Thank you for purchasing an MD Manufacturing Central Vacuum Cleaning System.
This manual covers safety, operation, and maintenance of our SilentMaster, Modern Day, and Flo-Master Systems. These systems are intended for household use only.
If any problems should arise, or if you have any questions about your Central Vacuum System, consult your local, independent, authorized MD Manufacturing Dealer or call us direct at (800) 997-2278 or visit our comprehensive troubleshooting service guide or ask a question.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all instructions before using your Central Vacuum System.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or injury:
- Do not leave hose plugged in when not in use or during servicing.
- Disconnect power unit's electrical plug before servicing.
- Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
- Do not allow 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 handle hose, outlets, or unit with wet hands.
- Do not put any objects into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
- Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from the openings and moving parts.
- Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
- Do not use without dust bag and/or filters in place.
- 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 store flammable or combustible product within three (3) feet of power unit.
Important Grounding Instructions
The vacuum unit 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 electrical shock. This unit is equipped with a cord having 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.
Operation of Power Unit
- Simply lift any vacuum inlet lid and insert the short metal hose end into the inlet. The unit will activate automatically. It your vacuum hose has an on/off switch, the power unit will not activate until the switch is turned on and will continue to run until the switch is turned off or the hose is disconnected from the inlet.
- If the power unit is equipped with a utility valve, you may vacuum directly from the power unit. Simply insert the short metal hose end into the utility valve and turn the toggle switch on the power unit to the "on" position. Depending on the model of your power unit, the switch will be located either on the lower right side or the upper left side of the unit.
CAUTION: This switch is to be used only for vacuuming directly from the power unit.
Changing Open-Style Vacuum Bag
Bag Units
(NOTE: We currently use ONE secondary filter in our units instead of the three listed below.)
Which replacement bag do you need, click to find out?
- Remove the lid from the unit, and turn the vacuum on manually. This will keep the dust completely out of the air. Use a dusting brush accessory to sweep down dust around the rim of the bag and in the necks.
- Remove the rubber gasket around the top of the filter bag by pulling gently on its edge.
- To remove the filter bag locate the pull tab (ribbon loop) located on the top edge of the filter bag. Pull up on the pull tab. Both the paper bag and the cloth bag will come out of the unit. The paper bag is fitted inside the cloth bag.
- Remove the paper filter bag from the cloth bag by pulling the elastic edge over the top metal ring of the cloth bag. Discard the paper filter bag.
- Insert a fresh paper bag into the cloth bag and stretch the elastic top of the paper bag over the metal ring of the cloth bag.
- Replace the cloth/paper bag assembly inside the unit and press it into place.
NOTE: Check to make certain the metal ring is below the utility valve and vacuum inlet necks and that the pull tab loop on the cloth bag is pointing up.
- Insert rubber bag gasket. Sent it in place and push the remaining hump down into place.
- Turn vacuum off and replace the lid. If you replace the lid with the vacuum on, the lid will snap down and could pinch a finger.
CYCLONIC UNITS
All cyclonic units have the same filtering design. To empty, follow these easy steps:
- Unlatch the two clamps on the sides of the power unit (or twist bottom buck off).
- Remove and empty the lower portion of the power unit.
- Reach up inside and remove the filter if it is foam or pleated. If it is a center weighted cloth filter put a trash bag up arond the unit, grab the filter, and shake it clean.
- Replace the foam or pleated filter with a clean filter. The foam can be washed but must be completely dry before reusing. The pleated filter can be knocked clean and reused many times.
- Put the bottom of the unit back up and fasten the two clamps on the sides.
Maintenance of the Power Unit
No maintenance is required for your power unit other than emptying it periodically. All motor bearings are sealed and require no maintenance. It is recommended that the motor brushes be inspected within three (3) years from the date of installation in residential applications and within one (1) year in commercial applications.
CAUTION: Unauthorized service or repair of your power unit may void your warranty.
Troubleshooting Your System (Troubleshooting Flowchart)
UNIT FAILS TO ACTIVATE AT THE WALL INLET.
- Check unit by using the toggle switch on the power unit. If the unit activates, the trouble lies in the wall inlet or the wiring leading to the unit. To check the inlet valve, remove the wall inlet and disconnect the two low voltage wires. Then, connect the two wires together. If the power unit activates, the inlet valve needs to be replaced. If the power unit still fails to activate, the trouble lies in the low voltage wiring from the power unit to the inlet valve.
- If the power unit fails to activate from the toggle switch on the power unit, check to see that the power unit is correctly plugged in and then check the household circuit breaker.
- It the power unit still fails to activate after all these procedures have been carried out, the trouble a may exist in the vacuum motor or other electrical components.
CAUTION: Unauthorized service or repair of your power unit may void your warranty.
INSUFFICIENT VACUUM POWER.
- Check filter bag in the power unit. Make sure bag is not overfilled or clogged with fine dust.
- If vacuum is good at any one inlet but not at others, this indicates the vacuum lines are clogged somewhere.
- If the vacuum at all inlets seems insufficient, check the vacuum at the power unit. Insert the hose into the power unit's utility valve and activate the power unit with the toggle switch. If the vacuum seems greatly improved, this indicates the vacuum lines are clogged.
- If vacuum still seems insufficient with hose connected directly to the power unit, remove the hose and check the vacuum with your hand placed over the utility valve. If vacuum seems greatly improved. This indicates the vacuum hose is clogged.
- If vacuum still seems insufficient when checked with your hand over the utility valve, disconnect the power unit from the vacuum line. With the utility valve closed, check the vacuum directly at the vacuum inlet neck where the vacuum line connects. If vacuum seems greatly improved, this indicates that the vacuum line or an inlet valve(s) is broken somewhere. Inspect all inlet valves and as much vacuum pipe as possible. If unable to find breakage, turn vac on with home completely quiet and listen for a leak behind walls.
- If the vacuum still seems insufficient when checked directly at the neck where the vacuum line connects to the power unit, this indicates trouble within the vacuum motor. Your power unit needs to be check.
CAUTION: Unauthorized service or repair of your power unit may void your warranty. Please contact your nearest MD Manufacturing dealer for assistance.
Preventive Maintenance
Although your system has been designed for maximum performance and service life, there are guidelines you can follow to help prolong its serviceability and life.
- When removing hose from inlet valve, hold the inlet lid up for two to four seconds after removing the hose. This lets the pressure decrease and lets in air to cool the motor.
- Never vacuum up liquids of any kind. If you do so accidentally, leave the hose plugged into the inlet and allow it to run for approximately five (5) minutes to dry out the hose and vacuum lines.
- Empty the power unit periodically.
- It is recommended that every three (3) years your central vacuum system should be checked and the motor brushes inspected. To have this done, contact your nearest dealer for assistance.
- Never attempt any internal repairs on the power unit. ONLY qualified personnel should do this!
CAUTION: Not all vacuum shops are qualified to work on central vacuums.
Service and Parts
For service and/or parts, check with the dealer where you purchased your central vacuum system. In the event you do not know who installed your system or you are no longer able to contact your dealer, contact the factory direct:
M.D. Manufacturing, Inc.
34970 McMurtrey Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93308
(800) 997-2278
In the event you are out of state, we will endeavor to locate and recommend a reliable central vacuum dealer near you.
CONFORMS TO UL STD 1017;
CERTIFIED TO CSA STD C22.2 NO. 243.
REVIEWS
MD Vac's are Designed & Assembled in the USA.
