NUTONE NT550A (01) PDF Document

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury when using your NUTONE NT550A, follow these warnings:

1. Do not use on wet surfaces or outdoors.

2. Do not vacuum liquids or fine powders (such as drywall dust).

3. Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline or use in areas where they may be present.

4. Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.

5. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.

6. Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer’s recommended attachments.

7. Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts.

8. Turn off all controls before unplugging.

9. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

10. Do not handle the plug or appliance with wet hands.

11. Do not use with a damaged cord or plug. If the appliance is not working as it should, if it has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to a Service Center.

12. Keep your work area well-lighted.

13. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only.

14. When performing installation, servicing, or cleaning the unit, it is recommended to wear safety glasses and gloves.

15. When applicable local regulations comprise more restrictive installation and/or certification requirements, the aforementioned requirements prevail on those of this document and the installer agrees to conform to these at his own expenses.

When using your NUTONE NT550A, please observe the following cautions:

1. 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 air flow.

2. Ensure air flows freely and exhausts unobstructed from the top or side outlet.

3. Do not use without a filter in place.

4. Do not use to blow leaves or debris.

5. Do not place any object on top of the unit.

6. Do not install the unit horizontally.

7. Do not use the pail as a wash bucket.

8. Do not use the pail as a stool.

9. Avoid picking up sharp objects.

10. This appliance is for use on a standard 120 VAC, dedicated 15-amp branch circuit. In the event of nuisance tripping of the house panel breaker, after ensuring the circuit is DEDICATED to the central vacuum unit, we recommend changing the breaker with an “HM” type of the same AMP rating.

11. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

12. Store your vacuum cleaner indoors in a clean, dry area, and away from extreme temperatures.

13. Any servicing other than that recommended in this manual should be performed by an authorized service facility.

14. We recommend that your unit be inspected by a specialized technician once a year.

Follow these guidelines for locating your NUTONE NT550A power unit:

• Locate the power unit away from the general living area in an accessible location for cleaning and maintenance.

• Locate the power unit within 6 feet of a grounded electrical outlet. The power unit requires a 120 VAC power source, dedicated 15-amp branch circuit.

• Do not locate the power unit close to a source of extreme heat (i.e., water heater) or in an area with a high ambient temperature (i.e., attic, furnace room).

• If the power unit is located in a closet or a small utility room, make sure the area is well-ventilated (e.g., with door louvers).

The intake line connects to the right side of the NUTONE NT550A by default. To connect it to the left side, follow these steps:

1. Remove the debris pail from the power unit by releasing both latches on the sides of the unit, pulling them out and then pushing up. Detach the pail from the unit.

2. For the NUTONE NT550A, grasp the edges of the bag collar and pull down; the bag will slide off easily. Do not pull on the bag. Set the bag aside.

3. Using a Phillips screwdriver no. 2, remove the screw tightening the bag adapter and intake elbow junction. Disassemble the bag adapter from the intake elbow and set it aside with its screw and nut.

4. Disassemble the intake elbow from the back of the unit using a 3/8″ socket to remove both retaining nuts and screws.

5. Flip the intake elbow 180°, then reassemble it to the unit, taking care to keep its gasket in its original position. NOTE: Ensure the gasket is not folded to prevent lack of suction and noise.

6. For the NUTONE NT550A, reassemble the bag adapter to the intake elbow. Align the triangle with the small inclined stud, then tighten the junction using the screw and nut previously removed.

7. Put the bag back in place by grasping the edges of its collar and inserting it over the bag adapter. Be careful not to tear the bag. Ensure the collar is positioned between the taper ring and the bag stopper on the bag adapter.

8. Put the debris pail back in place.

1. Carefully remove the debris pail from the power unit. Make sure the bag is properly installed. Remove the installation kit and securely reinstall the debris pail.

2. Maintain minimum clearance dimensions: 12″ minimum from the sides, 12″ minimum from the ceiling, and 18″ minimum above the floor.

3. Position and install the wall mounting bracket with the provided screws. Ensure to screw the wall mounting bracket directly to a wall stud for a solid installation.

4. Use the provided mounting screws to secure the mounting bracket on the wall through the upper and lower mounting holes. The bracket requires a minimum height of 45 1/4″.

5. Hang the power unit onto the wall mounting bracket. Ensure the back brackets of the power unit are engaged with the corresponding wall bracket top fingers and lower tab for the NUTONE NT550A model. Pull the power unit down to secure.

Grounding Instructions:

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a 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 must be grounded. It is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a 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.

Wiring:

The NUTONE NT550A is for use on a standard 120 VAC, dedicated 15-amp branch circuit with a NEMA 5-15R receptacle. Make sure that the power unit is connected to an outlet that has a grounding attachment plug that looks like the one shown in the manual. No adapter should be used with this power unit. Inlet leads are to be connected to the power unit’s low voltage tabs using crimp connectors (included in the parts bag) and the low voltage harness.

Open the wall inlet cover and insert the end of the hose into the inlet to turn on the vacuum.

