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WALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286
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(JUL04) Form No. 626052-00
DC500
The following are trademarks for one or more D
WALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme;
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the "D" shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array
of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY D
CALL US TOLL FREE AT 1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433-9258)
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
AND INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY
• Before any use, be sure everyone using this vacuum reads and understands all safety
instructions and other information contained in this manual.
• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
When using an electric vacuum, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce
risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING VACUUM
WARNING
: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
• DO NOT leave vacuum when plugged in. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before
servicing.
• DO NOT allow vacuum 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 manufacturer's recommended
attachments.
• DO NOT use with damaged cord or plug. If vacuum is not working as it should, has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
• DO NOT pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord
around sharp edges or corners. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• DO NOT handle plug or vacuum with wet hands.
• KEEP hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving
parts.
• 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 pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot
ashes.
• STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, the vacuum should be stored in a dry, high or
locked up place – out of reach of children.
• MAINTAIN TOOL WITH CARE. Keep fan area clean for best and safest performance.
Follow instructions for proper maintenance.
• DO NOT attempt to repair the vacuum. To assure product safety and reliability, repairs,
maintenance, and adjustments should be performed by authorized D
centers.
• DO NOT unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• DO NOT use without filter in place.
• DO NOT use in areas where explosive vapors may be present.
• DO NOT use to pick up explosive dust, or in areas where air contains explosive dust such
as coal, grain, or other combustible material.
• Static shocks are possible 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 vacuum. To reduce the frequency of
static shocks, add moisture to the air with a console or installed humidifier.
• TO AVOID spontaneous combustion, empty tank after each use.
• DO NOT put any objects into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of
dust, lint, hair and everything that may reduce air flow.
WARNING: Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:
• compounds in fertilizers
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
• THE BLOWER operation can result in foreign objects being blown into eyes, which can
result in eye damage. Always wear safety goggles when using blower feature.
• DO NOT place outlet of vacuum near eyes or ears when operating.
• DISCONNECT BATTERY PACK FROM VACUUM AND/OR VACUUM FROM THE
POWER SUPPLY BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS CHANGING ACCES-
SORIES, SERVICING, MOVING, OR STORING THE VACUUM. Such preventative safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
• AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure the switch is in the OFF position before insert-
ing the battery pack or plugging the vacuum into a wall outlet.
• USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the instruction manual for recommend-
ed accessories. The use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury to persons.
• NEVER STAND ON VACUUM. Serious injury could occur if the vacuum is tipped.
• NEVER LEAVE VACUUM RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF.
• KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN AND WELL LIT. Cluttered benches and dark areas
invite accidents.
• AVOID BODY CONTACT WITH GROUNDED SURFACES SUCH AS PIPES, RADIA-
TORS, RANGES AND REFRIGERATORS. There is an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.
• DO NOT OVERREACH. KEEP PROPER FOOTING AND BALANCE AT ALL TIMES.
Proper footing and balance enables better control of the vacuum in unexpected situations.
• USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
• DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT ON OR OFF. Any tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED REPAIR PERSONNEL.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
• WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS MANUAL. Use of unau-
thorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of electric
shock or injury.
• DON'T EXPOSE VACUUM TO RAIN. Store indoors.
• WHEN OPERATING A VACUUM OUTSIDE, USE AN OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD
MARKED "W-A" OR "W." These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of
electric shock.
Ampere Rating
More Not more
Than
Double Insulation
Double insulated vacuums are constructed throughout with two separate layers of electrical
insulation or one double thickness of insulation between you and the vacuum's electrical sys-
tem. Vacuums built with this insulation system are not intended to be grounded. As a result,
your vacuum is equipped with a two prong plug which permits you to use extension cords with-
out concern for maintaining a ground connection.
NOTE: Double insulation does not take the place of normal safety precautions when operating
this vacuum. The insulation system is for added protection against injury resulting from a
possible electrical insulation failure within the vacuum.
CAUTION: WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. Repair
or replace damaged cords.
Polarized Plugs
Polarized plugs (one blade is wider than the other) are used on equipment to reduce the risk
of electric shock. When provided, this plug will fit in the polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified elec-
trician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Additional Specific Safety Rules for All Battery
Operated Tools
• A battery operated tool with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must be
recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be suit-
able for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.
