VC 40H-X
VC 40H-XE

About this documentation

• Read this documentation before initial operation or use. This is a prerequisite for safe, trouble-free handling and use of the product.
  
• Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.
  
• Always keep the operating instructions with the product and make sure that the operating instructions are with the product when it is given to other persons.
  

Explanation of symbols

Warnings

Symbols in the documentation

	Read the operating instructions before use
	Instructions for use and other useful information
	Dealing with recyclable materials
	Do not dispose of electric equipment and batteries as household waste

Symbols in the illustrations

	These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations found at the beginning of these operating instructions
	The numbering reflects the sequence of operations shown in the illustrations and may deviate from the steps described in the text
	Item reference numbers are used in the overview illustrations and refer to the numbers used in the product overview section
	This symbol is intended to draw special attention to certain points when handling the product.
	Wireless data transfer

Additional symbols

Transport by crane is not permissible.

Product-dependent symbols

Symbols on the product

Warning: hot surface

Special stickers on the product

Product information

• Write down the serial number in the table below. You will be required to state the product details when contacting Hilti Service or your local Hilti organization to inquire about the product.
  Product information

  Wet / dry vacuum cleaner	VC 40H-X VC 40H-XE
  Generation	01
  Serial no.

Declaration of conformity

General safety instructions

• Read all the instructions. Failure to follow all the instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
  
• If the appliance is used in conjunction with an electric tool, read and follow the operating instructions for the electric tool and all the warnings.
  
• Modification of the appliance is not permitted.
  
• Use the right appliance for the job. Do not use the appliance for purposes for which it was not intended. Use it only as directed and when in faultless condition.
  
• Before beginning work with the appliance, find out how to operate it correctly and about any hazards associated with the materials it will be picking up and how these materials can be disposed of.
  
• Take the influences of the surrounding area into account. Do not use the appliance where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
  
• Store appliances in a secure place when not in use. When not in use, appliances must be stored in a dry, high place or locked away out of reach of children.
  
• Only persons who are familiar with it, who have been trained on how to use it safely and who understand the resulting hazards are permitted to use the device. The device is not intended for use by children.
  

• Children must receive instruction and be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
  

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when working with the product. Do not use the vacuum cleaner while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the appliance may result in serious personal injury.
  
• The user and any other persons in the vicinity must wear suitable eye protection, a hard hat, ear protection, protective gloves, safety footwear and breathing protection while the appliance is in use or while maintenance work on it is being carried out.
  
• Engage the wheel brakes so that the tool stands securely. If the wheel brakes are not locked, the tool can begin to roll unchecked.
  
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of a vacuum cleaner can reduce dust-related hazards.
  

Use and care of the appliance

• Never leave the appliance unattended.
  
• Do not deactivate the filter cleaning system when picking up hazardous dusts, especially when the appliance is used in conjunction with electric tools that generate dust.
  
• Protect the appliance from frost.
  
• Clean the water level limiting device regularly with a brush, in accordance with the instructions, and check it for signs of damage.
  
• When fitting the top section of the vacuum cleaner, take care to avoid pinching your fingers or damaging the supply cord. This presents a risk of injury or damage.
  
• Check the appliance and its accessories for any damage. Guards, safety devices and any slightly damaged parts must be checked carefully to ensure that they function faultlessly and as intended. Check that moving parts function faultlessly, without sticking, and that no parts are damaged. In order to ensure faultless operation of the appliance, all parts must be fitted correctly and must meet the necessary requirements.
  
• Have the appliance serviced by a qualified repair person using only genuine Hilti spare parts. The safety of the appliance can thus be maintained.
  
• Always unplug the supply cord from the power outlet when the appliance is not in use (during breaks), before cleaning and maintenance and before changing the filter or accessories. This preventive safety measure reduces the risk of starting the appliance accidentally.
  
• Never pull the vacuum cleaner by the supply cord to a new working position. Do not run the wheels of the vacuum cleaner over the supply cord.
  
• Do not transport the appliance by crane.
  

• Close the hose inlet socket with the cap before transporting the appliance and when it is not in use.
  

Electrical safety

• The plug on the supply cord of the appliance must match the outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) appliances. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets reduce risk of electric shock.
  
• Insert the plug in a suitable earthed/grounded power outlet which has been correctly and safely installed and is in compliance with local regulations. If you are in doubt about the effectiveness of the power outlet’s earth/ground connection, have it checked by a qualified specialist.
  
