More Central Vacuum Information

Hide-a-Hose Central Vacuum in Commercial Applications

At Central Vacuum Stores we consider Brad Prince to be the "Jedi Master" of the central vacuum industry.  With over 26 years of installation experience he has seen it all.  Recently, he wrote this article to pay homage to his mentor. As you read this article consider why Central Vacuum Stores is the place to go for central vacuum advice.  We are innovators in the marketplace, never afraid to try something new.

News Flash:  Central Vacuum Stores Resident Vac-Master, Brad Prince,  Stripped of Coveted Title on Recent Service Call!
Dateline:  NOAH`S ANIMAL HOSPITAL, St.Petersburg Fl. 10:00 AM

Brad Prince

Noah’s Animal Hospital is the scene where we installed a prototype vac system using the Hide-a-Hose retractable hoses with Imperium’s massive CV-20000 industrial unit.  We have had great success installing the Hide-a-Hose system in homes, leaving customers elated with the product.  However, Noah's presented some unique issues, but we felt the Hide-a-Hose system could work in commercial applications as well as residential.  In the general areas, hallways, and reception areas we installed 40 and 50 foot hoses.  In the exam rooms we tubed the rooms for 15 foot hoses, for a total of 11 Hide-a-Hose inlets in all!

Not long after completing the installation we were called to service this system due to clogs, low suction, etc.  After a variety of repairs, adjustments,and fixes I was unsure of how to tweak this system so that it would operate in the way it was intended. We had never experienced this problem with residential systems, but we had never installed a system with 11 Hide-a-Hoses.  So, I returned to Noah's, accompanied by Central Vacuum’s owner Roger Ambrose.  We were going  to tag team a troubleshoot on this system.  After clearing the Hide-a-Hose 50 footer in the reception area, we ran a TORNADOPOWER™ Central Vacuum Maintenance Cloth through the hose to the problem clog.

We heard a Thud and knew that the system was reclogged...so it was back to the drawing board.  All this time and I had been thinking:   too many hoses, not enough power. 

Roger decided to chose exam room 5 to open the ceiling panel.With zen like presicion, he found the tubing, took one of our Bear Pull Saws (perfect for PVC by the way), and cut the tubing just past the sweep tee fitting. I handed him the flashlight and then I heard Roger say, “There it is, the end of the Hide-a-Hose with the Tornado Cloth”. Amazing! Even though he laid out the system, the install was done by our techs. There was really no way he could have known the exact location and the problem, the hose was too long!  Needless to say, I pulled the hose,  cut off about 16 inches, trimmed the hose sock, and re-inserted the end cap.  Meanwhile, Roger repaired the cut tube with a stop coupling. We pulled the hose at the original problem location, fired up the system and introduced another Tornado Maintainence Cloth. Whoosh, right through to the unit. We have not had any problems with Noah's since then, and in fact they are adding more Hide-a-Hose inlets.  I do think it is time to spit the system, so with the additional inlets we are going to be adding an additional unit.
   Let me take a moment to tell you that when installing a Hide-a-Hose it is important you install enough retractable tubing to accommodate your hose length. In this case, the hose in question was a custom length and just a little long for the retrack tube before it was introduced into the trunk line tubing. Thankfully we could resolve this with some experience and accesability.
   I just thought of a great title for Roger, our new VacMaster.  O. B. ROG-BEN-VACI. It has a nice ring to it , ya think?

Hide-a-Hose Information

Music Intercom System Advice from the Expert

Brad Prince, longtime intercom installation expert, has some great advice for folks who want to improve the quality of the music  piped through their intercom system.  He's written an article and we have featured it on our Intercom Blog.
Read Brad's Article Here

Central Vacuum Installation in Tight Spaces

Brad Prince, with over 26 years of installation experience , now stands by our phones to offer tech support to our online customers. Give him a call if you need any help;.  1-800-221-8227  He wanted to share this story:

While I was working last Saturday, a gentleman came in to purchase parts to finish his NuTone IMA-3303WH install.  While he was looking around the show room he asked, "Could I install a vac system in a home with a flat roof and only enough room to lower 12-18 inches of tube at a time?"  He really wanted to have the vac system and was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to get it done.

