SHOP-VAC EAL (01) PDF Document

When using an electric appliance, basic precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

1. Do not leave the SHOP-VAC EAL when plugged in. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before servicing. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only.

2. Do not expose to rain – store indoors.

3. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

4. Use only as described in this manual. Use only Manufacturer’s recommended attachments.

5. Do not use with a damaged cord or plug. If the appliance is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, contact Shop-Vac Corporation for assistance.

6. Do Not: pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on the cord, or pull the cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run the appliance over the cord. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.

7. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

8. Do not handle the plug or appliance with wet hands.

9. Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce air flow.

10. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.

11. Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.

12. Do not use without a 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 your cleaner as a sprayer of flammable liquids such as oil-based paints, lacquers, household cleaners, 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 a cartridge filter and collection filter bag in place. These are very fine particles that may affect motor performance or be exhausted back into the air.

19. Do not leave the cord lying on the floor once you have finished the cleaning job, as it can become a tripping hazard.

20. Use special care when emptying heavily loaded tanks.

21. To avoid spontaneous combustion, empty the tank after each use.

22. The operation of a utility vac can result in foreign objects being blown into the eyes, which can result in eye damage. Always wear safety goggles when operating the vacuum.

23. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use the vacuum cleaner when you are tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication causing diminished control.

24. Do NOT use this vacuum cleaner to vacuum lead paint debris because this may disperse fine lead particles into the air. This vacuum cleaner is not intended for use under EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 745 for lead paint material cleanup.

The SHOP-VAC EAL must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

This appliance is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and has a grounded plug. A temporary adapter may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician. The green-colored rigid ear, lug, or the like extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box cover. Whenever the adapter is used, it must be held in place by a metal screw.

In Canada, the use of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the Canadian Electrical Code. Make sure the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug. No adapter should be used with this appliance.

When using the SHOP-VAC EAL at a distance where an extension cord becomes necessary, a 3-conductor grounding cord of adequate size must be used for safety and to prevent loss of power and overheating. Refer to the nameplate located on the motor housing to determine the ampere rating of your vacuum. Before using the appliance, inspect the power cord for loose or exposed wires and damaged insulation. Make any needed repairs or replacements before use. Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords which have three-prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles that accept the extension cord’s plug. When vacuuming liquids, be sure the extension cord connection does not come in contact with the liquid.

Use the following table to determine the required A.W.G. (American Wire Gauge) wire size:

Note that accessories and filters may be packed inside the tank.

1. Lift the fold-down handle into the upright position and lock it in place.

2. To return the handle to the down position, push the locked tabs to the unlock position (unlocked symbol).

3. Lower the handle. The handle must be in the upright and locked position to unlock the lid latches.

4. Pull the lid latches out from the bottom, lift up on the bottom of the latch, and bring it down to the side of the tank.

5. Lift the cover off the tank by using the handle on top of the cover.

6. Remove any accessories and literature that may have been packed in the vacuum tank.

1. Before replacing the tank cover, refer to the Dry Pick Up or Wet Pick Up Operation sections to ensure you have the proper filters installed for your cleaning operation.

2. Replace the tank cover. Lift the latches up and place them in the grooves on the cover. Push in on the bottom of the latches to lock them in place.

3. Insert the machine hose end with the locking nut into the tank inlet. Turn the locking nut to tighten. Do not over-tighten.

4. Attach the extension wands to the accessory end of the hose. Twist slightly to tighten the connection.

5. Attach one of the cleaning accessories (depending on your cleaning requirements) to the extension wands. Twist slightly to tighten the connection.

6. Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your SHOP-VAC EAL is ready for use. The switch is marked I = ON, O = OFF.

Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before removing the tank cover.

Note: If a foam sleeve is installed on the lid cage, remove it before installing the cartridge filter.

1. The cartridge filter can be used for dry pick up and small quantities of wet pick up. For large quantities of water, a foam sleeve is recommended. When picking up fine dust or powders, a high-efficiency filter bag must be used with the cartridge filter. If the cartridge filter has been used for wet pick up, it must be cleaned and dried before being used for dry pick up.

2. With the tank cover in an upside-down position, slide the cartridge filter down over the lid cage, pushing until the filter seals against the cover.

