Kenmore Central Vacuum System Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using an electric appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS VACUUM CLEANER.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury:

• Do not use outdoors or on wet surfaces.
• Do not block the motor hood ventilation openings and duct on the top of the power unit. Lack of ventilation airflow will cause the motor to overheat.
• Do not locate the power unit in a high temperature area or where it is inaccessible, for example, an attic or crawl space.
• Mount Unit at least 12 inches (30 cm) from floor, ceiling and corner sidewall to insure adequate ventilation for motor.
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
• Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended attachments.
• Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If vacuum cleaner is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped into water, return it to a service center.
• Connect to a properly grounded outlet only (refer to Grounding Instructions).
• Do not use extension cords or outlets with inadequate current carrying capacity.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Do not handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce airflow.
• This vacuum cleaner creates suction. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
• Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not use without filter in place.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
• Do not pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, or use in areas where they may be present.
• Keep your work area well lighted.
• Unplug electrical appliances before vacuuming them.
• Only Use Manufacturer's Supplied Cord Set, Part # 100346.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Kenmore central vacuum system, the ultimate cleaning solution. This central vacuum system is designed to help you efficiently clean and maintain your home. While vacuuming may never be truly pleasurable, you can have a cleaner, healthier home... and more time to do the things you really enjoy.

To achieve the maximum benefits from your Kenmore central vacuum system, please read this manual carefully and consult the user guide in the Cleaning Essentials tool kit prior to use.

DANGER

Improper connection of an equipment-grounding conductor can result in risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. This appliance is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit and has a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in Figure A.

Figure A Description: A diagram showing a standard grounded electrical outlet box with three slots: one vertical, one vertical with a rounded end (neutral), and one U-shaped (ground). A note indicates the grounding blade is the longest of the three.

Make sure that the appliance is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug. No adapter should be used with the appliance.

NOTE: In Canada, the use of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the Canadian Electrical Code.

NOTE: Only Use Manufacturer's Supplied Cord Set, Part # 100346.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, the hose with electrical wires has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The built-in vacuum system is designed for dry pick up of household dirt and dust. Avoid picking up hard or sharp objects with the system to prevent hose and plastic pipe damage or clogs.

SERVICE INFORMATION

The instructions in this booklet serve as a guide to routine maintenance. For additional information, contact your nearest Authorized Warranty Station.

DO NOT OIL THE MOTOR AT ANY TIME. IT IS PERMANENTLY LUBRICATED AND SEALED.

RATING PLATE

The model, type and serial numbers are indicated on the rating plate located on the control panel or motor hood. For prompt and complete service information, always refer to these numbers when inquiring about service.

PLANNING

If your home already has the system of plastic pipes and inlet valves, you are ready to install the power unit (refer to Install Power Unit section below). If not, you can contract to have the system installed by a professional or you may choose to do-it-yourself. If you plan to install the system yourself, it is important to carefully plan the location of each inlet valve, the power unit, and the network of plastic pipes. This booklet only deals with the installation of the power unit; "How-To" booklets are generally included with installation kits. Careful planning will help you determine the installation kits to buy. The kits should contain enough plastic pipe and fittings, and inlet valves for your needs. Check with your dealer if you have any questions.

POWER UNIT LOCATION

NOTE: Mount power unit at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the ceiling and any adjacent wall, at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the floor and within 6ft. (1.8 m) of an electrical outlet.

WARNING: Do not block the hood ventilation openings on the top of the power unit. Lack of ventilation will cause the motor to overheat.

WARNING: Do not locate the power unit in a high temperature area where it is inaccessible, for example, an attic or crawl space.

Diagram Description: An illustration showing a cylindrical power unit mounted on a wall. Arrows indicate minimum clearance requirements: 12 inches (30 cm) from the ceiling, 12 inches (30 cm) from adjacent walls, 12 inches (30 cm) from the floor, and within 6 feet (1.8 m) of an electrical outlet. It also shows the exhaust port and main pipe connection.

