Installation: Drainvac Automatik Central Vacuum System Owner Manual

Overview

The Automatik Central Vacuum System is a wet-and-dry central vacuum designed for residential and commercial cleaning. It collects dust, debris, and liquids through wall inlets, then automatically introduces water and evacuates wastewater through a suitable drain connection. Because the system drains itself, routine manual emptying of a collection canister is not required.

This system is suitable for buildings with an accessible cold-water supply, sanitary drain, outdoor air exhaust, and correctly installed central vacuum piping. Its automatic operating cycle makes it practical for homes, garages, workshops, commercial spaces, and other locations where frequent vacuuming is required.

Specifications

The Automatik series includes several configurations. Identify the exact model from the metal label on the left side of the unit before installation or service.

• DV2A310-CB: 2 × 355 air watts, 160 water lift, 111 CFM, 70 dB, two motors, 18 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.3 gal. (1.2 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DF2A310-CB: 2 × 355 air watts, 4,191 mmH₂O, 198 m³/h, 70 dB, two motors, 10.8 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.3 gal. (1.2 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DV2A313-CB: 3 HP, 160 water lift, 111 CFM, 70 dB, two motors, 18 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.6 gal. (2.3 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DF2A313-CB: 3.46 HP, 4,191 mmH₂O, 198 m³/h, 70 dB, two motors, 10.8 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.6 gal. (2.3 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DV2A31-27CB: 3.9 HP, 181 water lift, 122 CFM, 70 dB, two motors, 22 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.6 gal. (2.3 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DF2A31-CB: 3.46 HP, 4,191 mmH₂O, 198 m³/h, 70 dB, two motors, 10.8 A, 6 gal. (29 L) capacity, 0.6 gal. (2.3 L) flow per minute, 15 in. diameter × 65 in. high (38 × 165 cm).
• DV2A33-27CB: 2 × 3.9 HP, 181 water lift, 210 CFM, 72 dB, four motors, 2 × 22 A, 12 gal. (54.5 L) capacity, 15 in. diameter × 80 in. high (38 × 203 cm).
• DF2A33-CB: 2 × 3.46 HP, 4,191 mmH₂O, 396 m³/h, 72 dB, four motors, 2 × 10.8 A, 12 gal. (54.5 L) capacity, 15 in. diameter × 80 in. high (38 × 203 cm).
• Electrical versions: North American models operate on 108–120 V; international models operate on 220–240 V.
• Required connections: central vacuum piping, cold-water supply, wastewater outlet, outdoor air exhaust, 24 V control wiring, and a properly grounded power outlet.
• Booster compatibility: the DV2A31-27CB and DF2A31-CB commercial models support a booster head. Other listed models may not support this option.

Detailed Description

The Automatik Central Vacuum System uses suction from the motor assembly to draw dry material and liquid through the building’s piping network. When a hose is connected to a wall inlet, or when the unit is started manually, the soft-start circuit increases motor power progressively instead of applying the full electrical load at once.

Water enters through jets positioned at the air inlet. As the tank fills, electrodes detect the rising liquid level. The vacuum then stops temporarily while the valve opens and wastewater leaves through the drainage system. After the evacuation cycle, the unit can resume operation when the system is ready.

Main components include the vacuum pipe, dust inlet, water inlet, water injectors, water outlet, air outlet, motor assembly, power cord, valve, porthole window, porthole O-ring, protective screen, electrodes, and Audioprotek muffler. Depending on the model, the unit may also include a 24 V booster connection, an additional motor outlet, or a decanter.

Decanter configuration

A decanter can collect larger objects that are accidentally picked up and makes those items easier to remove. Models fitted with this configuration use a funnel and central metal rod. The rod should be screwed into the center until it reaches the bottom before the decanter is placed in the funnel.

Safety

• Use the vacuum only for its intended wet-and-dry cleaning applications and approved attachments.
• Do not allow children to treat the system as a toy. Supervise children whenever they use or approach the vacuum.
• Do not leave the unit operating without supervision. Disconnect power before maintenance or when the system will not be used.
• Never vacuum burning or smoking materials, hot ashes, cigarettes, matches, flammable liquids, fuel, solvents, explosive substances, or combustible debris.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust or baking flour, which may damage the unit.
• Avoid hard or sharp objects that could damage or block the hose and piping.
• Keep all openings clear of dust, hair, lint, and other material. Restricted airflow can overheat the motor.
• Keep hair, fingers, loose clothing, and other body parts away from suction openings.
• Use only the voltage specified for the model. Never connect a 108–120 V unit to a 220–240 V outlet or the reverse.
• Use a properly grounded outlet and do not use an adapter or an inadequately rated extension cord.
• Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord, plug, hose, or housing. Arrange qualified service for damaged equipment.
• Disconnect the plug by gripping the plug itself, not by pulling the cord.
• Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and do not handle the plug, cord, or unit with wet hands.
• Do not install the power unit in a high-temperature location or an inaccessible attic or crawl space.
• Turn all controls off before disconnecting power.