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, cookers, stoves and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
  
• Do not expose the appliance to rain or wet conditions. Water entering an electric appliance will increase the risk of electric shock.
  
• Check to ensure that the supply cord does not lie in a puddle of water.
  
• Check the appliance’s supply cord at regular intervals and have it replaced by Hilti Service if damage is found. Check extension cords at regular intervals and replace them if found to be damaged.
  
• Do not touch the supply cord or extension cord if they are damaged while working. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet. Damaged supply cords or extension cords present a risk of electric shock.
  
• The electric supply cord may be replaced only with a cord of the type specified in the operating instructions.
  
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the appliance. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
  
• When operating an electric appliance outdoors, use only extension cords of a type suitable for outdoor use. Use of an extension cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
  
• In the event of an interruption in the electric supply, switch the appliance off and unplug it from the power outlet.
  
• Use the power outlet on the appliance only for the purposes described in the operating instructions.
  
• Never operate the appliance when it is dirty or wet. Dust (especially dust from conductive materials) or dampness adhering to the surface of the appliance may, under unfavorable conditions, lead to electric shock. Dirty or dusty appliances should thus be checked by Hilti Service at regular intervals, especially if used frequently for working on conductive materials.
  

Workplace

• Ensure that the workplace is well lit.
  
• Ensure that the workplace is well ventilated. Exposure to dust at a poorly ventilated workplace may result in damage to the health.
  
• Keep the workplace tidy. Objects which could cause injury should be removed from the working area. Untidiness at the workplace can lead to accidents.
  
• Do not operate the appliance in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Electric appliances cause sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
  
• Use extra care when working on stairs.
  

• Make sure that the air exchange rate L in the room is adequate if the spent air is vented into the room. Comply with the regulations applicable in the country in which the appliance is used.
  

The material picked up

• Do not use the device to vacuum up flammable and/or explosive dusts (magnesium or aluminum dust etc.) or dusts that constitute a health hazard. Do not use the appliance to vacuum up materials hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) (e.g. glowing cigarettes, hot ash).
  
• Do not use the appliance to pick up flammable, explosive or aggressive liquids (coolants and lubricants, gasoline, solvents, acids (pH < 5), alkalies (pH > 12.5), etc.).
  
• Switch the appliance off immediately if foam or liquids escape from it.
  
• Wear protective gloves when using the appliance to pick up hot materials at temperatures up to 60 °C (140 °F).
  
• When working with mineral drilling slurry, wear protective clothing and avoid skin contact with the slurry (pH > 9: caustic).
  
• Avoid contact with alkaline or acidic liquids. If contact accidentally occurs, rinse with water. In the event of the liquid coming into contact with the eyes, rinse the eyes with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
  

• The appliance is suitable for the vacuum pick-up of dry, non-flammable dusts, wood chips and hazardous dusts of EN 60335-2-69 dust class H. Do not operate the appliance without filter when picking up class H hazardous dusts.
  
• Do not use the appliance to wet-vacuum hazardous substances.
  
• When carrying out maintenance work, always wear a P2 or higher-classification dust mask and a disposable oversuit.
  
• Collected dust must be transported in dust-tight containers. Transfer of dust from one container to another is not permissible. Waste containing asbestos must be disposed of in accordance with the regulations and rules for waste disposal.
  
• Once removed, the main filter element cannot be re-used. Only persons with expert knowledge are permitted to replace permanently installed filters and the work must be carried out in a suitable environment, e.g. at a decontamination station. Dispose of the used filter in accordance with the applicable regulations.
  

Product overview

1. Power outlet on the appliance (only VC 40H-XE)
   
2. Automatic filter cleaning
   
3. Filter cleaning ON/OFF button
   
4. "Automatic filter cleaning system" status indicator
   
5. Control switch
   
6. Intake fitting
   
7. Waste material container
   
8. Grip recess
   
9. Catch
   
10. Suction head
    
11. Grip
    
12. Supply cord hook
    
13. Catch for filter cover with safety screw
    

Intended use

The products described here are industrial vacuum cleaners designed for universal, commercial use. They may be used for wet or dry applications.

Special safety instructions:

• Comply with the applicable national accident prevention regulations when working with H-class vacuum cleaners.

• After being used in an asbestos application in the "black" partitioned-off zone, a H-class vacuum cleaner cannot subsequently be used in the "white", or uncontaminated, zone.

  Exceptions are permissible only after the H-class vacuum cleaner has been decontaminated completely (i.e. also cooling space, installation spaces for electrical equipment, the equipment itself, etc.) by a person with expert knowledge in accordance with TRGS 519 Nr. 2.7. Decontamination must be recorded in writing and signed off by the person with expert knowledge.
  

