How can I get this to work?

kermit911 | 20:15 Mon 15th Nov 2010 | How it Works

5 Answers

Hello, I am installing one of these VacPans in my moms house for a Christmas present. I am using a small 1.5 HP shop vac with 2.5" PVC tubing leading to this VacPan (as seen in the youtube video). If you look at the top of the pan there is a foot switch that turns the central vacuum system on. I am not using a central vacuum system just a shop vac. The problem is this switch is a low voltage switch.
(Attach low voltage wires to ORIGINAL VACPAN terminal connections marked "low voltage only". )
What can I add to make this low voltage switch turn on a 120V 15A outlet to turn on my shop vac?

If you need more info let me know.

Here is a site that has the pan and instruction but it says nothing about the voltage limit, just that it is low voltage.
http://builtinvacuum.com/installguides/vacpan/

Thanks
Dave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgWxuBjMMiU

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NazNomad

Use the switch to operate a low voltage relay that has contacts rated for the shop-vac.

AlBags

An AC relay .. You are in the States or Canada, right?
Most AC relays of the type you need handle up to 500V AC
You use the relay (which is operated by the switch) to control a hard-wired outlet to the vacuum motor you install in the basement .. wherever the central vacuum is located. This will power it up whenever a switch is pressed anywhere. Multiple switches could be connected to the relay.
You need an electronic spares store. Here we have Maplin, RS components, etc.
Centralised vacuum systems are used here .. usually a type where a hose just connects to a wall outlet .. the motor being switched on automatically when connected .. not popular tho.
Hope that helps! Al.