VC 20-UM
VC 40-UM

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

Warnings alert persons to hazards that occur when handling or using the product. The following signal words are used:

Symbols in the documentation

The following symbols are used in this documentation:

	Read the operating instructions before use
	Instructions for use and other useful information

Symbols in the illustrations

The following symbols are used in 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
	These characters are intended to specifically draw your attention to certain points when handling the product.

Symbols on the product

Product-dependent symbols

The following symbols are used on the product:

	Warning: hot surface
	Do not transport by crane

Product information

Hilti products are designed for professional use and may be operated, serviced and maintained only by trained, authorized personnel. This personnel must be specifically informed about the possible hazards. The product and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
The type designation and serial number are printed on the rating plate.

• 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 20-UM | VC 40-UM
  Generation	01
  Serial no.

Declaration of conformity

We declare, on our sole responsibility, that the product described here complies with the applicable directives and standards. A copy of the declaration of conformity can be found at the end of this documentation.
The technical documentation is filed and stored here:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Tool Certification | Hiltistraße 6 | 86916 Kaufering, DE

Safety instructions

General safety instructions

In addition to the safety instructions given in the various sections of these operating instructions, the following points must be strictly observed at all times.

• 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.
  
• The appliance may only be used by persons who are familiar with it, have been trained on how to use it safely and who understand the resulting hazards. The appliance is not intended for use by children.
  
• 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 for Korea: This device is suitable for the commercial and industrial field and the electromagnetic radiation encountered in this field (Class A). Users must pay attention to this point and not use this device in a residential environment.
  

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 vacuum cleaner stands securely. If the wheel brakes are disengaged the vacuum cleaner may run away out of control.
  
• 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.
  

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 electric tool power outlet 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.
  

The material picked up

• Do not use the appliance to pick up flammable or explosive dusts (magnesium or aluminum dust etc.) or dusts that present a health hazard. Do not use the appliance to pick up materials with a temperature of over 60 °C (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 vacuum cleaner to pick up hot materials up to a temperature of 60 °C.
  
• 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.
  

On the device

WARNING: This device contains hazardous dust. Only informed persons wearing suitable protective equipment are permitted to undertake emptying and maintenance, including removal of the dust bag. Do not switch on until the complete filter system has been installed and operation of the volume-flow monitor has been tested.

Product overview

1. Electric tool power outlet
   
2. Hinged cover
   
3. Grip
   
4. Control switch
   
5. Suction head
   
6. Grip recesses
   
7. Waste material container
   
8. Intake fitting
   
9. Hose diameter setting
   
10. Filter cover
    
11. Catch
    
12. Cradle catch
    
13. Catch for filter cover
    
14. Power cord hook
    
15. Handlebar with cradle
    

Intended use

The VC 20/40 is a universal industrial vacuum cleaner with an effective filter cleaning system for dry dust. It is suitable for wet and dry vacuum cleaning applications.

The appliance is suitable for collecting the slurry created by wet drilling or wet cutting operations on mineral materials using Hilti diamond coring or Hilti diamond sawing equipment and for collecting large quantities of dry mineral dust when working with Hilti diamond grinders and cutters, rotary hammers and dry cutting core bits.
The device can also be used to pick up liquid waste material. It is suitable for picking up drilling slurry from mineral materials.
The device is suitable for picking up dry, non-flammable dusts, liquids, wood chips and hazardous dusts with exposure limit values (e.g. MAK or AGW values) ≥ 0.1 mg/m³ (dust class M). The device must be fitted with filters suitable for the hazard classification of the dust to be picked up.
Use the device to pick up only IEC 60335-2-69 class M classified hazardous substances. Use for picking up other hazardous substances is prohibited.
Picking up oil or liquids with a temperature higher than 60 °C is prohibited.
When picking up dusts with an exposure limit value, ensure an adequate rate of air exchange in the room if the exhaust air from the device is released into the room. Comply with the applicable national regulations.
Do not use the device to pick up materials that present a risk of explosion, glowing or burning materials, flammable materials (exception: wood chips or shavings), aggressive dusts (e.g. magnesium or aluminum dust, etc.) or aggressive liquids (e.g. gasoline, solvents, acids, coolants or lubricants).
It is not permissible for the VC 20 to exceed a maximum weight of 37 kg when fully loaded and including the material picked up.
It is not permissible for the VC 40 to exceed a maximum weight of 55 kg when fully loaded and including the material picked up.
Do not use the device as a substitute for a ladder.
Do not use the device for stationary, steady-state operation in automatic or semi-automatic systems.
Before starting work, the operating personnel receive instruction on working with the device, the hazards associated with the materials to be picked up, and the correct procedures for safe disposal of the materials picked up.
Underwater use is prohibited.
Use for cleaning persons or animals is prohibited.
Use an anti-static suction hose to avoid electrostatic effects.
This device is suitable for commercial use, e.g. in hotels, schools, hospitals, factories, stores, offices, and rental businesses.
Do not use the device to work with materials hazardous to the health (e.g. asbestos).
Possible fields of use: construction site, workshop, renovation, conversion or new construction.
Follow the directions for operation, care and maintenance in the operating instructions.
To avoid risk of injury, use only genuine Hilti accessories and accessory tools.
The device and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
Do not tamper with or attempt to make alterations to the device.