• H-class vacuum cleaners must be serviced as necessary, but at least once a year. and if necessary repaired, and tested by a person with expert knowledge (qualification in accordance with TRGS 519 Nr. 5.3, Abs. 2. The test result must be produced on request.

• Waste containing asbestos must be disposed of in accordance with the regulations and rules for waste disposal.

This product is suitable for the following applications in commercial use:

• Collecting large quantities of dust from Hilti diamond grinders, diamond cutters, rotary hammers and core drilling machines using dry-cutting core bits.

• Vacuum pick-up of mineral drilling slurry with Hilti diamond core bits and Hilti diamond saws and liquid material up to a temperature < 60 °C (140 °F).

• Vacuum pick-up of oil and liquid media up to a temperature < 60 °C (140 °F).

• Wet and/or dry cleaning of wall and floor surfaces

Possible misuse

• Do not operate the industrial vacuum cleaner when it is laid on its side.
  

• Do not use the industrial vacuum cleaner to pick up substances that present a risk of explosion, glowing, burning or flammable substances or aggressive dusts (e.g. magnesium or aluminum dust, etc.) (exception: wood chips or shavings).
  

• Do not use the industrial vacuum cleaner to pick up flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, solvents, coolants and lubricants, etc.).
  

Items supplied

Warning tone

Automatic filter cleaning

Instructions for use

• It is essential to use a safety filter bag and a corresponding filter when vacuuming dust that contains asbestos.
  

Product properties

Rated voltage

Maximum volumetric flow rate and maximum vacuum

Noise and vibration information (measured in accordance with EN 60335)

Inserting the PE disposal bag

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Open the two catches.
   
3. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
4. Secure a new PE disposal bag in the waste material container.
   
5. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Inserting/changing the dust bag (for dust class H applications)

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Open the two catches.
   
3. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
4. Close the dust bag with a cable tie positioned below the felt vent opening.
   
5. Remove the dust bag.
   
6. Clean the waste material container with a cloth.
   
7. Fit a new dust bag in the waste material container.
   
8. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Inserting the safety filter bag (for asbestos applications)

1. Open the two catches.
   
2. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
3. Insert the safety filter bag.
   
4. Draw the safety filter bag over the container.
   
5. Insert the adapter of the safety filter bag into the holder.
   
6. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   
7. Check to ensure that the vacuum cleaner top section is fitted correctly and secured.
   

Removing/changing the safety filter bag (for asbestos applications)

1. Release the vacuum cleaner top section.
   
2. Pull the safety filter bag up at the flange.
   
3. Seal the intake of the safety filter bag.
   
4. Draw the safety filter bag up and close off the vent hole with the adhesive tab.
   
5. Use the cable tie affixed to the safety filter bag to close it securely.
   
   • Dispose of the dust-tight bag in accordance with the applicable regulations.
     
6. Clean the waste material container with a cloth.
   

Operation without use of the electric tool power outlet

1. Check that the switch on the appliance is in the “OFF” position off before plugging the supply cord into a power outlet.
   
2. Plug the vacuum cleaner’s supply cord into the power outlet.
   
3. Turn the control switch to the “ON” position.
   

Operation with use of the power outlet on the appliance

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner’s supply cord from the power outlet.
   
2. Check that the maximum power drawn by the electric tool is below the maximum permissible output of the power outlet on the vacuum cleaner (please refer to the “Technical data” section of the operating instructions and information printed at the power outlet on the appliance).
   
3. Check to ensure that the electric tool is switched off before plugging its supply cord into the power outlet.
   
4. Plug the electric tool’s supply cord into the power outlet on the vacuum cleaner.
   
5. Plug the vacuum cleaner’s supply cord into the power outlet.
   
6. Turn the control switch to the “Auto” position.
   
7. Switch on the power tool.
   
   The vacuum cleaner will continue to run for a short time after switching off the electric tool in order to ensure that all dust is removed from the suction hose.
   

Picking up dry dust

• Check that the filter element is dry and that the correct type of dust bag is fitted.
  

Picking up liquids

1. Check the container level monitoring system.
   
2. If possible, use a separate filter element for wet applications.
   
3. After picking up liquids, open the two catches.
   
4. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container and place it on a level surface so that the filter element can dry.
   
5. Empty the waste material container and use a water hose to rinse it out. Use a brush to clean the electrodes and clean the filter element, after allowing it to dry, by wiping it off with your hand.
   
