Three hose styles fit three inlet styles, and they are about as interchangeable as a three-prong plug, a two-prong plug and a doorbell wire. These are Plastiflex ValueFlex hoses in 30-foot and 35-foot lengths: dual-voltage direct-connect, dual-voltage pigtail, and low-voltage for systems without a powered carpet head.
How to choose
- Dual-voltage direct-connect: the hose end carries the contacts for the electric powerhead and plugs straight into a direct-connect inlet.
- Dual-voltage pigtail: the same hose with a short cord at the wall end, for inlets that have a separate outlet beside them.
- Low-voltage: turns the unit on and off from the handle but will not run an electric powerhead. Right for suction-only tool sets, and the least expensive.
From the bench: A hose that is losing suction and hisses near the handle has a crack at the swivel. Tape buys a week; a new hose buys years.
Send us photos of the wall inlet and the old hose ends and we will confirm the style. Avon, CT, (860) 678-0011. These 30 and 35-foot hoses ship for $12.95 under $150 and free at $150 and up.
