- 1-800-997-2278
REVIEWS- DEALER LOGIN
- VIEW CART
REVIEWS
We appreciate our dealers and customers who have made our 50 years of family owned, principle driven business a success. Take a look at our blessed History, Company Principles, or Hall-of-Fame for famous MD central vacuum owners.
MD Vac's are Designed & Assembled in the USA.
|
Installation, Pipes, and Wiring Issues |
|
| Short in Hose? Fuse? | |
| Question: My beater bar does not work and I have determined the problem is very likely an electrical problem in the hose. It has been suggested that a fuse in the hose has blown. How can I locate and replace that fuse, or is that job beyond my expertise? Thanks! |
Answer: The fuse in the hose is molded into the wall end connection. Either the two pin plug will need to be replaced or the pigtail electric cord. The fuse is not replaceable. You should try a continuity test to see where the short is and we have videos to help http://builtinvacuum.com/hoses/electrichoses-tech.html. |
| Turns Off After A Couple Minutes | |
| Question: Hi, I have a Nutone unit. It works perfectly when switched on at the power unit. However when using the hose at the wall outlets the unit turns on sporadically but does not stay on. It typically stays on several minutes than cuts off. It is the same at each wall outlet. The low voltage connection at the unit is ok which leads me to something internal. Can you help? Thanks.
Peter Nocerino
Beacon,NY |
Answer: If it is a hose with a switch then the hose is suspect. If not a switched hose then (and more likely overall) the motor is going bad. When you turn the unit on at the unit itself it too will turn off after a couple minutes just like when you turn it on from within the home. Test that. This indicates the motor is going bad. You can find a motor and instructions here or contact a local dealer. http://builtinvacuum.com/help/nutone.html |
| Not Starting at Wall Inlets | |
| Question: I just installed my new Kenmore Vac unit and I can only power it on at the unit. When I put the hose in the outlets nothing happens....please let me know what I've done wrong. Thanks, Amie. (Winnipeg, MB)
|
Answer: Please use this guide and go through the steps to find the issue and solutions. www.builtinvacuum.com/flowchrt.html |
| Hose Switch Works To One Side But Not The Other | |
| Question: I have suction when using attachments and the left side of the toggle switch on the handle is depressed. When using the beater brush head and the right side of the toggle is depressed, I have no suction. Does the switch in the handle require replacement? Please advise.
Thanks |
Answer: Yes, the switch is bad and needs to be replaced. |
| Low Voltage Connection On Unit | |
| Question: Wherer do I hook up the low voltage wire on the inlet to on the main unit so that the unit turns on when I plug the hose into the outlet? Thanks, John, Winnipeg canada ,. Kenmore type k central vac |
Answer: It will connect to the back of the unit near the power cord to two small metal wires or posts. Exact locations differ by brand and model, consult your owner's manual for the exact position. |
| Motor Turns Off, Shuts Down in Main Unit | |
| Question: Hi,Nutone unit works fine some days, other days it will turn on then shut down in a few seconds. Sometimes will run for 15 minutes or more then shut down. Dealer took out unit and bench tested, ran fine. Replaced all outlets. Problem occurs when turning on with hose or at main unit.
