Installation: Drainvac Elegance Series Central Vacuum System Owner Manual

Overview

The Elegance Series Central Vacuum System is a built-in vacuum solution for homes and other residential spaces equipped with piping and wall inlets. Instead of carrying a portable vacuum from room to room, users connect a compatible hose at a wall inlet and collect dry debris in the central canister.

The series includes compact single-motor models and a higher-capacity dual-motor model. It is suitable for homeowners planning a new central vacuum installation, replacing an existing power unit, or improving whole-home cleaning access across multiple floors.

Specifications

• DV.AIR700: 800 air watts, 138 H₂O, 138 CFM, 60 dB, 14 A, capacity up to 3.75 gal. (17 L), approximately 12 in. diameter × 23 in. high (30 cm × 58 cm).
• DV.AIR683: 683 air watts, 113 H₂O, 141 CFM, 69 dB, 15 A, capacity up to 3.75 gal. (17 L), approximately 12 in. diameter × 28.5 in. high (30 cm × 72.4 cm).
• DV.AIR2X5: two 520-air-watt motors, 170 H₂O, 135 CFM, 69 dB, 13.5 A at 208–240 V, capacity up to 9 gal. (41 L), approximately 15 in. diameter × 30.7 in. high (38 cm × 78 cm).
• DVE.AIR700: 700 air watts, 3880 mmH₂O, 315 m³/h, 60 dB, 7 A, capacity up to 3.75 gal. (17 L), approximately 12 in. diameter × 23 in. high (30 cm × 58 cm).
• DVE.AIR683: 683 air watts, 3977 mmH₂O, 213 m³/h, 69 dB, 8.4 A, capacity up to 3.75 gal. (17 L), approximately 12 in. diameter × 28.9 in. high (30 cm × 73.6 cm).
• DVE.AIR2X5: two 520-air-watt motors, 4318 mmH₂O, 271 m³/h, 69 dB, 13.5 A, capacity up to 9 gal. (41 L), approximately 15 in. diameter × 30.7 in. high (38 cm × 78 cm).
• Electrical systems: models are designed for either 108–120 V or 208–240 V operation according to the technical label on the unit.
• Dust filtration: every Elegance model uses a cage filter.
• Dust bags: SAC31 is intended for 3.75-gallon (17-liter) canisters, while SAC20 is intended for 9-gallon (41-liter) canisters.

Read the metal identification label on the left side of the power unit before selecting replacement parts or connecting electrical service. Model names and electrical requirements must match the label.

Detailed Description

The power unit contains the motor assembly, filtration system, dust collection canister, electrical controls, and connections for the home’s vacuum piping. Air and debris enter through the dust inlet, pass through the collection area and cage filter, and then move through the motor and exhaust path.

Single-motor configurations use a metal cage or plastic cage, depending on the model configuration. Dual-motor configurations use a plastic cage or metal cage as specified for the matching model. The cage filter is a required component and must remain installed during operation.

• Circuit breaker, power switch, and 24-volt connection: provide local protection, manual control, and connection to the wall-inlet control circuit.
• Power cord: connects the unit to a properly grounded electrical outlet.
• Wall support: secures the canister assembly to the installation surface.
• Cage: supports the filter and separates the collection area from the motor section.
• Muffler: reduces exhaust noise and connects to the air outlet.
• Cage filter: captures fine dry particles and protects the motor area.
• Dust bag: provides disposable collection on models and configurations that require or support the matching bag.
• Canister: holds the filter and collected debris.

Safety

Read all instructions before installing, operating, cleaning, or servicing the Elegance Series Central Vacuum System. Keep these precautions available for anyone who uses or maintains the unit.

• Use the system only for dry household vacuuming and only as described in this guide.
• Do not vacuum water, damp material, solvents, paint waste, explosive substances, burning objects, cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust or baking flour, as these materials can damage the system.
• Avoid hard or sharp objects that could block or damage the hose and plastic piping.
• Never operate the power unit without its required filter installed.
• Keep hair, fingers, face, clothing, and other body parts away from openings and moving airflow paths.
• Do not insert objects into openings, and clear dust, lint, hair, and other obstructions that restrict airflow.
• Do not leave the system running without supervision. Switch it off and disconnect it before maintenance or when it will not be used.
• Keep children away from the operating system and do not allow the vacuum to be used as a toy.
• Do not use the unit if the cord, plug, hose with electrical connections, or power unit is damaged.
• Do not use extension cords or outlets that cannot safely carry the required current.
• Never handle the plug, cord, or power unit with wet hands.
• Disconnect the plug by gripping the plug itself rather than pulling the cord.
• Keep the cord away from heated surfaces and turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Use the voltage shown on the technical label. Connecting a 120-volt unit to a 220–240-volt outlet, or the reverse, can cause serious damage.
• Connect the unit only to a properly grounded outlet. Do not modify the supplied plug or use an adapter.