6. Allow the waste material container to dry.
   

After use of the vacuum cleaner

1. Switch off the electric tool.
   
2. Turn the vacuum cleaner control switch to the “OFF” position.
   
3. Unplug the vacuum cleaner’s supply cord from the power outlet.
   
4. Coil up the supply cord and hang it on the hook.
   
5. Empty the container and clean the appliance by wiping it with a damp cloth.
   
6. Coil up the suction hose.
   
7. Store the vacuum cleaner in a secure, dry place where it is inaccessible to unauthorized users.
   

Emptying the waste material container when no dust bag is fitted (picking up liquids)

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container and place it on a level surface.
   
3. Grip the waste material container by the recess provided and empty it by tipping out the contents.
   
4. Clean the edge of the waste material container with a cloth.
   
5. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Care and maintenance of the appliance

• Keep the appliance, especially its grip surfaces, clean and free from oil and grease. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone.
  
• Never operate the vacuum cleaner when the air vents are blocked. Clean the air vents carefully using a dry brush. Do not permit foreign objects to enter the interior of the appliance.
  
• Clean the outer surfaces of the appliance with a slightly damp cloth at regular intervals. Do not use a spray system, pressure jet washer or running water for cleaning as this may negatively affect the electrical safety of the appliance.
  

• Use filtered forced ventilation.
  
• Wear personal protective equipment.
  
• Clean the maintenance area in a way that prevents hazardous substances escaping into the surrounding environment.
  
• Vacuum off the outer surfaces of the appliance and wipe it clean or seal it in a suitable container, e.g. large plastic bag, before removing it from an area contaminated with hazardous substances. This will help to avoid distribution of the hazardous dust deposited on it.
  
• When maintenance or repairs are carried out, all contaminated parts which cannot be satisfactorily cleaned must be packed in impermeable bags and disposed of in compliance with the applicable disposal regulations.
  
• The appliance must be subjected to a technical inspection by Hilti Service or a trained person at least once a year to check, for example, for damage to the filter, air leakage, and to ensure correct operation of controlling devices.
  
• In addition, the filter efficiency of H-class vacuum cleaners has to be tested at least once a year or possibly more frequently if so required by country-specific regulations. The procedure for verifying the filter efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is set out in 22.AA.201.2. If failed, the test has to be repeated with a new main filter installed.
  

Automatic filter cleaning

• Replace the filter element at least every six months.
  
• However, if used intensively, the filter element should be replaced more often.
  

Changing the filter element

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Slacken the securing screw of the filter cover.
   
3. Open the filter cover.
   
4. Carefully remove the filter element, gripping it at the areas provided in the holder.
   
5. Immediately place the filter in a dust-tight bag.
   
   • Dispose of the filter in the sealed bag in accordance with the applicable regulations.
     
6. Clean the filtered-gas side and the sealing surface in the vacuum cleaner.
   
7. Fit the new filter element.
   
8. Close the filter cover by flipping the cover catch forward.
   
9. Fit the fastening screw.
   

Checking the container level monitoring system

1. Engage the wheel brakes so that the vacuum cleaner stands securely.
   
2. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
3. Open the two catches.
   
4. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container and place it on a level surface.
   

5. Check the cut-out contacts and clean them with a brush if necessary (if dirty).
   
6. Check the seal at the vacuum cleaner top section and clean it with a cloth if necessary.
   
7. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Checks after cleaning and maintenance

1. After cleaning or carrying out maintenance, check that the vacuum cleaner is assembled correctly and that it functions faultlessly.
   
2. Test each of the functions.
   

Transport

DANGER
Risk of injury. Hazardous material that has been picked up may escape through the suction hose inlet socket.

Close the intake fitting on a class H or class M vacuum cleaner with the cap provided before transportation and when the appliance is not in use.

• Remove the power conditioner and all loose accessory tools from the cradle.
  
• Empty the device before carrying it to another location.
  
• Do not tilt the device or transport it lying on its side after using it to pick up liquids.
  
• Use the tapered adapter to connect both ends of the hose together conveniently for transport.
  

• Place the suction hose in the transport bag provided for the purpose and seal the transport bag.
  
• Seal the suction intake.
  
• Remove the suction tube with floor nozzle from the holder. Carry the appliance by the carrying handle, not the pushbar.
  

Storage

• Store the vacuum cleaner in a secure, dry place where it is inaccessible to unauthorized users.
  

Troubleshooting table