Thanks. Dave, Phoenix AZ |
Answer: The bench mark was not long enough. The motor, being jostled, worked better, but when settled and used for some time it again faltered. This means the motor is going bad and needs to be replaced. |
| Inlet Shudder When Vacuum Is In Use. | |
| Question: I recently installed a dustpan in an existing central vac system. Now when I use the dustpan (only when the dustpan is used) all the other outlet covers 'shutter' creating a loud noise from the air suction. Any suggestions how to remedy? |
Answer: The doors on the inlets are not fully closed. If this is a very recent installation, try loosening the screws on the problem inlets about a quarter turn each. When installing the inlets, if the screws are too tight it tends to bend the plastic just enough to open the door for air. |
| No Wire Vacuum Operation | |
| Question: I installed my own central vac and in a huge mental blank, I forgot to run the wire and the walls are finished now. Fishing through the walls has proven to be virtually impossible. Any suggestions? Is it a really bad idea to run the wire inside the pipe? Is there some way I can bypass having the hose compkeys the circuit to turn it on? |
Answer: You don't want to run the wires through the inside of the pipe, debris will build up on the wire and form clogs. We have a solution for you! MD carries a radio frequency hose and reciever that will function like the wires are there. Give us call to go over what parts you will need to get your system up and running without the headache of fishing wires through the walls. |
| Self Install Not Working | |
| Question: I have connected all inlets to junction and then to the main unit, the main unit works by manually turning it on, but when I plug in the hose none of them work. any help is appreciated. |
Answer: You must be sure that all the low voltage wires are connected from the inlets back to the main vacuum unit. Give us a call at 1-800-997-2278 to speak to a technician for help. |
| Low Voltage has Nearly No Voltage. | |
| Question: Beam 240 V serenity plus won't start with hose, but works with manual switch. I shorted the low vol. output leads on the front of the canister and it will not start. I tested output voltage from the low voltage connecter on the front of canister and it reads 10.7 volts. When I hook up the leads to the house low voltage wires the meter reads < 1 volt (ie essentially no voltage).
Since the manual switch works, I think the circuit board is the culprit as the test of shorting the output does not turn the unit on. My guess is the 24 V. transformer is bad.
Do you agree? If so, do you sell the circuit board replacement part.
Sincerely,
Chris A
Dothan, Al |
Answer: Correct, the transformer is not working. 10 volts will not close the circuit. We suggest retrofitting this board into it. it is made by the same manufacturer, just maybe a little different. http://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=235S |
| Telephone Wire Wiring for Central Vac | |
| Question: My house builder used a phone wire for the low voltage wire. Which two wires I have to use from green, red, black and yellow? |
Answer: Put two wires together in the same pattern everywhere, such as green and red together then black and yellow together. This wire is thinner then wire recommended for central vacuums so you need to use two together like this, but that may still be any issue if your home is long or you want to use a long hose with a switch on it. There may not be enough power on the line to start the suction. Give it a try. |
| Turns On by Itself | |
| Question: We have a Kenmore Central Vacuum connected to a contractor installed pipe system that has worked great for 5 years. Lately the system tries to start on its own intermittantly almost any time of the day or night. I have checked all outlets and cleaned the power unit. Any Suggestions. |
Answer: Disconnect the small wire at the unit and see if the same thing happens. If it happens then replace the circuit board in the unit. If it stops then you have a compromise in that wire somewhere in the home. If you can't find it then you'll have to bypass it completely with a radio frequency switch for a couple hundred dollars. It is easy to set up and use. Let us know what you find. |
| Baseboard Kick Vacuum - ONLY | |
| Question: I am very interested in the automatic dust pan and incorporating it into the building of our new home. I do not prefer vacuuming with central vac, however. How can I get the toe kick without having a full central vac system? |
Answer: You can enjoy the benefits of the VacPan and even a regular hose valve nearby quite easily. Use the small but powerful M60 vacuum, a VacPan, and a Stretch Hose. Please see if you have a dealer in your area for sales. If not, please let us know. http://builtinvacuum.com/flomaster/compare.html. |
| Where is the Main Unit? | |
| Question: We are moving into a new home. It has a central vac system thru out as we see areas in the wall for hose attachments. Our problem is we do not see the main unit anywhere. Is there a way to trace where everything goes to see where the main unit may be found. It is possible that it was taken by the owners, but how do we know where to put a new unit if the old one was taken? |
Answer: It is very possible the last owners took the vacuum unit. The unit would usually have been in the basement or garage. You'd see a 2 inch PVC pipe and low voltage wire coming out the same hole in the wall (usually). Rarely is the vacuum in an attic, utility closet, or other closet, but look around for it there to. Let us know how we can help you next. |
| Repair Low Voltage Wire | |
| Question: I have purchased a house that has a system that installed in 1997. Some of the outlets have had wires break and the wires were not long enough when the system was installed. How is the best way to reconnect the wires? |
Answer: You can run 20 gauge wires between the breaks and to lengthen them. Use wire nuts to connect the wires. If there is any break that you cannot reach, however, then you'll have to use a remote control unit/clicker to turn the vacuum on and off. Please call us and we'll let you know more about it. |
| Wiring Diagram? Unit Only Hums. | |
| Question: Hi,I a have an av425a, I recently had to bang it on top to get it going, I replaced the motor after having some of the wires ripped out by mistake but I think that I did not place the wires where they belong. Now I here a hum when I turn it on but the motor does not turn. I got this model 16 years ago. The relay and transformer are seperate but attached to a metal plate that is attached to the vacuum. Is there any way to get a wiring diagram for this model without having to sell my soul.I'm sure there is a wire that is not in it's place.I really do not feel like throwing it into the neighbors pool. Hope you can help.