• Use battery operated tool only with the specifically designed battery pack. Use of any
other batteries may create a risk of fire.
• Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such pre-
ventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a con-
nection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause
Copyright © 2003, 2004
sparks, burns, or a fire.
NOTE: Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for use whenever the
battery is out of the tool or charger. Remove cap before placing battery in charger
or tool.
WARNING: Do not store or carry battery so that metal objects can contact
WALT TOOL,
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exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place battery in aprons, pockets,
tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, etc. without battery
cap. Transporting batteries can possibly cause fires if the battery terminals inadver-
tently come in contact with conductive materials such as keys, coins, hand tools and
the like. The US Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) actu-
ally prohibit transporting batteries in commerce or on airplanes (i.e., packed in suitcases and
carry-on luggage) UNLESS they are properly protected from short circuits. So when trans-
porting individual batteries, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well insu-
lated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit.
• The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions
are as follows:
V ....................volts
Hz ..................hertz
min ................minutes
..............direct current
..................Class II Construction
..................safety alert symbol
Important Safety Instructions for Battery Packs
Before using the battery pack and charger, read the safety instructions below. Then follow
charging procedures outlined.
• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire.
• A small leakage of liquid from the battery pack cells may occur under extreme usage
or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal is
broken and this leakage gets on your skin:
a. Wash quickly with soap and water.
b. Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
c. If battery liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 10 min-
utes and seek immediate medical attention. (Medical note: The liquid is 25-35% solu-
tion of potassium hydroxide.)
• Do not carry extra battery packs in aprons, pockets, or tool boxes along with other
metal objects. Battery pack could be short circuited causing damage to the battery pack
and possibly causing severe burns or fire.
• Charge the battery packs only in D
• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
NOTE: The batteries in your battery pack are the nickel-cadmium type. Cadmium is consid-
ered to be a toxic material by the Environmental Protection Agency. Before disposing of dam-
aged or worn out Nickel-Cadmium battery packs, check with your state Environmental
WALT service
Protection Agency to find out about special restrictions on the disposal of these battery packs
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or return them to a D
• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may
reach or exceed 105°F (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer).
DANGER: Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If battery pack case is
cracked or damaged, do not insert into charger. Electric shock or electrocution may result.
Damaged battery packs should be returned to service center for recycling.
The RBRC™ Seal
The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) Seal on the nickel-
cadmium battery (or battery pack) indicates that the costs to recycle the battery
(or battery pack) at the end of its useful life have already been paid by D
In some areas, it is illegal to place spent nickel-cadmium batteries in the trash
or municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC™ program provides an environ-
mentally conscious alternative.
RBRC™ in cooperation with D
the United States to facilitate the collection of spent nickel-cadmium batteries. Help protect our
environment and conserve natural resources by returning the spent nickel-cadmium battery to
an authorized D
tact your local recycling center for information on where to drop off the spent battery.
Important Safety Instructions for Battery Chargers
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS: This manual contains important safety instructions for
battery chargers.
• Before using charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on charger, battery
pack, and product using battery pack.
DANGER: 120 volts are present at charging terminals. Do not probe with conductive
objects. Electric shock or electrocution may result.
WARNING: Do not allow any liquid to get inside charger. Electric shock may result.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury, charge only D
batteries. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
CAUTION: Under certain conditions, with the charger plugged in to the power supply, the
exposed charging contacts inside the charger can be shorted by foreign material. Foreign
materials of a conductive nature such as, but not limited to, steel wool, aluminum foil, or any
buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from charger cavities. Always unplug the
charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity. Unplug charger
before attempting to clean.
• DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than the ones in
this manual. The charger and battery pack are specifically designed to work together.
Minimum Gage for Cord Sets
120 Volts
0-25 ft.
26-50 ft.
51-100 ft.
Than
0
-
6
18 AWG
16 AWG
16 AWG
A....................amperes
W ..................watts
................alternating current
n o ..................no load speed
..................earthing terminal
.../min ............revolutions per minute
WALT chargers.
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WALT certified service center for recycling.
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WALT and other battery users, has established programs in
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WALT service center or to your local retailer for recycling. You may also con-
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WALT nickel cadmium rechargeable
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101-150 ft.
14 AWG
WALT.
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