Just about this time of year we field a few calls from concerned dealers and homeowners stating that their central vacuum shocked them! They are not imaging this phenomenon; they really are being shocked. Naturally they are concerned because the hose does contain 120 volts for the powerbrush. Their fear stems from it possibly being a 120 volt shock.

I am happy to report that this is not a malfunction of the central vacuum. I have experienced it myself. This often can occur during times when rapid changes are made in barometric pressure, specifically before and after storms. It seems that the air becomes charged and the vacuum hose becomes a tremendous conduit for the electricity.

You could take the same hose in another home with the same floor plan facing the same direction and you would not have the occurrence. There is something about the particular electromagnetic field surrounding that particular application. Negative ions are etched off of the interior surface of the plastic hose as the air passes through. This somehow creates a charged field and a human operator standing on carpet becomes a great shock conduit.

Never fear! We have a very simple solution. It may seem silly but simply purchase “Bounce®” or a similar fabric softener sheet that contains an anti-static agent. Wipe the hose, handle and wand with the Bounce sheet, and the problem is solved. No expensive ground wire integrated into the hose and no more obnoxious shocks!