Thank you (Montreal, Canada) |
Answer: Hi, here is a basic diagram for a single motor with separate transformer and relay. http://builtinvacuum.com/graphics/wiring/110-A-B-E-M19-M34-M45-M72-S1-C95-C110-S4.gif. The hum you hear is there all the time right? That is normal, it is the hum of the transformer. It is not loosing electricity, its rivits are loose. If you don't here a click when starting the unit then the relay is probably done. You can have an electrician easily replace the electronics with a single circuit board here http://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=235S. Print the enlarged photo for the installation guide. |
| Condensation Drips | |
| Question: I HAVE A NUTONE CENTRAL SWEEPER SYSTEM IN MY NEWLY PURCHASED ONE STORY,NO BASEMENT HOME. VACUUM IS PIPED THRU THE ATTIC. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IN COLD WEATHER, AND IN WINTER, WATER DRIPS OUT OF THE VACUUM HOSE INLETS, FROM THE TWO FARTHEST INLETS.(BAD) DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. WRECKING MY HARD WOOD FLOORS. THE VACUUM PUMP IS IN THE GARAGE.
THANK YOU
VICK
BAY CITY |
Answer: Hi Vick, you need to heavily insulate the vacuum pipe in the attic. Please visit a hardware store for options. The pipe should be 2 inch outer diameter. Once insulated, the condensation issue should be resolved. Next summer run a couple of pounds of dry rice through the hose and pipes to clean them. |
| How is Low Voltage Ran, Other Wires? | |
| Question: wiring diagramm for silent master s2 240v. not clear. do i need to run a sepate power line to each inlet, other then the low volt wires. how do i conect low volt wire to mounting plate and inlet valve. do i splice it or run two sets of wires to each inlet? |
Answer: Hi, for the wires that connect to the unit and run throughout the home, we can assist you. The minimum requirements for wiring is to run a 20-gauge multithread, 2 wire with separated-insulation (like this http://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=540M) to each vacuum port. The wire connects to the finish plate, not the backing plate, to two screws. Leave 8 inches of slack and then strap or tape the wire to the vacuum PVC and splice it into a wire running down the trunk line PVC all the way to the vacuum unit location. The wire will then be connected to the power unit. This wire provides the ability to turn suction on and off when inserting the hose in the wall port or having an on/off switch on the hose handle. If you also want an electric nozzle for carpet grooming then you have two options. First buy an electric hose with a pigtail cord. Plug the hose in the inlet and plug the cord into a nearby electrical outlet. Or run 110 volts to inlet ports called SuperValves. The 110 wire can run from the closest electrical box or light switch, it doesn't run from the power unit in the garage or basement. Let us know if you have any more questions. |
| Modern Day needs new relay | |
| Question: We have a 30 yr old Modern Day system. About two months ago I pulled out the hose which normally shuts off the vac. but it continued to run. Now we must unplug the unit to turn it off. If the two low voltage wires that come in from under the house are disconnected the unit turns off. This tells me there is a short in the low voltage circuit. The wall inlets can not be removed to check the wiring. The wall units have two small ball type contacts, these must have some type of insulation. Does this wear or shot out?? Is the Honeywell R8222A 1002 24V relay available?? I cracked mine but repaired it. Thank you, Perry Baxter |
Answer: Hello Perry.We are sorry to hear about your problem with your Central Vacuum; however, we are here to help. As you pointed out, it sounds like you need to replace the relay. This relay can be found here |
| Inlets in Floors | |
