Shop Vac 285-00-10 Back Pack Vac Wearable Wet/Dry Vacuum - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Replace switch

Use a pressure washer.

If you remove the motor, you will see that the wires that go from the switch to the brushes. On one side there is one wire connected directly to the brush. On the other side the wire goes to a plastic plug with a second wire going to the brush. This is probably where the problem is. This is a fusible link and it has most likely melted creating an open in the circuit. I put a piece of solder where the link was and the motor ran BUT the brushed arced like a sparkler. Upon further examination the brushes were crumbling apart. I have been unable to find replacement brushes.
This machine has a five year warranty. I called Shop Vac Customer Service 1-888-822-4644 and they sent me a new motor.
I had a Shop Vac QL50EIC which had exactly the same problem but the warranty was expired so that I had to buy another motor for about $50.

I just went through the same problem with a Shop Vac. The switch is easy to replace but not easy to find. After removing the switch, I found a match made by Sigma Switches. They directed me to contact a local RV dealer and look in either their Coast Supply or Stag/Parkway Supply catalogs for the appropriate switch (an H2-28 in my case for a QPL45 Shop Vac). After ordering the switch and $5 later, it snaps in like the original with no problems. Certainly beats $70 for a whole new motor assembly.

I got a replacement switch at a local electronic supply store: Philmore Miniature Rocker Switch part number 30-043. Shop vac changed the switch recently to two push buttons from the old rocker style. This update works a lot better.

try e bay.

no it cant

That is normal electric spark from a brushed AC motor.

hardware stores or anyplace that sells shop-vacs

The plug might be bad or your vacuum bag may need to be emptied. Or it could of had died on you and has stopped working.

connect the hose on the other end where it say vacuum not blow.

You may be able to fix it with a simple 15 amp car fuse. My model 14LT400 suddenly stopped after a shoelace wrapped around the impeller. Here is a picture of what i did. The car fuse literally slides right into where the thermal fuse is connected and had blown. Tip: either before or after you get the fuse in place remove the plastic around the fuse. I have put anther 15-20 hours on the vacuum without any issues

If the motor housing is all plastic and there is no metal the user could contact and potentially receive an electric shock from should a fault occur, the ground conductor if fitted, would be connected to the frame of the motor.

Most likely full or clogged. Turning off to protect the motor.

there is a float inside vacuum that will prevent the vacuum from sucking water if tank is full.

Are you sure your vac CAN safely suck up water? It's not something you want to do if it can't.

check amazon, ears parts

If the motor is turning on then the issue is one of three things blocked exhaust, blocked intake or the fan that moves the air is loose on the motor . The last doesn't happen as much but can. First thing is to make sure the safety ball hasn't become stuck in the intake line. ( this ball stops water from reaching the motor when using it in a wet environment.. If the machine was knocked over while running or was used to suck up water the ball may be stuck) to fix this , remove the wheels from the bottom of the canister , with the machine off raise it and bang it on the floor several times . If you hear a ball drop then that was your issue. If not Disconnect the hose and see if you have suction at the intake. If you do the problem is a blocked hose. Reverse the hose and try sucking the other direction. If the exhaust is blocked the Vac will come on but the machine will sound like it's under load. Try running it without the filters ( do not use in dirt until filter is cleaned and replaced.,). To check the suction fan requires unplugging the Vac from the wall and opening the motor shroud . Locate the fan , see if it is damaged or loose.

Clean the ball and wipe down the thing that holds down the ball. Take a little bit of WD40 and spray a little on the ball and holder. Try that.

if you are using vac to suck water the ball is a safety device. you must shut vac down and wait you should hear ball drop, if the vac is not in upright position he ball will close shut vac down and wait