1
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL APPLIANCES
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Read all instructions before operating product. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Don’t use appliances in damp or wet locations. Don’t use appliances in
the rain.
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept at a distance from work area.
• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS. When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in dry, and high or
locked-up place – out of reach of children.
• DON’T FORCE APPLIANCE. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for
which it was designed.
• USE RIGHT APPLIANCE. Do not use the appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.
• DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves
and substantial, non-skid footwear are recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to
contain long hair.
• USE SAFETY GLASSES AND OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields, complying with applicable safety standards and, when needed, a face shield. Also use face or dust
mask if operation is dusty. This applies to all persons in the work area. Also use a hard hat, hearing protection,
gloves, safety shoes and dust collection systems when specified or required. Safety glasses or the like are
available at extra cost at your local dealer or Black & Decker Service Center.
• DON’T ABUSE CORD. Never carry appliance by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• DISCONNECT APPLIANCES. Disconnect the appliance from the power supply when not in use, before servicing,
and when changing accessories such as blades and the like.
•AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Don’t carry plugged-in appliance with finger on switch. Be sure switch is
off when plugging in.
• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be
used. Receptacles are available having built in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
• USE OF ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS. The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended for
use with this appliance could be hazardous. Note: Refer to the accessory section of this manual for further
details.
• STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired.
• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions that
may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual. Have defective
switches replaced by authorized service center. Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on and off.
• DO NOT OPERATE portable electric tools near flammable liquids or in gaseous or explosive atmospheres.
Motors in these tools normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.
• OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords intended for use
outdoors and so marked.
Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets
Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
(0-7,6m) (7,6-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-45,7m)
240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300
(0-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-60,9m) (60,9-91,4m)
Ampere Rating
More Not more American Wire Gauge
Than Than
0 - 6 18 16 16 14
6 -10181614 12
10 -12161614 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended
90558476 VEC157BD.qxp:VEC157BD_ManualEN_072007 11/25/09 1:32 PM Page 1