| Question: do you have a recommended outlet valve and method for installing the outlet in the floor through the carpet? There is nothing but basement below the floor, so it is very accessible, but I wasn't certain if the installation of the outlet in a carpeted floor is even an option. I would plan to install it in a location that wouldn't receive regular foot traffic. Robert |
Answer: Putting a metal faceplate basic inlet in the floor is considered a normal installation and is often done. Here are the instructions http://builtinvacuum.com/installguides/vacumd/floorvalve.html. Use the pipe and backing plate #517 (cut off the flange with three holes) http://builtinvacuum.com/install_shop/pipe-fittings.html on this page along with any metal inlet valve on this page http://builtinvacuum.com/inlets/basic.html. There is a raised rim on the #517 that you use as a guide to cut that exact shape out of the wood floor. |
| Fixing a hole in a PVC pipe run | |
| Question: hi my electrician drilled a small hole in the pvc pipe of my central vaccum by accident. how do i fix he small hole, as it is imposible to take the pipe out and replace it as i had the vaccum installed when i build he house |
Answer: Hi, take a small piece of central vacuum PVC pipe and put a slit all the down one side. Open it wide and put it over the pipe and over the hole. Use a lot of PVC cement, rotating the sleeve in the glue and adding glue all around the edges to be sure there is no leak. |
| Utility Closet Installation | |
| Question: Duravac Powerhouse (655airwatts) is installed in a utility closet. My wife is concerned that it generates a lot of heat..as in do we have to worry about a fire? TX, Eber |
Answer: Hi, you must open the door to the utility closet whenever the vacuum is in use. Angle the exhaust out of the closet using the PVC installation fittings here http://builtinvacuum.com/install_shop/pipe-fittings.html if you have the room. |
| Vacuum Pressure Measurement | |
| Question: If I am checking my system, what should the vacuum pressure be at the wall outlets? |
Answer: Hi, good question. The vacuum pressure, or waterlift, or sealed suction - when no air is passing into the system and something is completely covering the suction hole, will vary for each unit. We have a sealed suction gauge here: http://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=840. You will need to look up the motor in the brand pages that goes with your system and find its WaterLift reading, or look up the specifications of your system elsewhere and look for the Waterlift measurement. The reading should be 10-30 marks off the stated specs when measuring it at the inlet, at your hose, or at the unit directly. |
| Static Build-up | |
| Question: Jeannie, Mattawa Wa. I have an Imperium vacuum system and it works great until I have to vacuum up fine dust like flour or sand. It seems to have a build up of static electricity that trips the unit off. We flip the breaker and this usually solves the problem until we have more fine dust which seems like all of the time on a farm. Is there a way to bleed off that static? |
Answer: Hi, this is rare but can happen. Take a dryer sheet and rub down the hose and the exposed pipe near your unit. Then suction a couple through your system. For the farm you may want to wrap some the exposed pipe in copper wire and ground it. |
| How to Test Low Voltage System | |
| Question: how do I test the low voltage system for my central vacuum,it does not work
|
Answer: Hi, please use our guide to have a step-by-step way of finding what the low voltage issue in your vacuum is. This guide is for all central vacuums. |
| Hot Pipes | |
| Question: I have just installed a brand new Kenmore Central Vac, however when I turn it on the air in the pipes is very hot and there the pipes get very hot..Is there something wrong?? |
Answer: Please contact our offices @ 1-800-997-2278 (M-TH 7-5 PST) for more information. |
Order Information
MD Site Map
Privacy / Copyright
Warranty
Product Registration
See what others think!
2547 Customer Service Ratings
21163 Product Reviews
 |
|
|
 |
 |
