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Nutone central vacuum questions
QUESTION: I have a Nutone central vacuum on a dedicated 20 amp, 120v circuit. The
vacuum is spec'd to draw 12.6 amps (I measure it at closer to 13.5 amps)
but the starting current is close to twice that. Consequently the
breaker opens at least half the time at start-up.
Does Square D make a QO 20 amp breaker with a delay characteristic?
Perhaps a thermal breaker?
Although the circuit is dedicated, running 10AWG in order to put in a 30
amp breaker will not be fun.
ANSWER: A standard QO circuit breaker is rated for that initial motor surge. The
easiest thing to do is replace the circuit breaker, however the fact that
your motor is drawing more than its nameplate rating is a concern. It's
possible that your motor is on its way out or something is causing it to
work harder then it should. Did you check the voltage under load?
How long has this been occurring? Perhaps something has changed? The three
easiest solutions are:
1/ Tighten all the screws. The wires going to breakers in the panel often
get a little loose over time. Turn off the main power first!
2/ Does the Nutone have a capacitor type motor? It might be defective (the
capacitor).
3/ Try a new breaker.
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