Operating Guide
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GUIDE D'UTILISATION
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
DC515
Cordless 18V 1/2 Gallon Portable Vacuum
Aspirateur portatif sans fil 1/2 gallon 18 V
Aspiradora inalámbrica portátil de 1,8 litros (1/2 galón) de 18 V
INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y PÓLIZA 
DE GARANTÍA. 
ADVERTENCIA:  LÉASE ESTE INSTRUCTIVO 
ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO. 
DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286
(JUL13) Part No. N338500 DC515 Copyright © 2005, 2009, 2013 D
EWALT
The following are trademarks for one or more DEWALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme, the “D” shaped air 
intake grill, the array of pyramids on the handgrip, the kit box configuration, and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the 
surface of the tool.
Defi nitions: Safety Guidelines 
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the 
manual and pay attention to these symbols.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will 
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could 
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may 
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, 
may result in property damage.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY DEWALT TOOL, CALL 
US TOLL FREE AT 1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433-9258)
Important Safety Warnings and 
Instructions
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY
•  Before any use, be sure everyone using this vacuum reads and understands all safety 
instructions and other information contained in this manual. 
•  Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
When using an electric vacuum, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce 
risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING VACUUM
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury: 
•  DO NOT leave vacuum with battery installed. Remove battery from tool when not in use and 
before servicing. 
•  DO NOT allow vacuum to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or 
near children.
•  USE ONLY as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended 
attachments.
•  DO NOT use with damaged cord or plug. If vacuum is not working as it should, has been 
dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
•  DO NOT pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around 
sharp edges or corners. Keep cord away from heated surfaces. 
•  DO NOT handle plug or vacuum with wet hands.
•  KEEP hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
•  TURN OFF all controls before removing battery.
•  USE EXTRA CARE when cleaning on stairs.
•  DO NOT use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas 
where they may be present.
•  DO NOT pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches or hot 
ashes.
•  STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, the vacuum should be stored in a dry, high or locked 
up place – out of reach of children.
•  MAINTAIN TOOL WITH CARE. Keep fan area clean for best and safest performance. Follow 
instructions for proper maintenance.
•  DO NOT attempt to repair the vacuum. To assure product safety and reliability, repairs, 
maintenance, and adjustments should be performed by authorized D
EWALT service 
centers.
•  DO NOT unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
•  DO NOT use without filter in place.
•  DO NOT use in areas where explosive vapors may be present.
•  DO NOT use to pick up explosive dust, or in areas where air contains explosive dust such as 
coal, grain, or other combustible material.
•  Static shocks are possible in dry areas or when the relative humidity of the air is low. This is 
only temporary and does not affect the use of the vacuum. To reduce the frequency of static 
shocks, add moisture to the air with a console or installed humidifier.
•  TO AVOID spontaneous combustion, empty tank after each use.
•  DO NOT put any objects into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of 
dust, lint, hair and everything that may reduce air flow.
•  Do not allow the cord to hang over the edge of a table or counter or touch hot 
surfaces. The unit should be placed or mounted away from sinks and hot surfaces.
WARNING: Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to State of California 
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals 
are:
•  compounds in fertilizers
•  compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
•  arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust 
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
•  DO NOT place outlet of vacuum near eyes or ears when operating. 
• DISCONNECT BATTERY PACK FROM VACUUM  BEFORE MAKING ANY 
ADJUSTMENTS CHANGING ACCESSORIES, SERVICING, MOVING, OR STORING 
THE VACUUM.  Such preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool 
accidentally.
•  AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure the switch is in the OFF position before inserting 
the battery pack or plugging the vacuum into a wall outlet. 
•  USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. Consult the instruction manual for recommended 
accessories. The use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury to persons.
•  NEVER STAND ON VACUUM. Serious injury could occur if the vacuum is tipped. 
•  NEVER LEAVE VACUUM RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF. 
•  KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN AND WELL LIT. Cluttered benches and dark areas 
invite accidents.
•  AVOID BODY CONTACT WITH GROUNDED SURFACES SUCH AS PIPES, RADIATORS, 
RANGES AND REFRIGERATORS. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is 
grounded.
•  DO NOT OVERREACH. KEEP PROPER FOOTING AND BALANCE AT ALL TIMES. 
Proper footing and balance enables better control of the vacuum in unexpected situations.
•  USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Dust mask, non-skid 
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
•  DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT ON OR OFF. Any tool that cannot 
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
•  SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED REPAIR PERSONNEL. 
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
•  WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS. FOLLOW 
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS MANUAL. Use of 
unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of electric 
shock or injury.
•  DON’T EXPOSE VACUUM TO RAIN. Store indoors.
Additional Specifi c Safety Rules for All Battery-Operated 
Tools
•  A battery-operated tool with integral batteries or a separate battery pack must 
be recharged only with the specified charger for the battery. A charger that may be 
suitable for one type of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.
•  Use battery operated tool only with the specifically designed battery pack. Use of any 
other batteries may create a risk of fire.
•  Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position 
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such 
preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
•  When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper 
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a 
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may 
cause sparks, burns, or a fire.
