materials.
Do not use this Wet/Dry Vac with a torn filter or without the filter
installed except when vacuuming liquids as described in the
operation section of this manual.
Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary
when used by or near children.
To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, unplug power
cord before changing or cleaning filter.
Do not leave Wet/Dry Vac unattended when plugged in. Unplug
from outlet when not in use and before servicing.
Turn off Wet/Dry Vac before unplugging.
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.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in
order to avoid a hazard.
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 safely.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play
with the appliance.
For additional protection: It is recommended that this vac can be
used in conjunction with residual current device (RCD) with a
rated residual current of 30mA or less.

When using as blower:
• Direct air discharge only at work area.
• Do not use Wet/Dry Vac as a sprayer.
• Do not direct air at bystanders.
• Keep children away when blowing.
• Use safety goggles.
This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated, eliminating the need for a
separate grounding system. Use only identical replacements parts.
Read the instructions for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs
before servicing. Use this Wet/Dry Vac as described in this
manual.
Observe the following warnings that appear on the motor housing
of your Wet/Dry Vac.
CAUTION:
•
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK-DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN. STORE INDOORS.
DOUBLE INSULATED - GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED -
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS.
DOUBLE INSULATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ AND
UNDERSTAND OPERATOR’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.
5
Do not vacuum drywall dust or fireplace soot or ash. This is a
very fine dust which will not be captured by the filter and may
cause damage to motor and void the warranty.

•
•
•
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY FROM MOVING
PARTS- UNPLUG BEFORE SERVICING.
DOUBLE INSULATED - GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED -
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Motor :
Container :
Watt :
Filter-Dry :
Filter-Wet:
220-240V~50Hz
20L
1250W
Reusable Cloth Filter,Dust bag
Foam Sleeve Filter
SPECIFICATIONS
WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ AND
UNDERSTAND OPERATOR’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: SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED Wet/Dry
VACUUMM WITH 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 VACUUMUUM 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 VACUUM 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.
6
For Household Use Only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock-unplug before cleaning or
servicing.
DO NOT use without filters in place.

Remove entire contents from carton. Check each item against the contents list.
LOCATION OF PARTS
Contents List
Key Description………………......… QTY
NOTE: The hose and accessories for this
vacuum are 35mm diameter.
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Vac Assembly
Hose
Floor Nozzle
Extension Wands
Foam Sleeve Filter
Crevice Tool
Dust Bag
Reusable Cloth Filter
Feet With Casters
Handle
2 Screws (Bag)
Operator’s Manual
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
7
Clasp (x2)
Tank
Pedestal
Switch Assembly
Vacuum hose
connector
Handle Assembly

87
12
9 10
6
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER
OUTLET, MAKE SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
ASSEMBLING THE WET/DRY VAC
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
8
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
Undo the clasps (Fig. 2).
Lift the top section off the container (Fig. 3).
Remove the contents from inside the container (Fig. 4).
Turn the container upside down, and insert the four castors. Verify that they are
mounted correctly. Do not over-tighten (Fig. 5).
Insert the handle into the slots on the power head and pressure into
place (Fig. 6).
For dry vacuuming, install the supplied dust filter and dust bag.(Fig. 7, Fig 8).
For wet vacuuming, install the supplied foam filter (Fig. 9).
Place the top section back on the container (Fig. 10).
Align the top section with the clasps, and snap into place by applying pressure
until clasps latch into place.
Insert the large end of the hose into the front inlet of the container, and lock it by
pushing and twisting (Fig. 11).
Choose the desired accessories and push onto the suction tube (Fig. 12).

43 5
8
76
2
DRY-VACUUM OPERATION
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY
INFORMATION, ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS WITH
FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN
THE AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE
CLEANERS, OIL-BASE PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN OR GUN
POWDER. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS
FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO NOT VACUUM TOXIC
MATERIALS.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER
OUTLET. MAKE SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
CHANGING AND CLEANING FILTERS.
DRY VACUUMING
9
CAUTION:
• Do not vacuum drywall dust or fireplace soot or ash. This is a
very fine dust which will not be captured by the filter and may
cause damage to motor and void the warranty.

WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY
INFORMATION, ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS WITH
FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN
THE AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE
CLEANERS, OIL-BASE PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN OR GUN
POWDER. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS
FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO NOT VACUUM TOXIC
MATERIALS.
10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
In order to prepare your vacuum for dry vacuuming, verify that the dust filter is
clean and dry. Place the dust filter over the basket filter and centre it. Push down
until the mounting ring of the dust filter is positioned against the ribs of the top
section (Fig. 2).
Verify that the dust filter completely covers the filter basket. Also verify that all
edges of the dust filter are secure under the mounting ring (Fig. 3).
Verify that the dust bag is installed to the inside of the tank（Fig. 4）
Place the top section back on the container, and secure it in place using the
clasps (Fig. 5).
Insert the larger end of the flexible hose into the front inlet on the tank, and lock
in place. Push the required attachment onto the free end of the hose or extension
(Fig. 6).
Plug the power cord into the outlet (Fig. 7).
Turn the motor on by flipping the switch to the “I” position（Fig. 8）
Once you have completed vacuuming, flip the switch to the “O” position and
unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: DRY VACUUMING
DO NOT USE THE DUST FILTER FOR WET OR SAHRP MATERIALS.
DO NOT USE DUST BAG FOR LIQUID VACUUMING
O = OFF I = ON

1.
2.
DO NOT USE dust filter for wet materials.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: WET VACUUMING
3.
4.
WET-VACUUM OPERATION
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY
INFORMATION, ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS WITH
FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN
THE AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE
CLEANERS, OIL-BASE PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN OR GUN
POWDER. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS
FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO NOT VACUUM TOXIC
MATERIALS.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER
OUTLET. MAKE SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
CHANGING AND CLEANING FILTERS.
11
WET VACUUMING
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. Verify that the
container is clean and free of dust and dirt (Fig. 1).
Remove the dust filter and dust bag, and install a foam filter over the filter
basket, and place the top section back on the container (Fig. 2).
Fit the desired nozzle onto the vacuum hose (Fig. 3).
Verify that the switch is in the ‘O’ position before plugging the power cord into the
outlet (Fig. 4). By flipping the switch to the “I” position（Fig. 5）

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
BLOWING OPERATION
WARNING: BE SURE TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND APPLY
INFORMATION, ENTITLED ‘SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &
WARNINGS’. DO NOT VACUUM IN AREAS WITH
FLAMMABLE GASES, VAPORS, OR EXPLOSIVE DUSTS IN
THE AIR. FLAMMABLE GASES OR VAPORS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; LIGHTER FLUID, SOLVENT TYPE
CLEANERS, OIL-BASE PAINTS, GASOLINE, ALCOHOL OR
AEROSOL SPRAYS. EXPLOSIVE DUSTS INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO; COAL, MAGNESIUM, GRAIN OR GUN
POWDER. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEALTH HAZARDS
FROM VAPORS OR DUST, DO NOT VACUUM TOXIC
MATERIALS.
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES COMPLY-
ING WITH AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
WARNING: KEEP BYSTANDERS CLEAR FROM BLOWING
DEBRIS.
WARNING: WEAR A DUST MASK IF BLOWING CREATES
DUST THAT MIGHT BE INHALED.
12
Remember! The foam filter must be removed after wet
vacuuming, and a dust filter must be installed before dry
vacuuming again.
IMPORTANT! When vacuuming large quantities of liquids, do
not immerse the nozzle completely in the liquid; leave a gap at the
tip of the nozzle opening to allow air inflow. The machine is fitted
with a float valve that stops the suction action when the container
reaches its maximum capacity. You will notice an increase in motor
speed. When this happens, turn off the machine, disconnect from
power supply, and drain the liquid into a suitable receptacle or
drain. To continue vacuuming, refit the container with the drain
cap. After wet vacuuming, turn the machine off and remove plug
from power supply. Empty the container, clean and dry the inside
and outside before storage.
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig.1)
Disconnect the hose from the vacuum, turning large end in counter clockwise
direction. (fig.2)
Undo the latches and remove the power head from the container. (fig.3)
Clear all dirt or debris from the container and hose. (fig.4)
Check the hose, attachments, and power cord to verify that they have not been
damaged.

