Shop Vac Ch87 10 Gallon* 6.0 Peak Hp** Contractor Series Wet/dry Vacuum User Manual (+ PDF)

ATTENTION!
Read all safety rules carefully before attempting to operate. Retain for future reference.
DANGER!
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. NEVER OPERATE UNATTENDED!

For your records, please record the following information and store this user manual in a safe location.
Catalog No……………..
(Located on the carton)
Model No…………..
(Located on the top portion of the vacuum)
Purchase Date:………………….

Safety Glasses

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electric appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE.
WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY:

Do not leave the appliance when plugged in. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before servicing.
Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See Grounding Instructions.
Do not expose to rain – store indoors.
Do not allow it to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
Use only as described in this manual. Use only the Manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
Do not use with 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 for assistance.
Do Not: pull or carry by cord, 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 appliance over the cord. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug; not the cord.
Do not handle plugs or appliances with wet hands.
Do not put any objects into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.
Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
Do not use without a dust bag and/or filters in place.
Turn off all controls before unplugging.
Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas where they may be present.
Do not use your cleaner as a sprayer of flammable liquids such as oil base paints, lacquers, household cleaners, etc.
Do not vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, combustible or other hazardous materials such as asbestos, arsenic, barium, beryllium, lead, pesticides, or other health-endangering materials. Specially designed units are available for these purposes.
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 pass through the foam and affect the performance of the motor or be exhausted back into the air. Additional collection filter bags are available.
Do not leave the cord lying on the floor once you have finished the cleaning job. It can become a tripping hazard.
Use special care when emptying heavily loaded tanks.
To avoid spontaneous combustion, empty the tank after each use.
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.
STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not use a vacuum cleaner when you are tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication causing diminished control.
WARNING! 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
shop vac CH87 10 Gallon 6 0 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum - Fig 1 WARNING – DO NOT LEAVE THE VACUUM UNATTENDED WHEN IT IS PLUGGED IN AND/OR OPERATING. UNPLUG THE UNIT WHEN NOT IN USE.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance 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 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

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D.)

WARNING – IMPROPER CONNECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT-GROUNDING CONDUCTORS 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 that looks like the plug illustrated in sketch A. A temporary adaptor that looks like the adaptor illustrated in sketches B and C may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle as shown in sketch B if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adaptor should be used only until a properly grounded outlet (sketch A) can be installed by a qualified electrician. The green-colored rigid ear, lug or the like extending from the adaptor
must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box cover. Whenever the adaptor is used, it must be held in place by a metal screw.
IN CANADA, THE USE OF A TEMPORARY ADAPTOR IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE. Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug. No adaptor should be used with this appliance.
shop vac CH87 10 Gallon 6 0 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum - Fig 2

EXTENSION CORDS

When using the appliance 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. Use Table A to determine the A.W.G. wire size required. To determine the ampere rating of your vacuum, refer to the nameplate located on the motor housing. Before using the appliance, inspect the power cord for loose or exposed wires and damaged insulation. Make any needed repairs or replacements before using your appliance. Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords which have three-prong grounding-type plugs and three-pole receptacles which accept the extension cord’s plug. When vacuuming liquids, be sure the extension cord connection does not come in contact with the liquid.
NOTE: STATIC SHOCKS ARE COMMON IN DRY AREAS OR WHEN THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF THE AIR IS LOW. THIS IS ONLY TEMPORARY AND DOES NOT AFFECT THE USE OF THE APPLIANCE. TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF STATIC SHOCKS IN YOUR HOME, THE BEST REMEDY IS TO ADD MOISTURE TO THE AIR WITH A CONSOLE OR INSTALLED HUMIDIFIER.
TABLE A

Volts	The total length of the cord in feet
120V	25	50	100	150
Ampere Rating More Not More Than Than	AWG
0 – 6 6 – 10 10 – 12	18 18 18	16 16 16	16 14 14	14 12 12

UNPACKING

Pull the lid latches in an outward motion and remove the tank cover. Remove any accessories and literature that may have been packed in the vacuum tank.

