If you buy a hose today it is probably going to be universal and able to fit within a standard central vacuum inlet valve. A common problem people come across though is ordering an electric central vacuum hose and not specifying whether or not the end is direct connect or pigtail. A direct connect end has the high voltage electricity running directly to the valve. The hose has two prongs that plug into this high voltage and provide electricity to the power head. The pig tail end hose has a 6 ft. extension cord at the end where you plug it into the inlet valve. This extension pigtail cord is plugged into a normal electric inlet, providing electricity to the power head.

Fortunately for the homeowner, if you ordered the wrong electric hose or did not specify the one you need, you can easily fix the problem yourself without much trouble. Each hose or attachment kit comes with an adapter that can switch the hose from direct connect to pigtail end and vice versa. If you did not receive one of these ends, they can easily be found in the central vacuum parts section of our retail website under miscellaneous.

First you should gather the tools you will need:

1 – flathead screwdriver

1 – pair of needle nose pliers

Here are some step by step directions to change the direct connect hose to a pigtail end hose and vice versa. Most central vacuum systems use these types of hoses, so this is a more generic than brand specific explanation. You should be able to do this with most central vacuum hoses.

Step 1: take your direct connect hose and look at the bottom of the hose cuff (the end that plugs into the inlet valve). There should be two clips that hold the hose cuff on. Insert a screwdriver to pop both clips. Pull the hose cuff off to expose the direct connect wiring.

Step 1 - Area to place flathead screwdriverStep 1: Hose Cuff Removed

Step 2: Pull the two wires connected to the hose out of the direct connect electrical component. Take the pig tail end cord (with the cord coming out away from the hose end) and insert the wires into the pigtail end component.

Step 2: Connect Wiring into Pigtail

 Step 3: Place this component back into the allotted slot on the hose, and put the hose cuff back on. This will lock everything in place.

Step 3: Reattach beam hose cuff

These are the simple steps it takes to change an electric hose from direct connect to pig tail end. Although this step by step tutorial is using a beam central vacuum hose, this could be applied to many different types and brands of hoses. Most of them will have a similar set up. If you have any other questions regarding central vacuum systems, please feel free to email us at any time.

All the parts and supplies listed on this blog can be found directly on our retail website centralvacuumdirect.com.

Thanks for reading, and happy cleaning!
– The Central Vac Guys