Re: Central Vac overload

[George <george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 3/30/2010 7:23 AM, Robert Green wrote:
> Some of you might remember my question about building a silencing cabinet
> for a central vac.  Well, it worked, but too well.  The problem is now that
> if something gets stuck in the hose, we can no longer hear the immediate
> increase in the motor load the way we used to.  On occasion, the unit's
> motor even shuts down from the overload.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas how to detect the "laboring" of the motor so I
> can sound a chime or some other alarm when something clogs the pope - I mean
> pipe - the Pope has enough problems of his own.  (-:
>
> I am going to try a test today with my Kill-0-Watt meter to see if there's a
> substantial increase in current draw.  I might be able to use a current
> sensor to detect the upswing and sound a chime or some other kind of
> warning.  I don't want to shorten the life of the motor by letting the
> thermal overload shut it down after it has overheated.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> --
> Bobby G.
>
> Crossposted to alt.home.repair;comp.home.automation, follow up in AHR,
> please!
>
>
Guess I am missing something.

If you are using it and suddenly there is no or greatly diminished
vacuum wouldn't that be a sufficient indicator that there is a problem?