Accessory and installation kits

What It Is

A basic (no switch, no wiring) crushproof hose of 30 or 50 ft, typically 1.25 in ID (Cen-Tec 93730 kit: 1.25 in ID, 30 or 50 ft, 'safety orange', 360 deg swivel, 'arc relax' strain reliefs) or 1.375 in ID (Cen-Tec 91453 universal crushproof, 15% more airflow claimed), plus car-oriented tools: 12 in natural-fill floor brush, wide-mouth/paddle crevice tool, long flexible crevice, soft paint-brush style dusting tool, upholstery tool, two plastic wands, a wire or ABS hose hanger and a mesh caddy bag (MD 416G/416G50 contents: 12 in wheeled floor brush, 6 in upholstery tool with brush, dusting brush, crevice tool, two wands, wire hanger, mesh bag). Also sold as hose-reel kits (Cen-Tec 92057/99680) and 'no hose' kits to use with an existing hose.

What It Does

Lets you vacuum cars, boats, porches, eaves and the shop from the power unit's utility valve or a garage inlet. MD: the basic hose 'plugs directly into any main vacuum unit's on-board utility valve or any vacuum wall inlet in the garage'; it can also be slid over the metal tube of an existing hose as an extension.

Standard Specs

Hose Lengths

30 ft (most garages), 35 ft, 50 ft (two-car garages and driveways)

Hose Diameter

1.25 in ID (standard) or 1.375 in ID (higher airflow)

Wall End

fits 1-7/16 to 1-1/2 in inlets / utility valves; starts the unit via the two metal contacts (basic hose has no handle switch - unplug to stop)

Construction

crushproof wire-reinforced; some brands use smooth-bore hose for cars

Compatibility Checks

• Need a utility valve on the unit or a garage inlet; electric inlets are not required.
• Longer hose = less airflow at the tool; a 50 ft hose on a small single-motor unit may stall turbine tools.
• Hide-A-Hose sells a 'Standard Valve Garage Kit' that connects to the power unit and 'Mini Valve' garage kits with 22 or 40 ft hoses.

Common Mistakes

• Hanging a 50 ft hose on a small hook (kinks); use a wide cradle hanger.
• Vacuuming wet spills or liquids (dry pickup only).
• Expecting the basic hose to switch the unit off at the handle (it has no switch).

When To Replace

When the hose is crushed, cut or the cuff contacts no longer start the unit; tools as per their categories.