ASSEMBLY

ATTACHING DOLLY

To attach the dolly to the bottom of the tank, lift the vacuum using the top handle. Position the vacuum above the dolly with the front of the vacuum facing the front of the dolly (side with the release lever).
Place the tab on the back bottom of the tank into a slot in the back of the dolly.
Push downward on the front of the vacuum until the front of the tank clips into the lever on a dolly.

REMOVING DOLLY
To remove the dolly, gently push down on the release lever with your foot. While holding release the lever down, and lift upwards on the vacuum using the top carry handle.
shop vac CH87 10 Gallon 6 0 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum - Fig 6 TOOL HOLDER
(Not standard with all models)
If your unit came with a tool holder, assemble it as follows:

Set tank cover onto the tank. Position with the back of the tank cover facing you.
Take the tool holder and place tabs on the tool holder into slots on the back of the tank cover.
Press down until tabs snap into place. Remove the tank cover from the tank and refer to the setup and operation section.

SET UP AND OPERATION

DANGER – This equipment incorporates parts such as switches, motors, or the like that tend to produce arcs or sparks that can cause an explosion. Do not pick up flammable,
combustible, or hot materials. Do not use around explosive liquids or vapors, as electrical devices produce arcs or sparks which can cause a fire or explosion – do not use at filling stations or anywhere gasoline is stored or dispensed.

Refer to the filter installation and maintenance section to make sure the correct filters are installed for your cleaning operation.
Replace the tank cover, and apply pressure with your thumb to each latch until it snaps tightly into place. Make certain all lid latches are clamped securely.
Install the machine hose end into the inlet located on the front of the tank.
Attach the desired cleaning accessory to the accessory end of the hose.
NOTE: Many more useful tools are available at your local dealer or the Shop-Vac® website.
Plug the cord into the wall outlet. Your cleaner is ready for use.
I = ON, O = OFF

FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

FILTRATION SYSTEM
There are a variety of filters available for your vacuum. There are cage filters that install onto the underside of the tank cover and tank filters that install into the tank. The filters are grouped into three filtration categories. General filtration is used for large debris; such as wood chips, nails, and gravel. Medium filtration is used for medium debris; such as dirt, sand, and sawdust. Fine filtration is used for fine debris; such as drywall dust, cold ash, and cement dust. It is important to have the correct filters installed for your cleaning operation to protect your vacuum motor. THE MOST EFFICIENT FILTRATION FOR YOUR VACUUM IS A FINE FILTRATION CAGE FILTER WITH A FINE FILTRATION TANK FILTER.
NOTE: When using the vacuum pick up very fine dust. It will be necessary to empty the tank and clean the cage filter at more frequent intervals to maintain maximum pick-up power or add a disposable filter bag.
DRY PICK-UP OPERATION
NOTE: Never use the vacuum for dry pick-up without a dry-use filter installed. Using the vacuum without a filter will cause dust to discharge from the blower port and cause damage to the motor.
WARNING – ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE WALL OUTLET
BEFORE REMOVING THE TANK COVER.
Follow the instructions for the filter that came with your vacuum. Some filters mentioned do not come standard with all vacuums. Additional filters are available at your local dealer or the Shop-Vac® website.
CARTRIDGE FILTER
The cartridge filter can be used for dry pick up and small quantities of wet pick up. Installation is the same for both. When picking up fine dust or powders a high-efficiency filter bag must be used with the cartridge filter.