3. Place the filter retainer into the top of the cartridge filter.

4. Hold the tank cover with one hand and turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to tighten, locking the filter into place.

5. To remove the filter for cleaning, hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it.

6. Slide the cartridge filter off the lid cage.

7. To clean the cartridge filter, shake or brush off excess dirt.

8. Alternatively, rinse the filter from the inside with water. Allow it to dry completely (approximately 24 hours).

9. Check the filter for tears or small holes. If none are found, reinstall the filter. To prevent damage to your vacuum, do not use a filter with a hole or a tear.

This feature is not standard with all models and is only for dry pick up with a cartridge filter. Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before using the cartridge filter cleaner.

1. Rotate the cord wrap 180 degrees counter-clockwise from its original position.

2. Move the cartridge filter cleaner handle up and down 2 to 3 times, or more if necessary, to clean the filter.

3. Place the handle in its original position and push down on the handle ends with your thumbs to secure it in place.

4. Rotate the rear cord wrap 180 degrees clockwise to return it to its original position.

Note: A foam sleeve cannot be used when the cartridge filter cleaner is attached to the vacuum.

Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before performing this action.

1. Remove the cover from the tank. Turn the cover upside down. Hold one rod on the cover and twist the brush to the unlock position until the brush tab is removed from the rod. Repeat for the second rod and brush tab. The brush is now disengaged from the rods.

2. Remove the filter cleaner brush. Remove the filter retainer and cartridge filter.

3. To install a new filter and reattach the brush, align the brush tabs with the opening of the locking unit on the rods. Snap the brush tabs into the locking unit. The brush is now locked in place.

4. Place the new cartridge filter and retainer into place.

Note: The filter cleaner brush must be removed for wet pickup or when using a foam sleeve.

Always disconnect the plug from the wall outlet before removing the tank cover. Use the disposable filter bag for dry pick up only, in conjunction with the cartridge filter for easy disposal of debris.

1. Use for dry pick up only. When picking up fine dust or powders, a high-efficiency filter bag must be used.

2. With the cord disconnected, pull the latches in an outward motion from the bottom and remove the tank cover.

3. Unscrew the hose locking nut and remove the hose from the inlet.

4. Remove the inlet deflector from the deflector guide. Note: The hose must be removed before the inlet deflector can be taken out.

5. Position the inlet deflector with the opening facing the left or the right side of the filter bag. Slide the filter bag collar over the inlet deflector, matching the notches of the bag collar to the tabs on the inlet deflector. The bag will only fit properly one way.

6. Slide the inlet deflector with the filter bag attached into the deflector guide.

7. Reinsert the hose into the inlet and tighten the locking nut.

8. When secured in place, expand the filter bag and position it around the inside of the tank. Replace the tank cover.

Note: When removing the filter bag from the tank, remove the inlet deflector from the filter bag collar. Reinstall the inlet deflector into the deflector guide. The inlet deflector must be in place for any type of cleaning.

1. Your SHOP-VAC EAL can be used for wet pick up. Remove ALL dirt and debris found in the tank. Remove all dry use only filters, including the filter bag, from the vacuum.

2. A clean cartridge filter may be used to pick up small quantities of liquid. To use the cartridge filter, follow the cleaning and installation instructions for dry pick up.

3. For vacuuming large quantities of liquid, use a foam sleeve (not standard with all models). Follow the installation instructions for the foam sleeve.

4. Misting in the exhaust air or dripping of liquid around the tank cover may occur if the filter becomes saturated during wet pick up. If this occurs, remove the filter and allow it to dry, or replace it with another dry filter.

5. Turn the unit off immediately upon completing a wet pick up job or when the tank is full and ready to be emptied. When the tank is full, suction will drastically reduce. Refer to the “automatic suction shut off” section. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. Follow the “emptying liquid waste” instructions.

6. Before storing the vacuum cleaner or using it for dry pick up, clean and dry the interior of the tank and the underside of the tank cover. Clean and allow the filters to dry completely.

Note: Wet pick up accessories should be washed periodically, especially after picking up wet, sticky kitchen accidents. This can be accomplished with a warm solution of soap and water.

1. With the tank cover in an upside-down position, slide the foam sleeve down over the lid cage, pulling until the foam sleeve completely covers the lid cage.

