We want to attach 2 of these vac pans to a shop vac in the basement. I’d like to have the shop vac plugged into a regular outlet which is controlled by the switch mechanism on the tops of these pans, but when I got the pans it turns out they run off “low voltage wires.” (No wire size specified). These are intended for use in a central vacuum system, which we have no desire for and no money for.
In googling around, I found this suggestion for this application:
[QUOTE=built in floor flush mounted dust pan - Fine Homebuilding]
You might consider substituting a common, and much less expensive, shop vacuum for the purpose built ones. The controls are easy to rig, an icecube relay and, depending on the system, a transformer mostly. Easy enough ahead of time to rig a four location switch controlling a receptacle outside. Even handier if you make it switch the bottom half of a duplex and leave the top for yard, driveway use.
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So, it sounds like this is doable. I have no experience with this sort of wiring, though, and this description is vague. Can anyone tell me how this would work and exactly what parts I would need?
A simpler option would be to just put a regular 3-way switch at floor level that controlled the outlet, but the nice thing about having it switched by the vac pan itself is that by turning it off, you close off the pan and thus maintain good suction for the rest of the system. If you forget to close the pan upstairs, then use the downstairs pan, it wont be as powerful.
*This is not the first house I’ve wired. Everything is being done according to the NEC (except maybe this), but we live out in the country, and there are no inspectors here.
look for low voltage controlled switches which are parts of smart home systems.
they are made to be triggered by a sensor or switch closing a circuit. these will be a sealed UL approved unit. maybe about $10, connect both vac pan switches to one. use that low voltage controlled switch to control the receptacle that the shop vac is plugged in.
Sounds to me like you need Low V over High V relays. Low V would be 12 - 24 V that would switch the mains voltage of the vacuum. YOu didn’t say what country you are in so 120 or 240 V. 24V transformers are readily available for heating systems and relays should also be readily available.
Thats it. Power is from the mains down at the appliance, you just run thin (Cheap) two wire (like for security systems or phone) up to be 5 volt switch upstairs…
You can use real computer devices, or the CAN type network, which allows
N devices to be controlled. .but thats all a bit much for one vacuum cleaner system.
making up something with an ice cube system parts would demand a bunch of parts and know-how to make it safe. attempting to use lamp controllers would likely not allow enough current for a shop vac.
an old school technology though less expensive and stand-alone is X10. both devices need to be on the same leg of your power unless you buy a bridging unit.