The power unit should be located as far away from the general living area as possible, yet accessible so you can remove the dirt receptacle, reach the filter, and inspect the power unit. A typical location would be in a garage where you could vacuum your car or garage area and where emptying the dirt receptacle and cleaning the filter would be more convenient. Other suitable locations are in the basement, laundry room, or ventilated storage room. It is recommended that the exhaust be vented outside; never into a wall, a ceiling, or a concealed space in the house.

WIRING FOR POWER UNIT

Place the power unit within six feet of a dedicated, grounded electric outlet. The unit requires 120 volt, 60 cycle AC power. Be sure you will not overload the circuit.

INSTALL POWER UNIT

You are now ready to install the power unit. Be sure the power unit will be located at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the ceiling and any adjacent walls and at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the floor. The motor hood ventilation should never be obstructed. Check to be sure you will be able to occasionally remove the dirt receptacle, reach the filter, and inspect the power unit.

In the chosen mounting location, compare the distance between the wall studs and the power unit mounting bracket. If the mounting bracket cannot mount on one of the wall studs, mount two boards horizontally between the studs and then attach the mounting bracket to these.

Once the bracket is on the wall, you can now hang the power unit. With the unit on the wall, align the power unit intake fitting with the main pipe projecting from the wall and connect these together. DO NOT GLUE.

Locate the two low voltage wires near the main pipe and attach them to the control panel on the power unit using the provided low volt connections. Be certain you comply with your local electrical codes and regulations. Plug the unit into the electrical outlet. You are now ready to check the installation of the unit:

• Plug the hose into each inlet valve to be sure the electrical contacts operate properly.
• Check each inlet valve for air leaks.
• Check each pipe connection for air leaks.
• Be sure the dirt receptacle is properly secured to the power unit.
• Be sure the filter is properly installed in the power unit.

Your cleaning system is ready to use.

HOW TO USE

The Kenmore Vacuum System is designed to provide the utmost in dust-free, quiet cleaning. The power unit, which is mounted in a remote area of your home, is connected to centrally located inlet valves with a system of lightweight plastic pipes. Using the cleaner is as simple as inserting the vacuum hose into an inlet valve after attaching the appropriate tool.

OVERLOAD-PROTECTION RESET

The built-in vacuum system features an overload protection device which can be reset should the motor be overloaded causing the circuit to open. Should this happen and the power unit fails to operate, unplug power cord from receptacle to power down, then plug the unit back in to receptacle. If the protector continues to trip, contact the authorized service center nearest you.

INLET VALVES

Each inlet valve has electrical contacts which activate the power unit motor when the hose is connected and in use. The system shuts off as soon as the hose is removed or turned off.

An obstruction in the inlet valve may cause the power unit to continue to run after the hose is removed from the inlet. Check all the inlet valves and remove any obstruction to shut down the power unit.

When unplugging the hose from the inlet valve, hold the inlet cover open for a few seconds to allow the suction to decrease and protect the inner seal.

MOTOR PROTECTION SHUTOFF

In the unlikely event that something causes the unit to turn on, or if the unit is unintentionally left on, the Kenmore central vacuum cleaner has been developed with a motor protection shutoff. After 30 minutes of continual operation the power unit will automatically shutoff, preventing damage to the motor.

HOW TO MAINTAIN

The instructions given in the booklet serve as a guide to routine maintenance. Proper airflow or suction can be maintained by keeping the dirt receptacle and filter clean and the plastic pipe and hose free from clogs. Check the Home Maintenance Guide at the end of this booklet for suggestions before calling for service.

DIRT RECEPTACLE AND FILTER

Reduced airflow or suction indicates the built-in vacuum system is not operating at maximum efficiency: If the dirt receptacle is full and the filter is clogged, no air can pass through the unit and no cleaning can take place.

EMPTY THE DIRT RECEPTACLE

NOTE: Disconnect power cord from electrical outlet before removing the dirt receptacle.

