Central Vacuum System Installation Guide Tools Needed | Typical Central Vac Installations | Fittings | Central Vac Components Download this Installation Guide as a PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat)

Installation Steps: Getting Started | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7

Step 7 - Installing the power unit

Attach the power unit to the wall within six feet of a grounded electrical outlet ensuring it will be easily accessible for emptying the dirt receptacle, at least 18” from the floor. For proper motor cooling, there must be at least 12” between the unit and the ceiling. (Fig. 12 shown below) Do not install the power unit where the ambient temperature regularly exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees C).

If mounting on plaster, wall board or panel walls, be sure mounting bolts enter studs. If mounting on a block or concrete wall, drill the holes with a masonry bit and insert plastic or lead anchors. As an alternative to mounting on concrete walls, suspend 2" x 4" (5.1cm x 10.16cm) studs or plywood from overhead.

To attach the low-voltage wires, strip the wire and crimp the strands into the two “slip-on” (spade) terminals provided. Attach the terminals and plug the power unit into the dedicated electrical outlet. The sentry light should come on. Turn on the switch, if applicable, and the power unit should turn on. Attach the remaining section of tubing to the power unit with connector(s) and clamp(s) provided.

Do not glue the connection because you may need to disconnect the system at a future date.

For added installation convenience, some power units may have inlet connections on either side. If your system came with a muffler, clamp it to the exhaust port.

NOTE: True Cyclonic units must be vented to the outside. Other units may be vented to the outside as well. Use the same tubing and fittings. If vented, the exhaust air should not be vented into a wall, ceiling or concealed space of a building. Venting over 10 feet (3m) is not recommended.

POWER UNIT ELECTRICAL WIRING.

Check local codes but use not less than #14-3 wire. Plug power unit cord into appropriate 120/220/230/240V – 50/60 cycle electrical outlet. Be sure line voltage is sufficient to handle a 15 or 20 amp load. See your owner’s guide.

Fig. 12

 

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CHECK YOUR INSTALLATION TO MAKE SURE IT WORKS PROPERLY.

1. Check to see if you have a closed system. With no hose or handle attached, and all inlet valves closed, there should be little or no air coming through the exhaust of the power unit when it is turned on.
2. With the system still running, walk through your home. If you hear whistling or hissing, you may have forgotten to glue a connection. Check basement and attic areas, too.
3. Have a helper plug the hose into each of the inlet valves to be sure you can turn the power on. Turn off the switch on the hose handle, if applicable, and the unit should turn off. If the unit does not turn off and on as required, you may have low voltage wires reversed, cut or disconnected.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

DANGER: Always unplug power unit from the electrical outlet before servicing and cleaning.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:

1. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
2. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close supervision is necessary when this vacuum is used by or near children.
3. Use this vacuum only for its intended use as described in the operating and maintenance manual. (Use of attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may cause fire, electric shock or injury.)
4. Never operate this vacuum if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly or if it has been dropped or damaged. Return to service center or have service person examine and repair.
5. Do not pull or carry this power unit by supply cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord or pull cord around sharp edges or corners.
6. Never disconnect plug by pulling on cord. To disconnect from outlet, grasp the plug, not the cord.
7. Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked.
8. Keep hair, face, fingers and loose clothing away from any openings.
9. Do not pick up cigarettes, hot ashes, matches or similar materials.
10. If required, never operate vacuum without dust bag and/or filter in place.
11. To disconnect, turn all controls to the OFF position, then remove plug from outlet.
12. Never handle plug, cord or power unit with wet hands.
13. Electric shock could occur if used on wet surfaces.
14. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
15. Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas where they may be present.
16. For a grounded appliance: Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See grounding instructions below.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is equipped with a cord that has an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance—if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. This appliance is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and has a ground plug for North American units. For 220/230/240 volt units, consult your local building code/electrician. Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet that has the same configuration as the plug. No adapter should be used with this appliance. Check power unit On/Off switch and all inlet valves for operation. This power unit is intended for household and commercial use.

WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK COULD OCCUR IF USED ON WET SURFACES.

NOTE: Your central vacuum system is listed and approved by the appropriate agencies for dry pick-up only.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, DO NOT USE outdoors or on wet surfaces.