In the past I’ve been on installs that put me in that same situation.  Gary Lamb,our top tube tech,has been in spaces that seem humanly impossible to fit in. He has an incomprehensible attitude of "whatever it takes" as he goes about the task. This "matter of fact" approach has served our customers well over the years and when they turn on the switch of their central vacuum hose they are always delighted that their new vac is ready for use.

The method of installing in small spaces is this:

1.You must adjust your position to be able reach the location with the tools and materials.

2.Drill a 2-9/16" hole,best done with Plumbers Kit right angle drill motor.

3.At the first piece of tube, tuck 4-6" of 2 cond. wire into tube end. Two inches past that, wrap wire against tube with cable tie. At the top of the tube in front of the stop coupling,place another cable tie. This will hold the tube in a position that will in able you to pull it back up through the hole if the tube and coupling fall past the hole opening. This infuriating situation can be a real setback if the above technique is not followed.

4.Once the length of tubing and wire are lowered to inlet opening, the connection to the mounting bracket and face plate can be made. Having a person to do this task will speed this process.

We know why customers want to have one of our central vacuum systems up and running in the home. Most of us have one, Gary too, and all of them were retrofits. The above technique applies to attic installs, the type of retrofit most common for those of us in Florida.  Gary,being a fitness aficionado, gets ready by doing a series of stretches and other preparatory moves before retrofit installs.  Smart,huh?

You don’t have to be a tube tech like Gary, who has installed literally miles and miles of tubing, to install a central vacuum system. But, with a little patience, our online instructions, our fine line of products, and experts on board to offer you advice, you can get this done.

(Gary is also a personal trainer so let us know if you need some tips on how to get in shape for attic installations.)

Check out our Central Vacuum Installation Manual

Central Vacuum Troubleshooting - Steps to Unclog a Central Vacuum System

Usually Brad Prince, with over 25 years of  installation experience, is available for phone tech support at 1-800-221-8227.  Recently he made a service call to a customer in Tampa.  He thought it might help our customers if we blogged his experience.

"On my recent service call to unclog a central vac in a veterinary hospital I used my trusty Electrolux canister vac circa 1975, and in addition, a container of  Central Vacuum Tornado Power Maintenance Cloths.  The vac systems I was servicing (they have three in this place) are located in the expansive FLORIDA VETERINARY SPECIALISTS PET HOSPITAL.  (Check out their patient gallery)   We installed these systems some years ago.

I do have a technique using the Electroux with a short hose fitted  with a standard hose end.  This  utilizes  the suction of the vac unit against the suction of my Electrolux.  Using the Electrolux I removed most of the problem debris which was a conbination of (in order of extraction) two paper towels, a huge amount of per hair (go figure), and some sort of stick or toothpick.  After all this there was still something left keeping the central vac from its optimum performance.That's when I pulled out the Central Vacuum Tornado Power Maintenance Cloths.I let the suction build up at the inlet by keeping my hand over the hose end.  I then released the cloth into my test hose cuff, the cloth made it's distinct sound grabbing what was left in the tube, and then that final all clear "whoosh".

 
Now it was time to check the other inlets.  I inserted one cloth into each inlet, picking up stuck and round shaped debris with it's specially textured surface.Success! All three vac units, one filtered and two cyclonic, working at top performance.

   
The Vet techs and Leo the maintenance tech were happy and ready to get back to work. The Tornado Power Maintenance Cloths are always in stock in our service-install vehicles.and now in many of our customer's homes."

You can find the Tornado Power Wipes on our website. 

Rust and Central Vacuum System Dust Cans

The other day I emptied my debris can.I only need to do this every 6 months.This is due to the extra large can that is part of my unit.Before I returned it to my unit,I noticed a collection of hardened debris

approximately 2" thick in the bottom of the can.This is due in part to the humidity in our area,especially in the summer months.I scraped the stuff from the can with a putty knife and noticed rust starting to form.I scraped the rust out and washed the can with soap and water.I then dried it thoroughly and returned it to the unit. I say this to suggest to our customers with metal dust can units to clean and wash those cans at least once a year.The clumps of moist hardened debris can start rust spots that will eventually become holes that will cause you to lose suction.   

