Central Vacuum Systems
Central vacuum systems are built-in, permanent cleaning systems that are convenient alternatives to portable vacuums. They have the ability to clean an entire facility with little maintenance or cleaning. These systems are composed of a large unit in a remote, out-of-the way location within the facility, which is connected to conduit lines that run through the walls into various inlet locations. There are two main types of CVS systems-cyclonic and filtered-which differ based on how the fine particles are removed from the air within the system. Filtered systems use screens, cloth, foam or paper to clean the air taken in by the vacuum, while cyclonic systems use centrifugal force and gravity to separate the air and dirt. The power button is almost always conveniently located on the brush, which is detachable and able to move from inlet to inlet.
All central vacuum systems are composed of four main components-a power unit, dirt can, tubes and fittings, and inlets. The large power unit is located in an inaccessible location somewhere in the building. It houses the system motor and electrical components. The dirt can is also near the power unit, and it collects the large particles. In some systems, this is where the cyclonic separation takes place. It needs to be emptied about four times a year. The tubes and fittings are concealed within the walls of the facility, and make up a large network that runs from the vacuum system to the hand pieces. The inlets are the plugs connecting the hand piece and tubing. Their locations are all over the facility, and usually determined by number of square feet.