How to Replace a Central Vacuum Hose

Many people think their central vacuum hose is brand specific and so they go about looking for a central vacuum hose in all the wrong ways. One of the most important things to consider when replacing a central vacuum hose is the type of inlet you have. Once you have determined the type of inlet you have, there is a good chance you will be free to purchase whatever brand hose appeals to you. This valuable information gives you more choices.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your old central vacuum hose

1. First determine what type of central vacuum inlet you have installed in your home.

2. 

   If it looks like this you have a Standard Electric inlet which includes two internal contact beads on the interior of the 1-1/2" diameter opening. These beads enable the on/off capability feature on the appropriate hose. This inlet also includes a 120 volt receptacle for electric power brush operation. You will need a direct connect electrical hose.

3. 

   If your inlet looks like this you have a Full Door Electric inlet. This inlet also includes two internal contact beads on the interior of the 1-1/2" diameter opening which enables the on/off capability feature on the appropriate hose. This inlet also includes a 120 volt receptacle for electric power brush operation. You will need a direct connect electrical hose. If your inlet does not look like either of these, proceed to Step 6.

4. 

   Now that you know you need an electrical hose you will need to determine if it has a flush or recessed hose end. The difference between flush and recessed hoses lies in the position of the cord management plug connection. The handles on flush hoses are designed for flush mounted cord management plugs.

5. 

   The handles on recessed hoses are designed with a recess measuring 7/16" deep, so that the pins at the wand make contact with the handle, reducing electrical shorts. If you are unsure which hose you require, call 1-800-221-8227 for free assistance.

6. 

   If your inlet looks like this you have a Standard, Non-Electric inlet which includes two internal contact beads on the interior of the 1-1/2" diameter opening. This enables the on/off capability feature on the appropriate hose. You will need a standard hose for this inlet. You will have the choice of a standard hose or a standard hose with an on/off switch on the handle. If you would like to use an electric powerhead and have a standard non-electric inlet, go on to step 7. If your inlets do not look like any of these inlets then call 1-800-221-8227 for assistance in identifying the type of hose you will need.

7. 

   If you would like to use an electric powerhead with a standard non-electric inlet, then you must purchase a hose with a "pigtail" end. Electric PigTail Hoses are electrified and will operate an electric power head, with any system that has standard non-electric inlets, by plugging the 110 volt pigtail to a nearby electrical outlet. These hoses also have the ability to shut off the central vacuum system with the on/off switch located on the hose handle. Electrical power heads work best for high pile carpeting and households with pets.

Resources

• Central Vacuum Hose Selection Tool

[grouch]

on 3/27/2008 Way to save us money by keeping us informed. I would have probably been searching like crazy and end up paying too much from a manufacture.