Help with a Budd Central Vacuum System

A recent email from a customer:
I purchased an older home in NJ with an old operational BUDD central vacuum system model 334.  The unit looks old, and it is not properly exhausted (inside the crawl space), so when it doesn't work right - all dirt stays in the house.

BUDD is still in business, so I could call them, but I am intrigued by the newer more efficient systems you may be offering.  What is your advice?  Will I have connection problems if I switch to a different unit?  Can you sell me BUDD compatible wall outlets?

The house is approximately 4,000 square feet, and I currently have 5 wall outlets installed.  The BUDD hoses are almost new.

 

Brad's reply:
The Budd unit you have has a great track record for longevity and houses one of the flagship motors made by Ametek-Lamb.It is a true cyclonic and as such should be vented outside with no exception. While yours is vented into the crawl space (a situation that in many cases would be acceptable if the crawl space is outside vented) the chance of dust re-entry is possible. As a replacement,with exhaust dust eliminated by a paper or inverted filter bag any one of the following would be worthy replacements:

    1. Beam Line Model 375C

    2. NuTone CV750

    3. DuoVac Signature SIG1465

The inlet valves you have are Budd specific and will only except 1 1/4" tube connection at your hose cuff wall side.There is a way to convert the Budd valves to universal if you wish to make your choice of attachments limitless.

All specs and related information can be found on our web site,          https://www.centralvacuumstores.com/cvs/install_5.php 
I invite you to call 1-800-221-8227 if you would like to talk to me or any one of our qualified personnel.

Installing a Central Vac in a Plenum Environment

Recently a customer emailed us this question:

"If the central vac is being installed in a plenum environment, is there anything special required? Can PVC pipe be used?"

When I saw this I thought, "What the heck is a plenum environment"  so I forwarded the email onto Brad, our resident expert.  Brad was a central vacuum and intercom installer for 25 years before we brought him in to work with our online customers.  Brad is standing by ready to answer any questions you might have about central vacs, intercoms, and the installation of both.  Our toll free number is 1-800-221-8227.  Here is Brad's answer about a plenum environment:

Good Morning Judy,

A plenum environment is one that is used to transfer air as in return and feed of  HVAC systems.  You should check with local codes to see if PVC is allowed.We have in the past used steel andin rare occasions 2" copper tubing for such applications.Also you will be required to use plenum rated wire.  I believe all this is required to minimize smoke in case of fire.

Central Vacuum Installation Help

Recently, Chase, a student working on his senior project, contacted us and asked if we could help him by answering some questions about central vacuum systems.  At Central Vacuum Stores we believe in the value of education, and so we like to help students when we can.  I turned his email over to Brad.  Brad went above and beyond in his explanations to Chase, and I thought I would share his correspondence with our customers just in case there's information here you can use. 

****************************************************************************
Hi, this is Chase Jones. I first just want to thank you again and if
you could answer some more questions for me that would be great. I
might of already asked you some of these but please answer them again.

1)Could you please state experience and reason for expertise?

2)When you are on the job and installing your product do you run into
any problems while running tubing, piping, wiring, ext. through TGIs,
floor joists, or 2 X 4s?

3) What are your methods for installing tubing, piping, wiring, ext?

4)Have you ever had problems with pipe and tubing not being straight
vertically or horizontally when installing around or through TGIs,
floor joists, or 2 X 4s?

5)What are the current solutions for these problems that you use or
that are on the market?

6)When on the job approximately how much time do you spend measuring
and drilling holes to install your product?

7)When drilling to install piping or tubing do your holes ever not line up?

7a)If so have you ever had to re-drill those holes?

7b)If so how much time is spent re-drilling holes?

Thank you very much for your time and knowledge.
Chase Jones

***********************************************************************************************

Good Morning Chase,

I will list my answers in the order of your questions.