IMPORTANT! Clean or change the cloth filter regularly for
best performance.
ALWAYS USE CLOTH FILTER FOR DRY VACUUMING. If
the machine is used with out the cloth filter, the motor will burn out
and the warranty will be voided. Always keep spare filters on-hand.
NOTICE! The filters included are made of high quality materials
designed to stop small dust particles. The cloth filter should be
used for dry pick-up only. A dry cloth filter is necessary to pick up
dust. If the cloth filter is wet, it will clog quickly and be very difficult
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
5
MAINTENANCE
WARNING! IF THE HOSE IS STILL BLOCKED AFTER A
FEW SECONDS, TURN OFF THE UNIT AND CLEAR THE
HOSE MANUALLY.
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG IN POWER CORD TO POWER
OUTLET. MAKE SURE PLUG IS DISCONNECTED BEFORE
CHANGING AND CLEANING FILTERS.
13
Remember! The foam filter must be removed after wet
vacuuming, and a dust filter must be installed before dry
vacuuming again.
IMPORTANT! When vacuuming large quantities of liquids, do
not immerse the nozzle completely in the liquid; leave a gap at the
tip of the nozzle opening to allow air inflow. The machine is fitted
with a float valve that stops the suction action when the container
reaches its maximum capacity. You will notice an increase in motor
speed. When this happens, turn off the machine, disconnect from
power supply, and drain the liquid into a suitable receptacle or
drain. To continue vacuuming, refit the container with the drain
cap. After wet vacuuming, turn the machine off and remove plug
from power supply. Empty the container, clean and dry the inside
and outside before storage.
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
Disconnect the hose from the container (Fig. 2)
Undo the clasps and remove the top section from the container (Fig. 3).
Clear all dirt or debris from the container and hose (Fig. 4).
Clean the foam filter or dust filter by washing it with a mild soapy
solution (Fig. 5).
Check the hoses, attachments, and power cord to verify that they have not been
damaged.

to clean. Handle the filter carefully when removing it for cleaning
and replacing it. Check the filters for tears or small holes, a small
hole can let dust pass through and out of the cleaner. Do not use a
filter with holes or tears, replace it immediately.
Installing Reusable Cloth Filter
1.
2.
3.
4.
Removing and Cleaning Reusable Cloth Filter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
INSTALLING & CLEANING
REUSABLE CLOTH FILTER
WARNING! ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE
POWER OUTLET BEFORE REMOVING THE POWER HEAD
FROM CONTAINER.
14
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (Fig. 1).
Disconnect the hose from the container (Fig. 2)
Undo the clasps and remove the top section from the container (Fig. 3).
Clear all dirt or debris from the container and hose (Fig. 4).
Clean the foam filter or dust filter by washing it with a mild soapy
solution (Fig. 5).
Check the hoses, attachments, and power cord to verify that they have not been
damaged.
Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet (fig.1)
Remove power head and place in upside down position.
Slide reusable cloth filter down over the filter cage making sure the whole cage
is covered. (fig.2 & 3)
Replace the power head on to the container.
With the removed power head in the upside down position.
Carefully remove the reusable cloth filter from the filter cage. (fig. 4) Clean the
filter by gently tapping or brushing dirt off. Cleaning should not be done indoors
in living areas.
Use a mild soap and water solution to wash reusable cloth filter and rinse with
clean water. (fig. 5)
Allow the wet filter to air dry for 24 hours before installing onto the filter cage.

Installing Foam Sleeve Filter
1. Verify that the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. (fig.1)
2. Remove power head and place in upside down position. Follow instructions to
remove cloth filter.
3. Carefully slide foam sleeve filter down over the filter cage making sure the
whole cage is covered. (fig.2 & 3)
4. Replace the power head on to the container.
Cleaning Foam Sleeve Filter
1. With the removed power head in the upside down position, carefully remove
foam sleeve filter. (fig.4)
2. Use a mild soap and water solution to wash foam sleeve filter and rinse with
clean water. (fig.5)
3. Allow filter to air dry before installing and using again.
5
INSTALLING & CLEANING
FOAM SLEEVE FILTER
15

WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK-UNPLUG BEFORE TROUBLESHOOTING
Recycle unwanted marerials instead of disposing of them as waste, All
tools, accessories and Packaging should be sorted, taken to a recycling
centre and disposed of in a manner which is compatible with the environ-
ment.
Symptom
Vacuum will not operate.
Dust comes from motor cover.
Reduced efficiency and
motor/speed vibration.
Possible Causes
1) No power supply.
2) Faulty power cord.
3) Container full of liquid.
1) The dust filter is missing
or damaged.
1) There is a blockage in
the nozzle, the hose, or the
container inlet, or the dust
filter is blocked by fine dust.
Corrective Action
1) Check power supply – cord,
breakers, fuses.
2) Check the power cord and
repair it or replace it if necessary.
3) Empty container.
1) Attach or replace dust filter.
1) Check the nozzle, the hose,
and the container inlet for
blockage. Take off the dust filter,
and wash
and clean it. Reuse it when it is
dry. It is recommended to use a
new dust filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
16