Setup and Installation

Plan the Installation

In a multi-story building, install the power unit on the lowest practical level so the motor does not have to work against unnecessary gravity-related resistance. A garage or storage room is suitable when it provides access for maintenance and allows dust to be evacuated effectively.

Maintain at least 24 inches (60 cm) of service clearance in front of the unit, 10 inches (25 cm) from the sides where applicable, and enough overhead space to remove the canister and service the filter. When exhausting outdoors, keep the exhaust line no longer than 20 feet.

For a replacement installation, prepare a screwdriver, measuring tape, cutting pliers, and a 5/16-inch (8 mm) socket-head screwdriver. A new installation may also require a drill with a 0.5-inch (12.5 mm) bit, a 2.25-inch (57 mm) hole saw, and a saw.

Mount the Power Unit

1. Use cutting pliers to remove the fastener that holds the wall bracket and base at the rear of the unit.
2. For mounting directly to a wall stud, secure the bracket with three screws in its central area.
3. For a gypsum-board wall, first install a wooden mounting panel secured to the wall studs. Attach the wall bracket to this panel with the five supplied screws.
4. Position the bracket approximately 50 inches (125 cm) above the floor, while confirming that the planned location preserves the required service clearance.
5. Lift the power-unit head and slide its support onto the wall bracket.

Connect the Dust Inlet and Exhaust

1. Connect the incoming dust pipe to the unit’s dust inlet.
2. Secure the connection with a clamp rather than adhesive so the unit can be removed for service.
3. Attach the exhaust muffler with the supplied clamps and do not glue this connection.
4. On EL2X5 and ELE2X5 configurations, attach the curved AudioProtek muffler to the head by removing the foam strip and securing the muffler with the two supplied screws.
5. If desired, replace the 90-degree exhaust elbow with straight pipe, but keep the complete exhaust route within the 20-foot maximum.

Install the Filter and Dust Bag

1. Release the canister clamps and separate the tank from the main unit.
2. Verify that the preinstalled cloth filter is positioned fully over the top of its plate.
3. Install the dust bag that matches the canister size and model. Follow the fitting instructions supplied with the bag.
4. Reconnect the canister and fasten all clamps before operating the system.

All Elegance models require the appropriate cage filter. The EL700 and ELE700 configurations require a dust bag. Other configurations may have model-specific bag requirements, so check the technical label and the matching replacement-bag designation before installation.

Install the Piping and Wall Inlets

Plan wall-inlet locations using the reach of the vacuum hose. Measure from each proposed inlet to the farthest area the hose must clean, then repeat the process until all rooms and floors are accessible. Consider an inlet in the garage or outside area for vehicle cleaning.

• On gypsum-board walls, place inlets close to a wall stud or door frame rather than in the middle of the wall.
• Use a short elbow at each wall inlet to reduce the chance that long objects will lodge deeper in the piping.
• Choose joints intended for the pipe configuration. A smooth joint without internal stoppers is suitable where the piping passes through the wall, while the appropriate wall-plate joint should be used at the inlet.
• Follow the piping layout carefully so screws do not pierce the pipe. Where the illustrated layout requires a small screw, position it in the designated location.
• Use metal piping and couplings for the air outlet on dual-motor systems.

Common piping arrangements include basement connections below the floor, back-to-back inlets, first-floor connections above a below-floor pipeline, top-floor end-of-line connections, and intermediate-floor layouts. Select the arrangement that provides direct, accessible routing with minimal unnecessary bends.

Connect Electrical Power

1. Install the 24-volt control wires from the wall-inlet network to the power unit.
2. Connect the power cord to an outlet that matches the voltage and plug configuration shown on the unit label.
3. Use an appropriately rated circuit near the unit. A dedicated circuit is strongly recommended.
4. Confirm that the electrical installation complies with local building and electrical codes.

