I have a Dirt Dev*l Platinum Force central vac, which I haven't used until now, because it did not come with attachments and I did not purchase any until now.

I purchased a generic hose with a hard floor attachment,from a local store. the hose has an on/off switch on it.

The vacuum works fine when the hose is plugged in, however, the On/OFF switch does nothing. To turn off the central vac, I have to physically remove the hose from the outlet.

I looked through the manufacturers directions, and it is pretty simple. It just says something like "unit can be turned off using the switch on the hose".

I returned the hose to the store, stating that the on/off switch does not work, and the young man behind the counter said its because I have to buy the powerhead attachment too. The powerhead attachment is over $200 bucks.

This does not make sense to me. Was he telling the truth?

Just curious, as I do not intend to get it.

I don't have one so I really can't say; however, if the clerk said it needs it, it probably is true.

he was pretty young 18/19 and did not seem knowledgeable. when I told him it didn't make sense to me, he said he wasn't sure.

If the power head is attached, that means that no other tools can be attached (crevice tool, dusting, etc). So the usefulness and capabilities are reduced.

thanks for the reply.

Let's see what we can figure out here.

You purchased a hose w/a switch. If it is a two-position switch, then it should be a low voltage on/off switch. It will not work w/a power nozzle. If it worked w/a power nozzle, there would be a connector on the underside of the hose handle(underside when the user is holding it). This is where the power nozzle plug/connector connects w/the hose. Also, at the wall-end of the hose, there would be a pigtail cord or two prongs coming out of the hose, to power the electric nozzle.

If you purchased a hose w/a switch for a power nozzle, it would have the above mentioned, plus the switch should be three-position=OFF, MAIN ON(no power nozzle), POWER NOZZLE ON.

Now, looking at the inlet valve at the wall, the vacuum does not activate until you insert the hose right? And it deactivates when you remove the hose? You will also see two small contacts on the inside of the inlet porthole. My thinking is that something is wrong w/the switch on the hose.

The guy at the shop should have tested the hose right then, to make sure.

So, read through this and see what you have, then get back and let me know.

Another thing to look at.. is the alignment of the hose in the socket correct... if mine is not in correctly the switch does not turn off... I have one set of tools with a switch and the other I got without and wish I'd gotten both with...

Yes the vac turns on when the hose is connected, and turns off when disconnecting.

the owner of the store where I purchased the hose ended up calling me. She said she tested the hose and it works fine. She asked me if I have low voltage wiring. I didn't know at the time.

I ended up telling the builder's personnel about the hose not working. (my home is new construction) and I found out that my system is supposed to come with a hose. However, in order to get the hose, I have to call the electrician company for an orientation for them to explain low voltage feature in my home. during the orientation, they will give me t he hose, and demonstrate the vac system. he said the reason why the hose is not left in the home is because it could be stolen before we moved in.

I have lived in the house over 6 months w/o using the vac because of no hose. well this will make things easier. thanks mike and becky!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: chops,

Glad you're getting it worked out... depending on your layout.. the second hose would be welcome...

Seems the builder should have been in charge of the demo... my vac company left eveything when they did the trim out... but I was the contractor.. & I chose which packages I wanted to use...
They suggested we add an outlet to use on the back porch plus the 2 in the garage...

I think you'll really enjoy having the system... I keep an extra floor brush just to vac the walls ..have the simple carpet cleaner and then I got the motorized beater brush one for my little area rugs(2)... if I had it to do over again.. I'd have put a third vac pan in our bedroom area ( one is in kitchen and other is in office/flex ). ... we use pour bedroom door a lot on the weekend .. back & forth to the pool ...and the dog is collecting sand samples .. this is Diesel at her best... she's 12 1/2.. so she wanders arounf , gets dirt in her toes .. then comes in to rest...

this is why I need the third vac pan... the sand is from her early morning stroll...


Becky


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