If a foam sleeve is installed on the lid cage, remove it by sliding it off the lid cage.
NOTE: If the cartridge filter has been used for wet pick up, it must be cleaned and dried before using it for dry pick up.
With the tank cover in an upside-down position, slide the cartridge down over the lid cage, pushing until the filter seals against the cover.
Place the filter retainer at the top of the cartridge filter. Hold the tank cover with one hand, and turn the handle on the filter retainer clockwise to lock the filter into place.
To remove the filter for cleaning, hold the tank cover and turn the filter retainer counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it.
Slide the cartridge filter off the lid cage.
For standard cartridge filters and Ultra-Web® cartridge filters, clean the filter by shaking or gently brushing off excess dirt. Extremely dirty filters may be cleaned with water by rinsing from the inside of the filter. Dry completely (approximately 24 hours).
For the CleanStream® Abrasive Resistant cartridge filter, tap the end cap against a hard surface to loosen debris.
Additional debris can be removed by rinsing the outside surface of the filter with running water. Avoid dampening the inside of the filter. Completely air dry after washing. IMPORTANT: DO NOT BRUSH. DO NOT clean the filter with abrasive materials or scrub between pleats. This will permanently damage the filter’s ability to stop dust.
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 tear.

FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE (CONT’D.)
NOTICE – This filter is made of high-quality paper designed to stop small particles of dust. The filter can be used for wet or dry pick-up. A dry filter is necessary to pick up dry material. If you use your vac to pick up dust when the filter is wet, the filter will clog quickly and be very difficult to clean. The filter may become saturated when picking up large quantities of liquid causing misting to appear in the exhaust air. At this time, you should dry or change the filter to eliminate this occurrence. Please handle the filter carefully when removing it for cleaning or when installing it. Check the filter for tears or small holes. Even a small hole can cause dust to be exhausted. Do not use a filter with holes or tears. Replace it immediately.
WARNING – KEEP FILTERS CLEAN. THE EFFICIENCY OF THE VACUUM IS LARGELY DEPENDENT ON THE FILTER. A CLOGGED FILTER CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE CLEANER. CHECK THE FILTER PERIODICALLY AND REPLACE IT AS REQUIRED.
DISPOSABLE FILTER BAG
Use the disposable filter bag in conjunction with the cartridge filter for easy disposal of the debris. The bag is not required for normal dry pick-up. When picking up fine dust or powders a high-efficiency filter bag must be used. NOTE: For dry use only.

Make sure the cord is disconnected from the receptacle, the tank cover is removed and the hose is disconnected from the tank inlet.
Remove the inlet deflector from the deflector guide. NOTE: Hose must be removed before the inlet deflector can be taken out.
With the opening of the inlet deflector facing the left or right side of the filter bag, slide the filter bag collar over the deflector matching notches of the bag collar to tabs on the inlet deflector. The bag will only fit properly one way.
Slide deflector with filter bag attached into deflector guide.
Reinsert the hose into the inlet and tighten the locking nut. When secured in place expand the bag and position it around the inside of the tank.
NOTE: When removing the filter bag from the tank, remove the inlet deflector from the filter bag collar and reinstall it in the deflector guide. An inlet deflector should always be in place for any type of cleaning.

WARNING – FOR FINE DUST AND POWDERS.
When vacuuming fine dust, or powders of any kind (plaster, drywall dust, cold ashes, concrete dust, etc.) a high-efficiency drywall filter bag must be used. When vacuuming normal household dust and debris, standard household disposable filter bags may be used.
WET PICK-UP OPERATION

Your vacuum can be used for wet pick-up. Remove ALL dirt and debris found in the tank. Remove all dry-use filters, including the filter bag, from the vacuum.
A clean cartridge filter may be used to pick up small quantities of liquid. To use the cartridge filter; follow the instructions under dry pick up.
For vacuuming large quantities of liquid use a foam sleeve. If a foam sleeve did not come standard with your unit, one may be purchased at your local dealer, the Shop-Vac® website or by contacting Shop-Vac® customer service. To use the foam sleeve; follow the instructions in this section.
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.
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 for more information. Raise the hose to drain any excess liquid into the tank. Follow the instructions in the emptying liquid waste section.
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.
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.

FOAM SLEEVE

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.
To clean the foam sleeve, side it up and off the lid cage. Shake excess debris off of the foam sleeve with a rapid up and down movement.
Hold the foam sleeve under running water for a couple of minutes, rinsing from the inside of the filter. A water wash is not always required, depending on the condition of the filter.
Check the filter for tears. If any are found, replace them with a new filter.

shop vac CH87 10 Gallon 6 0 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum - Fig 15

BLOWER FEATURE

Your vacuum can be used as a powerful blower. To use the blower feature, clear the hose of any debris or obstructions.