Some models feature see-through windows on the receptacle to tell at a glance when the receptacle needs to be emptied; on other models the receptacle must be removed. To remove the receptacle, grasp the handles and turn the receptacle to the left. Remove and empty the contents. Return the receptacle and turn to the right. Be sure the receptacle is securely attached to avoid any suction leakage.

CLOTH FILTER BAG AND DISPOSABLE PAPER FILTER BAG

Reduced airflow or suction indicates the central vacuum cleaner is not operating at maximum efficiency. If the disposable paper bag is full or the cloth filter bag is clogged, no air can pass through the unit and no cleaning will take place. If this occurs, replace and dispose of the full paper bag or clean the cloth filter bag.

NOTE: Do not operate this unit without all filters in place.

NOTE: Disconnect power cord from electrical outlet before cleaning or replacing the filter.

NOTE: The cloth filter must remain in place even if the paper filter bag is used.

The elbow with paper bag adapter that came packaged in the power unit must be installed, locked in its "L" shaped slots, facing down from the unit body as shown for paper bag installation.

1. Remove the dirt receptacle. Hold the bag collar with fingertips and align the bumps on the adapter with the bump cutouts in the bag collar.
2. Insert adapter into bag collar and push the collar all the way up to the lip on the elbow.

Diagram Description: Illustrations showing the steps for installing a paper filter bag, including aligning the adapter with the bag collar and securing it.

CLOTH FILTER BAG CLEANING

1. Remove the dirt receptacle.
2. Wrap a large garbage bag around the lower portion of the power unit and hold firmly in position.
3. Grasp the cloth filter bag through the garbage bag and shake vigorously. Dirt from the cloth filter will drop into the garbage bag.
4. Carefully remove the garbage bag from around the unit and discard.
5. Replace the dirt receptacle.

CLOTH FILTER BAG REPLACEMENT

NOTE: Removal of the cloth filter bag is not advised and is not normally necessary.

The band in the rim of the cloth filter bag must be secured into its corresponding groove in the power unit body to ensure an airtight seal. If for any reason the cloth filter has been dislodged during shipment, it must be reinstalled prior to use.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing the cloth filter band being folded and aligned with the groove in the power unit body for installation.

HOME MAINTENANCE GUIDE

If you experience trouble with your built-in vacuum system, follow the suggestions below before calling for service.

LOSS OF SUCTION POWER:

• Be sure dirt receptacle is on properly.
• Empty dirt receptacle or replace disposable paper bag if full.
• Clean cloth filter.
• Be sure each inlet valve is properly closed.
• Check for hose obstruction. Plug hose coupling into any inlet valve. Then, as you check each of the other inlet valves, raise the inlet cover and hold your hand over the opening to check for suction. If there is normal suction at each inlet, then insert the hose into one of the other inlets. If there is no suction through the hose at the second inlet, the blockage is in the hose. To clear the hose obstruction, insert a blunt instrument into the hose (garden hose, wood dowel). If there is one inlet valve without normal suction and you have checked for hose blockage, then the blockage is in the pipe system between the blocked inlet valve and the power unit (see instructions below).
• Clear blockage in pipes. Insert the hose into the inlet valve where there is no suction; hold your hand over the hose end. Release hand quickly. Repeat several times. If blockage does not clear, contact your nearest service station/dealer.

POWER UNIT WILL NOT START or MESSAGE CENTER LCD CONTINUALLY FLASHES:

• Reset overload protection device by unplugging the power unit and then plugging the unit back in after 30 seconds. (NOTE: The safety device breaks the circuit if the motor is overloaded.)
• Check for blown fuse in main house supply box.
• Unplug the power unit from the electrical outlet and check all wall inlet and motor wiring connections for loose wires.

POWER UNIT WILL NOT STOP RUNNING:

• Check inside each inlet valve for obstruction of low voltage contacts. If no visual obstruction can be detected, disconnect the vacuum from the electrical outlet and contact your nearest service station/dealer.