2. To clean the foam sleeve, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. Remove the tank cover and place the cover in an upside-down position. Remove the foam sleeve by sliding it up and off the lid cage.

3. Shake excess debris off the foam sleeve with a rapid up and down movement.

4. Hold the foam sleeve under running water for a minute or two, rinsing from the inside of the filter. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the foam sleeve.

5. Check the filter for tears. If any are found, replace it with a new filter.

Your SHOP-VAC EAL can be used as a powerful blower. Always wear eye protection to prevent rocks or debris from being blown or ricocheting into the eyes or face, which can result in serious injury.

1. Unscrew the blower port cover located on the backside of the tank cover.

2. Clear the hose of any obstructions.

3. Insert the machine hose end with the locking nut into the blower port and tighten the locking nut. Do not over-tighten.

4. Use caution when using the blower due to the powerful force of air with certain attachments.

Note: For maximum performance when vacuuming, remove the blower port cover.

To empty the tank, turn the unit off and remove the plug from the wall receptacle. To empty liquid into a floor drain, the vacuum is equipped with an easy-flow drain. Twist the drain cap until liquid starts to flow. Pull the drain out, keeping the opening at the bottom. The further you pull it out, the faster the liquid will flow. After the tank is empty, return the drain cap to its original position. To continue use, plug the cord into the wall receptacle and turn the unit on. Use the side carry handles for lifting the vac when draining the tank into drains that are located above floor level.

The SHOP-VAC EAL is equipped with an automatic suction shut-off that operates when picking up liquids. As the level of the liquid rises in the tank, an internal float rises until it seats itself against a seal at the intake of the motor, shutting off suction. When this happens, the motor will develop a higher than normal pitch noise, and the suction will be drastically reduced. If this occurs, turn the unit off immediately. Failure to turn the unit off after the float rises and shuts off suction will result in extensive damage to the motor. To continue use, empty the liquid waste from the tank.

Note: If the vacuum is accidentally tipped over, it could lose suction. If this occurs, turn the unit off and place it in an upright position. This will allow the float to return to its normal position, and you will be able to continue operation.

No lubrication is necessary as the motor is equipped with lifetime lubricated bearings.

1. The power cord can be wrapped around the cord wraps provided on the top of the tank cover, located in front of and behind the handle.

2. To remove the cord from the cord wraps, grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap located behind the handle and turn it counter-clockwise 180° until the tip of the cord wrap is above the handle.

3. Grasp the entire cord behind the handle and pull it above the rear cord wrap. Pull the cord towards the front of the vac until it becomes disconnected from the front cord wrap.

4. Grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap and turn it clockwise 180° to return it to its original position.

5. Accessories may be stored in the accessory caddy. The hose may be stored in the hose holder. To do this, place one end of the hose between the hose holder posts and the tank bottom. Wrap the hose around the tank bottom, keeping the hose tucked between the posts and the tank bottom.

The vacuum should be stored indoors.

Do not attempt to service your SHOP-VAC EAL wet/dry vacuum cleaner beyond that described in the user manual. Refer all other servicing to a qualified service center.

The parts and accessories may be packed in the tank. Please check inside the tank.

If your SHOP-VAC EAL will not start, check for the following possible causes and solutions:

1. No power at receptacle: Check for power at the outlet.

2. Defective switch: If the switch is defective, contact customer service.

3. Defective motor: If the motor is defective, contact customer service.

If dust is discharging from the exhaust, consider these causes and solutions:

1. Filter not installed/not installed properly: Properly install the filter.

2. Filter damaged: Replace the filter.

3. Filter clogged or dust is too fine: Use a more efficient filter.

4. Filter not functional: Clean or replace the filter.

If you experience a loss of suction, check the following:

1. Loose hose connection: Tighten the hose connection.

2. Filter clogged: Clean or replace the filter.

3. Full tank: Empty the tank.

4. Hole in hose: Replace the hose.

Static shocks are common in dry environments or when the relative humidity of the air is low. This situation is temporary and does not affect the use of the vacuum cleaner. To address this, you can add moisture to the air (if practical, use a console or installed humidifier).

If any of the motor housing parts should become detached or broken, exposing the motor or any other electrical components, operation should be discontinued immediately to avoid personal injury or further damage to the vacuum. Repairs should be made before reusing the vacuum.