 

1) I have been in installation of built in vac systems from day one here at Central Vacuum Stores.  At about 2 years after that,I began installing intercoms. I had had some construction related experience previous to that. I've been at Central Vac Stores for 25 years.

 

2) There are usually no problems with the structural items you've mentioned that we cannot get around or through.I am sensitive to codes concerning framing and if I have a question,I will almost always defer to the head carpenter or superintendent for advice.

 

3) You start with a sharp bit 2 9/16" with a right angle plumber's kit type drill.We use Milwaukee.I will establish the best locations for the inlet valves based on typically a 30' hose. Next I will drill all of my holes to prep for the tube and wire.After that,I set my mounting brackets then stub up or down depending on the location of my main trunk run.After that I will join my stubbed inlet brackets into the trunk line run.I will continue this all the way to the unit location.

   Then I will stub an exhaust to the outside.Now it's time to wire.I start with the inlet farthest away from the unit location.My wire pay out will be made as smooth as possible.I make a run of wire all the way to the unit.making my way back,I pull a loop to each inlet location.I leave a lenght of 6" looped at the valve openings.I also will use cable ties to fasten the wire along the tube.

   Once that is done, we are ready to protect our work.Using electrical grade nail plates,place one on each side of any top plate or sole plate the tubing and wire pass through.Also use the plaster guard supplied with the mounting bracket.

 

4)  I haven't had any problems routing the tubing through the various structures you've mentioned. The vac tube has some flexibility to it and you can, over longer runs have slight curves or bends.  The important thing is to cut the tube lengths square and make sure the tube only is glued and the tube end is inserted completely in the coupling receiver.

 

5)  The solutions for these mentioned above are securing the tubing with pipe straps and cable ties.

 

6)  For a 5 inlet install, you will spend 45min.to 2 hrs. for walk through, and drilling.The time depends on the design of the dwelling.

 

7)  Often. Typically we'll have a 2X4 fire block , truss, or joist in the way. The fire block because of the nails to avoid.That's when a couple of 45 degree fittings are ideal in an offset to make a great transition around such obstacles.

 

7a) Sometimes.That's where the pre planning walk through is helpful. You are less likely to haveto re-drill holes.

 

7b)  In a well planned rough in, very little time if any will be spent re-drilling.Also you see more when your on the ladder and close to your work.You make adjustments right there on the fly.

 

I appreciate the opportunity to put into words what I know concerning installation.I hope this is helpful regarding your project.

Yours Truly,

Brad Prince

Intercom Installation Advice

Brad Prince is not only an expert on central vacuum installation, he also has extensive experience installing intercoms.  Often do-it-yourselfers run into some problems with humming sounds coming from their intercoms.  Here is Brad's suggestion:

On intercom wiring: I suggest that you do not run intercom wire next to your home's 110v wire for lengths more than 6ft.  If so you will pick up hum on that i-com line when communicating with room stations.  If you see you have no other path for the wire, use shielded wire to help block RF noise from entering the line.  Also when making wire runs longer than 300 ft., or running door station wire to a gate in conduit, use 18 gauge wire with a shield even if it is the only wire in that conduit.  For most intercom wiring, depending on the system,our IW-6,IW-3 or Cat5e wire will be fine.  You will want to avoid areas near fluorescent ballasts and dimmers, particularly halogen lighting on dimmers.

We carry a complete line of intercoms on our website at  https://www.centralvacuumstores.com/intercom.htm.
At Central Vacuum Stores, and more... we offer great technical advise for installing intercoms, as well as structured wiring and central vacuum systems.

Central Vacuum Inlet Repair

A recent question posed to me was this:
I have an inlet valve that has lost the small metal piece that holds the rubber gasket,do you sell the small metal piece that holds it in place?

My answer:
This part is not available separate from the inlet valve.  I have the same valve and identical situation.
The quick cheap fix is a rubberized contact cement to keep the gasket in place.  Otherwise, it's a new inlet valve for 8 bucks.