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frequently asked questions

SMART answers to frequently asked questions about installation and operation of central vacuum systems.

 
  Can central vacuums be installed in existing as well as new homes?
Can I install a built-in vacuum myself?
How many inlets are required in the average home?
Will our current hose work on another brand?
How much tubing will I need? how do I calculate it?
Where are the power units usually installed?
What about installing the power unit in a closet?
What activates the unit?
What if my children touch the 24-volt contacts inside the inlet valve?
Do I need an electrician to connect my vacuum to a special circuit?
What if I decide to move?
Can I pick up water or other liquids with my central vacuum?
What can break on a central vacuum system?

 

  if you have additional questions or want more information, contact us by e-mail at smartinfo@smartvac.com. you can expect a prompt reply from SMART central vacuum systems or from the authorized SMART distributor in your area.
   
Q. can central vacuums be installed in existing as well as new homes?
A. yes! absolutely! it may be more common to install a central vacuum system in new construction or during a major remodeling, but it is quite simple to install in an existing home.
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Q. can I install a built-in vacuum myself?
A. yes! it is not difficult to install a central vacuum system. the installation will likely range in time from a half-day to a weekend depending on the layout of your home, as well as tools and experience. your SMART dealer can give you advice or do the installation for you!
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Q. how many inlets are required in the average home?
A. the rule of thumb is one wall inlet valve per 30-50 square meters of floor area. in general, the more inlets you have, the easier your cleaning will be. on the other hand, the more inlets you have, the more expensive your installation will be. be sure to install each inlet in a central location - to allow you to reach the area/rooms you want to clean using that inlet. (remember to allow for reaching around furniture.) when deciding how many inlets you need, be sure to consider your basement. because the SMART power unit itself also has an inlet built-in, you will not need another inlet in the room where you install the unit.
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Q. will our current hose work on another brand?
A. SMART hoses fit nearly all other manufacturers' wall inlet valves.
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Q. how much tubing will I need? how do I calculate it?
A. figure 7 to 8 meters of tubing for each inlet valve. this figure should be used only as a reference because your needs could vary depending upon type of construction and specific layout.
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Q. where are the power units usually installed?
A. basements and garages are the areas most commonly used areas. installing the unit in the garage provides additional advantages:
(1) dust and dirt are removed from living areas,
(2) noise is outside,
(3) it provides easy cleaning for garage and vehicles.
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Q. what about installing the power unit in a closet?
A. This can be done as long as there is proper ventilation. It is quite common in condominiums.
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Q. what activates the unit?
A. insertion of the hose end into the inlet valve connects two 24-volt (low voltage) contact pins and automatically starts the central vacuum power unit. you can begin vacuuming immediately.
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Q. what if my children touch the 24-volt contacts inside the inlet valve?
A. the 24-volt charge is low voltage - similar to that used with audio speakers - and is not harmful.
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Q. do I need an electrician to connect my vacuum to a special circuit?
A. no. Your SMART vacuum can be plugged into a normal electrical outlet.
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Q. what if I decide to move?
A. the SMART power unit can be detached, so you can take it with you. in your next home, you'll only need purchase and install the piping and inlet valves.
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Q. can I pick up water or other liquids with my central vacuum?
A. no. a SMART central vacuum system is not designed to handle liquids.
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Q. what can break on a central vacuum system?
A. SMART central vacuum systems are designed for years of trouble-free operation. although belts and light bulbs will eventually wear out, these along with paper bag filters for SMART Model 200 can be replaced easily. as with any piece of machinery, proper cleaning and maintenance will extend service life and ensure maximum performance. see instruction manual regarding maintenance or contact your authorized SMART distributor.
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