Diagnosing ducted vacuum problems

Vacuum motor will not start.

  1. Check circuit breaker, if tripped reset.
  2. Check power point with another appliance to ensure circuit is ok.  If circuit ok, do step 3.
  3. Try Vacuum motor (V/M) again. If circuit breaker trips, then it’s a faulty circuit board or motor.

Solution # 1:  Service required with vacuum specialist.  Contact Us.

Handy tips when obtaining a service.

  1. Make
  2. Model
  3. Year
  4. Motor Watts
  5. Send us a photo

Do It Yourself (DIY).  If you are a handy type, beware that 240v power is involved.

Ordering a motor involves the above, but also Fan width, Fan height, total height, exhaust, Flow.

Ordering a circuit board is more complicated.  Follow tips 1 – 4.

 

Vacuum Motor starts and runs continuously as soon as the 240v is switched on.

A.  Disconnect low voltage [LV] starter cable that runs with the pipe work.
V/M still runs.
Some makes have a “off/on” switch on the unit, and this maybe in the continuous running position, or it may be faulty. If V/M still runs then it is a faulty circuit board.

Solution # 1:  Service required with vacuum specialist.  Contact Us.

B.  Vacuum motor does not start [acts normally] on disconnecting LV.  Problem is in LV wiring which runs around the house.

  1. Reconnect LV and V/M starts.
  2. Check utility valve if there is one.
  3. Check for faulty Vac Pan or inlet.
  4. Remove inlets one by one with V/M running and carefully check wiring behind inlet.  (Sometimes a strand of wire can be shorting out, causing the V/M to run continuously or even intermittently).
  5. Check where the hose cuff is inserted into the inlet, as something maybe jammed into it, for example the band off the hose cuff. Some inlets have a small steel ball which can become jammed in the “on” position.
  6. Free up the ball.  Check Vac Pan for the same and correct operation.

V/M still runs. Time to leave, as you have a damaged cable. Ask owner if other tradespeople have been working in the house.

Solution # 2.  Repair cable or use a remote controller. Costs around $300 installed and works in most cases.

Or

Solution # 1.  Service required with vacuum specialist.  Contact Us.

 

Suction Problems.

Check filters, screens and seals first.
Check all inlets, Vac Pans etc.
Disconnect pipe work from the side of the V/M, run unit and test the suction by placing a piece of thick cardboard over the intake.
[1] Weak suction
[2] Strong suction

To determine whether the vacuum is weak or strong, again place the thick cardboard over the intake.  Allow the  unit to run for a few seconds then try to pull the cardboard away.
If it comes away easily then there is a lack of vacuum.  (Also see info under the heading Weak Vacuum).
If it is difficult to remove and obviously sucked onto the intake then the vacuum is strong.

[1] Lack of vacuum in this case could be caused by a faulty seal either on the can or between the motor and the can, a hole in the can, or very rarely a blocked exhaust.

[2] Vacuum develops slowly but is strong. This could be that fluff has caught on the fan blades. To repair this is more difficult. Remove the motor from the can and blow compressed air through it, this may clear it. Otherwise the fan has to be pulled apart, if possible.

[3] Strong suction at the unit.
Step 1. Check for blockage in hose. If blocked, reverse the hose which may clear it. Do not squeeze hose with hand as there may be a sharp object (sewing needle) wedged in the hose. (See Solution # 3 below).
Step 2. Check exhaust, as occasionally these can be blocked.
Step 3. Reconnect pipe work and test an inlet or the utility valve in the same manner using a piece of cardboard.
Step 4. Leave cardboard in place with unit running. Walk through the house and check inlets, Vac Pan and other devices. If there is poor suction but good vacuum (difficult to lift the inlet covers), then the problem is a blockage.

Solution # 3.  Clear blockage by sucking backwards.  You reverse* the cuff and the curved wand, then plug into the inlet.  This clears most blockages.   *When unscrewing the hose from the  curved wand, it is a “reverse thread”. 

or

Solution # 1.  Service required with vacuum specialist.  Contact Us.

 

Weak vacuum.

Poor vacuum (the inlet covers can be lifted easily) indicates that there is a leak in the system.

  1. Set unit running and walk around the house. You maybe fortunate to find a leaking inlet or Vac Pan.
  2. If it is not one of these, then it is a broken pipe. Often a broken pipe can be located by listening for the sound of rushing air. Beware that these sounds can be fickle, as the sound reverberates though the pipe work. It can be far from the problem area.
  3. Have there been trades work in the accessible areas of the house?  They may have damaged the pipe work or wiring.

Solution # 1.   Service required with vacuum specialist.  Contact Us.