Central Vacuums Explained

What is a CVC ?

A Central Vacuum Cleaner is really a very straight forward concept. A powerful vacuum unit is fixed in a suitable location outside the normal living area (such as a garage, basement, utility room or outhouse). It is connected by a simple run of PVC pipework to vacuum sockets that are similar to electrical sockets in size and positioning.

How does it work ?

When the end of the flexible hose is inserted into the socket the vacuum unit automatically switches on and cleaning can be done without the need to pull a cumbersome, portable (!) vacuum cleaner around with you. All you have to carry is a lightweight hose.

How far will it reach ?

With a 7.5 metre hose you can cover an area of approximately 50 - 60 square metres from each socket installed. If you use a 10 metre hose up to 70 - 80 square metres can be covered.

How long will it last ?

A built in vacuum system from CVC Direct is almost maintenance-free. The only wearing part is the Ametek Lamb electric motor which will give many years of trouble-free use. The textile filter will need cleaning occasionally.

Is it easy to install ?

It couldn't be simpler. You require a 240V electrical supply near the vacuum unit and 50mm PVC piping to connect the vacuum unit to the vacuum sockets. Installing a central vacuum system is an easy task for a competent DIY enthusiast - it's very similar to fitting the PVC waste pipes to a sink or bath.

The pipework connecting the sockets to the vacuum unit usually runs horizontally under the floorboards and vertically within wall cavities, but can be sited within airing-cupboards, cloakrooms or utility rooms. It can also share the same duct as the soil pipe from an upstairs bathroom.

Here are some frequently asked questions:-

What if the system gets blocked?

This is probably the most frequently asked question. The answer is, that if you follow the installation instructions properly, it won't. If anything is going to get stuck, it will be immediately behind the socket where it reaches the 90 degree elbow. The rest of the system consists of swept, 45 degree bends - so anything that can get round the 90 degree bend will pass through the rest of the pipework to the vacuum unit. To remove the blockage just pull the hose out from the socket and the blockage can easily be removed.

Do I have to buy it all at once?

No, we can supply the 50mm pipework, vacuum unit, sockets and accessories separately - just order them from stock as you require them.

Can it be installed in an existing house?

While it is obviously simpler to install a central vacuum system in a house during construction, it can easily be fitted to almost any existing building with very little difficulty.

The previous owners had installed a central vacuum unit - the pipework is still there but they took the vacuum unit with them. Could we use a CVC Direct vacuum unit?

Yes, the CVC Direct vacuum units can easily be fitted to an existing installation - and you can even use our attractive range of sockets on an existing system or with another make of vacuum unit.

I bet it's expensive ! !

Not at all - the price of a standard CVC Direct package for a 3 bedroom house is only £767.80 (excluding VAT and delivery) and you will find all our Pack prices are just as competitive. For example a CVC Direct pack as shown in the house plan below is available for about £950 (excluding VAT and delivery). Click here for more price examples or download a copy of the price list

And here is a common misconception:-

We're having wooden floors so we won't need a central vacuum system.

Perhaps these people think that only carpets need vacuuming but wooden floors get dusty too, as do laminate floors and tiled floors. Or maybe they plan to sweep the floors clean with a broom, but brooms simply disturb dust. At the first sweep the dust flies up and hovers in the air until you've finished sweeping and then floats back down to the floor. Fit our general purpose floor brush (as supplied with all our switched hose kits) to the end of the vacuum hose and suck up the dust before it has a chance to escape. The floor brush has wheels so it just glides across the floor and is low enough to go under the edges of furniture. You'll find it so easy you may even be tempted to throw out your carpets!

Example of a CVC installation

Guide to CVC Installation

Congratulations - you've got this far without falling asleep. The principles of installation are very simple but it is imperative that it be done correctly. Many customers want to fit the pipework long before the final decision is made on what vacuum unit to purchase. If you need a simple but comprehensive explanation of what is involved CLICK HERE or contact us and we will send you a copy of our "Guide to Installing a Central Vacuum System".

Planning Service

For Homebuilders - If you are not sure how a built in vacuum system would fit into your house just send us a copy of your plans and we will advise you on the best solution *. N.B. Plans must be to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100

There are several variables to consider when planning a central vacuum system. The number and siting of the sockets very much depends on the length of flexible hose that one uses. A longer hose usually means fewer sockets with less pipework and is therefore cheaper, while the preferred option of a shorter hose is more convenient to use but normally requires more sockets and pipework. We offer a choice of four standard lengths of hose: 7.5m, 9m and 10m with the option of a 2.5m extension hose. There is the option to have a switched handle on the hose.

*If you would like to use our free planning service please take a moment to answer the simple questions on our form, print it out and pop it in the post to us with a copy of your plans. (Your plans will be returned to you together with a quote for the ideal system for your house and a copy of our installation guide). Please would you also let us know your daytime telephone number so that we may contact you if there are any queries regarding your plans.

Send your plans to

CVC Direct Ltd, Unit B, The Croft, Whitely Road, Hithercroft Industrial Estate, Wallingford, OX10 9RG.

For Architects & Developers - Send the plans of your development to us and we will specify and cost a CVC system for you. The Euroflow range of vacuum units has been specifically developed for the building market.

*** BUILDERS: Extra special terms for central vacuum systems installed in show-homes - please ring free on 0800 0830 431 for details ***

You can ring us free on 0800 0830 431

(or +44 1491 836 666 from outside the UK)

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