Electrical requirements vary by model and region. The manual identifies 15 A at 208–240 V for EL2X5, 20 A at 220–240 V for ELE2X5, 15 A at 120 V for North American units in the general configuration, and 10 A at 220–240 V for international units except specified models. Have a qualified electrician verify the circuit when the required rating or grounding is uncertain.

Operation

After the piping, 24-volt control wiring, filter, dust bag, exhaust, and electrical connections are installed, insert the hose into a wall inlet. Opening the inlet or activating the hose control should complete the low-voltage circuit and start the power unit. Use the unit’s power switch when local manual control is needed.

Do not operate the system with blocked airflow, a missing filter, or a full dust bag. If suction drops noticeably, stop the unit and inspect the hose, wall inlet, piping, filter, and collection bag before continuing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Routine maintenance preserves airflow and helps extend motor life. Always switch off and unplug the power unit before opening the canister or servicing the filter.

Replace the Dust Bag

The disposable cloth dust bag must not be washed, emptied, or reused. Replace it when full or when suction falls substantially. As a general usage reference, a 3.75-gallon (17-liter) bag may last about 6–12 months, while a 9-gallon (41-liter) bag may last about 12–18 months. Actual replacement intervals depend on the amount and type of debris collected.

1. Confirm that the unit is switched off and disconnected from power.
2. Release the tank clamps and remove the canister.
3. Remove and discard the used bag.
4. Clean the cage filter while the canister is open.
5. Install the correct new dust bag.
6. Reinstall the filter and reconnect the canister securely.

Clean the Cage Filter

Clean the cage filter whenever the dust bag is replaced, or sooner if airflow is reduced. The filter can be washed in a washing machine, but it must not be placed in a dryer. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it. Operating with a damp filter can damage the system and restrict airflow.

Inspect Motor Brushes

Inspect the motor brushes after approximately 500 hours of use and replace them if worn. For typical household use, this inspection may occur roughly every five to seven years. Motor-brush service should be performed by an appropriately qualified service provider. Motor brushes are not included in the warranty coverage described in the manual.

Troubleshooting

The Unit Does Not Start

1. Check whether the unit’s LED is illuminated.
2. Inspect the circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
3. Check the power unit’s circuit breaker or fuse.
4. Test the 24-volt control circuit by briefly creating contact between the two 24-volt terminals with a metal object such as a screwdriver or coin.

If the unit starts during the terminal test, the fault may be a disconnected or broken 24-volt wire, a defective wall inlet, or a defective hose. If it still does not start after the electrical checks, the control circuit board may be faulty and requires service.

The Unit Does Not Stop

1. Disconnect one of the two wires connected to the unit’s 24-volt circuit.
2. If the motor stops, inspect the low-voltage wiring for wires touching each other and check the wall inlets for a fault.
3. If the motor continues running, the control circuit board may be defective.
4. Unplug the power cord if the motor cannot be stopped safely with the normal controls.

Low Suction or Reduced Airflow

• Check whether the dust bag is full and replace it if necessary.
• Clean the cage filter and allow it to dry fully before reuse.
• Inspect the hose, wall inlet, piping, and exhaust for blockages.
• Confirm that all canister clamps are closed and that the filter is seated completely.
• Stop using the unit if airflow remains restricted, because insufficient airflow can cause the motor to overheat.

Environmental Information

The unit is covered by requirements associated with WEEE electrical-equipment recycling and RoHS restrictions on certain hazardous substances. Do not dispose of the power unit with ordinary household waste at the end of its service life. Arrange recycling or reclamation through an authorized waste or recycling service in accordance with local requirements.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Centralized cleaning, multiple model capacities, compact single-motor options, a high-capacity dual-motor configuration, washable cage filtration, and a broad selection of piping layouts.
• Pros: The installation supports wall-inlet control, optional outdoor exhaust, muffler connections, and dedicated electrical service planning.
• Cons: Installation requires correctly routed piping, low-voltage wiring, suitable wall reinforcement, and a properly grounded electrical circuit.
• Cons: Dust bags are disposable and cannot be washed or emptied, while filters must be completely dry before operation.
• Cons: Dual-motor configurations require particular attention to exhaust piping and electrical requirements.