Which Is Best An 110Vac Or 240Vac Central Vacuum System for New and Remodeled Houses?

There are items to take into account when one is buying a central vacuum system. One of the deliberations is whether to buy a vacuuming system requiring 120 Vac power or a system requiring 220 volts. The actuality is we should narrow the arena even farther. For example there is a 220 Vac vacuuming system and 240 Vac central vacuum system . So it is important to comprehend what you are requiring of your local central vacuum dealer.

Motor Differences Between 110 and 220 Variations

The motors are not equal in the 220 and 110 models of central vacuums. They are wound differently, the transformer is different, the mini-breakers are different, and the cord and wiring are different. As you can see it is essencial to indicate for your contractor expressly which motor you need.

Differences Between 110/120 And 220/240 Volts A/C

Now and then 120 volts is designated as 110 volts or 115 volts. Furthermore, 240 volts is referred to as 220 volts or 230 volts. Central vacuum manufacturers construct motors in all those ranges. The options are the 120 and 240 volt motors, not the 110 or 220 volt units.

The 120 and 240 power units will not be impacted if used with lower voltages. The 120 volt power unit will be alright on 110 volts. And a 240 volt motor will be fine on 220 or 230 volts. The other way around will negatively affect the motors. A 220 volt motor would be "damaged" if utilized for long periods of time on a 240 volt circuit. And the same can be said for a 110 volt power unit running on 120 volts. The larger voltage motors run very well in any variation of 50-60Hz.

Which is Best?

The answer to that question hinges on the manufacturer. For example, MD Manufacturing reveals these specifics about their production units. For the most part, their motors have very comparable performance stats between the voltages. Their 120 volt Silent Master S5, for example has 139 water lift and 191 CFM with a peak of 905 Air Watts. The 240 volt version has 136.4 water lift and 190 CFM with a peak of 866 Air Watts. These numbers are extremely close.

Operating Cost

The operational cost of a 240 volt vacuum unit can possibly be less than its 120 volt rival because both phases of the electrical power are being used simultaneously. However, the 120 volt version may not be wasting much power if the opposing circuit is being utilized by lights or other appliances at the same time. In the worst case scenario, the 120 volt version might cost 12 cents per hour additional to operate. Yes, there is a deviance here, but one must weigh several other considerations.

Cost Of The Electrician

As you presumedly know electricians demand a set fee for each 110-120 dulex they install. Normally it is based on a flat fee of around $40 to $60 per duplex depending on the area in which one lives. Wiring in a 220-240 duplex requires tying both 110Vac electrical legs together and special NEPA® plugs. Apparently wiring your central vacuum system for 220-240 Vac will incur additional expense. Far more 120 volt units are sold considering they largely plug into any 20 amp electrical duplex and have generous vacuuming power.

Power Unit Life Expectancy

They report that the 120 volt versions of the vacuum motor will last longer. They contain a higher amount of copper and thus the heat has a sure-handed ability to disperse. In addition, 120 volt power units are also much simplier to find replacements for as they are popular motors in the industry. The 240 volt version power units are not used very often and vacuum shops aross America do not typically stock them. They would almost always stock 120 volt power units.

Plugged Into The Incorrect Outlet?

What happens when a 240 volt unit is accidently plugged into 110 and 110 into 240? If you plug a 120 volt power unit into a 240 volt circuit and shortly turn the motor on it will run with a monstrous amount of suction. The power unit will be running exceedingly fast! If it is running very long the power unit may come apart. The transformer will likely burn out before that happens. When the transformer burns up the power unit will shut down. If one simply replaces the transformer the motor will be restored back to regular operation.

If you left the jobsite without testing the vacuum system and later found that the new system did not work, then it is probable the electrical contractor powered it up with 240 volts. Just staying in the off position the power unit will burn out the transformer in 3-5 minutes or less.

Plugging a 240 Volt Power Unit Into 120 Circuit

If you plug a 240 volt unit into a 120 volt circuit, it will not run properly. The good news is that neither the transformer nor the motor will be demolished. It will only be running at half speed.

Plausible Plan of Action

I would like to offer my many years of experience as a Security / Low-Voltage Contractor and provide you a very satisfactory plan of action. If you install the system by yourself you will save lots of money. To install your own central vacuum system you will first need to know exactly what components are required. What are the top two or three maufacturers to contemplate? Where is the best location to procure your pipe? What type of wire needs to be pulled in the walls of your house? You are going to need a guide to lead you through the installation process.

Installing Electronic Systems

It's been my experience that when home owners are considering one system for their new or remodeled home, they are likely considering other systems as well.. It would be in your best interest to have installation guides on each technology you would like to include in your house. Read them all then buy your components, special tools, and wiring so that they are all on the job ahead of your proposed start date.


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You can get Glenn Bell's FREE 10 Video Mini Course on Low-Voltage Technologies and how to install electronics in homes. Glenn also provides a FREE eBook about installing systems in new and remodeled homes.