General Safety Information, Work Area Safety

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.

Cover of

grounded outlet box

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.

•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			Total Length (in feet)
Amps
		0 – 25		26 – 50	51 – 100
0	– 6	18 AWG		16 AWG	16 AWG
6	– 10	18 AWG		16 AWG	14 AWG
10	– 12	16 AWG		16 AWG	14 AWG
12	– 16	14 AWG		12 AWG	NOT RECOMMENDED

•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

2	Ridge Tool Company