Archive for the ‘Cleaning Equipment’ Category

Janitorial Supplies Michigan – Amerisource Industrial Supply

It is not uncommon to experience suction related problems with tools-on-board vacuum cleaners.  In addition, most of the new model tools-on-board vacuums have thermal shut-offs which will turn the motor off if begins to overheat as a result of reduced air flow.

Many of the vacuums also have warning lights which will come on as a result of reduced air flow.  If a vacuum is not picking up, the warning light comes on or the motor shuts off after a short time, it is a safe bet that there is an obstruction in the air flow / suction of the machine.

Troubleshooting the unit only takes a matter of minutes.  The first and easiest thing to check is the bag.  If it is full, it needs to be replaced. While looking at the bag, also check the filter that is located in the chamber with the bag.  This filter is the motor filter and its function is to keep dirt and debris from entering the motor.  If for instance, the bag were to tear, this filter will keep dirt from getting into the motor and causing a major repair.

Presuming all is ok with the bag and filter, turn the machine on and pull the wand out of the base (vacuum head).  You can check air flow through the wand by putting a finger into the end of the wand.  Don’t stick the wand to the palm of your hand – it doesn’t take much suction to make it stick.  When you put your finger in the end of the wand, you should feel a rush of air past your finger.  If you have air flow, the wand and hose are clear.  If not, something is clogged between the end of the wand and the bag.

If the wand or hose is clogged, you can usually detach them from the top of the vacuum.  When you do this, if the bag and filter are clear, you should be able to feel air flow into the vacuum by putting your finger into the connection port.  Clear the hose or wand and you will be back in business.

If you can feel air flow at the end of the wand, the problem is in the connection (throat) between the vacuum head and the wand.  This will need to be cleared and on some models it is harder than others.  Some have flex hoses and others have internal chambers – in either case, once this is cleared, you will have air flow from the vacuum head through the wand and hose into the bag and past the motor.   

All in all, there are four things to check:

• The bag
• The motor filter
• The hose and wand
• The throat between the vacuum head and the wand

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