Setup and Installation

Choose the installation location

Install the unit on the lowest practical level, preferably near the building’s main drainpipe. A basement is generally the most suitable location; a garage or storage room can be used when no basement is available. The area must provide access for maintenance, a cold-water connection, a wastewater route, and an outdoor exhaust.

• Allow at least 24 in. (60 cm) above the unit, 10 in. (25 cm) in front, and 15 in. (38 cm) around the diameter area where indicated by the installation layout.
• For a compact installation, the suggested distance from the floor is 50 in. (125 cm).
• With a decanter funnel, the suggested distance from the floor is 40 in. (100 cm).
• Keep a system connected to a septic tank higher than the drain.
• When using a sump pump, position the unit so wastewater can be evacuated effectively.

Mount the unit

1. If a separate funnel is supplied, mount it before installing the main body.
2. Remove the fastener securing the wall bracket and base at the rear of the unit.
3. Secure the wall bracket with the seven supplied screws. For gypsum-board walls, first install a stable wooden panel fastened to wall studs.
4. Lift the unit and slide its support onto the wall bracket.
5. Install any compatible booster head using the same general wall-mounting method.

Connect the vacuum and water lines

1. Connect the building’s cold-water supply to the water inlet.
2. Attach the transparent dust inlet tubes with clamps. These preassembled tubes are pressure-fitted and should not be glued.
3. Connect the suction hose to the dust inlet and secure it with a clamp. The metal hose is threaded onto its connector; replacement approximately every 10 years is recommended.
4. When two water injectors are provided, position them opposite each other so the water covers a broader area.
5. Connect the unit’s water outlet to the hoses leading to the injectors.

Connect the exhaust and drainage

1. Attach the muffler to the unit’s air outlet with clamps and do not glue the connection.
2. For a two-motor model, use the upper air outlet; for a one-motor model, use the side outlet.
3. Always route exhaust air outdoors and never direct it beneath a carport.
4. Use metal piping and couplings for the exhaust of units with two motors.
5. When connecting wastewater to the main drain, install a P-trap and a vent.
6. Use ABS drainpipe with a 2 in. (5 cm) or 3 in. (7.6 cm) diameter as required by the installation.
7. For a decanter, screw the metal rod into the funnel, place the decanter in position, and install the larger anti-splatter curtain followed by the smaller curtain.

Install the piping network

Plan wall inlets using the hose length as the coverage guide. Measure from each proposed inlet to the most distant cleaning point, and include an inlet in the garage or outside when vehicle cleaning is required. In gypsum-board walls, place inlets near a stud or door frame rather than in the center of a wall.

• Use a short elbow at each wall inlet to reduce the risk of long objects blocking the main pipe.
• Use smooth joints without internal ridges or stoppers where possible.
• Keep the main piping slightly inclined toward the unit by approximately 1/8 in. (3 mm) per foot.
• Minimize elbows and joints to preserve airflow.
• For a conversion from a dry central vacuum, relocate the unit nearer the sanitary drain when necessary.
• Replace short corner elbows with medium elbows or preferably 45-degree elbows where the existing layout permits.
• Keep upward-running pipes slightly higher than the main pipeline to reduce liquid backflow.
• Replace the former inlet arrangement with a P-trap where required to prevent water from returning through the piping.

Electrical connection and grounding

Use a dedicated, correctly rated circuit for the main unit and a separate dedicated circuit for each booster head. Install the 24 V control wires from every wall inlet to the unit and connect booster control wires according to the model-specific wiring arrangement. Then connect the power cord to the correctly configured grounded outlet.

The 108–120 V models require the circuit ratings specified for the individual model, including 20 A for the DV2A310-CB and DV2A313-CB and 30 A for the DV2A31-27CB. The 220–240 V models listed in the manual use a 15 A circuit. Electrical work, grounding verification, and breaker installation should be performed by a qualified electrician.

Operation

Normal startup

Insert the hose into a wall inlet or use the manual start control. The soft-start function brings the motor online progressively, while water begins entering through the air-inlet jets.

During cleaning, the tank gradually fills. When the liquid reaches the electrodes, the vacuum stops and the wastewater valve opens. The contents are discharged automatically, after which the system can restart. Removing the hose from the wall inlet also stops the system and opens the valve to empty the contents.

