Central Vacuum not working

mmcguire2002

Active Member
Mar 3, 2008
597
San Pedro, CA
Boat Info
Previous boat - 2003.5 Sea Ray 340 DA
Current boat - 2003 Mikelson 50
Engines
Cummins 480 CE
my central vacuum no longer works when I plug the hose into the unit. Any ideas on what the issue could be? Appreciate any insights.
 
I think the hose makes an electrical connection when plugged in. I would start by inspecting the outlet and the hose end making the connection.

Of course also make sure the outlets are on in the AC switch panel.

-Kevin
 
Thanks. Outlets are on and ac is switched on as well.
 
Check to make sure it didnt come unplugged from the outlet and that the gfci is not tripped.
 
There is a 120/24 transformer inside the unit that likely failed.

I found a new old stock one on eBay and repaired mine.
 
Mine the actual hose gets a little corrosion around the ring that connects to wall and won’t turn on unless I brush it once in a while
 
Determine if you have 120 volts coming into the vacuum unit. If you do, then jumper out the 2 low voltage wires that are connected to the hose inlet to see if it will start. If it does not start, then check to see if you have any voltage leaving the stepdown transformer. If you do, then I would be having a close look at the relay that energizes the motor.
 
I gave up on using the central vac

Using a cordless Dyson is much faster / quicker on the boat
 
The outlet has little spring loaded pins that make contact with the ring. I've had them break/get jammed out of position. A new outlet is about $10 on ebay if that's the case.
 
Ditto on the Dyson. Get rid of the central vac and hose. You'll gain a ton of space. And as Mark said, Dyson is much better/easier.
 
I think the bearings are going on my unit. Makes one heck of a noise when shutting down. Might need to go Cordless Dyson.
 
I replaced my outlet as they operate on the ground circuit being completed when you plug in the hose, also my Beam has a manual switch located on the side of the canister. If you have the switch you would be able to narrow down what the malfunction might be...
 
Ditto on the Dyson. Get rid of the central vac and hose. You'll gain a ton of space. And as Mark said, Dyson is much better/easier.
I would be lost without the central vac... I like it for the bugs on the dash and sills...hose reaches end to end.. Don't know how a upright could be any easier
 
It's not an upright. I'm talking about the small "Stick" Dysons, I think mine is the V7, cost about $300. You can use it as a small stand up vacuum, but there a 2 attachments for smaller clean ups. Google it. It takes up way less space then the Beam canister, hoses, and attachments. It is sucks much better (no comment). Much easier to take out and use (no cord or hoses). Mine stores in the back of a cabinet. Try it, you like it. FYI, no affiliation with Dyson, but I have bought 3 of these and about to buy a forth. They just work really well.
 
FYI, no affiliation with Dyson, but I have bought 3 of these and about to buy a forth. They just work really well.

I know what you mean by battery power and convenience. I have one of these Stihl blowers on the boat it is great to blow bugs out of the cockpit and fish flys off the deck and swim platform ... So yours sucks and mine blows... I think we are even :)

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I would be lost without the central vac... I like it for the bugs on the dash and sills...hose reaches end to end.. Don't know how a upright could be any easier

Where do you stow the hose? The PO of our boat stowed it in my port side hanging locker....behind the hangers. While out of the way, it is a bit of a PITA to get out and put back. Help a brother out?

Jaybeaux
 
Where do you stow the hose? The PO of our boat stowed it in my port side hanging locker....behind the hangers. While out of the way, it is a bit of a PITA to get out and put back. Help a brother out?

Jaybeaux
In the aft floor compartment... I put a basket down there for the attachments and just roll up the hose in there. It's not good for much else.
 

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