Did I damage my new shop vac?

[lago]

I just got a new Ridgid 6.5hp shop vac and was using it to clean up a room that had just been finished out. Had lots of fine dust from sheetrock and whatever else on the floor. I had used it also on the shop floor that had some sawdust on it. Anyhow, the motor started sparking and I shut it down. It also smelled like an electrical fire. After it cooled down, I tried it again and it seems to work OK now. My question is,,,,how much longer?

TIA
Ken

[mpauly]

No idea what happened, but if you just got the vac, take it back. HD will likely give you a new one. Why chance it?

[mater]

I wouldn't take a chance with it. I would just return it also and get another one.

[SouthernCypress]

My new shop vac said when you first turn it on you may smell some burning and that it was just the brushes being used for the first time or something like that. I wold generally say return it but if it is working now it is probably just dust burning off.

[25]

Not that this really helps but for future consideration. When I'm using my shop vac for fine particles I use one of the fine particle bags and it seems to really help not turn my vac into a big dust blower. Doesn't really seem to affect it's sucking power either.

[cwsmith]

I have the 12 gallon Ridgid (2 of them, actually) and they are simply the best shop vacs that I have ever owned. However, they do seem to get rather hot after 15 or so minutes of continuous use. I've always felt that when any electrical tool gets "Hot", it's being overworked and it's time to turn it off and let it cool down a bit. In most cases, I empty the container and blow out the filter after each use, but it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference though.

I've never had one throw sparks though or smell like it was burning. With that experience, I think you ought to seriously consider returning it for another unit.

CWS

[LCHIEN]

after thinking about this for a day, I have these thoughts:
1. that kind of tool has a universal motor which means it has brushes.
2. Vacs and other air movers are designed to run at full rated HP when the inlets are open and moving the most air. They actually draw less current when you block off the inlet and they appear to be screaming in protest.

unlike a power tool in which the idling condition is the lowest current state.

MY suspicion is that the brushes are new and drawing maximum amps and you are seeing the brushes wear in when new. you might call their 1-800 number if they have one and ask if this is normal.

[Ken Weaver]

I've got two of the Ridgids and haven't experienced anything like you did. I'd watch em carefully and if anything weird, take it back and try another one.