NUTONE NT550E (01) PDF Document

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury when using your NUTONE NT550E, please observe the following 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 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 plug or appliance with wet hands.

11. Do not use with damaged cord or plug. If 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. See grounding instructions.

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 NT550E, basic precautions should always be followed, including 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 top or side outlet.

3. Do not use without filter (or filters, according to the model) 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. Some brands of house panel breakers may be more sensitive to startup current than others (for example, Square D brand). In the event where nuisance tripping of the house panel breaker occurs*, we recommend changing the breaker with an “HM” type of the same AMP rating.
* after ensuring that the circuit is DEDICATED to the central vacuum unit, meaning that there is no other electrical device connected to the central vacuum unit circuit.

11. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on 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 NT550E 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 unit by default. To connect the intake line to the left side of your NUTONE NT550E, follow these steps:

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

2. 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 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 at its original position. NOTE: Ensure the gasket is not folded in order to prevent lack of suction, and noise.

6. Reassemble the bag adapter to the intake elbow. Align triangle with small inclined stud, then tighten the junction using the screw and nut previously removed in step 3.

7. Put the bag back in place by grasping the edges of its collar and insert over 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.

To properly mount your NUTONE NT550E, please follow these instructions:

1. Refer to the mounting diagram to maintain minimum wall and floor clearance dimensions:

• Top View: 12″ minimum clearance from walls.

• Front View: 12″ minimum clearance from the ceiling and 18″ minimum clearance above the floor.

2. 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.

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

4. Hang the power unit onto the wall mounting bracket. Ensure the back brackets of the power unit are engaged with the top fingers and lower tab of the wall bracket. Pull the power unit down to secure.

1. Run the house vacuum line up to the elbow behind the power unit. Insert the end of the line in the elbow opening and secure the house vacuum line by hand-tightening the screw and nut provided. DO NOT GLUE.

2. Assemble exhaust tubing to the exhaust outlet on top or the top side of the unit, according to the power unit model. DO NOT GLUE.

NOTE: Using flexible tubing will ease future top cap removal.

3. Make sure all tubing connections are air tight.

4. The exhaust should not be vented into a wall, ceiling or concealed space in the house. It is recommended to vent the vacuum exhaust air to the outdoors. The exterior vented exhaust line should end using Model V145 wall cap.

NOTE: For optimal indoor air quality, exhausting the power unit to the outdoors is recommended but is not required.

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. The NUTONE NT550E 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.

Warning: 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.

Wiring:

The NUTONE NT550E 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 plug shown in the manual’s illustration. No adapter should be used with this power unit.

For low voltage wiring, 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 the disposable bag.

Use the cleaning tools as you would for any other vacuum cleaner. Avoid picking up very large debris or lengthy items as these kinds of objects may become lodged in the hose or tubing.

With a 6 U.S. gallons (22.7 liters) capacity, under normal conditions the bag on your NUTONE NT550E 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 in the system, 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, provides protection against dirt being pulled into 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.

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.

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

Removing the Motor Foam 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.

Reinstalling the Motor Foam Filter:

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

The NT550E accessory kit for your NUTONE NT550E includes:

1. Power brush

2. Standard floor brush

3. Mesh storage bag

4. Dual-voltage hose, 35 ft. long

5. Hose hanger

6. Appliance crevice

7. Wand for power brush

8. Telescopic wand for static tools

9. Mini air turbine

10. Round dusting brush

11. Hose sock

12. Long crevice tool

13. Bend-n-clean dusting brush

The NUTONE NT550E comes with a dual voltage hose as part of an electric kit. To connect it:

1. Insert the hose into the wall inlet. Align the tab on the hose end with the depression in the wall inlet (A).

2. The dual voltage hose must also be connected to a standard electrical outlet (B).

For the dual voltage hose included with your NUTONE NT550E:

• Switch on II position: Central vacuum mode with power brush.

• Switch on I position: Central vacuum mode without power brush.

• Switch on O (center) position: Power unit is turned OFF.

1. Read important safety instructions before installing the power brush.

2. Ensure the hose is disconnected from the power supply before installing the power brush.

3. Push the wand into the power brush neck so that the lock button snaps in place.

4. Connect the hose handle into the wand quick connector and ensure that the prongs are aligned with the receptacle holes. Push until the lock button snaps in place.