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.).
  

• Working with materials hazardous to health (e.g. asbestos) is not permissible.
  

Items supplied

Wet/dry vacuum cleaner including filter element, suction hose complete with hose connector, hose coupling and tapered adapter, PE VC 20/40 plastic dust bag, operating instructions.

Using extension cords

Use only extension cords of a type approved for the application and with conductors of adequate cross-section. Otherwise the performance of the device can be affected and the cord can overheat. Regularly check the extension cord for damage. Replace damaged extension cords.
Recommended minimum conductor cross sections and max. power cord lengths for operating the VC 20/40 in combination with an electric tool plugged into the built-in power outlet:
Recommended minimum conductor cross sections and max. power cord lengths for the VC 20/40:
Use only extension cords that have a ground conductor.
Do not use extension cords with conductor cross sections of 1.25 mm² or 2 mm².
Recommended minimum conductor cross sections and max. power cord lengths for operating the VC 20/40 in combination with an electric tool plugged into the built-in power outlet:

Conductor cross-section	1.5 mm²	2.5 mm²	3.5 mm²
Supply voltage 110 V	Not recommended	25 m	Not recommended
Supply voltage 220 - 240 V	30 m	50 m	Not recommended

Recommended minimum conductor cross sections and max. power cord lengths for the VC 20/40:

Conductor cross-section	1.5 mm²	2.5 mm²	3.5 mm²
Supply voltage 110 V	Not recommended	Not recommended	75 m
Supply voltage 220 - 240 V	30 m	50 m	Not recommended

Using extension cords outdoors

When working outdoors, use only extension cords that are approved and correspondingly marked for this application.

Using a generator or transformer

This appliance may be powered by a generator or transformer when the following conditions are fulfilled: The unit must provide a power output in watts of at least twice the maximum value printed on the type identification plate on the power tool or appliance. The operating voltage must remain within +5% and -15% of the rated voltage at all times, frequency must be in the 50 – 60 Hz range and never above 65 Hz, and the unit must be equipped with automatic voltage regulation and starting boost.
Never operate other power tools or appliances from the generator or transformer at the same time. Switching other power tools or appliances on and off may cause undervoltage and / or overvoltage peaks, resulting in damage to the power tool.

Warning tone

A warning tone sounds if the air speed in the suction hose drops below 20 m/s.

Power source data

Rated voltage	100 V	110 V	110 V	200 V
Rated power input	1200 W	1200 W	1100 W	950 W
Maximum load on built-in power outlet for electric tools (if fitted)		1600 W
Mains connection (type)	VCTF 3 x 2.0 mm²	A07 QQ‑F 3 / 12 AWG	H07 BQ‑F 3G 1.5 mm²	VCTF 3 x 2.0 mm²
Rated voltage	220 - 240 V	220 - 240 V (CH)	220 - 240 V (GB)	240 V (NZ)
Rated power input	1200 W	1200 W	1200 W	1200 W
Maximum load on built-in power outlet for electric tools (if fitted)	2400 W	1100 W	1800 W	1200 W
Mains connection (type)	H07 RN‑F 3G 1.5 mm²	H07 RN‑F 3G 1.5 mm²	H07 RN‑F 3G 1.5 mm²	H07 RN‑F 3G 1.5 mm²