For vacuums with a blower port cover (not standard on all models), unscrew the blower port cover located on the back of the tank cover. The blower port cover is equipped with
a retaining strap to prevent loss of the cover. NOTE: For maximum performance when vacuuming, remove the blower port cover.
Insert the machine hose end into the blower port located on the back of the tank cover.
Twist the hose end slightly to tighten the connection. Caution should be used when using as a blower due to the powerful force of air when using certain attachments.

shop vac CH87 10 Gallon 6 0 Peak HP Contractor Series Wet Dry Vacuum - Fig 16

WARNING – 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.

EMPTYING LIQUID WASTE FROM THE TANK

To empty liquid waste from the tank, turn the vacuum off and remove the plug from the wall outlet. Remove the tank cover and deposit the liquid waste in a suitable drain. Use side carry handles for lifting vac when draining tank into drains that are located above floor level. After the tank is empty, return the tank cover to its original position.

AUTOMATIC SUCTION SHUT OFF

The vacuum 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 is drastically reduced. If this occurs, turn the unit off immediately. Failure to turn the unit off after float rises and shuts off suction will result in extensive damage to the motor. To continue use, empty the liquid waste from the tank as outlined in the previous section.
NOTE: IF ACCIDENTALLY TIPPED OVER, THE VACUUM COULD LOSE SUCTION, IF THIS OCCURS, TURN THE UNIT OFF AND PLACE VAC IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THIS WILL ALLOW THE FLOAT TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATION.

LUBRICATION

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

STORAGE

Before storing your vacuum the tank should be emptied and cleaned. Never allow liquids to sit in the tank for any extended period of time.
The power cord can be wrapped around the cord wraps provided on the top of the tank cover located in front and behind the handle.
To remove the cord from the cord wraps grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap located behind the handle, and turn counter-clockwise 180° until the tip of the cord wrap is above the handle.
Grasp the entire cord behind the handle and pull above the rear cord wrap, pull the cord towards the front of the vac until the cord becomes disconnected from the front cord wrap.
Grasp the sides of the rear cord wrap and turn clockwise 180° to return it to its original position. The vacuum should be stored indoors.

SERVICE

Do not attempt to service your Shop-Vac® wet/dry vacuum cleaner beyond that described in this manual. Refer all other servicing to a qualified service center.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTION
Parts/accessories missing	1. Packed in tank	1. Check in tank
The vacuum cleaner will not start	1.No power at the receptacle 2. Defective switch 3. Defective motor	1. Check for power 2. Contact Shop-Vac° customer service 3. Contact Shop-Vac® customer service
Dust discharging from the exhaust	1. Filter not installed/not installed properly 2. Filter damaged 3. Filter clogged or dust is too fine 4. Filter not functional	1. Properly install the filter 2. Replace the filter 3. Use a more efficient filter 4. Clean or replace the filter
Loss of suction	1. Loose hose connection 2. Filter clogged 3. Full tank 4. Hole in hose	1. Tighten the hose connection 2. Clean or replace the filter 3. Empty tank 4. Replace the hose
Static shock	1. Dry environment 2. Relative humidity of air is low	1. Add moisture to the air (if practical, use a console or installed humidifier). 2. This situation is temporary and does not affect the use of the vacuum cleaner.

WARNING – 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.

ONE-YEAR INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

One-year limited warranty
Shop-Vac® warrants the vacuum cleaner contained in this package for one year from the date of purchase to correct by repair or parts replacement without charge for any product defect due to faulty material or workmanship. Should this product be used for rental service, a 90-day limited warranty will apply. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ACCESSORIES. Shop-Vac® assumes no responsibility for damage or faulty performance caused by misuse or careless handling, or where repairs or modifications have been made or attempted by others. Proof of purchase date is required. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province.

Visit www.shopvac.com for your vacuum’s parts list schematic.
Contact Shop-Vac® Customer Service if any parts are missing or damaged.
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