Retractable Hose Central Vacuums: Brands, Differences, Similarities, Installation Tips

How do Chameleon, Hide-A-Hose, and Retraflex differ? How are they similar? Pros and cons, features and benefits of each. Plus tips for proper installation so the system gives years of trouble-free performance. Benefits of using "wye" junctions instead of "tee" junctions.
We are a central vacuum installation and service company serving all of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. We also sell and service upright and canister vacuum cleaners for home and commercial use. Contact us below or go to www.CENTVAC.com.
Central Vacuum, LLC
www.CENTVAC.com
[e-mail]
[phone]
414 W. 5th Ave.
Naperville, IL 60563

[@billlamonicasr.655]

Great Job. Fantastic seminar for the VDTA this year.

[@Alex-zt6ec]

Super informative!

[@simonturner4168]

Excellent detailed comparison, very many thanks. Also very useful with the pencil example as I am planning my central vacuum. Y fittings, not sweep tee! I'll probably go chameleon.👍

[@amtrakpepsiproduct1605]

I've honestly never been a fan of retractable hose systems. Don't get me wrong, being able to quickly take out and put away a CV is much easier than carrying it around the hose. However, the big Achillies' heel for me is not being able to use a standard power nozzle with them. To me, that severely hinders the usefulness of them for houses with lots of carpeting. And while there are alternatives to standard power nozzles for them, like cordless power nozzles and turbine power heads, those have their drawbacks. Turbine power heads can bog down on carpets, which can reduce their effectiveness, and you have to be careful about not picking up anything that could damage the turbines inside them. The other alternative is cordless power nozzles, and their drawbacks are that they're extremely expensive, and you have to be vigilant about their battery life. Until retractable hose systems are add electric power nozzle capability into them, I wouldn't want to install one.

[@allclevernamesgone]

You make a fair point. They have a battery powered wesselwerk EBK360 that works great but who knows how long the battery will last before requiring replacement. Speaking from a dealer point of view: People want to buy these systems. It's generally an easy sell until you start discussing pricing! (LOL). With the rise of dyson and high volume builders no longer providing a standard central vac RI (at least in my Canadian market) this is what is putting butter on my bread. From an installer point of view: I enjoy the challenge of a retractable installation. Standard installation can become routine but a retractable system provides a good test and fussy installers are rewarded with a hopefully trouble free installation. With retractable systems, I only supply them if I get the sale ---- so, it's attractive from that perspective. Ultimately --- If I choose to not install/supply them then my competitors will. Retractable systems are not going anywhere --- if anything they get more popular every year. Overall --- It's positive for independent dealers. You have to be skilled to install these correctly, so it limits the amount of sales that go to big box stores and keeps that cash in the dealers pocket.

[@amtrakpepsiproduct1605]

@allclevernamesgone Like I said, it's not the concept nor execution that I don't like, it's the lack of powerhead compatibility. I think what could be a cheaper and easier alternative to them is stretch hoses. They're a lot cheaper than having a retractable hose system installed, are lightweight, convenient to use, and can be plugged into a standard central vacuum inlet. The only possible problem I can see people having with them is them retracting on you when you block the suction, which is a common problem with portable vacuums that use them. Until a hose system comes out that is reliable, and has high voltage connections built into the hose, I'd stick to just using norm inlet valves and hoses.

[@compactc9]

Unfortunately, I've never had good results with a socked hose, either Chameleon or HAH. I'd be willing to try it again on a Chameleon though, provided I solely designed and installed the raceway.

[@benjiminyoung4353]

I bought a house with the Retraflex, no instructions, etc. so its been a learning curve. Recenetly the locking mechanism ceaased to lock the non sock hose. There is a 3 inch long loose rubber piece with an inside diameter much bigger than the os diameter of the hose so it just slides around on teh hose and does nothing. I suspect this rubber piece needs to be reinstalled into the locking mechanism hole, but how?

[@allclevernamesgone]

You can purchase the rubber piece but I suspect that it just got pulled out of place. If someone pulls on the hose hard while it is locked in place it can cause the rubber piece to come out of place and on occasion I have witnessed it being installed incorrectly from factory. Easy fix. Carefully unscrew the locking mechanism and insert the rubber piece into it's groove and carefully tighten down. They use cheap ass screws so take care to not strip them.

[@mikemackenzie3382]

Where does the Handle with the controls go??

[@Centvac]

@@mikemackenzie3382 any convenient spot like a cabinet or closet. I like to have one on each floor, plus one in the garage.

[@dondiablin28]

Where does it get the power? Low voltage or regular 120v ?

[@amtrakpepsiproduct1605]

From the central vac unit.

[@nguyentuan1990]

would any of the retractable rough in fit in a 2x4 wall?

[@jhomrich89]

Yes, it will

[@compactc9]

That is what they get installed into. All will work in 2x4 walls.