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!


Here's a unit that will open up whenever
there is a vacuum pressure increase.
http://www.thinkvacuums.com/beam/valve.html
I'm sure others have similar products.