What Type of Central Vacuum Hose Do I Need for My AirVac Central Vacuum System?
The first thing you must consider when choosing a hose for your AirVac central vacuum system is the type of inlets you have. There are two major types of wall inlets, Standard/Universal and Electric inlets. Standard or Universal wall inlets are non-electric and require a low voltage power for turning on/off the central vacuum unit. They have two metal contacts that turn the system on when it meets the metal band at the end of the central vacuum hose. These inlets have absolutely no electricidal capability. When electric accessories are used with these inlets then you will need what is called a pigtail hose. Pigtail refers to the power cord at the end of the hose that plugs into an electrical outlet and is usually 6 ft in length. A standard central vacuum wall inlet can be used with either a standard, straight suction, or a low voltage hose. Direct connect hoses will not work with standard/universal inlets, direct connect hoses are for use with electric outlets only.
Electric Inlets can be used with standard, turbo, straight suction, pigtail, or direct connect hoses. These inlets require both low voltage and electric wiring. With electric wall inlets, the low voltage wiring is needed to turn the central vacuum system on or off while the electric wiring is needed to provide electricity to the powerhead or electric attachments. The direct connect central vacuum hose is designed with electrical wiring running through the hose and two prongs at the wall end of the hose that plugs into the electric inlets. This provides electricity to electric powerheads and other electric central vacuum attachments.
On this page, you will find electric, low voltage, and standard hoses that will work with your AirVac central vacuum system. If you are not sure what type of central vacuum hose you need, please call 1-800-322-2965 and one of our AirVac central vacuum specialists will be happy to assist you.
When installation of a [brandname] central vacuum is completed and all the pipes are run throughout the house, these pipes all lead to intake ports, otherwise known as "central vacuum wall inlets". These inlet valves are secured to a central vacuum mounting bracket that connects to the piping behind the walls. When you want to vacuum you will take a central vacuum hose and insert it into the wall inlet. These ports are connected to low voltage wiring that runs from one inlet to the next all along the piping back to the [brandname] built-in vacuum system. When the vacuum hose is pushed in to the inlet, it makes contact and a low-voltage signal is sent to the [brandname] central vacuum to start up and turn on the system. The majority of homes use plastic wall inlets but you can also purchse them in metal. They can be installed either on the wall or in some cases in the floor. Call our friendly and knowledgeable staff at 1.800.322.2965 for more information about wall valves.
There are many different designs of central vacuum wall inlets and it is important to make sure when selecting wall inlets that they are compatible with the mounting bracket installed during the time of installation. Most inlets insert into a universal style mounting bracket; however, there are some proprietary designs that require their own bracket. Such inlets include Genuine Vacuflo wall inlets, Nutone 360 style inlet valves as well as older style ports for brands such as Budd and Sears/Kenmore central vacuums.
Some inlet valves, or otherwise known as Designer Series Valves, may be more esthetic and attractive on your walls. If you have a Budd or Sears/Kenmore central vacuum and are looking to replace your wall inlets please call our friendly and knowledgeable staff at 1.800.322.2965 for assistance to determine what inlets will work with your existing set-up.
Besides design styles, [brandname] central vacuum inlets are divided into mainly two styles: low-voltage inlets and electrified inlet vales. The electrified inlets are also known as direct connect inlets or super valves and require low-voltage wiring and 110/120-volt Romex wiring to supply power for an electrified hose and carpet attachment. This is a nice featured for homes with a lot of carpeting so you can use an electric power nozzle to clean with and offers a nice clean installation without any messy cords. You simply plug your [brandname] central vacuum hose into the direct connect inlet and you get everything powered up by one shot. With universal low-voltage inlets you still have the ability to use an electric powered hose and attachments; however, these will require what is known as a pigtail style hose. This style hose inserts into the valve and you are able to turn the suction on via an on/off switch at the handle shorting the low-voltage signal and turning the [brandname] central vacuum on. In order for you to electrify the powered carpet attachment, you will be required to plug a separate cord that is integrated into the wall end of the hose into a nearby wall socket. If you are planning your [brandname] installation make sure you determine what style inlets you want to install and make the proper accommodations before installation is complete to make sure your hoses and attachments will operate properly.
Need Installation Hardware With Your Wall Inlets? We carry everything you need for a complete installation.
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