Liquid pickup

Use a tool designed specifically for liquid pickup instead of a standard dry floor brush. When using a cleaning kit with water jets, connect the kit’s water hose to a faucet and use the liquid-cleaning attachment as intended.

Flushing-time control

The membrane control adjusts how long the unit remains in its evacuation phase. Choose the setting according to the drainage layout:

• Short: Press the control once. The LED flashes once. This setting is intended for large drainpipes of 3 in. or more when a longer cycle is unnecessary.
• Medium: Press the control twice. The LED flashes twice. This is the default setting.
• Long: Press the control three times. The LED flashes three times. Use this setting when a smaller drainpipe requires more time to discharge wastewater.

Test and hour meter

• The first LED illuminates when the unit is connected to power.
• Press the TEST button once to start the unit and again to stop it. This tests operation independently of the 24 V wall-inlet circuit.
• Commercial models include an hour meter. At 500 operating hours, the maintenance indicator illuminates and the system should receive qualified inspection.
• The maintenance indicator should be reset only by a qualified technician.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Dry the hose after wet cleaning

1. Connect the hose to a wall inlet.
2. Run the unit for several minutes to help dry the hose interior.
3. Optionally vacuum toilet paper to help accelerate drying.
4. For a cleaning kit with a water hose, connect the hose to a faucet, fully extend the vacuum hose, remove loops, and vacuum approximately 2 gal. (7.6 L) of clear water.
5. Preferably use warm water, then allow the system to complete its cycle before disconnecting the hose.

Drying the hose helps limit odors, mold buildup, residual leaks, and blockages.

Inspect and clean the unit

1. Inspect the unit through the porthole at least once a year or whenever performance changes.
2. Disconnect power before maintenance.
3. Remove the porthole glass by turning it counterclockwise using the handles.
4. Clean the protective screen, both electrodes, and the funnel when needed with a scouring sponge.
5. Check the water inlet tube and valve for foreign objects that could restrict water flow.
6. For a decanter configuration, remove objects from the bottom of the funnel.

A blocked screen can reduce airflow, while dirty electrodes may prevent the system from correctly starting the wastewater evacuation cycle.

Decanter and motor brushes

• For residential use, inspect and empty the decanter monthly or after collecting large amounts of hair, fur, or oversized objects.
• For commercial use, inspect and empty the decanter daily.
• Inspect motor brushes after 500 operating hours and replace worn brushes when necessary.
• For residential applications, brush inspection commonly occurs every five to seven years; commercial systems may require inspection once or twice yearly.

End-of-life handling

Do not discard the unit with ordinary household waste. Arrange recycling or recovery through an authorized waste-handling organization in accordance with applicable WEEE requirements and local liquid- and solid-waste regulations.

Troubleshooting

The unit does not start

1. Check the building electrical-panel breaker.
2. Check the unit’s fuse or circuit breaker.
3. Test the 24 V circuit by bridging the contacts inside a wall inlet with a metal object.
4. If the unit starts, inspect the suction hose and its electrical contacts.
5. If the unit does not start, verify that the 24 V wires are connected correctly at the unit.
6. Test the two 24 V terminals at the unit with a suitable metal tool.
7. If the unit starts during this test, a 24 V wire may be cut or disconnected at a wall inlet.
8. If the unit still does not start, the control circuit may require qualified service.

The unit does not shut down

1. Disconnect one wire from the unit’s 24 V circuit.
2. If the unit stops, two 24 V wires may be touching or a wall inlet may be defective.
3. If the unit continues running, disconnect the power cord and arrange qualified service for the control circuit.

Weak airflow or incomplete drainage

• Check the hose, wall inlet, piping, protective screen, and air outlet for obstructions.
• Verify that the exhaust is routed outdoors and that the drainage line is not restricted.
• Inspect the electrodes for dirt and clean them when necessary.
• Confirm that the flushing-time setting matches the drainpipe size and drainage resistance.
• Check that the P-trap, vent, clamps, and wastewater connections are installed correctly.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Handles both dry debris and liquid pickup.
• Automatically evacuates wastewater instead of requiring routine canister emptying.
• Soft-start operation reduces sudden electrical loading.
• A porthole allows visual inspection of the interior.
• Commercial models provide hour-based maintenance monitoring.
• Selected commercial models can accept a compatible booster head.
• A decanter option helps capture accidentally vacuumed large objects.

Considerations

• Installation requires water, drain, outdoor exhaust, control wiring, and a correctly rated electrical circuit.
• Wet pickup requires hose-drying procedures after use.
• Drainage performance depends on suitable pipe diameter, venting, slope, and flushing-time selection.
• Motor-brush inspections and 500-hour maintenance monitoring are especially relevant to commercial operation.
• Electrical installation and internal repairs should be handled by qualified personnel.