Air flow data

Rated power input	950 W	1100 W	1200 W
Max. suction performance (air)	55 l/s	61 l/s	61 l/s
Max. vacuum	19500 Pa	23000 Pa	23000 Pa

General data

	VC 20-UM	VC 40-UM
Mains frequency	50 Hz …60 Hz	50 Hz …60 Hz
Weight in accordance with EPTA procedure 01	12.9 kg	14.6 kg
Dimensions	505 mm x 380 mm x 500 mm	505 mm x 380 mm x 610 mm
Supply cord	7.5 m	7.5 m
Container capacity	21 ℓ	36 ℓ
Effective dust capacity	23 kg	40 kg
Effective water capacity	13.5 ℓ	25 ℓ
Suction hose diameter (length: 3.5 m)	27 mm	27 mm
Suction hose diameter (length: 5 m)	36 mm	36 mm
Operating temperature	−10 ℃ …40 ℃	−10 ℃ …40 ℃

Information about the device and its applications

Protection class	Protection class I
Protection class	IP X4 splash-proof

Noise and vibration information in accordance with EN 60335-2-69

Typical A-weighted emission sound pressure level	71 dB
Uncertainty for the stated sound levels	2.5 dB
Triaxial vibration value (vibration vector sum); includes uncertainty (K)	< 2.5 m/s²

Operating the appliance for the first time

1. Open the two catches.
   
2. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
3. Remove the accessories and packaging from the waste material container.
   
4. Fit a suitable dust bag in accordance with the instructions.
   
   When used to pick up harmless dusts: plastic dust bag.
   
5. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   
6. Check to ensure that the vacuum cleaner top section is fitted correctly and secured.
   
7. Connect the suction hose to the appliance.
   

Fitting a fabric dust bag

1. Open the two catches.
   
   In order to achieve good suction performance, always use a fabric dust bag when picking up wood chips.
   
2. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
3. Fit the new fabric dust bag and attach it to the waste material container.
   
4. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container.
   
5. Close the two catches.
   
6. Check to ensure that the vacuum cleaner top section is fitted correctly and secured.
   
7. Connect the suction hose to the appliance.
   

Fitting a plastic dust bag

1. Open the two catches.
   
2. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
3. Fit a new plastic dust bag (see instructions printed on it) in the waste material container.
   
4. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

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 electric tool power outlet

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 electric tool power outlet on the vacuum cleaner (please refer to the “Technical data” section of the operating instructions and information printed on the electric tool power outlet).
   
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 electric tool 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.
  

Changing the fabric dust bag

1. Pull the plug out of the power outlet.
   
2. Open the two catches.
   
3. Lift the vacuum cleaner top section away from the waste material container.
   
4. Close the cap at the mouth of the dust bag.
   
5. Clean the waste material container with a cloth.
   
6. Secure the new fabric dust bag in the waste material container.
   
7. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Changing a plastic dust 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. Use a cable tie to close the plastic dust bag below the punched holes.
   
5. Remove the plastic dust bag.
   
6. Clean the waste material container with a cloth.
   
7. Fit a new plastic dust bag (see instructions printed on it) in the waste material container.
   
8. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

Picking up liquids

1. Check the container level monitoring system.
   
2. If possible, use a separate filter element for wet applications.
   
   The Hilti VC 20/40 universal (2121387) filter is recommended.
   

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.
   

Emptying dry dust from the waste material container

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. Remove the dust bag from the waste material container or grip the container by the recess provided and empty it by tipping out the contents.
   
4. Fit the vacuum cleaner top section onto the waste material container and close the two catches.
   

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.
  

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.
   

Changing the filter element

1. Disconnect the supply cord plug from the power outlet.
   
2. Open the filter cover catches.
   
3. Open the filter cover.
   
4. Carefully remove the filter element, gripping it at the areas provided in the holder.
   
5. Clean the sealing surface with a cloth.
   
6. Fit the new filter element.
   
7. Close the filter cover by flipping the cover catch forward.
   
8. Close the filter cover catch.
   

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

Do not attempt to carry the device when it is full of waste material.
Do not attempt to crane-lift the device.

• 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.
  

Storage

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

Troubleshooting