For non-switched hoses, inserting the hose automatically turns on the power unit; removing the hose shuts off the power unit. Some hoses have switches which can be used to activate the power unit. The ON/OFF switch located on the power unit needs to be kept in the OFF position.

As you vacuum, dirt and dust are carried to the power unit where they remain in a bag. Use the cleaning tools as you would for any other vacuum cleaner. Avoid picking up very large debris as these kinds of objects may become lodged in the hose or tubing.

The NUTONE NT550A has a 6 U.S. gallons (22.7 liters) capacity. Under normal conditions, the bag requires changing approximately twice a year. If the bag is full, you will notice a reduced suction from the system. Unless this loss of suction is caused by a blockage, changing the bag will solve the problem.

NOTE: Even if not filled to capacity, if the bag seems tightly stretched when removing the debris pail, changing the bag will prevent it from tearing.

1. To remove the disposable bag, release both latches on the sides of the unit by pulling out and then pushing up. Remove the pail from the unit. Grasp the edges of the bag collar and pull down. The bag will slide off easily. Do not pull on the bag.

2. Unfold the new bag.

3. Grasp the collar where indicated on the new bag and insert it over the bag adapter. Be careful not to tear the bag. Ensure the collar is positioned between the taper ring and the bag stopper on the bag adapter. Put the pail back in its place.

A motor foam safety filter, located at the top of the vacuum chamber, protects the motor if the disposable bag should accidentally be torn. This filter should be checked and cleaned if necessary when a replacement bag is installed.

Removing the Filter:

Remove the debris pail and disposable bag. Lift the center of the wire retaining the motor foam filter and slide the filter out of its location.

Cleaning the Filter:

Simply brush the filter clean. If the filter is excessively soiled, hand wash it in a water and mild detergent solution, rinse, and let it dry completely on a flat surface before reinstalling.

Reinstalling the Filter:

To reinstall the motor foam filter, reverse the steps described above.

CAUTION: Operating the power unit without the motor foam filter will void the warranty.

The NT550A ACCESSORIES kit includes the following items:

1. BN160 Combo floor brush

2. Standard floor brush

3. Mesh storage bag

4. Low-voltage hose, 35 ft. long

5. Hose hanger

6. Telescopic wand for static tools

7. Mini air turbine

8. Round dusting brush

9. Hose sock

10. Long crevice tool

Connecting the Low Voltage Hose:

To ensure proper operation of the NUTONE NT550A hose, insert the hose into the wall inlet. Align the tab on the hose end up with the depression in the wall inlet (A).

Operating the Handle Switch (Low Voltage Hose):

The switch on the handle will turn the power unit ON (I position) and OFF (O position).

If your NUTONE NT550A experiences a loss of suction, check the following possible causes and remedies:

• Debris pail or disposable bag is completely full.
Remedy: Change the disposable bag as described in the user guide.

• Debris pail gasket damaged or missing.
Remedy: Replace the debris pail gasket.

• Obstruction in the hose.
Remedy: To determine if the blockage is in the hose, insert the hose into any wall inlet and check other inlets for normal suction. If other inlets have suction, the blockage is in the hose. Disconnect the hose and insert a blunt instrument (like a flexible garden hose) through it to clear the obstruction.

• Obstruction in the tubing system inside the walls.
Remedy: Insert the hose end into any inlet to make the power unit run, then place the palm of your hand over the opposite end of the hose. When you feel suction increase, hold your hand over the hose for a few seconds and then quickly remove it. Repeating this procedure several times should clear the obstruction. If not cleared, contact a Service Center.

• Disposable bag torn.
Remedy: Clean the interior of the unit and install a new disposable bag.

• Wall inlet cover not properly sealed.
Remedy: Check all wall inlet covers to be sure they are closed and sealed tightly.

• Exhaust tubing or vent clogged.
Remedy: Inspect and remove any blockages.

If your NUTONE NT550A does not start or stops suddenly, consider these causes and solutions:

• Defective inlet.
Remedy: Check other wall inlets. If they work, replace the defective wall inlet.

• Power unit internal circuit breaker has been activated (the reset button is popped up).
Remedy: Push on the circuit breaker reset button located on the left side of the power unit. If this button pops up again, contact your authorized Service Center.

• Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker on the house electrical panel.
Remedy: Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. Ensure the circuit is DEDICATED to the central vacuum unit. Some brands of house panel breakers may be more sensitive to startup current; you may need to change the breaker with an “HM” type of the same AMP rating.

• Defective hose.
Remedy: Replace the hose as required.

• Power unit overcurrent protector has been activated.
Remedy: Unplug the power unit, wait at least 15 minutes, and plug the power unit back in.

If your NUTONE NT550A continues to run after removing the hose, check these potential issues:

• The unit power switch is in the ON position.
Remedy: Set the unit power switch to the OFF position.

• An electrical short has occurred somewhere in the system.
Remedy: Perform a complete check of all wall inlets and power unit low voltage control lead connections. Contact your authorized Service Center.

When ordering service parts for your NUTONE NT550A, please use the Part No., not the Key No.

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