Electrolux Central Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

If the vacuum cleaner stops suddenly, the filters should be checked to make sure that they are not blocked or that they require changing. This applies to both bagged and bagless models. Also check if the nozzle or hose are blocked.
If the unit runs for a few minutes then shuts off, the motor needs to be replaced. Central vacuum motors generally last for 800-1100 working hours. If your motor has run less than 800 hours or activates by jolting the canister, it may be possible to extend the life of the motor by replacing the carbon motor brushes.
Q: My Electrolux Central Vacuum has low suction? A: This is probably a clog within your central vacuum pipe. You should contact a local Electrolux central vacuum repair technician to get the clog out without any damage.
To use the system, you simply plug a portable hose into one of the wall- or floor-mounted inlets, which is connected to the motor via a network of PVC pipes snaking through the walls and floors. That signals the vacuum to turn on.
This can be caused by a clogged water inlet valve, the main water supply valve being partially closed, or low water supply pressure from the home.
Overheated Motor

If your vacuum was working fine and then suddenly shut off, it may have overheated. Most vacuums are equipped with a thermal protector safety switch that won`t allow the motor to run when it becomes overheated. You will need to wait for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your machine, to try again.

If the filter bag or canister is too full, it cannot pick up any additional particles and will simply jam or the motor will overheat and shut down. So, when you suspect your unit is about 75 per cent full, empty it! Don`t wait until it`s packed to the brim, clean it out and prevent the breakdown.
Clog located in the vacuum hose

Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.

Ducted vacuum cleaners filter exhaust into a location outside of the living area of the home, such as the garage. By filtering exhaust outside of the living area, ducted vacuums reduce allergens, dust, and dirt inside the home, creating a cleaner air environment for all the occupants.
The suction motor creates vacuum pressure and suction by rotating a motor fan. The impeller rotates at an incredibly high speed of about 30,000 to 35,000 RPM. A suction motor`s power is measured by multiplying the rate of air flow and the vacuum pressure, which induces air flow from the brush through the hose.
Some of the most common faults that will make your washer stop mid cycle include thermostat failure, problems filling up with water for the rinse cycle, or even pump problems that prevent your washer from draining. One thing that you can check yourself is the lid switch.
Load Imbalance

The machine will automatically shut down when it senses the load is out of balance to prevent mechanical damage. Turn the washer off and re-balance the load by moving the clothes to an equal distribution. When you close the lid, spinning should resume.

A thermal cut off is a heat-sensitive device that automatically disconnects the power to a vacuum`s motor when the operating temperature exceeds a safe value.
If you find that your machine is turning off intermittently, the filter in your vacuum is most likely full and covering the ventilation system. Remove the filter, then empty and wash it. Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours, or until it is completely dry.
One of the first things to do when your Dyson vacuum cleaner keeps starting and stopping is to empty the bin. It may be full, or the machine may simply perceive it as too full to continue working. Dyson vacuum cleaners require constant airflow through them to work, and a full bin can stop this from happening.
A vacuum cleaner can run continuously for 30 – 60 min each time. The vacuum cleaner has no suction power. For example, a hair cannot be sucked up.
If you don`t vacuum your carpet, the dirt will break down carpet fibers and create a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. In addition, your home will begin to smell musty from the dirt, mites, and other organisms settling into the fibers.
The most common problems found in vacuum cleaners are low suction force, excessive noise, burning smell, vacuum not turn on, and overheating. These issues can be fixed by either cleaning the device or replacing some parts of the device. At times, it is best to seek a professional to fix the cleaner effectively.
Burning smell can indicate motor damage

If you suspect that the motor is damaged, you should not continue to use the vacuum cleaner! The cause of motor damage is usually wear and tear or damage caused by prolonged improper use (e.g. overheating). In most cases, it is not worth repairing.