KENMORE CENTRAL VACUUM WARRANTY

KENMORE PRODUCT - LIMITED WARRANTY

Sears Canada Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to remedy, subject to the limitations and exclusions set out below, any such defect for a period as stated below from the date of original purchase. Central Vacuum – Two (2) year, parts and labour.

15 YEAR GUARANTEE ON POWER UNIT BODY AND ALL NON-ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (PARTS ONLY)

Sears guarantees that your Kenmore Central Vacuum Power Unit Body and all Non-Electrical Components in it – such as gaskets – shall be free from defects in labour, workmanship, and materials for a full 15 years from date of purchase.

15 YEAR GUARANTEE THE INSTALLATION COMPONENTS AND WALL INLETS - (PARTS ONLY)

Installation components include all piping (tubing), fittings (elbows) and wall inlets used to install your Kenmore Central vacuum. If any of Kenmore installation components fail to function properly due to manufacturing defects, they will be replaced free of charge.

KENMORE MOTOR AND ELECTRICAL CENTRAL VACUUM GUARANTEE – (PARTS ONLY)

Sears guarantees that your Kenmore Central vacuum motor and electrical components, parts only, for a period of 5 to 10 years from date purchase, depending on the model you purchase. This guarantee applies to all electrical components in the Kenmore Central Vacuum power unit. The guarantee periods are listed below:

KENMORE TWO YEAR ACCESSORY GUARANTEE

Within two full years from date of purchase, should any Kenmore central vacuum accessory, including the power head, hose or cleaning tools, fail to perform due to manufacturing defects, return it to your nearest Sears service depot and they will repair or replace free of charge.

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

This warranty does not apply to products purchased outside Canada or to any product which has been improperly installed and/or assembled, subjected to usage for which the product was not designed, misused or abused, damaged during moving, or which has been altered or repaired in any way, including by any unauthorized service or repair representative, that affects the reliability or detracts from the performance, nor does it cover any product that is used commercially. This warranty excludes damage caused by misuse or improper handling, such as vacuuming of foreign objects or items large enough to be picked up by hand (e.g., clothing, such as socks, toys etc.). Parts or components that require replacement under normal use; such as drive belts. Light bulbs and brush roll bristles are excluded from coverage under this warranty. A Purchase receipt or other proof of date of original purchase is required before warranty service is performed.

IN NO EVENT WILL SEARS CANADA INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. In certain instances, some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above limitations and exclusions may not be applicable.

WARRANTY SERVICE

FOR PRODUCT OPERATION ASSISTANCE, please contact: Our Customer Call Centre:

Telephone #: 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663)

Email link: www.sears.ca

FOR PRODUCT REPAIRS, please locate your nearest Sears Service Centre.

IF YOU SHIP THE PRODUCT TO A SERVICE CENTRE

Carefully pack and send prepaid, adequately insured and preferably in the original carton. Include details of the defect claimed, and proof of date of original purchase.

Contact Information

For repair of major brand name appliances in your own home:

Just Call: 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663) - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For your nearest Sears Parts & Service location (to bring in products):

Visit: www.sears.ca

For Sears Parts & Service (to order parts, accessories, manuals):

Visit: www.sears.ca

For Sears Maintenance Agreement purchase/inquiry:

Call: 1-800-361-6665 (9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon. - Fri. EST, 9 a.m. – 4p.m. Sat.)

For repair at home or at the workshop (French service):

Call: 1-800-4-LE-FOYER (1-800-533-6937) - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For repair of major brand name appliances at home:

Call: 1-800-4-LE-FOYER (1-800-533-6937)

For Sears Service Center locations, parts, accessories, and manuals:

Visit: www.sears.ca

For Sears maintenance contract information:

Call: 1-800-361-6665 (9h to 20h Mon-Fri HNE, 9h to 16h Sat.)

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