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Installing central vacuum
QUESTION: Greetings from a newcomer to misc.consumers.house.
I just spent a couple hours looking over the FAQ. Wow! I learned a
lot. We weren't even considering installing a central vac, but after
reading all that, I think I might as well install the piping for one.
We're going to break ground in the next couple weeks for a 2-story
colonial with basement. We need to keep construction costs down since
we're going to move in before selling our current house (we don't want to
move twice!), so my plan is to just install the cvac piping as long as
the walls are bare, and worry about the actual unit and accessories in a
few months (or years?!).
So my question is, how do I go about intalling these pipes? Someone in
the FAQ mentioned that one of the units comes with installation
instructions, but I'm not buying a unit yet! Is there some book I can
buy to help me along? I'd also like to know how many outlets to put in,
ANSWER: You should first decide what manufacturer you will eventually go with, and
then make sure the pvc that you will be using is compatible!! I went with
NuTone and their pipes are slightly different than others. There are
definitely so do's and don'ts so I suggest you get instructions from your
manufacturer of choice!! As far as number of outlets....the hoses are
generally 30' max so cut a rope or string 30' and make sure you can get to
all sections of the house from your locations. If not...add another
outlet!! Also....make sure there is an electrical outlet near each vacuum
outlet, in order to plug in for the motorized attachments. And don't forget
to run the small gauge wiring to each vacuum outlet with it homerunning to
where the vacuum unit will be located. Also...(lots of also's!!), be sure to
run a pvc run to the outside for exhaust. If you go with NuTone, one of
there outlets is quite useful....it's an oblong outlet that is installed at
the base of one of your kitchen cabinets....then you can sweep the floor
right into this outlet and not have to use dustpans anymore! It's cool.
And finally, while you are running pvc all over the place, do yourself a
favor and run one piece of pvc from the basement straight up to the attic.
This will then be available for stringing future wiring for sat dishes,
stereos, home automation, home security, phones, LAN's, etc etc
Try calling EUREKA . For telephone number go brands link
I installed a central vac a few months ago. It took about 8 hrs. I suggest
you pre pipe/wire with the ElectraValve 110 volt vacuum inlets that have a
combination 110 V built in plug to run the rug beater. It is a two-pronged
socket and plug that feeds 110 V thru wires molded into the hose. Much more
convenient than rigging up a separate outlet nearby. If you go with this
kind of outlet, be sure to position it with the two pronged plug on the top,
where it is easier to see to align when plugging in, than on the bottom,
below the hose port.
The thin walled PVC is easy to cut with a hacksaw, be sure to ream smooth
the edges to prevent things from snagging. Use wide radius sweep elbows
everywhere but at the outlets, where it is not feasible. Measure, cut and
connect all the tubing first, before cementing the pipes together. I'm
extending my system to reach my carpeted deck and driveway.
After some research, I got my system from Galaxie over the net, at
www.galaxie-vac.com They are very nice, helpful, and give you more than
enough fittings to do the job. Very pleased with the results.
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