CAUTION: Always check the underside of the product for any obstructions prior to use.

WARNING: Never leave the electric power brush unattended while it is plugged in.

CAUTION: Always pick up hard or sharp objects by hand before using your power brush. Items such as pins, hairpins, tacks, crayons, etc., may damage the brush roll or may break the belt.

• Wand Release: The power brush is not recommended for use on bare floors. The wand release pedal (A) allows you to quickly disconnect the wand and switch to a combination floor/rug tool for use on bare floors.

• Power Brush Neck Release: Push down the power brush neck release pedal (B) to unlock the brush neck. Return the neck to the upright position for storage. Always unlock the brush neck before use.

• Power Brush Height Adjustment: Select the desired carpet pile height by depressing the height adjustment pedal (C). The icons refer to Extra-Low, Low, Medium, or High. The LEDs will indicate the selected height.

• Wand Length Adjustment: Extend or shorten the wand to a comfortable work position by holding the wand grip (G) in one hand and sliding the upper section with the other hand.

• Edge Cleaner: The brush extends the full width for effective edge cleaning. To operate, simply run the cleaner along the edge board.

• Electronic Circuit Breaker: If the power brush stops while vacuuming due to a large object, turn the power unit off using the handle. Release the power brush from the wand, turn it over to clear the obstruction. Once cleared, press the reset button (H), reconnect the power brush to the wand, and turn the power unit back on. If it fails to restart or continues to trip, it must be serviced.

WARNING: Disconnect the electrical supply before servicing or cleaning the unit. Failure to do so can result in electrical shock or personal injury from the cleaner suddenly starting.

Brush Roll Cleaning:

To keep high cleaning efficiency, the brush roll must be cleaned every time the belt is changed, and also according to the following schedule:

Check and remove hair, string, and lint build-up frequently in the brush roll and end cap areas. Remove any dirt or debris in the belt path and in the brush roll areas.

Housing:

To keep the power brush housing clean, it can be wiped with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution, then thoroughly dried. Never use any type of chemical as they can damage the housing.

Storage:

• Ensure that the hose and power cord are disconnected from the wall inlet before unplugging the power brush.

• Disconnect the hose handle from the wand.

• Always keep the hose neatly coiled when not in use.

• When not in use, the power brush should be stored in a clean, dry place.

How to Change the Belt:

WARNING: Motor shaft can become hot during normal use. To prevent burns, avoid touching the motor shaft when replacing the drive belt.

1. Turn the power brush over and using a Phillips no. 2 screwdriver, remove the 3 brush roll cover retaining screws and set aside.

2. Remove the brush roll cover.

3. To free the brush roll from the base, start by sliding the belt side end and pull the brush roll sideways (1). Once disengaged from housing, lift the brush roll (2) out of its compartment.

4. Disengage the brush roll from the worn belt and extract the belt from the motor shaft by a twisting motion in the enlarged area (I) specifically made for that purpose.

5. Install a new belt by reversing steps 4 to 1.

NOTE: To ease belt replacement, start by inserting one end around the motor shaft in the enlarged area (I). Insert the brush roll through the belt until the belt is seated in its place. Push down the brush roll back in place.

How to Change the Brush Roll:

Replace the brush roll when the brush roll bristles are worn to the base support bars level.

1. Turn the power brush over and using a Phillips no. 2 screwdriver, remove the 3 brush roll cover retaining screws and set aside.

2. Remove the brush roll cover.

3. To free the brush roll from the base, start by sliding the belt side end and pull the brush roll sideways (1). Once disengaged from housing, lift the brush roll (2) out of its compartment.

4. Disengage the brush roll from the belt. Discard the worn brush roll.

5. Insert the new brush roll through the belt until the belt is seated in its place. Push down the brush roll back in place.

6. Finalize the installation by reversing steps 3 to 1.

Order service parts by “Part No.”, not by “Key No.”

If you experience a loss of suction with your NUTONE NT550E, check the following possible causes and remedies:

If your NUTONE NT550E power unit fails to start or stops, check these possible causes and remedies:

If your NUTONE NT550E runs continuously when the hose is removed, consider these causes and remedies:

The following are service parts for the NUTONE NT550E. Order service parts by “Part No.”, not by “Key No.”