The most common problem with a vacuum cleaner is also the easiest to remedy: clogs in the hose or attachments. Also the electrical cord, motor, switch, fan, brushes, and motor bearings can all need repair or replacement. The drive belt may need replacing; and the attachments, hoses, and filters may need unclogging.
The two main indicators to determine vacuum power performance are water lift and airflow. The water lift is measured in mmH2O, mbar or kPa. It represents the suction force and is the reference parameter for vacuuming liquids and heavy materials. The airflow is measured in m3/h or in l/s.
The suction power is measured in Watt (W) and is typically between 250 W and 450 W for machines with 1 motor. The suction power is to be measured at the end of the tube of a complete vacuum cleaner (i.e. with tube, hose and filters – but without nozzle).
Any negative pressure significantly below standard atmospheric pressure (760 Torr/mmHg, 29.9 inHg or 14.7 PSI) is considered a vacuum.
Vacuum means the absence of all matter including air. As there is no air in the vacuum, air pressure will be zero.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Won’t start. My son was using the vacuum & Didn’t change the bag. The vacuum was making the full bag smell, but the light was’t on & it didn’t stop. I stopped him, changed the bag, checked the filter, closed the compartments & turned on the vacuum. Nothing happened. I checked to be sure that it was plugged in, that wasn’t the problem. I’ve let the vacuum “rest” for several days, It still won’t start. Any suggestions?
ANSWER : There is a reset button at the back of the powerhead. The user manual can be downloaded from the electrolux website, although I didn’t find it very useful. There was some info on how to change the powerhead drive belt.

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I was vacuuming and noticed that the bag needed changing. the red light with the ! inside the triangle also came on. When the bag was changed, the vacuum would not restart. The red light came on. Tried the reset button but nothing happened. Tried unplugging and re-plugging in and nothing happened. Replaced all the filters and still it wouldh’t start. So I brought it downstairs and tried one more time to get it to start. it worked! Is there something wrong with the vacuum cleaner? Was it overheat
ANSWER : It was overheated that is why it worked downstairs after cooling off.

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

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I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
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.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

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Simplicity vacuum My vacuum just cut off and now it wont start. I pressed there restart button but nothing happens
I have 2 fairly old Industrial hitachi dry vacuum in my workshop both 110v and both wont start. Both i was told were manufactured in Italy and both have a manual and auto switch. It has a black top, takes an orange paper filter inside and its bin is dark blue. Sorry i’ve forgotton the model number. I’ve inspected the wiring but it’s fine, could it be the motor and how do i gain acc
ANSWER : Just take it in to your vacuum store.

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I had the vacuum cleaner question about the canister and the wand/powerhead… the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum canister model 116.25812 and the canister not powering off without unplugging the vacuum. The solution I received that they both run on their own switch so it is normal makes sense. However, is there a power switch on the canister anywhere? The only way for the canister to be turned off is by unplugging it. Any ideas? One would think there would be a switch. I am new to fixya and hope
ANSWER : Hi. On some models, one switch controls all of the power. Your issue, which is no working switch is almost certainly a blown triac on the circuit board in the canister – kenmore part number KC86WBZRZ000

Looks like a common fault with this particular model judging by the number of complaints on the web.
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.Take it to your local vacuum repair shop and they should be able to fix it for a nominal fee.

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Vacuum starts up on its own. The only way to stop it is to unplug it, why is this happening?
ANSWER : The motor can only be switched on this way for 2 reasons. The circuit board inside the canister is bad or somewhere in the wiring in the house or in an outlet, a connection has been made in the low volt wiring, triggering the relay on the circuit board. If you unplug the low volt wiring from the canister and the problem goes away, then the problem is in the house, if the vac still turns on when the low volt wiring is disconnected then the problem is the circuit board inside the vac.

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I have an easy flo vacuum model # 199C and it won’t shut off. It started out as an intermitent problem but now will not shut off when the hose is unplugged, nor when the off/on switch on the main unit is shut off. the only way to get the motor to stop running is to unplug the unit. Any ideas?
ANSWER : Just had this same problem. I unplugged the low voltage signal wires and the vacuum stayed on. Thus eliminating the possibility of the signal wires shorting out somewhere. I’m not really sure which wire(s) were causing the problem. But when I disassembled the top housing to expose the motor and wiring it seemed to work just fine. My theory is that the heat of the motor caused the insulation on a wire to melt which was then shorting somewhere inside the housing. I suggest removing the motor housing before buying any parts or calling easy-flo. If you’re lucky like me then your vacuum should be running again in a matter of minutes.

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