•  The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are 
as follows:
V .....................volts  A .........................amperes
Hz ...................hertz  W ........................watts
min .................minutes 
or AC .............alternating current
or DC .....direct current  or AC/DC......alternating or direct current
 ...................Class I Construction 
n
o .......................no load speed
 .......................
(grounded) n .........................rated speed
 ................... Class  II  Construction   .......................earthing terminal
(double insulated) 
 ........................safety alert symbol
…/min ............per minute  BPM ...................beats per minute
IPM .................impacts per minute  RPM ...................revolutions per minute
SPM ...............strokes per minute  sfpm ...................surface feet per minute
Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Packs
When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include catalog number and voltage. 
Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of chargers and battery packs.
The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and charger, 
read the safety instructions below. Then follow charging procedures outlined.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
•  Do not charge or use battery in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of 
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery from the charger may 
ignite the dust or fumes.
•  NEVER force battery pack into charger. DO NOT modify battery pack in any way to fit 
into a non-compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious personal 
injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and chargers. 
•  Charge the battery packs only in D
EWALT chargers.
•  DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
•  Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature 
may reach or exceed 105 °F (40 °C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in 
summer).
 DANGER:  Electrocution hazard. Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. 
If battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into charger. Do not crush, drop or 
damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, been 
dropped, run over or damaged in any way (i.e., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped 
on). Electric shock or electrocution may result. Damaged battery packs should be returned to 
service center for recycling.
NOTE: Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for use whenever the battery 
is out of the tool or charger. Remove cap before placing battery in charger or tool.
 WARNING: Fire hazard. Do not store or carry battery so that metal objects 
can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place battery in 
aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, 
screws, keys, etc. without battery cap. Transporting batteries can possibly cause fires if 
the battery terminals inadvertently come in contact with conductive materials such 
as keys, coins, hand tools and the like. The U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous 
Material Regulations (HMR) actually prohibit transporting batteries in commerce or on airplanes 
(i.e., packed in suitcases and carry-on luggage) UNLESS they are properly protected from short 
circuits. So when transporting individual batteries, make sure that the battery terminals are 
protected and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR NICKEL CADMIUM (NiCd) OR NICKEL METAL 
HYDRIDE (NiMH)
•  Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely 
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire.
•  A small leakage of liquid from the battery pack cells may occur under extreme usage 
or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. 
  However, if the outer seal is broken:
a.  and the battery liquid gets on your skin, immediately wash with soap and water for several 
minutes.
b. and the battery liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 
10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. (Medical note: The liquid is 25–35% 
solution of potassium hydroxide.)
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LITHIUM ION (Li-Ion)
•  Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely 
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created 
when lithium ion battery packs are burned.
•  If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with 
mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 
15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is 
composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
•  Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If 
symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
 WARNING:  Burn hazard. Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame. 
The RBRC
TM
 Seal
The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp oration) Seal on the nickel  
cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries (or battery packs) indicate 
that the costs to recycle these batteries (or battery packs) at the end of their useful 
life have already been paid by D
EWALT. In some areas, it is illegal to place spent 
nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries in the trash or 
municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC program provides an environmentally 
conscious alternative.
RBRC™ in cooperation with D
EWALT and other battery users, has established programs in 
the United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel cadmium, nickel metal 
hydride or lithium ion batteries. Help protect our environment and conserve natural resources by 
returning the spent nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries to an authorized 
D
EWALT service center or to your local retailer for recycling. You may also contact your local 
recycling center for information on where to drop off the spent battery.
RBRC™ is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Chargers
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS: This manual contains important safety and operating 
instructions for battery chargers.
•  Before using charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on charger, battery pack, 
and product using battery pack.
 DANGER:  Electrocution hazard. 120 volts are present at charging terminals. Do not probe with 
conductive objects. Electric shock or electrocution may result.
 WARNING:  Shock hazard. Do not allow any liquid to get inside charger. Electric shock may 
result.
 CAUTION:  Burn hazard. To reduce the risk of injury, charge only DEWALT rechargeable 
batteries. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
NOTICE: Under certain conditions, with the charger plugged in to the power supply, the exposed 
charging contacts inside the charger can be shorted by foreign material. Foreign materials of a 
conductive nature such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum 
foil, or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from charger cavities. Always unplug 
the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity. Unplug charger 
before attempting to clean.
•  DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than the ones 
in this manual. The charger and battery pack are specifically designed to work together. 
•  These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging D
EWALT 
rechargeable batteries. Any other uses may result in risk of fire, electric shock or 
electrocution.
•  Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
•  Pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting charger. This will reduce risk of 
damage to electric plug and cord.
•  Make sure that cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or 
otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
•  Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. Use of improper 
extension cord could result in risk of fire, electric shock, or electrocution.
•  When operating a charger outdoors, always provide a dry location and use an 
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces 
the risk of electric shock.
•  An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) 
for safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable, 
that is 16 gauge has more capacity than 18 gauge. An undersized cord will cause a drop in 
line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. When using more than one extension 
to make up the total length, be sure each individual extension contains at least the minimum 
wire size. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and 
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge 
number, the heavier the cord.
If you have questions or comments, contact us.
Pour toute question ou tout commentaire, nous contacter.
Si tiene dudas o comentarios, contáctenos.
1-800-4-DEWALT • www.dewalt.com







