General Safety Information; Work Area Safety; Electrical Safety; Personal Safety - RIDGID RT-175 Operator's Manual

Model RT-175 Electric Soldering Gun

General Safety Information

WARNING! Read and understand all instructions. Failure
to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious
personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Work Area Safety

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids,
gases, or dust. Electrical switches may create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep by-standers, children, and visitors away
while operating an electric soldering gun.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the
grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do
not use any adapter plugs. Check with a quali-
fied electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the
outlet is properly grounded. If the tool should elec-
trically malfunction or break down, grounding pro-
vides a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user.
Grounding Prong
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is
grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a tool will increase the risk of
electrical shock.
• Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to carry the
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged
cords increase the risk of electrical shock.
2
Cover of
grounded
outlet box
Grounding Prong
Ridge Tool Company
• When operating an electrical tool outside, use an
outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or "W".
These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the
risk of electrical shock.
• Use only three-wire extension cords which have
three-prong grounding plugs and three-pole recep-
tacles which accept the tool's plug. Use of other
extension cords will not ground the tool and increase
the risk of electrical shock.
• Use proper extension cords. (See Chart) Insufficient
conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop,
loss of power and overheating.
Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cord
Nameplate
Total Length (in feet)
Amps
0 – 25
0 – 6 18 AWG
6 – 10 18 AWG
10 – 12 16 AWG
12 – 16 14 AWG
• Keep all electric connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plugs or tool with wet hands.
Reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use tool while tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of inat-
tention while operating tools may result in serious
personal injury.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on
the switch or plugging tools in that have the switch ON
invites accidents.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
tion. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate con-
ditions.

Tool Use and Care

• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it ON or
26 – 50 51 – 100
16 AWG 16 AWG
16 AWG 14 AWG
16 AWG 14 AWG
12 AWG
NOT RECOMMENDED